We went to the opera on Saturday, and since we had a gift certificate to RC, we decided to use it.

I was disappointed. The wine list was average, with prices about 2x retail (not bad), the sides were delicious (we had the sweet potato casserole and creamed spinach). But the steaks made this evening forgettable. Average quality at best. Certainly not on the same level as other NYC steakhouses. In fact, I think the steaks I get at my butcher are better. To add to it, my ribeye was so fatty I wound up eating about 2/3-3/4 of it. Luckily I got to finish Terra's filet mignon. And I wouldn't have minded the prices had the steaks been decent. The ribeye (I'm guessing it was between 12-16 oz) was $40 and the filet mignon (probably 12 oz) was $36. For those prices, you can do much MUCH better in NYC.

Put this on your 'skip' list.

Steak house and opera... Talk about bad pairing.

I disagree. I think Ruth's Chris is the best of the chains. As far as their wine list goes, I don't know much about it. We always bring our wine with us.

See, I prefer Smith and Wollensky's to RC. Actually, I think Frankie & Johnnie's is the best... hands down. While the decor is junk, the quality of steaks is fantastic... maybe only surpassed by Lugers!!!

we called RC once re:corkage, was told no problem, $15. when we got there they acted snobby about it and charged us $20.

S&W is SCREAMING offline to us, people, as(from everyone at ebob) stated corkage is not only encouraged, but FREEEEEEEE.

quote:

Originally posted by TBird:
S&W is SCREAMING offline to us, people, as(from everyone at ebob) stated corkage is not only encouraged, but FREEEEEEEE.

You're right. I just called and confirmed... corkage is FREE!!!

I prefer Sparks which does have an excellent wine list. We plan to take my parents to Peter Luger's next time they are in town. Do they have a wine list to speak of. Does anyone know about corkage fees there?

Thanks,

Neil

Peter Luger's has a poor wine list. I've never asked, but I'd be surprised if they allow BYO. The Beck's on tap is what we usually order with the steak.

This place is great, both NY and Houston...great food and decent wine list. Best strip steak I have ever had. The list at the time seemed to have quite a selection from the Stag's Leap area.

http://theglaziergroup.com/restaurants/striphouse/index.html

Lugers doen't allow corakge.

The StripHouse is a great place also. This used to be Mike Piazza's hangout when he was a Met.

Ahh Ruth's Chris - home of the sizzling Butter soaked steaks.

The last I went, I thought I ordered fajitas when it came to the table.

Never my first choice, but being that it is BYO friendly - I'll go from time to time.

Sparks is still the best for having the best combo of excellent steak quality AND wine list in NYC IMO.

Agree on Spark's. Another plus for Spark's is that their other main courses are excellent. Their Chilean Seabass is my wife's favorite dish there.

Del Frisco's is another winner.

I use to think that RC was good. However I haven't been there in so long that it's probably changed a lot. It definitely doesn't sound anywhere near as good as what it use to.

I think it's a hell of a lot better than the Palm or Morton's. The steak almost always comes out exactly as ordered, something that doesn't always happen at other steakhouses. Corkage is allowed, salads and sides are fine, and service has never been a problem.

For those of you that are curious, S&W’s no corkage fee is applicable at all of their restaurants across the US. For those in or near NYC, here is a list of some restaurants in NYC with corresponding corkage fees. Per Se is $90 for corkage!!!

Board O- While I have not eaten at Ruth's in NY, I have eaten at many others across the country including the 2 (now 1) in New Orleans. I couldn't agree more with your assessment. Very good steak, sides and salads. Very consistent. Nice wine list and no issues with bringing your own.

Another (belated) vote for RC. I've been to the Vegas, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans, Houston, and Dallas locations and find them extremely consistant. Went to Morton's and Palm only once each and felt it a waste.

As far as I am concerned, that is exactly why not to go to RC in NYC. If you can go to the same place in Vegas, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans, Houston, and Dallas (not to mention Fort Lauderdale, B'ham Al, and who knows where else), why do it in NYC, when there are so many other options?

Now, everyone has their own choices and reasons for doing things and to each their own.

My comment is general and not specific to steakhouses or this particular restaraunt.

I agree. I doubt I would go to an RC in NYC.
Lafayette, La is another matter however. And Ruth's Chris is a wonderful haven there if you're wanting a nice slab of beef. Ditto Baton Rouge.

Oh yeah I think Sullivan's is the lamest of them all. Seems no one has bashed them yet and they need it.