Keens Steakhouse
Steak house · Midtown West
72 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018
Highlights
Step into Keens Steakhouse, where colossal steaks and famed mutton chops meet historic charm among wood-paneled rooms, making every bite a culinary adventure.
Step into Keens Steakhouse, where colossal steaks and famed mutton chops meet historic charm among wood-paneled rooms, making every bite a culinary adventure.
"Keens, one of the oldest steakhouses in the country, is most famous for its mutton chop. This massive, flavorful cut is well worth a trip to the restaurant, especially with a wedge salad or a side of creamed spinach. Part of the fun is the clubby, 19th-century ambiance, from the days when Keens was a meeting place for actors and other theater professionals. It opened in 1885, and is now under the ownership of Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta as of the fall of 2024." - Eater Staff
"Few spots scream “I Love New York” louder than Keens Steakhouse. The white tablecloth restaurant has plenty of character, down to the ceilings covered with the world’s largest pipe collection. Whether or not it’s a special occasion visit, there’s no wrong time to experience Keens. Steak, of course, is the move, though it’s the last bastion of the mutton chop. And there’s a lot to love about the classic sides. Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta bought the restaurant the fall of 2024." - Eater Staff
"This Midtown steakhouse that opened in 1885 used to be home to a famous theatre and literary group, and after that, a pipe club. Dozens of pipes still line the restaurant, giving it a warm, unique vibe not like any other restaurant in the city. The signature order here is the mutton chop." - Eater Staff
"Holiday wreaths and ribbons plus a tree add to the charm of this Midtown steakhouse relic, which all-year-round has warm, dark-wooded environs. Head here for a serious steak or mutton chop. Don’t miss the (easier seating) at the bar." - Eater Staff, Laine Doss
"Keens, a New York icon and Midtown steakhouse since 1885, has sold to a new owner. It was first opened by Albert Keen and was previously a club for a theater group and later a clubhouse for smoking pipes with notable members like Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and Albert Einstein. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of churchwarden pipes. In the 1970s, restaurateur George Schwarz took over Keens, and after his death in 2016, it was entrusted to general manager Bonnie Jenkins. The steakhouse has been a favorite among New Yorkers and was mentioned by Anthony Bourdain as a must-visit. It was recently acquired by billionaire Tilman Fertitta, who is committed to maintaining its legacy." - Emma Orlow
