Why Minetta Tavern is a Great NYC Spot for Steaks
When dining out, ordering a steak is the first choice for many people. While heading for a steakhouse is the obvious option if you are planning to order steak, these are not the only types of restaurants that serve steaks. There are many other eateries around New York City that are not steakhouses but have become well-known for the quality of their steaks. One example of such a restaurant is Minetta Tavern. Here are just some of the reasons why this restaurant is a great NYC spot for steaks.
The Restaurant
Minetta Tavern originally opened in the 1930s, and it became a tired and musty restaurant that eventually closed down. Keith McNally then took over ownership of the venue and gave it a high-end revamp before reopening it in 2009 as an upscale French bistro. According to New York Magazine, it has now become one of the hotspots to eat out in New York City. Not only is it popular amongst the locals, but it is also a celeb hangout and it attracts lots of tourists. The diversity of its customer base shows that this restaurant is clearly a great choice for dining out.
Most people dine at this restaurant to eat a meat dish, and the steaks are a particularly popular option. The steak options on the dinner menu of this French bistro-style restaurant include steak frites, dry-aged cote de boeuf for two, bone-in New York strip, filet mignon au Roquefort, and veal Porterhouse chop. Diners who choose these options have said that they are cooked to perfection and exactly as requested to suit their personal preferences.
Despite the excellent quality of the steaks at this restaurant, this is not your only option on the entrée menu. The gourmet burger options are also popular, and there is a selection of fish, chicken, and pasta dishes from which you can choose. Therefore, it is likely that everyone in your party will find a dish to suit their tastes even if they do not want to try one of the delicious steaks. To accompany your choice of entrée, steak or otherwise, there is a choice of potatoes and side dishes. Before eating your steak, you might like to try one of the appetizers to whet your appetite. Some of the options include salads, steak tartare, oysters, foie gras, smoked burrata, roasted bone marrow, and escargots in garlic and parsley butter. Try to save a little room for a dessert as there are some fantastically indulgent offerings, including cakes and souffles. For those who do not have a sweet tooth, there is also the option of a cheese board. If you are visiting earlier in the day, there are separate brunch and lunch menus. On the brunch menu, various egg and fish options feature highly, so this is not the best time of day to visit if you want a steak. However, the lunch menu features many of the same steak options as the dinner menu. Therefore, you have the option to enjoy a steak at lunch when the restaurant has a slightly less formal vibe.
Wine List and Events
The wine list has a reasonable selection of red, white, sparkling, and rose wines. There is also champagne to celebrate a special occasion. Therefore, you should find a wine that complements your meal perfectly. The staff is happy to guide you through the wine list and to make recommendations if you are not sure which wines will complement your choice of meal. If you are not a wine enthusiast, there is a selection of beers, cocktails, and spirits from which you can choose to drink with your meal. It is possible to hire out part or all of this venue for private events. The venue can seat up to 60 guests. You can also host a cocktail party at this restaurant with up to 100 standing guests. The staff will try their best to accommodate your needs and to make your special occasion memorable. In terms of price, this bistro is a little more expensive than you would pay at a regular steakhouse. For a three course meal with sides and wine, you can expect to pay between $100 and $130 per person. However, this price reflects the quality of the food and the overall fine dining experience you will enjoy at Minetta Tavern. Therefore, it is worthwhile paying higher prices on a special occasion.
Ambiance
Aside from the food and drink at this bistro, the ambiance is another reason for you to consider this as a great venue to eat a mouth-watering steak. The interior is decorated in an upscale manner and a traditional French bistro style. It is the perfect setting for intimate meals or for enjoying a fine dining experience. The staff also contribute to the vibe of this place. Despite the formality of the bistro, they are warm, welcoming, and attentive. The combination of the restaurant’s atmosphere and the excellent customer service means that the overall dining experience at this restaurant is excellent.
If you want to try one of their steaks or anything else off their menu, then you will find Minetta Tavern on Macdougal Street in New York. This restaurant is open for lunch between Wednesdays and Sundays. Between Wednesday and Friday, lunch is served between 12 noon and 3 pm. At the weekends, there is a slightly earlier opening time of 11 am, but the restaurant closes at the same time of 3 pm. Minetta Tavern is open doe dinner service seven days a week as service resumes at 5.30 pm daily. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it is open until 1 am. On the other days, the restaurant closes at midnight. Although booking is not essential, it is wise to make a reservation at busy times or if you are part of a large party. This means that you will not face disappointment or a long wait for a table.
