My son lives in Las Vegas, so we often travel there to visit him. We love dining out in Vegas, in restaurants on and off the strip. Usually we can get reservations, but there’s one restaurant where we’ve continually failed to book – The Golden Steer. Founded in 1958, this steakhouse, a stand-alone located far from the glitzy hotels, was a favorite of the Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra, of course, along with Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. And while that legendary clientele is one reason diners, both local and tourists, flock to the restaurant, they also come for the food. Steak lovers rave about The Golden Steer’s steaks, as well as some of its side dishes, including a Caesar salad prepared table side.
Our last visit to Vegas was in June 2025, and, once again, we tried to book in advance but still couldn’t get into the restaurant. How ironic, then, that our first visit to The Golden Steer happened here in New York City, at its recently opened location at One Fifth in Greenwich Village. We managed to get a reservation for a Saturday night, although the snow and cold weather might have kept other people at home.
Since we’ve never been to the Vegas Steer, we can’t compare the ambiance, decor, service, or food to what we might have enjoyed farther west. But we can say that the Vegas vibe seems to have been recreated for us New Yorkers, with black leather booths, deep red furnishings, golden light fixtures and servers wearing black tuxedos and the signature pins showing playing cards. Artwork includes silver spurs, a cowboy statue, and longhorns hung over entryways. And Ol’ Blue Eyes can be hear crooning over the piped in music.
Several of the staff told us they had relocated from Vegas to work in the New York restaurant. The last time I checked, the weather in Vegas was sunny, with temperatures in the 60s, so I had to feel some sympathy for these workers, enduring one of the worst cold spells we’ve had in decades.
We arrived a few minutes early for our reservation, so after we checked our coats, the receptionist suggested we wait at the bar. Located on the left after the check in station, the bar room has several leather booths as well as the traditional seating. We were told that on evenings when we don’t have a reservation, we may be able to snag a table in the bar where the menu is the same as in the dining room.
Since the bar was full, there was no room to sit and order a drink. We decided to wait and people watch. For an upscale restaurant, the clientele this evening was decidedly downscale. The weather might have been a factor, but it made me sad that diners no longer feel it necessary to get dressed up for an expensive night out at an upscale venue. Made me long for Sinatra’s in Vegas or the Prime Rib in Washington, DC, two restaurants that have dress codes.
The long dining area leading into the main room houses circular booths that can fit a half dozen people. Since we booked a table for two, we were shown into the large dining room with many smaller tables. I could see another dining area in the back which had more subdued furnishings with many photos on the walls. This evening, although the area remained empty, staff could be seen showing the room to other guests. Since that more private area could be used for special events, those tours will probably pay off in the future. On regular evenings, when word about The Golden Steer gets out, that space might be used to hold additional guests.
Service during the evening was impeccable. As soon as a water glass was half full, someone appeared to fill it. We didn’t wait long for our appetizers or entrees.
While we enjoyed our drinks (a martini for my husband, Champagne for me) we took time to study the menu. For appetizers, he ordered a half dozen oysters (Wellfleets from New England), while I chose the Caesar salad. For a solo order, the Caesar salad would not be prepared table side, so I missed that preparation. Did the salad itself live up to the hype? It was tasty, but while I could taste anchovies in the dressing, I prefer actually seeing an anchovy or two among the greens. I could have also done with fewer croutons.
For main courses, my husband ordered the shorthorn, a 16 oz. regular New York cut. My husband asked about the pre-seasoning, and as a result, it arrived under seasoned. This dish did not stand out. The steak was on the thin side, not what one likes to enjoy when at a New York steakhouse.
I ordered the petite filet mignon, 8 oz. with peppercorn sauce. It was tender, cooked to perfection, and the sauce added just the right amount of spice. Excellent.
Our side dish was another Golden Steer favorite, the twice baked potato. Served in its skin, the potato was creamy and flavorful. For me, it complemented the spice from the peppercorn sauce.
Having seen flaming desserts being prepared table side for other diners, we decided on Cherries Jubilee, a classic preparation flambéed with cherry liquor and served over housemade vanilla ice cream. The presentation didn’t disappoint, with flames creating the expected spectacle.
All through the evening, we were visited by members of the staff, including the manager, making sure we were enjoying the meal.
We love steakhouses and there are many in New York – Gallagher’s, Keen’s, Club A, Capital Grill (with several locations), Wolfgang’s, Hawksmoor, Sparks, Delmonico’s, Mastro’s, Smith & Willensky, Del Frisco’s, and Peter Luger, to name a few. But we can always use another one, and The Golden Steer is a nice addition to the list and may profit from its location.
Photos by Woman Around Town
The Golden Steer
One Fifth Avenue
