Delmonico's

• Cuisine(s): French, New American, Steakhouse
  Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 5pm-10pm
  Price: $$$$
• Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
  Features: Takeout, Delivery, Private Party, Catering, Business Dining
  Serving: Dinner, Lunch
• Alcohol: Full bar
  Reservations: Accepted
  Parking: Street, Valet

Description

Though the building dates only to 1891 (the columns in front are allegedly from Pompeii), one version of Delmonico"s or another has been in this location since 1837. More importantly, Delmonico"s is considered to be the first actual restaurant in the city, and that"s a heavy load of tradition for the current incarnation to confront. The dining room--where bankers and brokers tuck into thick steaks and chops--is handsome in a Victorian sort of way, the dark bar is appropriately clubby, and the best thing to do here is excavate the dishes from the menu that has made the place what it's famous for (in order or preference): lobster thermidor, Delmonico steak (nowadays, a New York strip), Delmonico potatoes, and baked Alaska (skip the chicken ala king). Get there at 9 p.m. and almost have the place to yourself.