Monday, February 1st, 2010—Bar 22
Day 22—Sunday, January 31st—Keens Steakhouse Bar
Okay, it’s Sunday and time for the Sunday dinner bar blog. Tonight we’re going to a hash bar. And no, I’m not flying to Amsterdam. Last week I met a man at O’Reilley’s Off Fifth. His name is Viv (he’s the tenth photo down) and he told me he managed the Keens Steakhouse. I immediately flashed back to a time a couple years ago when I walked into their bar and found Prime Rib Hash on their pub menu. It was probably one of the best meals I’ve ever had in a bar. And I wondered why I never went back. Well tonight I’m going back and you can join me. Bring a big appetite because this thing is about the size of a spare tire. Let’s go!
Keens has a full restaurant, but we're going to the bar. Because I'm walking into 365 bars, not steakhouses.
It's old school Noo Yawk in here.
Greg the bartender serves up the first beer of the evening.
I salute him and happily accept the beverage.
The wooden walls are lined with vintage New York photos.
Pretzels!
The bar is well-stocked for all your boozing needs.
Chalk boards show different drinks and specials. They don't need no stinking neon in here!
And who shows up but Viv from the other night. He kindly asked that I don't put any stickers in the bathroom. I didn't have any with me, so the bathroom was safe.
I saw the light at Keens!
Nice tits!
Dinner time! David serves up the Prime Rib Hash!
It's served with an egg on top and it's delicious!
The egg is broken and that's no yolk. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. It's a true feast!
This guy was staring at me the whole time and I have to confess, it freaked me out a little.
Obligatory bathroom mirror shot! Goodnight everybody!
Review
Keens is an old school restaurant and bar. The place opened in 1885 and it is still going strong. The bar is a seperate annex from the restaurant and the dark wooden walls are decorated with glowing lamps and vintage black and white pictures of New York. It’s a quiet and laid back bar, perfect for a first date or a friendly place to sit, enjoy a drink and chat with the local regulars.
Along with the full bar there’s a selection of eleven bottled beers, a half a dozen varieties of draft beers and a large wine selection. You can sample free appetizers Monday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can order from the full restaurant menu in the bar and there’s also a pub menu to choose from. I highly recommend the Prime Rib Hash, one of the best bar chow-downs to be had in Manhattan.
Keens Steakhouse
72 W. 36th St. (off 6th Ave.)
212-947-3636
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Reader Comments (9)
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. That looks gooooooooooooood. The head is a little freaky, as is that naked lady lounging on a lion (even though she's prettier than the head). But I love old school joints and strongly believe that more waiters/bartenders should wear the long apron. There's just something about those things that makes the place seem extra special. Like a swing on the front porch. Or a keg in the bathroom.
OMG!! I really want the Prime Rib Hash!!
That hash looks fantastic! Cool place!
Hey, what happened to the Bikini Sunday place? That hash looks fucking great!
I was going to go, but I called the Doghouse and they said Bikini Sunday wouldn't happen till it gets warmer. When it does happen I will be there with camera in hand! That hash is one of the best things I've ever had! goes great with beer! Thanks for the comments everybody!
A painting of a naked chic above the bar...how delightfully 19th century! And you're right about that disembodied head...reminds me of some hundred year old unsolved murder cases..creepy as hell.
What a great place that looks like. I like it very much. Viv did not steer you wrong. Perfect!!
Yee-um! That place looks very fancy and fun! Good one Marty! Happy Sunday, a few days late!
cool place !!!!! I like the interior design !! Food looks fucking good Yum!
And it looks like the tits belong to Cleopatra (I'm not 100% sure but if I remember well, Cleopatra was always painted with a snake on her head... am I right?)