
Keens Steakhouse
A historic NYC steakhouse since 1885, Keens offers a classic dining experience with a legendary mutton chop and a unique atmosphere filled with antiqu...

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Keens Steakhouse

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic NYC steakhouse since 1885, Keens offers a classic dining experience with a legendary mutton chop and a unique atmosphere filled with antique tobacco pipes.
"Step into history and savor an iconic steakhouse experience at Keens, where every bite tells a story."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, often needing to be made a month in advance. Resy Notify is an option.
Arrive Early for Drinks
Enjoy a drink at the lively, packed bar before your dinner reservation.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Mutton Chop
A must-try signature dish, celebrated for its incredible tenderness and rich, savory flavor.

Historic Ambiance
Step back in time in this classic steakhouse, adorned with thousands of antique tobacco pipes.

Exceptional Key Lime Pie
A surprisingly delicious and highly recommended dessert that's a perfect sweet ending.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, often needing to be made a month in advance. Resy Notify is an option.
Arrive Early for Drinks
Enjoy a drink at the lively, packed bar before your dinner reservation.
Don't Fear Complaining
If food is not up to par, polite feedback can lead to excellent service recovery and complimentary items.
Save Room for Dessert
Desserts like the famous Carrot Cake or Lady M Chocolate Cake are highly recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, often needing to be made a month in advance. Resy Notify is an option.
Arrive Early for Drinks
Enjoy a drink at the lively, packed bar before your dinner reservation.
Don't Fear Complaining
If food is not up to par, polite feedback can lead to excellent service recovery and complimentary items.
Save Room for Dessert
Desserts like the famous Carrot Cake or Lady M Chocolate Cake are highly recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Keens Steakhouse is a celebrated NYC institution known for its historic ambiance and hearty, classic steakhouse fare, particularly its legendary mutton chop. Diners praise the attentive service and the unique atmosphere filled with antique pipes. While many rave about the quality of the meat and signature dishes, a few reviews mention inconsistencies in food temperature or overall "wow" factor, though the staff is often commended for excellent service recovery.
"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Keen’s Steakhouse, and it absolutely lived up to its legendary reputation — especially when it came to their famous mutton chop.
The chop was cooked to perfection — beautifully seared on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. The seasoning was spot-on: rich, savory, and expertly balanced to highlight the deep, hearty flavor of the meat. It’s a cut that commands attention, and Keen’s delivers it with confidence and tradition.
Service was excellent — attentive without being overbearing. The staff clearly know the menu and the restaurant’s storied history, and it adds to the charm of the whole experience.
What really sets Keen’s apart, though, is the atmosphere. The dining rooms are steeped in history, with thousands of antique clay pipes hanging from the ceiling — each one telling a story. You can’t help but pause when you spot the most famous names, like Babe Ruth and Teddy Roosevelt. It’s like dining in a museum of New York’s past.
In all, if you’re a fan of classic steakhouses and want a bite of history, Keen’s mutton chop is a must-try. It’s an iconic dish in an iconic setting — and one I’d happily return for."
Kevin Drost
"Keens is 110% worth the hype. The ambience is top notch where you can hear others you are with. It’s very elegant inside. The staff was very attentive to our table and we had an amazing waitress! I never got her name but she made our night one to remember!
All cuts of meat were phenomenal, the mutton, t bone, prime rib, all amazing. I thought the prime rib was very standout and a must have.
For appetizers, the calamari salad and bacon were perfect starters. Bacon is a must-buy!
Overall, it’s definitely worth it. I recommend doing a Resy Notify and hope to score a good time. Otherwise, you will have to book far out. Regardless it’s super worth it!"
Pat Z
"Keens Steakhouse is a true New York classic, and stepping inside feels like traveling back in time, the ceilings lined with antique and long pipes, the warm lighting, and the historic charm dating back to 1885 definitely set the tone.
I’ve had the Prime Sirloin Steak Salad (approximately 8 ounces), and it was very good, cooked rare to perfection, tender and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil. The salad of crisp lettuce and potatoes in vinaigrette paired beautifully.
For dessert, I tried the house-made Dark Chocolate Mousse. Smooth, creamy, and deeply flavored, it was an excellent finish. Service was pleasant throughout by multiple servers, though the coffee order from the person I was with missed the mark slightly.
Overall, Keens Steakhouse delivered exactly what I was looking for: good food, a unique atmosphere, and a taste of New York history. A very good experience I’d gladly repeat!"
Ivan Ottavian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Keens is most famous for its legendary Mutton Chop, a signature dish that has been a staple for over a century.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, often needing to be made well in advance. Some suggest using Resy Notify to secure a table.
The atmosphere is historic and clubby, with dark wood paneling and a ceiling adorned with thousands of antique tobacco pipes, creating a unique, old-school NYC vibe.
Yes, the Key Lime Pie and Carrot Cake are frequently praised as exceptional desserts.
Popular sides include Creamed Spinach and French Fries, which are often recommended by diners.
While reservations are strongly advised, arriving early to enjoy a drink at the bar might offer opportunities for walk-in seating, though it's not guaranteed.
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Serving hulking cuts of meat to hungry New Yorkers since 1885, this clubby chophouse practically drips with history: The ceiling beams are lined with old tobacco pipes that belonged to a lengthy roster of icons, including Theodore Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody and John Barrymore. The menu keeps in line with the old-school appeal. Channel a steak dinner from bygone eras with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges, Oysters Rockefeller and the signature bone-in Mutton Chop, with cheesecake, creme brulee or a butterscotch sundae for dessert.
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A legendary NYC steakhouse, Keens has been in Herald Square since 1885 and was recognized by the James Beard Foundation in 2013 with an America’s Classics Award. Famous for its Legendary Mutton Chop, the menu also includes steaks like the King’s Cut Prime Rib, Porterhouse for Two (or Three), Chateaubriand, T-Bone, and NY Sirloin. A robust raw bar, Maryland Lump Crab Cakes, and veggies like Iceberg Lettuce Wedges, Keens’s Creamed Spinach, and potatoes in five forms all helped carve out the classic steakhouse menu.
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The ceiling and walls are hung with pipes, some from such long-ago Keens regulars as Babe Ruth, J.P. Morgan and Teddy Roosevelt. Even in these nonsmoking days, you can catch a whiff of the restaurant’s 120-plus years of history. It’s a classic scene for a classic steak—Sirloin and porterhouse (for two or three) hold their own against any steak in the city—and a good steakhouse wedge, with Iceberg dressed traditionally with blue-cheese dressing, chopped tomatoes and bacon crumbles.
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New York has a handful of steakhouses that have been around since the 1800s, but Keens feels the most like a museum, due in large part to the 45,000 churchwarden pipes strapped to the ceiling. The Midtown institution was once a private pipe club, with a roster of members like Einstein and Babe Ruth, and you too can channel greatness with a perfect, dry-aged Porterhouse and creamy hash browns. Just make sure to leave room for their legendary mutton chop.
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Keens has “the atmosphere of old school New York,” says Caliso. The iconic steakhouse has the world's largest collection of churchwarden tobacco pipes, which only adds to the clubby ambience. Prepare to drool over the dry-aged porterhouse steaks, which, says Caliso, “come sizzling to the table with melted butter.” He also recommends ordering the thick-cut smoked bacon to start, as well as a side of creamed spinach.
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Walking into Keens Steakhouse transports visitors to the Elizabethan era, where they will enjoy an elegant, luxurious dining experience. Opened in 1885 by distinguished theater patron Albert Keen, actors, producers, playwrights, and New York legends such as Babe Ruth and J.P. Morgan frequented this spot.
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Keens Steakhouse, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, is an iconic venue that blends history and exceptional cuisine, making it another ideal setting for business dinners. Founded in 1885, the restaurant exudes old-world charm, with dark wood paneling, leather seats, and a ceiling adorned with thousands of antique clay pipes. The menu focuses on classic American steakhouse fare, featuring prime cuts of beef, lamb chops, and seafood options, complemented by an exciting choice of wines and beers.
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The 36-oz bone-in porterhouse for two at Keens is a timeless dish. The USDA Prime meat is handpicked—they look for, “heavily marbled, starry night marbling,” as more flecks [of fat] indicate juicy and tender steak results. After selecting the steaks from purveyors including Master’s Provision, Strassburgers and AVA, the meat is marked with a Keens stamp and then delivered to the restaurant to be weighed, tagged and aged on premise in a climate controlled, refrigerated environment.
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This classic New York chophouse has been in Herald Square since 1885 and was famous for its meat and America’s Classics Award by the James Beard Foundation in 2013. When it first started, the restaurant had 45,000 clay pipes lining the ceilings, pipes once smoked by customers after dinner. Today, you can still recognize the restaurant’s past from its countless antiques like grandfather clocks, old guns, and even the playbill Abraham Lincoln was allegedly holding when he was shot.
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Occupying the same building in the theatre district since it opened in 1885, Keens Steakhouse lays claim to a fascinating history. Luminaries such as Albert Einstein and Babe Ruth have dined here, and in 1905, when it was a gentlemen-only establishment, actress Lily Langtry took Keens to court to gain access to the restaurant and won. Today, Keens features a room in Langtry’s honour and an impressive collection of antique clay churchwarden pipes, hanging in rows from the ceiling.
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There are a lot of steakhouses in New York, but there is, quite simply, no place like Keens. Founded in 1885, it is the epitome of old-school, from the white tablecloths to the legendary "mutton chop" to the veteran servers. There is no bad place to sit, but there are many options: the bro-y bar, the family-friendly pub area, the more formal main-floor dining room, the cozy upstairs "pipe room," and probably a few more enclaves we don't even know about.
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For a mashup of timeless décor, service, and food, reserve your spot at Keens Steakhouse. Open since 1885, the Herald-Square restaurant is a throwback to the days of checking your pipe at the door – in this case, hand-carved, long-stemmed pipes that now line the ceiling. Though the mutton chop is the signature here, you’ll find a mighty assortment of seafood, serious prime steaks, plus the rarely seen, super-tender Chateaubriand-style steak for two.
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After this 36th Street restaurant opened in 1885, it began allowing frequent patrons to leave their pipes at the restaurant so as to avoid possibly breaking the smoking vessels in transportation. Today, the restaurant is a virtual museum of ancient pipes, as there are over 50,000 of them, most hanging from the ceiling. Everyone from Babe Ruth to Theodore Roosevelt to Albert Einstein still has a pipe hanging over diners’ heads.
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Walking into Keens feels a little like stepping back in time. The tables are dressed in crisp white linen, cay pipes line the ceiling, dark wood panelling sets the mood and the air hums with 140 years of steak-loving New Yorkers. This place has serious old-school energy (Teddy Roosevelt used to eat here, need I say more?), and while the walls are covered in history, the real action's on the plate.
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Over 150 years ago, publishers, playwrights, and producers met and mingled at the renowned Keens Steakhouse before seeing a show. As the story goes, actors from the nearby Garrick Theatre would even come, dressed in full costume and makeup, to eat between acts. Today, the iconic steakhouse is known for being one of the last remaining establishments of the historic Herald Square Theatre District.
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Keens Steakhouse has been serving the Herald Square Theatre District since 1885. This iconic New York chophouse is nothing if not traditional with wood paneling, a collection of pipes strung from the ceiling, and formally-dressed waitstaff with expert attention to detail. Keens is most known for its legendary muttonchops, a 26-ounce lamb saddle slathered in a veal stock served with lamb bacon.
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Established in 1885, Keens Steakhouse is a storied institution that epitomizes the golden age of New York dining. With its rich mahogany walls lined with antique pipes and a menu boasting the legendary mutton chop alongside prime dry-aged steaks, Keens offers a step back in time. The old-world charm is palpable, inviting diners to partake in a history as rich as the flavors on their plates.
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Year Established: 1885 Location: 72 W 36th St. Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:45AM – 10:30PM; Saturday: 5PM – 10:30PM; Sunday: 5PM – 9:30PM Most Popular Dish(es): Mutton Chop. photo source: Wikimedia Commons via Leonard J. DeFrancisci. Before establishing an independent restaurant in 1885, Keens was a part of the Lambs Club, a famous theatre and literary group founded in London.
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A favorite spot for creatives for over one hundred years, this historic NYC steakhouse is full of intrigue. So, upon entering the dark interior you’ll be met with wafts of meat grilling and a maze of wood-paneled rooms. And one of these gorgeous rooms is home to 90,000 smoking pipes that dangle from the ceiling – relics from famous patrons like Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, and others.
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Step back in time and experience a true New York City institution at Keens Steakhouse. As one of the oldest steakhouses in NYC, Keens has been serving up classic American fare in its wood-paneled dining space for over 130 years. And with its prime location just a short walk from Madison Square Garden, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in a hearty meal before or after your event.
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For a true taste of NYC food history, the mutton chop at Keens Steakhouse is a must-try. As one of the oldest steakhouses in the country, Keens has been serving this massive, flavorful cut since 1885. Pair it with some Keens's creamed or sautéed Spinach and some boiled baby potatoes with parsley and butter for a classic dining experience at one of the best steakhouses in NYC.
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Keens Steakhouse has been around since 1885, giving it a unique place in New York’s dining scene. The restaurant’s warm, old-fashioned setting and historic charm set it apart, and the staff is known for being friendly and knowledgeable. Combined with its deep roots in the city, it offers a comfortable spot to enjoy a classic experience that feels both inviting and memorable.
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Feeding the who’s who since 1885, Keen’s is the only survivor of the Herald Square Theatre. There's incredible history inside these walls, but the steak takes second stage to no one. The only problem you'll have at this iconic steakhouse is answering this question: “Do you order (while technically not a steak) the legendary Mutton Chop or their King's Cut Prime Rib?
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Keens has been around since 1885, but unlike some legacy steakhouses, the food at this Midtown spot is actually good. Even if you’re primarily here for steak, you should at least get the appetizer-sized “Taste of Mutton,” the thing that Keens is actually famous for. It comes with crisp bits of fat and a jar of mint jelly that’s the color of actual mint.
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Peter Luger devotees speak equally highly of the restaurant’s tender steaks and its classic, turn-of-the-century aesthetic. For a steakhouse that delivers on both fronts, head to Keens Steakhouse in midtown Manhattan. Established in 1885, Keens rocks a charmingly vintage aesthetic, with wood-paneled walls, framed portraits, and crisp white tablecloths.
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Keens has a way with mutton,” or so it was written in the New York Herald Tribune in 1949. And it remains as true 60 years later as it has been since Keens opened its doors in the mid 1880s. A treasure trove of American antiquities, the restaurant’s ceilings are lined with pipes smoked by some of the world’s most famous men, from Einstein to Babe Ruth.
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Keens Steakhouse, with its historic New York charm, exudes a nostalgic ambiance that feels like stepping into a bygone era. As I entered, the rich mahogany wood and antique decor immediately set the tone for an exceptional meal. The lamb chops here are nothing short of spectacular—juicy, perfectly seasoned, and grilled to tender perfection.
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Best known for its exceptional and gigantic mutton chops, Keens Steakhouse is one of the most talked-about restaurants in the New York Metropolitan area. The restaurant has been raved about in such periodicals as The New York Times and The New York Post. All classic, dry-aged steaks are USDA approved and absolutely explode with flavor!
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There are a million and one steakhouses in New York, but for atmosphere alone Keens might be the prime choice. Long clay pipes line the ceiling, a relic from the days when patrons could join a Pipe Club and keep their own stored at the restaurant. Members included Teddy Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Babe Ruth, and "Buffalo Bill" Cody.
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Keens Steakhouse has stood the test of time as one of New York's oldest and most revered steakhouses. Since opening in 1885, it boasts a rich history, complete with a collection of churchwarden pipes that line the ceilings. With its dark wood paneling and inviting fireplaces, Keens serves up a classic New York steakhouse experience.
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This chophouse has been a Theater District mainstay since 1885, when it quickly became a go-to for the area’s actors and playwrights. Its signature mutton chop is legendary, as is its first female patron, Lillie Langtry, who took Keens to court in 1905 for the right to dine at the then-gentlemen-only spot. (We salute you, Lillie.)
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Keens Steakhouse, an institution since 1885, is located near Herald Square. As you enter, you're enveloped by an opulent atmosphere steeped in history. The walls are adorned with antiques, vintage photographs, and a legendary display of churchwarden pipes, including a collection that belonged to Albert Einstein 1.
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Once serving Herald Square Theatre District's A-list clientele (some actors hustled in for a drink during the intermissions of their own shows), Keens Chophouse has been setting 'em up and knocking 'em back since 1885. Just ask the nude woman in the oil painting above the bar. She's definitely seen some things.
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This historical Garment District chophouse established in 1885 has the feel of a 17th century London tavern. Featuring a wide selection of rare antique pipes imported from the Netherlands, the restaurant's unique decor, history, and locally praised mutton chops add up to a culinary experience not to be missed.
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What do Teddy Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Babe Ruth have in common?. They’ve all enjoyed a meal at this iconic New York City restaurant. Contrary to what the name suggests, Keens Steakhouse is best known for delectable 1.5-pound mutton chops (the restaurant averages 400+ orders a week).
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For a taste of Olde New York—and some of the best chops in the city (lamb chops, mutton chops, short ribs)—head to this iconic restaurant, established in 1885 and still going strong. The portions are humongous, so don’t be afraid to share. Spend some time simply wandering around this…
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In 1885 Keens Chophouse opened independently under the ownership of Albert Keen, by then a noted figure in the Herald Square Theatre District. Keens soon became the lively and accepted rendezvous of the famous. Actors in full stage make-up hurried through the rear door to “fortif...
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Keens Steakhouse is located right near Herald Square: home of the famous Macy's, Penn Station, and Madison Square Garden. It's a great spot to visit after an event at MSG or to refuel after a long day of holiday shopping. It's another NYC classic, having been open since 1885.
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The only difficult choice to make when entering Keens is where to look first. Is it up, at the 90,000 pipes lining the ceiling?. To the glass cases, where the most famous churchwardens – 15-inch pipes – smoked by the likes of Babe Ruth and General MacArthur are stored?
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Keen’s Steakhouse is a New York staple and is certainly a legendary location. Keen’s has been serving guests with some of the best meals in the city since it first opened its doors in 1885. Since it’s been around that long, you just know it has to be great.
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The interior of the restaurant – there are two large fireplaces, lots of dark wood & thick red carpet – lets you slip back into times long past. Not to mention the massive “wall decoration”!. A curiosity is the collection of historical pipes on the ceiling.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (6,702 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse- Price: $$$$- Address: 72 West 36th Street, New York City, NY 10018-8025- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Step back in time and experience Old New York glamor at this iconic steakhouse. Sink your teeth into perfectly aged prime cuts, sip on vintage wines, and revel in the old-world ambiance. A seat near the fireplace makes for an extra romantic night.
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Keens Steakhouse: It is an old steakhouse made by Albert Keen. It serves porterhouse and sirloin for 2 and 3, which can hold their quality than other steaks in the city. It serves dry-aged steak, prime rib beef, and other foods.
To ask for suggestions for a fab place to eat in NYC
If you like steak - you HAVE to go to Keens - DH & I had the BEST steak ever there - its on W36th nearish to times square. We were in a hotel on 35th and walked to Times with no problems at all
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And then, for a true steak salad, the version served at Quality Eats features medium-rare beef over greens with fried wontons and orange segments, or you can even get a sirloin salad at Keens.
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