Is Keens Steakhouse the Best in New York City?

We are on a mission to find out if Keens Steakhouse is really the best in all of New York City by comparing it to another iconic restaurant, Peter Luger.
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[@EricWansong]

Keen's is special. Consistently great. Been going for more than 20 years. Never disappoints. The staff is fantastic. Knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and never pretentious. Food quality is always great, from the apps to the mains and the sides. The porterhouse is always great. However, I keep going back to the mutton. Nothing like it. The bartenders make outstanding Manhattan's and Old Fashions too. Too often, eating in Manhattan leaves you with buyers remorse. Never feel that way leaving Keen's. Special.

[@Djm8520]

Keens is indeed the best steakhouse in NYC, and Peter Luger’s is NOT number two. I would rate Cote, St Anselm, Gage and Tollner, Gallagher’s, Porterhouse Bar & Grill, Quality Meats, Strip House, American Cut Tribeca, Wolfgang’s and even The Old Homestead ahead of Peter Luger’s.

[@BinarySmurf]

Mint sauce/jelly is a traditional accompaniment to lamb and mutton in the UK. Kinda impressed they had that available.

[@rgruenhaus]

Mint jelly is usually to take away any gamey taste to mask the occasional taste that a deer or mutton might have.

[@davidoldham1946]

Ordering a steak medium is not an ordering mistake, it's a choice.

[@robertk2007]

A bad choice

[@TheVileOne]

I like medium

[@abarcengsuisse]

The wrong choice yes

[@katieludwicki8676]

Seems like you guys were much happier leaving keens! My vote is on keens! 😋

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing this new restaurant there in New York..

[@karan.b]

You two make a lovely couple. Here's to keeping that spark for a lifetime!

[@travelfuller]

That’s so sweet! Thank you!

[@13783021]

I'm off to New York later this month. I'll give Keens a try.

[@travelfuller]

Definitely do, it was fantastic. Have an awesome trip!

[@katieludwicki8676]

Me too!!

[@princeprince9227]

How was it? I loved it.

[@ChrisH930S]

36 and 6thave

[@diegoramos27]

how was it?

[@jonathanschewe5802]

Peter Luger’s is old news! Keen’s is here to stay!

[@katieludwicki8676]

Agree!!

[@irvingr.fatback886]

Ho Ho, yeah! Oof!

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

Keene's rules with the full mutton chop at $68! Plus the ambiance, history, menu options, better service & similar beef steaks makes Keene's a more relaxing & satisfying dining experience!

[@travelfuller]

Absolutely! It's the steakhouse we recommend the most in the city

[@RR-fg2rl]

Great review as a foodie I love the mutton at Keens only place in the city that serves it. I love the Delmonicos house steak and mortons has a Cajun steak I love. I go to Raos once a year they take reservations mon before Thanksgiving for next year and they have a great sliced steak

[@travelfuller]

Thanks! The mutton at Keens and house steak at Delmonicos are some of the best orders in the city. We'll have to try the cajun at Mortons and the steak at Raos if we ever get to go!

[@DirectorLJ]

How do you guys stay so slim! Ha! Thanks for bringing us into these amazing NYC Restaurants!

[@travelfuller]

Thanks for watching! Haha we don’t know but the more of these videos we do the more we’re going to need to hit the gym!

[@princeprince9227]

Love Keens

[@underated17]

There is also Delmonicos

[@travelfuller]

It was still closed when we filmed this one, but we just posted a video about it as well!

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

Keene's mutton chop & home fries rules!

[@travelfuller]

The best! We need to go back again soon!

[@Whathetruthis]

No matter what there’s nothing like a good steak! Continue what you’re doing, well done 🙏

[@travelfuller]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks!

[@TheVileOne]

I would love to try both these places

[@bottropdavid]

Hello, we seem to have similar taste, can you recommend the best hotel near the Gershwin theater to see wicked? Thank you. By the way, my wife and I are 51 and active.

[@travelfuller]

The closest two hotels we've stayed in are the Conrad Midtown and Times Square Edition. We have a video on the Conrad if you're interested but we both preferred the Edition even though the rooms are on the small side. Also we get some added benefits through our travel agency if you are interested! Have a great trip!

[@bottropdavid]

Thanks

[@kevinluyo1142]

Just discovered this channel, I like the work you two put out! I enjoy your shot compositions, editing, and pace. The only feedback I'd give is I'd enjoy more time in the restaurant and more thoughts on the food. Although I can imagine it's a bit awkward filming for extended periods of time in the restaurant, I like getting full context with personal thoughts, narratives, feelings, etc.

[@travelfuller]

Thanks we always appreciate feedback! This one in particular was very quick in the restaurant. We’re definitely going to work on it in our upcoming videos! Anywhere you’d like to see a video on?

[@kevinluyo1142]

@@travelfuller Thanks for the response! I just saw the Old Homestead video and I thought that showed a lot more of the restaurant, food, and commentary. Kristin seemed really comfortable on camera there. Gotta recommend Cote. You hit all the historical steakhouses, but Cote is the only Michelin star steakhouse in NYC, and it's not even a traditional American style steakhouse, it's Korean BBQ inspired. The script writes itself, and I love that place so I hope you two will as well!

[@travelfuller]

Thanks! Yeah we hope we’re slowly getting better. But yes, Cote has been at the top of our list for a while. We’re just waiting to find the right reservation and we’ll be there!

[@michaelcannon1741]

Imo, Peter Luger is good, but could use more tenderness and more seasoning. Keen's is excellent imo and so flavorful. I love their NY Strip, Mutton Chop and Lady M Chocolate Cake. I need to try their creamed spinach since I love that side and it looked so good with great reviews to go with it. I haven't been to Gallagher's yet, but heard great of them and the fact that they use charcoal is a bonus as well. I will try them one day when on vacation to NYC again.

[@travelfuller]

Next time we'll have to try the chocolate cake! Definitely would recommend the creamed spinach, it's incredible. Gallaghers is on our list for a future video, we've heard nothing but great things too

[@johnjuarez8005]

Mutton gets no play from me.

[@Asly65]

En tant que touriste j'ai beaucoup apprécié Gallaghers

[@skullandbones1832]

Yes

[@travelfuller]

Yes!

[@katieludwicki8676]

Yes!

[@uzznee]

Love this channel!

[@travelfuller]

Thanks so much!

[@bottropdavid]

Going to try the Chatwal by Hyatt

[@tonyparisi3975]

Can’t get a reservation for Keens in NYC this weekend. What’s the best next option?

[@travelfuller]

They usually pop up the day before if you put on Resy notifications! But our two favorites nearby are Gallaghers and Hawksmoor

[@ycplum7062]

If you are judging by the steak, it really depends on your tastes. However, Keens is a better date place simply because the ambiance and decor is nicer. Keens also has a more diverse menu. If a bunch of my guy friends want steak, I would lean toward Peter Lugers. If I have out of town visitors, I would go to Keens. Do both and decide for yourself.

[@MJLU280]

Yes. Smith and Wollensky number 2.

[@darylfortney8081]

Yes it is the best

[@travelfuller]

💯

[@normagaloski214]

Is smith & wollensky still around? Used to love it there years ago

[@travelfuller]

Yes! We are hoping to make a video on it soon

[@ChrisH930S]

It’s mediocre at best

[@ashleychambers7602]

I haven’t eaten at keanes but the best steak I’ve eaten in nyc is the delmonicos signature, out of this world

[@travelfuller]

We recently made a video about Delmonico's and completely agree, absolutely one of the best steaks we've ever had! Would highly recommend Keens as well

[@bb57365]

Still think PL is the best steak I’ve had. Even with all the other nonsense. It’s been like that forever.

[@travelfuller]

That was kind of our thought too, Keens was better in every other way but still didn't top their steak

[@edelkwok9497]

Np, have you tried the Little Owl in the West Village, get the pork chop, curious to hear your opinion.

[@travelfuller]

We haven’t! We’ll have to look into it

[@edelkwok9497]

Keens is great, did you get a chance to speak to chef rodger, by the way I have no idea which video I posted for your business email, want to get you in to the Pecking House. If you still want to go?

[@travelfuller]

We’re currently away but we’re hoping to plan something when we get back!

[@bicgohill8756]

Last time I had keens it was very disappointing. I’ve been there about 10 times. Nine them were outstanding.

[@travelfuller]

That’s frustrating! Was it the food or the service or a little of everything?

[@bicgohill8756]

@@travelfuller Food was average, service was good, the atmosphere was dull. That’s the only place I would go for steaks, I make a way better steak at home, there prime rib is a tad below average. I should have stuck with the mutton chop:).

[@travelfuller]

Good to know! Although crazy expensive, we absolutely loved the steak we just had at Delmonico’s

[@ChrisH930S]

Been to Keens a hundred times, the best steak house in NYC. Been to Peter Lugar as well, atmosphere and service sucked but T bone for two fantastic.

[@travelfuller]

Couldn’t agree more! Peter Luger makes an amazing steak but we’d highly recommend Keens at anyone

[@joerampley1562]

Great video❤❤❤❤❤. Actually excellent. Keep posting videos like this ❤❤❤

[@travelfuller]

Thanks!! Are there any places you’d like to see videos on?

[@thedoorman7159]

GET THE PRIME RIB NEXT TIME

[@travelfuller]

Will do!

[@HolmScott]

No red wine?

[@travelfuller]

I had the house Cabernet and Kristin had an aperol spritz and both were excellent! We completely forgot to review the drinks but both were great

[@KatieLudwicki]

@@travelfullermmm I love an aperol spritz 😋

[@Undertaker3041]

Travel to western Kentucky and try BBQ mutton. You won’t regret it! 😂

[@travelfuller]

That sounds amazing! Thanks for the tip!

[@michellewelborn9263]

I cannot afford now $150

[@pinomiraglia8256]

💫💫💫💫💫🎭🎭

[@NORGUSTHEORCAWHALE]

Kristin is hot and Will's head is shaped like an almond. These vids are great though, love the channel

[@travelfuller]

Then it's a good thing I like almonds! Thanks!

[@user-mf7ee5ws4k]

You’re not comparing Apple to apples. You can’t compare a T-bone to a porterhouse.

[@travelfuller]

That's very true, although it is the closest thing. We tried to make sure we mentioned that a bunch of times in the video

[@keithmoorechannel]

I go to NYC several times a year. Keen’s is #1. Smith and Wollensky Grill is #2. Luger’s is not on the radar.

[@travelfuller]

Completely agree on Keens. Smith & Wollensky is incredible as well. We’re planning on making a video on it soon!

[@keithmoorechannel]

@@travelfuller Just make sure to go to the Grill. In my opinion it’s better than the ‘main’ restaurant.

[@travelfuller]

Good to know, thanks!

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Nice review. I'll start off by saying that I think Luger's is terrible. 90% of the time I'm at Keen's I get the full mutton chop, and I'll put them in my top 5 steakhouses in NYC. I look forward to other NYC reviews.

[@travelfuller]

Thanks! Yeah, I don’t think we properly conveyed how incredible that mutton chop is. Where should we go next?

[@2Wheels_NYC]

@travelfuller Here's my top steakhouses in Manhattan (in no particular order): Gallaghers Steakhouse (Top of the list) Smith & Wollensky Porter House Bar & Grill Keens Minetta Tavern (I love all of Keith McNally's spots) The Palm (Bottom of my list, but still excellent) Keep in mind my choices are beyond just the food, but also include the ambiance and character of each destination. I suppose it depends on my mood as to where to go. Cheers!

[@travelfuller]

Thank you! Really appreciate the recommendations. Of those, we've been to The Palm and Smith & Wollensky. Smith & Wollensky would be worth a revisit and a video and we need to try Gallaghers as well. Minetta Tavern and Balthazar are probably our two most requested restaurants so we'll probably have to try those next!

[@2Wheels_NYC]

@@travelfuller You won't be disappointed with any of his places! Pastis is excellent as well, I'm there often! And, I knew I was missing one before... The Old Homestead! West Village, and awesome. Ok, my brain hurts now.

[@tryingtolearn2876]

I have a hard time believing she at her steak herself. He had to be eating that off camera. It was quite humorous seeing that huge steak in front of her and that other thing they videoed, but then again she did look beat up on given their final opinion part so who knows

[@travelfuller]

She really did! I finished the mutton chop and she finished the steak

[@hnyflvr]

Is it me or do they talk same?...Lol

[@travelfuller]

People have said we look alike but this is definitely a new one!

[@mistergrendel32]

Did Kristin say “Mu’in?” What’s with this trend of Americans speaking like Brits and not pronouncing a “T” in some words? 😜🤔

[@travelfuller]

I think she's pronouncing the t's!

[@ChrisMortensonMorty]

Elbows off the table please.

[@peyo721]

Don't compare one restaurant name with another unless you're paid as a sponsor!!! 😐🙄😯

[@danielschear556]

When both Luger's & Keen's steaks are described as "INCREDIBLE," I always like to hear a "50 Shades of Grey" critique from the video hosts which confuse things even more! WTF?! 🤷

[@travelfuller]

Incredible was used way too many times in that description. We've been back to both since making this video and pretty firmly prefer Keens over Peter Luger at this point. I think what we were trying to say is that you wouldn't be disappointed with either. But if you can only choose one, Keens is the way to go.

[@Whathetruthis]

Not the best! Any steak house in Argentina is better, healthier and way cheaper.

[@travelfuller]

Everything is relatively but for NYC, Keens is hard to beat. We are hoping to visit Argentina soon! So much amazing food

[@brianG81]

How exactly do people afford this? I have 4 kids - 2 in college, 2 cars, bills and a mortgage and no credit card debt. we live within our means. I make good money but wow. To go to Outback or Olive Garden once a month is a treat. So wait. She had not 1 chop but 2? What is wrong with this country.

[@mk17173n]

Not everyone has 4 kids, 2 cars and a mortgage. Your life choices are not everyones life choices.

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

Trust funds😅

[@ThatGardener]

Keens is best mutton chops while Peter Luger is best steak. It’s as simple as that. Also not sure why you think Peter Luger is not good first time I heard that 😂

[@susanharris8626]

Photography is horrible. Want to see the food not ppl eating.

[@ivanronin8209]

I HATE TWO INCHES THICK STAKES ! TOO MUCH AND TOO REAR ! TOO READ !