Bobby Van's Steak House

Bobby Van’s is tucked away off of Hemsley Walk, and the entrance is art deco but reasonable unassuming. But it has a special place in my heart. Many years ago I came back into the city after a long work day. Most everything around Grand Central was closed, but I stopped by and found the bar at Bobby Van’s busy and LOUD. The dining room was closing down, but the bartender was extremely helpful and let me order a lobster cocktail and steak to take back to my hotel room. Best ‘room service’ ever. I recently had a chance to re-visit the restaurant. I wanted to sit at the bar, but it was very crowded. Despite a busy night and despite me being a single diner, the front desk staff was very accommodating and found me a table in the main dining room. I had the chop chop salad and, keeping with the theme, a veal chop. The waiter was very friendly and offered me a half portion on mashed potatoes as a side to the veal. Nice touch. Overall I would say the food was ‘good’ but not exceptional, and probably not as good as Keen’s or Smith and Wollensky. BUT, the service (15 years ago and now) at Bobby Van’s is exceptional and beats most restaurants that I have visited in NYC (especially the attention to a single diner, which is rare). Come here for the food, but stay for the service.

I’ve always wanted to visit here and when I finally did, it was too late at night (10 PM). The bartender was welcoming and humorous. As a party of two, we only grabbed two glasses of wine to be considerate of the kitchen staff, although they wanted to accommodate. I definitely need to return to have their steak.

Wow!!!! My boyfriend planned a date night here and wow was it fantastic. Chill vibe, classy but laid back environment. We both had the bone in rib steak which was phenomenal. Neither of us could finish our steaks and we aren’t light weights. The drinks were great and service was exceptional. I had a Baileys coffee at the end of the meal and it was fantastic. The sides were amazing also we had mashed potato and creamed spinach. Left overs the next day were also five star.

Very nice spacious steakhouse with excellent quality steaks and friendly staff. Enjoyed it much more than Smith & Wollensky. The food was incredibly tasty, the steaks were huge and full of flavor. Unlike many places in New York it will be cooked exactly as you like. Our group had fillet mignon and sirloin and both were great. The sides of veg and potatoes were wonderful and not too rich. The pepper sauce was also great. It’s a very nice spot if you want some great steak in the city. Also great for special occasions and catch ups (it’s nice and quiet but has a good atmosphere).