Smith & Wollensky Introduce
As a New Yorker, you know a great steakhouse is more than just a place to eat—it's an institution. A place where business deals are made, special occasions are celebrated, and a timeless culinary tradition is upheld. Smith & Wollensky has long been a landmark in the city’s dining scene, a quintessential American steakhouse that has been serving up exceptional experiences for decades. Located right in the heart of Midtown East, this restaurant embodies the classic, upscale feel that so many diners crave, offering a robust menu and an atmosphere that feels both historic and welcoming. Whether you're a local or just visiting, stepping into Smith & Wollensky is like stepping into a New York dining legacy.
From the moment you arrive, the energy is palpable. The restaurant is known for its high-quality steaks, often praised for their beautiful preparation, but it also offers a full range of dining options to suit various tastes. While some diners have noted that the sides and appetizers can be inconsistent, the focus on the main event—the steak—is undeniable. This focus on getting the core offering right is what keeps many patrons coming back, a testament to the kitchen's dedication. The experience is often elevated by a dedicated and professional staff, with multiple customer reviews highlighting the exceptional service that makes a simple dinner feel like a truly special event. The staff's attentiveness and care create an environment where you feel like a valued guest, not just another table. It’s this combination of a classic setting, great food, and personalized service that solidifies Smith & Wollensky's place as a New York favorite.
Smith & Wollensky is strategically located at 797 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022. This prime Midtown East address makes it easily accessible for anyone in the city. Its location is a short walk from Grand Central Terminal, making it convenient for those traveling from other boroughs or even out of town. The area is well-serviced by various subway lines and bus routes, ensuring a smooth journey regardless of your starting point. For those arriving by car, paid street parking is available, and there is also a free parking lot. The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all guests, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone.
This central location makes Smith & Wollensky a perfect spot for a business lunch, a post-work dinner, or a special weekend outing. Its proximity to major corporate offices and tourist attractions means it’s always a lively and bustling spot, filled with a mix of local New Yorkers and visitors. The atmosphere is upscale yet cozy, with a historic feel that adds to its charm. It's the kind of place you can count on for a quality meal in a classic New York setting, and its accessibility is a key part of what makes it so popular.
Smith & Wollensky offers a comprehensive range of services to cater to every dining need, from a quick lunch to an extravagant private event.
- Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service, upscale dining experience with table service.
- Outdoor seating: A great option for warmer days, allowing you to enjoy your meal al fresco.
- Curbside pickup & Takeout: Convenient options for those who want to enjoy the food at home or the office.
- Delivery & No-contact delivery: Get your favorite steakhouse dishes delivered directly to your door.
- Catering: Perfect for corporate events or special gatherings where you want to impress with high-quality food.
- Lunch & Dinner: The restaurant is popular for both midday and evening meals, with reservations recommended.
- Private dining room: Ideal for intimate parties or important business dinners, offering a secluded and elegant space.
- Table service: The hallmark of a fine dining establishment, ensuring you are well-cared for throughout your meal.
- High chairs & Kids' menu: Makes the restaurant family-friendly and welcoming for younger guests.
The variety of services shows that Smith & Wollensky is committed to accommodating a wide range of customer preferences and needs. From the traditional dine-in experience to the convenience of modern delivery services, they've adapted to provide top-notch service in every format. This flexibility, combined with the quality of the food, makes them a go-to choice for many New Yorkers.
What sets Smith & Wollensky apart from other steakhouses are its distinctive features and highlights that contribute to a truly memorable visit.
- Great cocktails: A well-curated drink list that complements the food perfectly.
- Great dessert: Don't skip the dessert menu; it's a highlight for many diners.
- Great wine list: An extensive selection of wines to pair with your steak, curated by knowledgeable staff.
- Historic & Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant blends a classic, historic feel with an upscale, trendy vibe, making it appealing to diverse crowds.
- Serves local specialty: The menu often features locally sourced ingredients, adding a unique New York touch.
- LGBTQ+ friendly & Transgender safespace: A welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.
- Bar onsite: A great place to grab a drink before your meal or to enjoy a casual night out.
- Vegetarian options: The menu includes well-crafted vegetarian dishes to ensure every guest has a great meal.
- Dogs allowed outside: For those who want to bring their furry friends along for an outdoor meal.
These features, from the excellent beverage selection to the inclusive environment, show that Smith & Wollensky is about more than just a piece of meat. It’s about creating a complete dining experience. The attention to detail in the bar program and the dessert menu ensures that every course is a treat. The restaurant's commitment to being a welcoming space for all, including families and the LGBTQ+ community, reflects a modern approach while maintaining its classic roots.
For reservations or inquiries, you can reach out to Smith & Wollensky using the following details:
Address: 797 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (212) 753-1530
Choosing to dine at Smith & Wollensky is an investment in a classic New York experience. While some customer feedback suggests there can be inconsistencies with appetizers and sides, the consistently praised, perfectly cooked steaks are the main reason to visit. The restaurant's core strength lies in its ability to deliver an exceptional, no-fuss steak that lives up to its legendary reputation. Beyond the food, the service is a major differentiator. Customer reviews often single out staff members for their professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine care, which transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable evening. The personal touches from the team, from seamless coordination to making guests feel valued, are a significant part of the allure.
The atmosphere is another key reason to choose this spot. It's a place that feels like it belongs to the fabric of New York—historic, bustling, and upscale. It’s suitable for various occasions, whether you’re celebrating a milestone, hosting a business meeting, or simply looking for a great meal. With a great wine list, an impressive selection of cocktails, and a welcoming environment for all, Smith & Wollensky provides a well-rounded and classic fine-dining experience. For New Yorkers who appreciate tradition and quality, and who value great service as much as great food, Smith & Wollensky remains a compelling and worthy choice for a truly iconic steakhouse dinner.
Smith & Wollensky Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Smith & Wollensky Photos










Smith & Wollensky Location
Smith & Wollensky Reviews
creamed spinachcoconut cakehash brownspeter lugerwarren buffettcajun ribeyepea soupmango ice creamoyster mushroomsarrested
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1To be fair this steakhouse is very much mediocre. For the price that you pay you may as well enjoy the other steakhouses in nyc as this place is not really worth your time or money. The steaks were cooked beautifully however the sides and appetizers were either unseasoned, extremely salty, or super dry. We tried so many dishes as well and they mostly all seemed to have that in common. I was expecting higher standards for this place
August 14 · kaitlyn k.Dining at Smith & Wollensky was truly an unforgettable experience. The food was outstanding from the perfectly prepared steaks to the sides, everything was amazing!What elevated the evening even further was the service. Our server, Kareem, was exceptional. He was attentive and genuinely cared about making the night special. He anticipated needs before we even asked and created a dining experience that I was unforgettable.Behind the scenes, Ryan was instrumental in helping coordinate this dinner, ensuring every detail was seamless from the very beginning. His professionalism and care set the tone for the night. Nick’s hospitality and personal attention made the entire experience unforgettable. The way he engaged with us truly made us feel like valued guests rather than just another table.This was truly and incredible dining experiences and we’ll absolutely be returning
August 24 · Mark DiazThird time at S & W, First time at, from what I understand, to be the OG location. Intimate indoor seating, very brisk air conditioning and attentive staff.Arrived with a reservation so no info on walk-in seating times. Bryce Anderson and Ronnie worked in tandem to bring us the best dining experience possible.Good variety of food and drink options. Would highly recommend for special occasions or for a change of pace.
August 05 · J ProbherbsI recently had dinner at Smith & Wollensky and it was one of the best steakhouse experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt classic and welcoming, with just the right mix of elegance and comfort. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, which made the whole evening even more enjoyable. I started with the bacon appetizer, and it was absolutely delicious—thick-cut, smoky, and bursting with flavor. It was the perfect way to start the meal.The highlight, of course, was the Ribeye steak that I ordered rare. It was cooked exactly the way I love it, with a perfect sear on the outside and a warm, beautifully red center on the inside. The meat was incredibly tender, juicy, and full of rich, beefy flavor. You could really taste the quality of the beef—it had excellent marbling that gave every bite a buttery texture and depth of flavor that’s hard to find anywhere else. It truly melted in my mouth.What stood out to me most was how balanced the steak was: seasoned just right to enhance the natural flavor of the meat without overpowering it. It’s clear that Smith & Wollensky takes pride in using top-quality beef and preparing it with real skill. Paired with the welcoming service and classic steakhouse vibe, the entire experience was memorable from start to finish.If you’re someone who loves steak—especially cooked rare—this is the place you need to try. Smith & Wollensky delivers on every level, and I can’t wait to go back again.
August 16 · LilyAlice STBest make a reservation if possible. Seating available both on the ground and second floor. Ground floor area is nicer. Staff are as always very professional and helpful. Menu isn’t extensive but what they have they do very well. Had salad and hash brown and they were really good. Steaks are also done perfectly and while a little expensive, it’s better than any of the other steakhouses around. Well worth a visit.
July 04 · Teck Boon
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