Benjamin Steakhouse

The night I dined at Benjamin Steakhouse I must have heard the staff or patrons sing “Happy Birthday” at least 10 times. Could it be many people were born in February? Or more likely Benjamin’s is for special occasion dining — that and good food and fabulous service.

For me it was both, as I was there celebrating a friend’s big birthday (meaning one ending in zero!).

The steakhouse — which opened in 2006 — is housed in the Dylan Hotel just blocks from Grand Central Station and owned and operated by former Peter Luger’s employees Benjamin Prelvukaj and chef Arturo McLeod. It’s for serious steak lovers, as they serve prime dry-aged beef.

We were seated at a quiet table in front of the roaring fireplace. (I later heard from friends — who I recommended the restaurant to for a birthday celebration — that the mezzanine isn’t as quiet.  They shared that it was so noisy that they had trouble hearing each other. So, be sure to ask for the first floor, as it’s much quieter.)

We began with a lump crab cake ($19.95), a mostly crab one with just a little filler to hold it together. This met the high standards of my dinner guest who hails from crab-capital Maryland. Next,  a nicely dressed caesar salad ($11.95) topped with just a couple croutons.  (I find it offensive when a salad contains more croutons than romaine!)

The service is fabulous and attentive —  I sincerely felt that John, my waiter really cared. And — with John’s suggestion we also began with a portion of a sizzling Canadian bacon ($3/extra thick slice). Crisp and tasty.

Then came the pièce de résistance — the gargantuan sizzling steak for two ($82.95) — perfectly cooked, but such so much meat that we felt our serving for two could have served a family of four… easily. With that, we ate steamed asparagus ($11.95) , steak fries ($8.95), AKA crisp french fries.

Although we had no room for dessert, it was a birthday and I needed something for the candle. I specifically requested “lit candle only, no singing!”  and they happily obliged.

We indulged in a yummy apple strudel – one that wasn’t too sweet, wasn’t too cinnamon-y, but was just right  and topped with homemade schlag. Perfection. (A best bite —not to be missed for sure!)

I suggest you save Benjamin’s for special occasions, as just like Peter Luger’s, you may need a second mortgage to pay for the meal. Very pricey but with good food and attentive service, worth it.

BTW – Benjamin Steakhouse was recently inducted into Haute Living’s Top Five Steakhouses in New York.

Benjamin Steakhouse
52 East 41st Street
New York, NY 10017
212.297.9177