I think it's important for me to state that this place is not for people who are looking for a great ambiance or service (although I've never had a problem, but people have big issues with it). I've been eating there for the past 20 years and my father was a regular since 1970. This steak is definitely rustic and RARE. DO NOT go in there expecting a medium, cause they will give it to you rare and cook it on the hot plate itself to make it so. I say this as someone who has eaten steak on 6 continents from kobe to a fresh slaughter in brazil, and RARE is the only way to enjoy the taste of the meat. The waiters are an interesting bunch, some have been there for decades and some are newbies, but all of them have a heavy eastern european accent. It's important to remember that these guys have a short attention span and an old man attitude, they can either be dismissive or as warm as a grandfather depending on you. If it looks like a busy day, and it usually is, they're going to be running in every direction, but everytime I've been there they always stop at your table and provide you with what you need. Service is not their business steak is, they've survived more than a hundred years running things like they have. One qualm I have is that their delicious onion rolls have been replaced by a mediocre subsitute, after inquiring persistantly I found out that their usual baker has since retired and have a new baker, its something I will surely miss. I cannot emphasize this more, do not expect this renowned restaurant to treat you like a guest in their home, expect a big perfectly aged greasy slab of meat to share with everyone around the table, followed by a hot cup of coffee and unzipping your pants to make more room for dessert.\r
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*This is not a date place, do not bring a girl to impress her, unless she's already revealed she's crazy for red meat
Pros: steak (for steak enthusiasts), bacon, loud family place
Cons: steak (for the weak of heart), LOUD family place
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