Ruddy & Dean American Steakhouse — Restaurant in New York

Let's just say prior reviews indicating poor service are entirely truthful. We arrived with a party of six, 5 minutes early for our reservation, and proceeded to wait, STANDING by the door, for 20 minutes before being seated. Within 15 minutes drink and food orders were taken, and drinks were on the table. Also on the table set for six was a single basket of breads that consisted of 2 rolls, 2 slices of Italian bread and a few bread sticks, all prepackaged supermarket grade fare. Ten minutes later, our appetizers arrived, and our water glasses were freshened. That was the LAST time we would see a server/waiter at our table until 45 minutes later when our entrees finally arrived. I would consider this unacceptable even if they were busy. However, there were 3 servers and a hostess with 12 active tables. When the entrees finally arrived, 2 of 4 steaks needed to be sent back due to having been cooked improperly. About this time second drink orders were taken, almost 1 hour after the first. As for the cuts themselves, they did not live up to what I expect from a "true NYC steakhouse." Maybe a tick above supermarket grade, and maybe an extra tick or two above national chains that charge half as much. On a good note, my wife said the creme brulee was very good. And the check was provided in a very prompt and quick manner. After filling out a comment card with the check, I proceeded to receive a text message at 2348 that night from someone at the restaurant thanking me for my honesty. They did not, however, identify who they were, and at almost midnight? All in all, I will not go back and will never recommend this...

You know when you just don't that warm, fuzzy feeling??? As if they didn't care that you choose to come into their establishment? That's a big turnoff for me since it usually translates into sub par service. And guess what, it certainly did. A lot of reviews for this place mention how friendly the owner is and how much he cares about the place. Well, we couldn't even get water refills (asked 2x). And you would think that sending back a $45 steak, twice, because it wasn't cooked correctly, and getting it removed from the bill would prompt the owner to say "Hey, sorry, let me buy you a drink"...NOPE! Especially, after making it very clear that we were first timers. I ordered fried calamari "underdone" and they got that right, the sauce was very good. My fiance's steak was ordered medium but came out medium rare at best, so we sent it back. When it came out again it appeared that it was just put under a warming light since it hadn't been cooked any further. My cut of rib eye was good, but completely lacking in flavor, completely "dry" on the outside, no salt, no melted butter on the plate. I was really looking forward to trying this place, based on the reviews, but they fell seriously short in my opinion. I was told the the kitchen was very busy due to a party being held upstairs, maybe they should close the restaurant next time if they...

Had such a great experience overall at this restaurant. We called ahead and they informed us there was no wait and just to call ahead when we arrive. We got there around 8:30 pm on a Sunday and we had the restaurant to ourselves. This is why I needed to write this review so badly to get more people in here! Our server's name is John and he's just so attentive, very professional, and great conversation with him. Don't expect high end décor, you are coming here for the food and the nice casual neighborhood vibe it gives off. The manager was also very nice and talked to us during the night, always making us feel like part of the family. The food was amazing! Fried calamari was fried just right, not soaked in oil and the batter was so light and airy, calamari super fresh. We also got the smoked bacon, it was a little on the tough side, but the taste was outstanding. Now for the steaks! I got the ribeye, medium rare, cooked and seasoned perfectly...emphasis on the perfectly and my boyfriend got the porterhouse, also cooked and sliced to order. Each steak comes with two sides, so this is an incredible deal. The au poivre sauce was so rich and creamy. I am so glad this place is nearby, we will be coming...