Profile

Bobby Van's serves some of the city's best steaks and lobsters to a loyal, local, and low-key clientele. While there are several other Manhattan steakhouses in the same quality range (not as good as Peter Luger, but better than most of the rest), few provide an overall experience as satisfying as Van's, thanks to the combination of choice cuts of meat and attentive service. If you're looking to upgrade from the endemic inconsistency of the Palm or Smith & Wollensky without giving up any masculinity points, this is the place. — Steven A. Shaw

Bobby Van's is named for the piano player who used to delight guests at the restaurant.