Maestri’s Prime Italian Steakhouse — Restaurant in Town of Saugerties

We enjoyed a very nice meal at Maestri’s last night. When we arrived around 6:30 on a Tuesday we were shocked to see that the place was absolutely packed. All the same, we managed to snag a table for two without reservations.

Dinner came with a bread basket that included both focaccia and a boule style bread, all drizzled in garlic oil. Additionally they brought out a plate with a few slices of mortadella and salami along with the bread, which was a really nice touch, and unexpected. I’m not sure if this is standard or something they were doing to keep diners satiated while waiting for food on a busy night, but regardless it was a classy move and good hospitality. (I hope it’s standard, btw!)

We came largely for the Tuesday $1 raw bar oyster and clam special and unfortunately they were out of oysters when we arrived, so we got clams instead and were very happy with them. These days most places serve tiny littleneck clams on the half shell, but Maestri’s offers nice plump middleneck clams, which I was very happy to see. The raw bar was understandably overwhelmed, so we weren’t surprised or upset that it took a while to get the clams (especially for the price) but I will note that the shucking was a little sloppy. About half of them weren’t separated on the bottom shell and we got more than a few shell fragments hidden in the meat. Again, they just opened, were packed and I’m assuming these kinks will be worked out.

We also had the calamari, which was excellent. It’s prepared simply (the way it should be) and the execution was perfect. Very light breading, crisp and not oily, and super tender. I’m not keen on the current hot honey fad, but it worked very well in their application alongside pickled banana peppers. I can’t wait to get this again.

The arugula, pear, and gorgonzola salad was the weakest dish we had. It was dressed in a garlic oil, and personally I think the garlic distracted from the other flavors, and I couldn’t taste any of the barolo vinegar that was supposed to be in the vinaigrette. It really needed a little acidity to make the flavors pop. Again, hopefully just a small oversight.

The chicken caprese was very good, but if I’m being honest I think it’s silly to not just call it chicken parmigiana. The portion was large, presentation very nice, but a little weird to serve it with mashed potatoes.

We’re happy and excited to have Maestri’s in town and look forward to many return visits. We were expecting some opening week hiccups and we weren’t wrong, but throughout it all the staff handled it all with grace and hospitality, which I think shows the real underpinnings of...

From the moment I made our reservation I knew this would be a pleasant experience. It went beyond our expectations! The staff and food are phenomenal. We were greeted and sat immediately. Within moments water, fresh bread and complimentary prosciutto was brought out. Our waitress Heather was fantastic. She gave the specials, took our drink order promptly, which was a delicious spicy mescalita and ice cold Peroni. Then onto our food order. We chose 2 apps to start, lollipop lamb chops, they were perfectly cooked, so tender with a terrific sauce. Also clams casino, everything you would want them to be, so tasty. Onto our entree order, we chose the 45 ounce Tomahawk special, it did not disappoint! Perfectly med/rare, presentation was spectacular, on a large cutting board presliced with mashed potatoes, fresh snappy green beans and fried onions on top. It was truly a special meal, we can't stop talking about it and sharing our recommendation! There are so many other items we want to try, run dont walk to the newest addition on the...

Well; my cousin and I had the pleasure of eating here last Friday night. We sat at the bar as there were no tables available. We did not have reservations. Bar tenders were chatty and fun to talk too. I had asked who were the owners as we eat in all the local restaurants and usual a local person opens a few restaurants. They said the owners started the 5th Avenue steak house. We looked at each other and said this is going to be bad. I had gone to the 5th Avenue steak house with the entire family and was very disappointed. A $70 steak was less than 1/2” thick. Never went back. Anyway the appetizers were really good and we ordered the lamb chops. Let me tell you they were the best lamb chops I have ever eaten. 6 lamb chops thick ones too. Only ate 3. Took home the rest. Great experience and will definitely be...