Day 336—Saturday, December 11th, 2010
Donohue's Steak House
Live from New York, it’s Cheeseburger Saturday Night, starring Donohue’s Steak House! Featuring the ready for prime beef player, Marty Wombacher. And special guest stars, direct from Grade “A” Fancy, Karen McBurnie and Jon Hammer. And now, ladies and gentlemen...Donohue’s Steak House!
Through the magic of the internet you're spared a subway ride that included screaming teenagers, a lone panhandler and a bald man that kind of looked like a semi-retarded Telly Savalas, longing for a lollipop. Who loves ya, baby?
And zoom...here we are, Donohue's Steak House.
Some people have just left and only the empties remain, pleading the fifth.
Bartender Gerry, clad in your standard bartender-wear consisting of, white shirt, tie and rolled up sleeves serves up the first beer.
Cheers and beers and Norman Lears.
A full shot of the no-frills, old school bar.
I love the vintage cash register.
Bill and Jean were in the city from Queens. We had a nice conversation ranging from The Beatles to bars in New York City to my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Bill asked if I turned out the lights when I left and I confessed I forgot to. That bill must be huge by now!
Sturdy wooden fans spin overhead and keep the air moving.
A shot towards the front of the bar with a window that overlooks Lexington Avenue.
Which is exactly where Deborah and Rita were seated, enjoying a drink.
A long shot from the other end of the bar.
Sneezin's greetings!
Ed and Claire were in town from Jersey and stopped by to have dinner before their trip home. Ed donated to the 365 cause by buying me a beer. Thanks Ed!
I was meeting Karen McBurnie and Jon Hammer who create the fine online publication, Grade "A" Fancy among other things. It was their decision to meet at Donohue's and I thank them for turning me on to this great old school place.
And poof! Here they are. We got a booth and toasted to the hollerday season.
Before dinner, these two elves descended upon us. I prayed that their names were Dancer and Prancer and that they were armed with gifts, but sadly they confessed that their names are Maureen and Brittany and they were empty-handed. What a gyp!
Cheeseburger!
And one last look out the window and we were gone like a cool breeze. Goodnight, everybody!
Review
Donohue’s Steak House is one of those places. A dark wooden joint, that time hasn’t flicked its sometimes ugly and boney-knuckled finger at and if you’re under 60 years-old, you’ll feel young in here. Do you know what I mean? If not, then don’t bother going. If you do, then bring a story to tell at the bar. It’s a social place. it’s one of those places. If you know what I mean.
Further reading: Jon Hammer, EV Grieve, NY Eater.
Donohue's Steak House
845 Lexington Ave (Between 64th and 65th St.)
212-744-0938
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Bonus Holiday Art by "Boris."
