DeStefano's Steakhouse — Restaurant in New York

Late 2013 Update: After our original experience, we took a couple of friends for another birthday dinner celebration and had another good experience. In fact, our friends favorably compared it to one of their all time favorite places. There might be some more famous, with bigger name recognition or a more "high end" feel than this one, but I can guarantee you that the food and the service can run with the big names.

Late 2012

We picked it out from reviews sight unseen based on the location because we were going to be in the neighborhood and didn't really know anything about the area's restaurants. It turned out to be a pretty good choice.

You expect good food when you go out to eat but what makes the difference and makes you want to go out of your way to go back is the service and attention to detail. Atmosphere was comfortable. Not so high end as to feel like you have to whisper and wipe the edges of your mouth only but not an Applebee's by any means. Classy, comfortable and homey.

When we entered the cozy restaurant (probably seats no more than 20 at a time unless there were more rooms I didn't see) a bit earlier than our reservation (recommended), we were seated right away. We didn't notice a coat rack and the person seating us offered to hang our coats instead of pointing us to the rack.

When ordering a rare, the follow up question was asked, do you want center warm or cold? A good sign.

Finally, we looked at the desert menu but the Tira misu was gone so we opted for a cordial and Irish Coffee instead. What we did not know is that our server (Danielle) overheard my other half wishing me a happy birthday (part of her gift to me) and took it upon herself to bring out a plate with some New York Cheesecake with raspberry words spelling out Happy Birthday with two candles for us to share.

First time diners, didn't order the most expensive thing on the menu and we don't know anyone on the staff. They just know how to create a dining experience with good food and great service. Wish more places were...

My family made a plan to come here based on reviews and the menu, and they did not disappoint. We each had a cocktail, all of which were balanced and delicious (Clover Club, BK Sunset, and a Negroni).

My daughter loved her French onion soup, we all agreed that the broth was comforting and complex; lots of melty cheese, of course. My wife and I had the roasted beet salad for two with walnuts, bleu cheese crumbles, and raspberry vinaigrette - because you have to add SOMETHING reasonably healthy, right? It delivered.

My daughter's filet was cooked to perfection and my wife's lobster ravioli was clearly made with love and artistry, striped with a blend of squid ink pasta. Almost too beautiful to eat. They were packed with lobster filling and enhanced with a rich lobster cream sauce. At the suggestion of the waiter, Christian, I tried the Berkshire pork chop and didn't regret it for a minute. It was thick-cut, coated and seared, juicy, and tender. A major hit for meat lovers!

We were full, so we split the Tartuffo, which is essentially an ice cream sundae frozen as a ball and covered in a hardened, chocolate shell. The components were simple, but the art was in the layered chocolate and vanilla ice cream with a cherry in the center, then getting the shell just right. Another success. I wish we had room for their other desserts! Will just have to go back.

Important insights regarding the experience: The service was excellent, not just from Christian, but from the other staff as well. The bathrooms were very clean, and that reflects well on their standards. The look could use and update, but it is very well-maintained and we enjoyed the celebrity photos that adorned the walls. I want to add that the look was part of the charm, so they are true to their restaurant roots.

Highly recommended and...

VERY disappointed. My girlfriend and I were the first patrons at this restaurant on a Saturday morning. When we sat down a few more couples came in and sat down as well. We ordered the special for the day which was a burrata with heirloom tomatoes and it was good. For the entree we decided to split the 40 oz porterhouse since that is what most people try here (based on reviews). We ordered it Medium rare as per recommendation from the server.

When we got the steak it was so raw and chewy I was shocked. How can a $95 steak be cooked so poorly? It was COLD in the middle and it was so chewy I thought I would get TMJ from the amount of chewing I did. I asked the server to please have the chef cook it some more. When they brought it back IT WAS STILL RARE!!!!!! And then the server started giving me dirty looks and laughing with her coworker. I came to a steakhouse that servers over priced steaks. I EXPECT them to be flawless!!!!!

I'm really a non confrontational person so I just wanted to get the hell out of there. I asked for the steak to be doggy bagged and we left. And get this.... Right before we leave a couple that came in AFTER us, LEFT before us after they complained that their steaks were chewy and dry. We were not the only ones disappointed that day. The service could have been better as well, if you are a server and you can see your patrons are clearly dissatisfied with the meal.. SAY SOMETHING! Correct the problem and don't bring back the SAME problem!!

Folks, if you want a real quality dry-aged steak with REAL NYC service. I strongly suggest Wolfgangs!!!! They will come to you and FINISH the steak off right on the ceramic plate it comes in so it's nice and hot.

I will NEVER come...