Location: 1278 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Cuisine: Steakhouse/Seafood
Cost: $$$
Overall: A sophisticated steakhouse and lounge with a casual vibe and good food.
We visited T-Bar Steak & Lounge four years ago and were blown away by their classic flavors and fun atmosphere. Since our first visit, the restaurant has evolved into a neighborhood favorite with a loyal following. We visited on a weeknight and found the venue crowded with excited diners. The original chef Ben Zwicker continues to manage the busy kitchen providing a traditional steakhouse menu with a few surprising dishes. The flavors cover the globe with influences from Spain, Italy, Japan, and the Mediterranean. This fascinating melange of flavors and techniques creates a fascinating dining experience with an assortment of offerings for every palate.
Jalapeno Octopus Pizza
We saw this on the menu and were simultaneously terrified and intrigued. We’ve had spicy pizza and we’ve had octopus, it never occurred to us to have them in the same bite. Our bravery was rewarded with each incredible bite. The pizza’s crispy cracker thin crust held up well with the chunks of grilled octopus sauce and cheese. The first bite is intense, the jalapeno provides a searing heat that engulfs the palate, but once the shock subsides, it is a glorious mash-up of flavors and textures.
Segundo’s Meatballs
A trio of meats make up these thick meaty balls, veal pork and beef are combined then tossed into hearty tomato sauce and topped with parmesan cheese. The meatballs are divine and best enjoyed with a few bites of the complimentary bread basket.
8oz Filet Mignon with Brussel Sprouts
Our first visit we enjoyed the ribeye, this time around we went with the leaner but equally delicious filet. The filet was juicy with a nice sear. The filet is served along with a roasted garlic bulb for garnish.
Brussels Sprouts
T-Bar Steak & Lounge has several sides to choose from, including a spectacular mac and cheese. This time around we paired the steak with crispy Brussels Sprouts. The sprouts are simply grilled and tossed with chunks of thick cut bacon. The char overpowered the sprouts a bit but the bacon saved the dish with its meaty texture and smoky flavor
Crispy Long Island Duck
The duck is served on a bed of mashed sweet potatoes topped with an orange glaze. The duck was a balance between crispy and tender. We suggest having a bite or two of the roasted orange slices that garnish the duck before sinking your teeth into it. It takes the taste to a whole new level.
Warm Apple Crumble
We finished our meal with the familiar flavor from our first visit. The crumble was tasty. Our crumble wasn’t warm enough to melt the ice cream, but it was tasty and just sweet enough and the perfect ending to our dinner. This is also great for sharing.
Cocktails
The cocktail menu has an assortment of specialty cocktails as well as an extensive wine list. For a sweet drink, we recommend the T-Bar Cosmo, it is a vodka and fruit juice mixture that is sweet and strong. For something more potent, the Tanteo Jalapeno Margarita is great if you’re looking for a spicy cocktail. All specialty cocktails are expertly crafted and presented.
T-Bar Steak and Lounge still remains a wonderful restaurant. The service was impeccable as always. Despite the crowd, we were well taken care of, the staff is like a well oiled machine. From drinks to entrees everything arrived within minutes of our order. T-Bar Steak & Lounge is open for lunch Monday through Friday, brunch Saturday and Sunday, and every night for dinner.
Head over to tbarnyc.com/ for more information.