72 West 36th Street
New York, NY
212-947-3636
Monday-Friday: 11:45 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 5-10:30 p.m.
Sunday: 5-9 p.m.
Closed only at Christmas
keens.com
By Jane Feehan
Once a meeting place for the famous and the only survivor of
the Herald Square Theater District, Keens is one of those New York restaurants
that people flock to for its fin de siècle ambiance and traditional menu of quality steaks.
Theater district figure Albert Keen took ownership of
the restaurant in 1885 and turned the spot into a gathering place for actors, playwrights,
publishers and newspaper types. There’s lots of history here, including some
Abe Lincoln memorabilia and a large collection of churchwarden pipes –
those pipes that smokers would leave at a favorite restaurant for their return
visit because they were too fragile to haul around.
Keens took reservations for 800 this
Thanksgiving; it’s a popular place. Steaks reign but fish entrées win
accolades. Their bar draws lots of locals, including New York Times reporters with bylines - an interesting bunch. Keens’
pub menu offers less pretentious fare than the main dining rooms, including
sandwiches, burgers and salads. Friendly bartenders make the solitary diner feel
comfortable. Garage parking is directly across the street.
Tags: New York steak house, New York City restaurants, New York City dining, New York history, film research
