Reviewers had their steak knives out last week for two Upper West Side restaurants.
Tavern on the Green has a new chef, California legend Jeremiah Tower, and the new menu received a decent review from the Daily News a few weeks ago. But it was skewered last week by Times critic Pete Wells, who went into the review hoping Tower would turn the place around and went out comparing it to a word that rhymes with spit (yes, we were shocked too).
“The story and scenery are so perfect that somebody really should make a movie out of it. By the time financing comes through, maybe Mr. Tower will have delivered the dramatic turnaround the plot requires. But right now, the fun stops when the food arrives.”
He didn’t apparently find much to like: “The braised short rib was dry, the filet mignon was tough, and the pork shoulder, rolled round a mix of mozzarella, pesto and prosciutto, was nearly raw inside.”
The food at Lincoln Square Steakhouse, the new restaurant at 208 West 70th street in the former home of Loi, received a decent review from Daily News reviewer Stan Sagner. He calls the onion soup “flawless” and the ribeye “a colossal tomahawk of perfectly charred, gorgeously marbled beef. Its salty, mineral crust is the perfect foil to the buttery meat.”
But Sagner found the decor extremely off-putting.
“Lincoln Square is a visual assault with nearly every surface the color of raw meat. It feels like a reception hall for vampires. The sole respite from the gallons of red paint is the room’s curious focal point — an anatomically explicit Art Decoesque mural by Giancarlo Impiglia that depicts its female figures in detail.”
Even the guy’s tie is meat red.
Just went to LSS the other night for the early bird prix-fixe: order by 6:30pm and it’s $39. The place is creepy!
This space really lends itself to being a Big Daddy’s diner which is what this neighborhood needs! Love all the high end restaurants, but would also love more places to go with my kids that are not so overpriced. I do not see how this steak place is going to make it(although my petit filet was delicious, my husband’s roast chicken was not and the desserts were terrible- and my bar with chocolate desserts is pretty low).
Sarah, A regular hamburger at Big Daddy’s is $13. Not my idea of a family friendly price.
Ate at Lincoln Steak a few weeks ago. They are trying so hard to be “fancy” and it’s cruise ship circa 1980 fancy. Ten people waiting on you and it takes 45 minutes to order. A total mess. Steak was good when it finally arrived
Ha….Way back when I first moved into the neighborhood(1994) this was a kosher sports bar. Many have tried and failed in this spot. Let’s see how long these folks last. I wish them luck..
Mendy’s .
and Lee Mazzilis before or after…….
Best of luck to LSS. Have not gone yet, but I will.
Haters gonna hate , hate , hate……
We went to Lincoln Square Steak during the first week. The food was delicious, including popovers and a surprise of muffins to take home when we left. The staff was really nice but there were so many of them.
But it is expensive and so it would not be possible for us to go more than once in a while, for a special occasion….
I had a lovely experience there. The staff was phenomenal, and the family tried so hard to make sure we had a perfect meal.
I’d definitely go back.
I miss Compass!
My wife and I went a few weeks ago and the food was great. We each ordered an appetizer and shared a steak, which was plenty and kept the check in check.
Service was great also and we will return.
On the other hand, those awful chairs and white barstools from the very first incarnation still haunted the place. I hope by now they have been replaced.
Went to Lincoln Square Steak House. Loved the food. Since I don’t eat the decor or the wait staff it works for me. The West Side needs a Steak House! Go eat people!. You will enjoy and don’t be deterred by the snarkola’s (most who coincidentally enjoyed the food.) Let’s focus on the purpose folks!! We’re not going to live there or take the staff home–just have a good steak or whatever. Enjoy!!
I’ve been to LSS a few times. good is great, plus lots of free food they give, service very good. But that decor is so bad. Also starting to attract only old people. cant last with that. need new design asap.
I had dinner at Lincoln Square Steakhouse with my husband and we had the porterhouse steak for 2 and the lobster mac and cheese. Both were delicious. Many bottles of wine under $40 to choose from. The waiters were extremely attentive and friendly. I think the decor is fun. Love the piano bar. And for those who have complained that its pricey–welcome to any steakhouse in Manhattan!
‘Reception hall for vampires’ is it wrong that I’m almost curious?