UNDERCOVER AGAIN at Minetta Tavern! Is NYC’s BEST STEAK at a French Tavern?

Minetta Tavern is one of New York City's most iconic restaurants. It is a French restaurant that has both a tavern and a fine dining feel. You feel like you are stepping back in time when eating here. They are known for many items, but the Minetta Tavern bone marrow, and the Minetta Tavern black label burger are two of the most iconic dishes there.
Last time we had the black label burger and it was fantastic! It's one of the best burgers in NYC in my opinion! But they are also very much known for their steak. While they are called a tavern, they have an impressive selection of dry-aged steaks! The Minetta Tavern côte de boeuf is frequently cited as one of the best steaks in NYC, but today we try their dry aged New York strip steak and see how it stands up against the best steakhouses in NYC.
This is a French restaurant, and to me I will always think of it as more of a French restaurant than a standalone steakhouse. With so many great steakhouses in Manhattan alone though, is Minetta Tavern really all it's cracked up to be when it comes to steak? Or is it just getting praise because of its atmosphere and history? We'll find out together!
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Restaurant Deets:
Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

[@BuvanGuna]

I like the fact that you do most of the filming, voiceover, etc in the restaurants themselves. And not packaging the video together. It makes you come across as an authentic reviewer and not some sponsored influencer. Rock on, UA.

[@glyndonsprofessionaldetail7429]

complimentary glass of champagne for solo diners is awesome

[@earth2air2water]

It is refreshing to know that you provide unbiased reviews. Thank you.

[@chubbs500]

Nice crust on the NY strip... yums! Only reason I watch your vids is for the honesty, never lose that.

[@Iampatrix]

That petite shoulder steak, also known as a butcher or bistro steak, is an amazing cut. It's a somewhat tough to butcher cut of meat that's under the shoulder blade and there are only 2 per cow so butchers used to keep it for themselves. They're relatively small and lean but it's a well worked connective muscle that's extremely tender and delicious. Beefy as a ribeye but tender as filet mignon. I've only had it once from a local chef that opens his restaurant for limited hours with a fixed menu, he sous vide and reversed seared it with brown butter, sea salt and finished with a hint of finely ground pepper. One of the best cuts of beef you can have, give it a shot next time.

[@zionsotrah3630]

Man you don’t understand how much joy your videos bring. Keep up the great work!

[@surfstarcc1]

That stack of bone marrow was definitely worth the price of admission.

[@matt.stevick]

Feedback regarding ending, I really appreciate your thoughts and thought process, etc…. Your format is unique and feels very authentic (as you explained) thx well done

[@timechunk1642]

Hi UA - love your videos and keep up the great food reviews! One nitpicky piece of feedback: I noticed you describe the butter as "cultured" in a few of your videos (I think in one you mentioned it must be cultured because of how rich and creamy it is). Cultured butter is actually tangy and acidic with almost a sour quality, not rich/creamy, and most restaurants do not serve it. It gets these qualities through fermentation (think yogurt or aged cheese). I recommend trying buying some at your local grocery store and giving it a try (Vermont Creamery brand is a good one). Cultured butter is wonderful, just likely not what you are eating at these restaurants. High end restaurants will serve butters with high fat content, which elicits that rich/creamy sensation.

[@sandraphilip3894]

Hi UA. Greetings from Newark, Delaware. That steak looked fabulous and a perfect medium rare. I enjoy watching your channel. Keep up the good work and be safe.

[@derryXDINES]

You handled that encounter really well, UA. Filming in public in general is challenging, so kudos to you for pushing ahead with that format.

[@ChristopherSmithNYC]

He wasn't in public. He was inside a private business. He was asked previously not to film. To come back and do it again was in 'poor taste'.

[@OnaOmaOla]

@@ChristopherSmithNYC Oh, stop it, Christopher Smith.

[@tammyrogers4201]

Thanks!

[@uaeats]

Wow thank you for your generosity!

[@lizw.4901]

Another great video. So helpful. Thanks for filming inside the restaurants. Love the true "everyman" experience. And the UA squint!

[@jglasernyc]

Manetta Tavern used to be a great red sauce Italian Restaurant. The owner sold it and it changed the menu from Italian to French. It's nice to see the interior hasn't changed. I believe the restaurant opened in the 40s or early 50s.

[@uaeats]

1937 to be exact!

[@ToppsBaseballRacks]

Your efforts are appreciated, UA! The ability to vicariously participate in the dining experience is so much better than the alternative, too.

[@JACKLVNV]

I really enjoy your facial expressions. I watch all of your posts and I really like them. I grew up in New York and have lived in Vegas for 40 years. The best of both worlds.

[@ruthlessgoat3702]

Keep on doing what you are doing. We are here, watching your honest assessments. Carry on.

[@dbro8125]

I finally made it there last weekend. My wife and I shared the Minetta and Black Label Burgers. Both burgers were fantastic and the Black Label was probably one of, if not, the highest quality burger I've ever taken a bite of. Like you said fries were fantastic. Drinks were great and the service was top notch. Will want to go for dinner now!

[@uaeats]

Thanks for sharing your experience! The black label burger was not my favorite but it was up there. Definitely top 5. Hopefully I'll be able to try the Minetta burger someday

[@martinedwards7360]

Great blog, UA, and it's good to see that you take heed from your audience and getting the eating started faster and less infill with chatter . The food you 6 amazing 👏 it made me so hungry 😋

[@kathymaske8997]

Thank's for eating the meal right away, and taking bigger bites, it really makes a big difference in wanting to continue watching your video from beginning to end.

[@longnlean34]

I'm surprised they didn't present you with an empty appetizer plate and a bone marrow spoon for the bone marrow. The steak and burger looked incredible. Great review, keep 'em coming!

[@user-mp8rm3pc5q]

Thanks UA! Appreciate the honesty

[@crowbarmark]

I have to thank you for this video, I took my team out for a lunch and had a fantastic meal. What is ironic is that the table next to me was FILMING A FOOD REVIEW completely endorsed by the restaurant, apparently it was New York Times that were reviewing.

[@acharis-Annie]

Yet another great review, UA. Everything looked delicious. I do agree with you that the burger did look better your last review, but still looked amazing Wishing you and Tina a great evening.

[@uaeats]

Thanks! Yes everything was delicious

[@Jamesnu]

I love the burger there, but I've always been curious about their other food. It makes me happy to hear that it lives up to expectations. That bone marrow looked epic by the way!

[@John-iq7ry]

I went to Minetta Tavern a few times in the 80s and 90s, back when it was still an Italian restaurant. I'd like to come back and try the new food...

[@scottreiburnNYC]

One of the greatest dishes I have ever eaten- anywhere- are Blue Ribbon’s bone marrow with oxtail marmalade. People, if you haven’t been to Blue Ribbon and tried their bone marrow…it’s a life-altering culinary experience. You will thank me.

[@travelfuller]

Glad you made it all the way through this time. They asked us to stop filming too so at least they're consistent! We tried their seasonal ribeye which was amazing as well. Outstanding restaurant but tough for us KZbinrs!

[@uaeats]

What's up Kristin and Will! Unfortunate they didn't let you guys film either. I get it though from their perspective as if a restaurant already has a good reputation they don't have much to gain and can only lose if a KZbinr posts a bad review. I don't think they need to be worried though as their food is awesome!

[@scottreiburnNYC]

(Chef peeking out from kitchen) “Oh no! Look at that face…he HATES it!” (Waiter who’s seen prior videos) “No, that means he friggin LOVES it!” (Chef) “Uhh…You sure?”

[@Snowboarder16]

Love the history of that place

[@corylee2261]

Im here for the cold food review

[@matsberg4305]

From first being kicked out to get a glass of champagne and after eating the best they have then getting kicked out again. What a show from that restaurant 🙂🥳😎 Excellent review UA 👍.

[@thepatester]

Great review! Pricey, but looked delicious! I appreciate that you don't do voiceovers. Keep up the good work!

[@alexworm1707]

Food looked amazing, and portions were generous.

[@PapillonParty]

I love when UA makes the face. I can’t tell if it’s bad or good and it’s a guessing game

[@johndunn6917]

I actually enjoyed the presentation of the burger. Very rustic and country. But as you say taste is what matters and it appears you really enjoyed it. The sear on the steak was amazing.

[@Orca472]

i cant lie the black label burger is just so simple but good at the same time. it has such a strong dry aged flavor along with the caramelized onions. Definitely one of my favorite burgers out there if youre willing to cough up the money.

[@RFSpartan]

Which no one shouldnt and they would lower there price

[@robertkatz5256]

Excellent Review UA definitely going to do a lunch there . Keep up the great Chanel.Robert 👍🏻

[@joerampley1562]

Enjoyed your videos.

[@wellroundedsound2422]

Great vid as always. Minetta was ten minutes from my office and as such I was there many times. Great spot!!! Down the block there was Tomoe sushi which was absolutely outstanding. Around the corner Blue Note for some jazzy entertainment. All in all great location! A note to you: As a video creator you have to respect others. Not everyone wants to be filmed. Not every restaurant will allow filming as to protect the privacy of their patrons. It's not a given freedom to do whatever we want...Respect others and you will be respected.

[@very_awake]

People around you think you’re eating alone. We’re with you, bud.

[@QDPenguin]

delightful surprise in the form of bone marrows

[@jimmymcnutty4844]

I did the Marrow and the Black Label Burger. The home made pickles got my attention too. Overall good.

[@patshozo9158]

Appreciate the honest review! Glad to know you are tolerant of those that don't like to be on video in this day in age...

[@vpg722]

Haven’t been there since 2015, but the bone marrow was by far the show stealer.

[@linkjag]

Great video as always! I do find it odd that a restaurant in 2024 would be against filming inside. The way to get new customers these days is social media. People in their 20s and 30s aren't reading food and travel guides!

[@andrewcortez6626]

Try Da Toscano, also on Minetta. Bread with butter is a must and the New York strip was amazing along with the pastas

[@blitzrule]

your facial expressions are second to none, and make sure you don’t eat delicious food while driving, if you know what I mean 💥

[@troyjackson2442]

I love how he closes his eyes when he eats 😂😂😂😂😂

[@edelkwok9497]

They actually do not allow filming in their dining room. I can only think of 2 shows that were allowed to film in there. I believe Bourdain did it and I film a show for PBS. If you want to film something there, I would recommend going their PR team or speak with a manager and film off hours. I believe they break after lunch service and before dinner service start. That’s probably the best time to do it.

[@Playjex]

Narc

[@OnaOmaOla]

He explains his reasons at the end and they make sense for the viewer. A pre-planned and approved review does not gain the viewer's trust, since inevitably, the restaurant is pulling out all of the stops for them, for a more likely best-case scenario in meal quality. Not to mention the suspicion among viewers that there could be some pressure to give a better review.

[@jammygitt]

The Black Label burger I used to eat when I lived there had short rib in it too along with the patty was phenomenal. Times change

[@Eshabee]

Hi 👋🏾 UA can you try Tad’s Steak in nyc

[@aaronsines1961]

Back in 2014, I ate there with a group of co-workers and had the burger. Its was transcendent.

[@chrism8705]

A scrape of that bone marrow on top of that steak would of been a treat

[@tasokova2802]

I like your reviews, but myself, I wouldn't enjoy even the finest food without good wine. Such delicious rich food must be accompanied by fine wine, which also helps with digestion. To me, drinking a couple glasses of wine isn't even "drinking", but, to each his own, and your reviews are nevertheless informative and entertaining, thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@billah80]

that steak looked amazing

[@roccogiarre]

love your reviews, great channel! minetta was my favorite steak in the city before i found Rocco. check them out on madison, btw 27th and 28th

[@Violet-fj8yd]

I remember in earlier videos you mentioned you called in advance to ask if filming was okay.

[@DanCeen-c2b]

I may not go there alone, since it seems like they won't allow you to talk to yourself... Maybe with friends or family, I go.. But in these days, only people with money can go to place like that and eat... I mean, I get same enjoyment eating my own I cook or maybe someone else that I trust cook something for me.. There is something good n great about having a picnic indoors or outdoors.. I think it's coming back...

[@genebigs1749]

Great job as usual, UA!

[@altapp702]

You coulda put some marrow on the burger... Juice it up.

[@imnotchikao6317]

I like the way you think

[@brianbackstrom7420]

Hope you'll do a video from DelFrisco Double Eagle and also Porterhouse. Both of our favorite steak houses in New York. Thanks UA

[@MikeOtslah]

I really like all your reviews. I’m just waiting for you to come and check out one of my favorite places here in Edgewater urban tomato pizza.

[@halfcentury1112]

Been here many times - it is awesomely good... everyone is friendly - Lunch is definitely a different vibe fwiw

[@CoutureCW]

I definitely recommend the bearnaise sauce with steaks if you can at proper French restaurants.

[@hisroyalhighness8566]

As usual another great review. Keep up the great work UA

[@uaeats]

Thank you!

[@toddspiegel7704]

I wanna see UA as a youngster trying his food .. I’ve never made those faces eating marrow !! Up the game muchacho

[@TheBIGJ24727]

Another excellent video like always! Greetings from Montreal!

[@therealstaticthreat]

I cried every time you cut the fat off of the steak. 😪😂

[@Gerard_vincent]

My favorite area of nyc. Miss it

[@redalert3600]

Bro legit grimaces while enjoying it haha

[@Long_Tail_of_Finance]

Have you reviewed the Burger Joint?

[@normandea]

The bone marrow looks great, but I can already feel the arteries clogging! 😳 The steak and sear looks fantastic. The burger not so much. Great honest review as usual! 👍

[@butalina]

That Bone marrow is absolutely wonderful. The fries need to be more crispy.

[@cozysox]

Hey, I didn't get a glass of champagne when I dined solo there, I think 🤔

[@jhfit]

Another good one, UA

[@MyNewYorkLife]

Thank you.❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@bommert3816]

Minetta and Peter Lugers are my two favorites.

[@michaelgiordano2093]

Great video as always. Please continue to do more videos 😁👍

[@uaeats]

I will! As often as I can!

[@joerampley1562]

Peter Luger. Awesome videos you did also.

[@chriscolfer2915]

Try Krug’s tavern in Newark n.j.

[@salmonfire]

The bone marrow was the star of the show for me, hate when they say you cant film!

[@kennethwu115]

I love bone marrow ❤❤❤

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi UA, Thanks for your new review of the Minetta Tavern and their black label burger and steak. Good gracious I salivated at the sight of the burger and the steak was so good looking. You always do a great job. Best Wishes, Peter

[@TrevTendo88]

WOW. All of these looked fantastic! Next time I'm in NYC, I'm hitting up Minetta!

[@tony-ce7qp]

another winner for your crew dude thank you!

[@Papodthree]

I went there for brunch. We had eggs Benedict and it was great.

[@Jcs57]

Weird I enjoy my steak medium but that pink burger I would never eat.

[@Dee0336]

You don’t like dry aged salmonella?

[@Hippoeater]

The squint detector test determined the food was delicious

[@Ria-xl7kz]

Can you pls do a review of Cafe Spaghetti? I hear good things. Thank you. ☺️

[@GCLU]

My favorite steakhouse burger is at Smith & Wollensky. It's outstanding and very worth the $25. I also prefer the cheeseburger at Minetta.

[@RFSpartan]

No burger on planet earth is worth $25 ...no wonder so many people nowadays can't buy groceries.

[@CollinSchroder-r5i]

The steak would be more tender if you cut it correctly. You should probably know this buddy.

[@mindysuarez1699]

Should have put some marrow on the burger❤ a lot of. 😋

[@karateday]

Only in America can you buy roasted dog bones for a hefty price, and be happy about it!

[@Chaumayne5000]

Easy to be undercover when no one cares about you 😂

[@alebroker7587]

Good job UA, you doggy bag could feed anyone a nice dinner. Good job.

[@henrydegenry]

UA you should look into council and oak in Atlantic City. Dry aged prime bone in ny strip cooked over fire. Best sear I’ve ever seen Smokey flavor plus the dry aged. Best steak I’ve ever had

[@andyh4464]

Even though I like watching your videos I appreciate their no recording policy because I dont want to be in youtube videos when I'm trying to eat in public.

[@uaeats]

That's fair, but in this case I was just recording myself and the food. No one was in the background.

[@andyh4464]

@@uaeats You literally took a shot of the entire interior decor and showed every body in the restaurant lol. Notice how Minetta Tavern even keeps their window shades fully down. Privacy is just the vibe of the place

[@Joe-d3t1t]

Nothing better than Steak.

[@surfboard396]

Hi UA. Sorry had to catch the replay. Familiar with this place. We have been here. Great service n quality. Nice job. There are some streamers that do get the best treatment because they contact certain places in advance. Like your videos. So honest. Thanks T C .👋🏽

[@uaeats]

Thanks for watching! No worries at all, I get not everyone can make premieres. Appreciate the kind words and constant support!

[@Middleagegrind]

Will have to try in December. Food looks delicious!