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KEENS STEAKHOUSE

Updated

Phone: (212) 947-3636

Address: 72 WEST 36 STREET 10018

TLDR

Historic steakhouse landmark famous for its signature mutton chop and unparalleled old-school atmosphere. A must-visit for classic NYC vibes and iconic meat-centric fare.

Reddit Sentiment for KEENS STEAKHOUSE(based on 458 Reddit opinions)

61% Positive25% Neutral15% Negative

Reddit Sentiment Over Time

Unique Posts Over Time

Achievements and Accolades

NYT Top 100

Tags

american 348steakhouse 86french 4steak 217steakhouse 67mutton chop 46View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Instagram Posts References

The illustration depicts a dining scene at Keen's Steakhouse, a well-known New York City establishment. The artwork, created by victoria.krylov.illustration, is part of a larger project. The image showcases a group of individuals enjoying a meal, with the restaurant's characteristic decor visible in the background, including a prominent portrait and framed pictures on the walls.

Recommended for those who want to try a "real New York steak."

Keen's English Chop House is a legendary steakhouse in New York City, established in 1889. It is renowned for its high-quality prime steaks, particularly its signature Mutton Chop. The restaurant boasts a rich history and a classic, upscale ambiance, complete with a collection of antique pipes displayed on its walls. In addition to steaks, Keen's offers a selection of appetizers, seafood, and sides, including roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. The establishment also has an impressive bar with a wide array of whiskeys and cocktails, contributing to its status as a quintessential New York dining experience.

Keen's Steakhouse is presented as an upscale dining establishment, with an image showcasing a beautifully prepared steak, accompanied by French fries and various sauces. The presentation suggests a high-quality dining experience, ideal for steak enthusiasts.

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

very positive

Keens Steakhouse, a historic 140-year-old Midtown institution, remains a top destination for steak lovers, offering classic cocktails and its signature mutton chop in a timeless setting.

Aug 5, 2026
Keens Steakhouse
positive

Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Keens Steakhouse, a historic Midtown Manhattan restaurant known for its legendary mutton chop and time-traveling ambiance, praising its classic dishes and cozy atmosphere.

Molly FitzpatrickMay 3, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is mentioned alongside others.

Mentioned In
The Best Old School Restaurants In New York City
positive

An original since 1885, Keens Steakhouse boasts huge mutton chops, creamed spinach, and shrimp cocktail. Admire the collection of historic pipes adorning the ceiling and savor food that has stood the test of time.

Siobhan ReidJun 18, 2026
Mentioned In
The 10 best restaurants near Bryant Park
positive

One of NYC's oldest steakhouses, Keens is renowned for its dry-aged steaks, chops, and "legendary" mutton chop, set in a historically rich, throwback decor featuring numerous tobacco pipes.

Amber Sutherland-Namako & Morgan CarterDec 9, 2024
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
positive

A historic, atmospheric steakhouse in Midtown perfect for large groups who appreciate classic decor and expertly cooked red meat.

Bryan KimNov 5, 2024
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
positive

Keens is highlighted as an old-school steakhouse destination that remains a classic part of New York's dining scene.

Eater StaffAug 15, 2023
Mentioned In
NYC’s Essential Bites: A Time Capsule of Dishes to Eat Before You Die
positive

Keens Steakhouse's mutton chop is lauded as its best piece of meat, a majestic 26-ounce cut of year-old lamb saddle, described as fatty and flavorful.

Bryan KimDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
The 38 Best Places To Eat Lunch In Midtown
positive

Molly Fitzpatrick highlights Keens Steakhouse as ideal for corporate power lunches or solo bar visits, recommending their 26-ounce mutton chop, prime rib hash, and the house burger, with a nod to the 12pm martinis.

Will HartmanDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
The Best Steakhouses in New York City
positive

A historic Midtown steakhouse serving surprisingly good food, with standout dishes like the 'Taste of Mutton' appetizer and a perfectly cooked porterhouse.

Bryan KimDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
New York's Oldest Restaurants: A Guide to the City's Timeless Establishments
positive

Established in 1885, Keens Steakhouse is a historic Midtown establishment known for its unique atmosphere lined with pipes and its signature mutton chop.

undefinedDate unknown

Details

Established in 1885, this historic Midtown Manhattan institution is renowned for its time-traveling atmosphere, featuring a famous collection of clay pipes [1]. Diners frequently celebrate its iconic, thick-cut mutton chop [1], [2] and exceptional prime rib [1], solidifying its status as a quintessential New York dining experience. While some critics debate the consistency of the steaks compared to other top-tier establishments [3], many remain loyal to its classic service and nostalgic charm [4].

Food Overview

The cuisine is firmly rooted in traditional American steakhouse fare, with the signature 26-ounce mutton chop being the most frequently recommended dish [1], [2], [6]. Other standout items include the prime rib [1], prime rib hash [1], and creamed spinach [1], [6], while some diners occasionally find specific steak cuts underwhelming or dry [3].

Highlights / Recommended

Mentioned Dishes:

  • mutton chop(61)
    This is Keens' signature dish, highly recommended by many reviewers as a must-or...
  • mutton(48)
    This is what Keens is known for, with many highly recommending it, even over ste...
  • steak(40)
    While generally considered good and a staple of the steakhouse experience, revie...
  • prime rib(36)
    Praised by many as exceptional and superior to other steakhouses, this cut is no...
  • sundae(20)
    The sundae, particularly the butterscotch and hot fudge varieties, is frequently...
  • porterhouse(15)
    Considered amazing by long-time patrons and often recommended over other steaks,...
  • creamed spinach(14)
    This classic steakhouse side is highly recommended by many as amazing and on poi...
  • burger(12)
    Reviews for the burger are divided; some describe it as the best in the city or ...
  • hash(8)
    This dish is frequently recommended, with reviewers calling it amazing, a sleepe...
  • bacon(8)
    The bacon is consistently praised as highly recommended, a favorite appetizer, a...
  • carrot cake(8)
    This dessert is generally recommended as very good, described as moist, dense, a...
  • lobster bisque(7)
    Described as divine and excellent, this bisque is considered the best thing some...
  • ribeye(7)
  • lamb chop(6)
    Lamb chops are mentioned as a decent option, with one reviewer noting their son ...
  • fries(6)
    The fries receive strong praise, with multiple reviewers calling them amazing, s...
  • martini(5)
    Highly recommended, particularly at the bar, the martinis are described as very ...
  • hash browns(4)
  • bananas foster(3)
  • creme brûlée(3)
  • mint jelly(3)
  • potatoes(3)
  • lamb(3)
  • scotch(2)
  • Caesar salad(2)
  • turkey schnitzel(2)
  • shrimp cocktail(2)
  • steak salad(2)
  • coffee cantata(2)
  • oysters rockefeller(2)
  • sole(2)
  • sirloin(2)

Customer Sentiment

Most visitors laud the restaurant as a classic, high-quality NYC institution with a unique and transporting atmosphere [1], [5]. However, some diners report inconsistencies in food quality and service, occasionally noting it as overpriced or overrated compared to other elite steakhouses [3], [4].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About KEENS STEAKHOUSE

A comprehensive discussion regarding the restaurant's value, featuring mixed opinions on the steak quality but broad consensus on the excellence of the mutton chop.
A debate on whether the historic appeal and atmosphere justify the price compared to newer midtown competitors.
A deep dive into the financial and historical aspects of the restaurant, discussing why it remains a unique NYC staple despite modern shifts.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Manhattan Restaurant That Is Worth The Money And

"Recommended as a steakhouse."

Positive
Aug 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Manhattan Restaurant That Is Worth The Money And

"Highly recommended as a classic steakhouse option."

Positive
Aug 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Are Some Unusual Things That Restaurants In

"The restaurant is a great experience and is noted for its extraordinary mutton chop."

Positive
Aug 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: Keens Vs Benjamin Prime Or Another Midtown

"Recommends the happy hour mutton over the dinner portion, as the larger size can become bland."

Neutral
Aug 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Keens Vs Benjamin Prime Or Another Midtown

"Praised for its atmosphere and character, but criticized for having steaks that rank at the bottom of top-tier NYC steakhouses."

Neutral
Aug 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Keens Vs Benjamin Prime Or Another Midtown

"Praises the service as otherworldly and recommends the porterhouse."

Positive
Aug 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Keens Vs Benjamin Prime Or Another Midtown

"Recommends visiting to judge for yourself as it is a unique space with top-notch cocktails, sides, and service."

Positive
Aug 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Keens Vs Benjamin Prime Or Another Midtown

"Keep the reservation for the atmosphere and historic interest; the mutton chop and martinis are highly recommended."

Positive
Aug 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Keens Vs Benjamin Prime Or Another Midtown

"Found the experience and hyped items like the mutton chop and creamed spinach disappointing and underseasoned."

Negative
Aug 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Keens Vs Benjamin Prime Or Another Midtown

"Highly recommended, specifically mentioning the potatoes and carrots as sides."

Positive
Aug 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Keens Vs Benjamin Prime Or Another Midtown

"Preferably chooses this location over Benjamin Prime for a porterhouse steak."

Positive
Aug 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Anniversary Weekend In The City Restaurant Reviews

"The dining experience was heavily impacted by extreme noise levels at a neighboring table. Thought the food was good but ultimately mid-tier compared to other steakhouses."

Neutral
Aug 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Dine With A Baby Frequent Nyc Traveler

"The commenter used to bring their six-month-old to the bar area, sitting on a wall with stools and keeping the baby in the stroller."

Positive
Aug 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Dine With A Baby Frequent Nyc Traveler

"The commenter had a good lunch experience here with a baby, noting that a small stroller was helpful."

Positive
Aug 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: Osteria La Baia Almost Tricked Me With Farmed

"The author mentioned eating here the night before."

Neutral
Aug 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For A Restaurant For A Post Wedding

"Mentioned as a potential steakhouse option for a post-wedding dinner."

Neutral
Aug 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Delmonicos Worth It Or Try Another Steakhouse

"Thinks Keens was never great and visits primarily for history and ambiance, comparing it to Lugers."

Neutral
Aug 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Delmonicos Worth It Or Try Another Steakhouse

"The user personally prefers Keens."

Positive
Aug 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Delmonicos Worth It Or Try Another Steakhouse

"Views Delmonico's as superior to Keens in the post-COVID era."

Neutral
Aug 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Recommendations For A Birthday Meal Couple From

"States it remains solid for a traditional, only-in-NYC experience."

Positive
Jul 26, 2026View Comment →

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