RESTAURANT WEEK RECAP: PARLOR STEAKHOUSE

Dined: Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 6:30 PM

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Menu: 4 appetizers, 5 entrees (2 were at additional cost), 2 desserts

My Selections: Crab Cake, Marinated Hanger Steak, skipped dessert (I was full from the side of Mac & Cheese I ordered)

Mac & Cheese

Food: The crab cake was fine but forgettable, and the hanger steak, while flavorful, was overcooked and tough. My (non-RW) side of mac & cheese was amazing—creamy with a well-breadcrumbed, perfectly toasted top (I fancy myself somewhat of a mac & cheese connoisseur). Although I wish I’d left room for vanilla cheesecake, the mac & cheese was totally worth it and, honestly, the best part of the meal.

Beverage: In the last year I’ve become a big fan of specialty cocktails, and the vodka-based Basil Berry Martini was a sweet and refreshing treat. There appeared to be a happening bar scene, so I’d stop by again to try other drinks.

Service: What was lacking in the food was offset by the service. Our server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, and there wasn’t a long wait time for food and beverage to arrive. Overall, I was quite pleased.

Décor/Ambiance: In the contemporary, minimalist dining room, dark wood and steel pedestal tables stand free of linens and are paired with simple fabric and faux-leather seating. A wall of large windows and recessed lighting open and brighten the space, as does the sparse wall décor, consisting of little more than a few well-placed mirrors.

Final Thoughts: I live in the neighborhood and enjoyed my experience well enough, so I might return, but I don’t encourage non-locals to schlep to the Upper East Side for this particular steakhouse–there are better places in Midtown.

Note: Parlor Steakhouse offers a $38 Three-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner every evening from 5-7 PM.

www.parlorsteakhouse.com

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