I kept walking past Skirt Steak Restaurant at the Eventi Hotel in Chelsea and wasn’t sure my budget included a steak dinner in New York City on my weekend visit.   But something about the corner restaurant piqued my interest so I went online and it only added to the mystery – no reservations via OpenTable and no menu to peruse online. I decided to walk in at 6 pm on a Sunday and was able to get a table without a wait. The host laughed at me when I asked “what do you recommend?”, he said we only do one thing and I didn’t understand him, thinking he meant “only steak” but he really meant only one thing, American Wagyu Skirt Steak.  The paper table cover had a stamp in the corner with the menu (skirt steak, greens, and fries) for $28.  Could it be that simple?  I looked at the nearby table and they each had skirt steak, greens and fries with a bottle of wine so it seemed quite simple. The only add-ons “specials” were listed on the chalkboard – on my visit it was cauliflower (no thank you).

My server, newly arrived from Wisconsin was quite helpful and explained that the restaurant had recently opened (two weeks prior) and others like me were a bit skeptical.  She said my only decisions  were what to drink and temperature for the steak. It was refreshing not to be overloaded by choices. The wine and cocktail list was also short and to the point.

A bread basket (not noted on the table menu) with small bite sized pieces  of warm french bread arrived with a tube of French butter.  French butter was a nice luxury touch and definitely set my expectations high.

I skipped the greens (too healthy) and a server arrived with a bowl of fries to serve from.  He had tongs and gave me a generous portion of fries (he would return later to provide fresh, hot fries as they offered “unlimited fries”)

The steak arrived separately on its own (hot) plate. My medium temperature steak looked amazing and anyone who has ever tried to photograph their steak knows how difficult a picture can be.  The side of sauce had a good flavor, peppercorn-ish, but after one bite of the steak, I didn’t need to pour any sauce on top of the well-seasoned and tender steak.

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical about the price, the one menu item, the portion size, etc. and was pleasantly surprised at each step. (Upon returning home, I learned that Chef Laurent Tourondel was behind the concept so I shouldn’t have been hesitant)

During my dinner, I saw the dessert cart attempt to navigate the aisles (not easily) and blocking traffic along the way.  Every table appeared to order a dessert (or two) so I was curious to have the dessert cart visit me (who are we kidding? I have a sweet tooth and that dessert cart was already on my menu).  The server said desserts cost $9 and all are made in house.  I watched the large cart navigate the aisles to swerve around people before arriving at my table.  I stood up to get a better view of my options and wished I was dining with a friend (or ten) to order and try all the desserts.

Given that I had a train ride home, I opted to go with the lighter dessert – chocolate mousse with gingerbread pieces.  Second place was the chocolate, caramel, raspberry tart. Thinking back, I missed the opportunity to bring that tart home as takeaway.

The bill was $37 plus tax and I had to laugh as my breakfast (eggs, bacon, home fries, a croissant and juice) cost $30 and this was a much better experience. But that’s New York for you – so many great food options high and low with a few surprises along the way. You have to be willing to find the gems.

Skirt Steak was that gem on this NYC weekend trip. I had a wonderful meal and experience at a reasonable price.   It hit all my happy place points – French bread and butter, unlimited fries, skirt steak and homemade chocolate dessert.  Hopefully, you can experience Skirt Steak NYC on your next visit.

Note: Walk in only so if you can’t get a table, order take-out and go back to your hotel room.  Prices were as of November 2021.