Smith & Wollensky, Midtown East
66 people recommend, 10 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC30 comments cited below
The comments cited below are a sample of the full tally across 42 threads.
What people say, in short
Smith & Wollensky draws recurring praise for steak, especially the Cajun ribeye. Recommendations also include the adjoining Wollensky's Grill; comments about that bar or its strip steak concern the Grill rather than the main dining room. Some diners report disappointing meals, and one feels quality has declined. The appeal is classic steakhouse dining, with a meaningful split over whether it delivers consistently.
Address
Smith & Wollensky, 797 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
At a glance
- Signature dishes
- Cajun ribeye
- Opinions divided
- Yes
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to Smith & Wollensky, Midtown East, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/kaykordeath in r/FoodNYC · Nov 2024
Lists it among classic NYC steakhouses where the overall experience won't let you down.
- Caveatu/dd2520 in r/FoodNYC · Aug 2026taste
Thinks Smith & Wollensky doesn't deserve to be named alongside the other steakhouses discussed.
- Recommendsu/THMP1008 in r/FoodNYC · Nov 2025
Suggests it as a steakhouse answer to the solo bar seating question.
- Recommendsu/GravitationalConstnt in r/FoodNYC · Sep 2026
Calls Smith and Wollensky always a good option
- Recommendsu/GarciaJerty in r/FoodNYC · Mar 2025
Recommends the Third Avenue location, saying it's close to Peter Luger quality though not equal.
- Recommendsu/Bewitchingbegonia in r/AskNYC · Jan 2024price
Feels it runs somewhat cheaper than other well-known steakhouses.
- Recommendsu/Randomshitposter37 in r/AskNYC · Jun 2024
Partial to it, was a late night stop.
- Recommendsu/marklar1234567 in r/FoodNYC · Apr 2024taste
Praises the hash browns, creamed spinach and other classic sides, and calls the steak excellent.
Show all 30 cited comments
- Recommendsu/utohforgotmyusername in r/FoodNYC · Jan 2024
Has a soft spot for it.
- Recommendsu/noosa7 in r/FoodNYC · Sep 2025
Says they like Smith & Wollensky.
- Recommendsu/BusyBurdee in r/FoodNYC · Jan 2024
Recommends it as a steakhouse option.
- Recommendsu/Neither_Leading1247 in r/FoodNYC · Aug 2026
Lists Smith & Wollensky as a preferred option over Keens.
- Recommendsu/zob_mtk in r/FoodNYC · Aug 2026value
Says Smith & Wollensky offers a large ribeye for less and is always phenomenal.
- Recommendsu/Ok_Reality_6685 in r/AskNYC · Jan 2026
Calls Smith and Wollensky a historic institution.
- Recommendsu/MajorWhereas4842 in r/FoodNYC · Mar 2024
Recommends Smith and Wollensky as an answer to the steakhouse question.
- Recommendsu/Insomniac_80 in r/FoodNYC · Feb 2024ambience
Calls Smith and Wollensky old school.
- Caveatu/RoosterClan2 in r/FoodNYC · Jul 2025consistency
Believes the restaurant has declined compared to how it used to be.
- Recommendsu/jtmarlinintern in r/FoodNYC · Nov 2024
Suggests Smith and Wollensky as an alternative.
- Recommendsu/mr_duong567 in r/FoodNYC · Dec 2023taste
Their Cajun ribeye is a go-to splurge order.
- Recommendsu/Spiritual-Cause1866 in r/FoodNYC · Nov 2026taste
Recommends the NY strip.
- Recommendsu/shwysdrf in r/FoodNYC · May 2025
Would return to Smith & Wollensky before Hawksmoor.
- Recommendsu/joeyfratz in r/FoodNYC · Feb 2024taste
Found their meal there much better than a disappointing visit to a rival steakhouse.
- Recommendsu/postgradcopy in r/FoodNYC · Jan 2024ambience
Likes sitting at the Wollensky's Grill bar; old school vibe with stiff drinks.
- Caveatu/bigsplitenergy in r/FoodNYC · Jan 2024
Recent visit was very disappointing.
- Recommendsu/rvdsn in r/FoodNYC · Nov 2023taste
Calls the Cajun ribeye possibly the perfect steak with an incredible crust.
- Recommendsu/friendlyNYCguy in r/FoodNYC · Nov 2023ambience
Agrees, recommending the grill side and praising the bar's ambiance.
- Recommendsu/Ron10000 in r/FoodNYC · Nov 2023taste
Recommends eating in the Grille for best vibes and an amazing ribeye.
- Mixedu/LeadingGuide693 in r/FoodNYC · Mar 2025variety
Would only go there for their prime rib.
- Caveatu/raisinboysneedcoffee in r/FoodNYC · Jan 2024
Gives Smith and Wollensky a big thumbs down.
- Mixedu/Joe80206 in r/AskNYC · Jan 2024ambience
More affordable side-street option but noise can be deafening.
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Freshness
Details last checked 10 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.