TLDR
A quintessential 1950s time capsule serving classic martinis and honest bar burgers. Known for its nostalgic, unvarnished Upper East Side charm.
Reddit Sentiment for DONOHUE'S STEAK HOUSE(based on 44 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Donohue's East is noted as a New York City establishment, recognized in this post for serving an outstanding cheeseburger, suggesting a classic American dining experience.
After 76 years, Donohue's is closing its doors. The author reflects on its legacy, the people who made it special, and the last chance to enjoy its classic steakhouse fare like the famous burger and martinis.
Sonal Shah reviews Donohue's, an Upper East Side classic known for its supersized martinis and lively bar atmosphere. While a steakhouse by name, the reviewer suggests focusing on the burgers and other pub-like fare.
Jesse Hirsch reviews Donohue's Steak House, an Upper East Side institution that, after 76 years, is closing its doors. The article reflects on the restaurant's timeless ambiance, classic comfort food, and the impending bittersweet departure of its owner.
Details
A 76-year-old New York institution, this classic Upper East Side steakhouse was celebrated for its authentic Eisenhower-era comfort food and nostalgic 1950s atmosphere [3]. Despite its iconic status and reputation for being a backdrop for film and television, the establishment permanently closed in June [3]. While many patrons cherished the venue as an unvarnished time capsule of classic New York, others noted that the cuisine felt like dated diner-quality fare and lamented the high pricing [1], [3], [4].
Food Overview
The menu focused on Eisenhower-era comfort food, including staples like shepherd's pie, meatloaf, and pot roast, though critics frequently dismissed the steak as diner-quality [1], [3]. The prime chopped beef burger and generous martinis—often served with a sidecar—were widely regarded as the menu highlights [1], [3], [4]. Conversely, dishes like Maryland turkey and certain steaks received criticism, and many patrons felt items like fish and chips were shockingly expensive [1], [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The prime chopped beef burger and the potent, generously poured martinis are the most frequently recommended items [1], [4]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •martini(4)
- •cheeseburger(3)
- •french onion soup(2)
- •burger(2)
- •fish and chips(2)
Customer Sentiment
Feedback was deeply divided between those who revered the spot as a precious, authentic piece of city history and those who felt the quality of food did not justify the high prices [3], [4]. Visitors often appreciated the unique 'time travel' ambiance, even while acknowledging the culinary offerings were far from modern fine dining standards [2], [4].
Caveats
Several patrons noted that prices for simple comfort foods were excessively high, and some diners found the steak and other main dishes to be underwhelming or mediocre [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About DONOHUE'S STEAK HOUSE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter referred to an Epicurious YouTube series featuring a bartender from Donahue's and concluded that the establishment was likely only good for nostalgia, given the bartender's apparently unappealing creations."
NegativeFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter expressed a negative opinion of Donahue's, stating it 'sucks'."
NegativeFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter asserted that the food at Donahue's was garbage and that the establishment had been overcharging for years."
NegativeFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter found the steak at Donahue's to be very disappointing."
NegativeFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter had a cheeseburger at the bar on the last night of Donahue's and noted that the restaurant was a popular spot for decorators and interior designers."
PositiveFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter, who visited Donahue's about 20 years ago, expressed sadness about its closure."
PositiveFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter expressed that the closing of old establishments like Donahue's signifies a loss of a piece of New York City's history, as there are fewer places with such long-standing heritage."
NegativeFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter described the closing of Donahue's as a 'genuine tragedy,' emphasizing it was one of the few remaining establishments representing 'real classic NY' that hadn't been overrun by tourists."
NegativeFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter made a lighthearted remark about misreading the restaurant name as 'Donavan's' and initially preparing to mourn its closure."
NeutralFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter found Donahue's to be 'OK' but overpriced for the value received, describing it as very old-fashioned."
NeutralFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter countered the idea that Donahue's was pretentious, suggesting that if one felt that way, it might be due to being treated as an outsider and the expectation of tipping, leading to a negative experience."
NeutralFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter expressed shock at the high price of fast food, noting a $16.50 quarter pounder at McDonald's, and compared it to the prices at Donahue's, suggesting overall food costs have been insane since COVID."
NegativeFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter hadn't heard of Donahue's but expressed sympathy for the closure of any long-standing establishment."
NeutralFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter shared a gift article from The New York Times about the closing of Donahue's Steakhouse."
NeutralFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"Responding to a question about the steakhouse's longevity, this commenter cited a New York Times article stating the owner worked long hours and that the closure was not due to financial issues, as the landlord even offered to lower the rent upon hearing the news."
NeutralFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"In response to a comment about the price of a salad, this commenter noted that a similar salad at Dante's costs $32."
NeutralFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter stated that Donahue's was not necessarily good but was important as an institution."
NeutralFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter stated that the pork chop at Donahue's was fantastic."
PositiveFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter criticized Donahue's, questioning its draw beyond being old and charging high prices for subpar food, arguing that age alone doesn't justify its existence."
NegativeFrom post: Saying Goodbye To Donohues Steakhouse Today
"This commenter shared a personal memory of visiting Donahue's bar about 20 years ago with friends who have since passed away, and expressed a desire to visit for a final drink."
Positive