Apologies it's been awhile, but I've been having a few Internet issues the past week or so. But without further ado...welcome back.
So your fabulous Fiend was recently in the Big Apple over the Memorial Day weekend, and of course couldn’t help but let his irresistible crave take control.
Staying in midtown – actually the place that rhymes with schmimes schmare – I wanted to get the hell out of Dodge but also didn’t want to take a cab or deal with the subway to any of the other boroughs. It was a humid, overcast day that included threats of thunderstorms…and basically the Fiend was feeling a little lazy.
So I consulted the net and found a few leads thanks to some various messages boards, and set foot a few blocks southeast to a little steakhouse that had a few rave reviews.
And I couldn’t have stumbled upon much more of a treat.
Like most restaurants in NYC beyond what you typically find in Schmimes Schmare, every little joint has a bit of history and character that very few cities can compete against. And for mastication reasons alone, that’s what makes NYC so special.
So I stumbled into Keen’s Steakhouse, an inconspicuous dive two doors down from the corner of 6th and 31st, basically towards the southern end of midtown. From the outside you had a choice of awnings to enter underneath: Restaurant or Pub.
The Fiend, naturally, chose the pub.
Inside the pub was exactly what you would expect from a New Yawk steakhouse: dark, rectangular, wooden, baseball, loud patrons, spotty service, “how’s it going, boss?” barkeep greetings, oil paintings crusted with smoke from generations past, and a wonderfully loaded bar of splendid whisky selections. The Fiend couldn't feel any more at home.
The “Hamburger” selection, as stated on the menu, was a delectable little pub staple: a handcrafted patty served with a splash of fresh cut fries on a plate. As per usual, I requested medium rare and with cheddar as a topper. Save the shrubbery. Not necessary with this Fiend.
The burger itself had a great charring to the meat and had a rather tasty seasoning, however it was slightly overcooked per my order. Nothing to fret though, because the ambiance was outstanding, which always adds a little extra to the taste no matter which way you shake it.
And the rye-based whisky (Basil Hayden) and ginger concoction in hand probably helped a bit as well.
So the next time you’re in the Schmimes Schmare area, and the Fiend knows you unavoidably will be soon, take a break from the action and perhaps give ol’ Keen’s a whirl. Mama Keen couldn't approve more.
Keen’s Steakhouse
72 W. 36th Street
(5th and 6th)
New York, NY 10018
212.947.3636
www.keens.com
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