NYC Restaurants

Del Frisco Grille is a nice alternative when visiting Rockefeller Center.  The restaurant offers dining inside as well as al fresco (weather permitting).  Inside, the space is dark and sexy while being a bit more casual than the Del Frisco steakhouse.  Dark leather banquettes and over-sized lamps providing some warmth to the space, while the bar offers a perfect spot for a cocktail.

We arrived at an odd time, somewhere between lunch and dinner and were seated quickly.   The menu offers a lot more than just steak.  Here you will find jumbo lump crab cakes in a cajun lobster sauce ($19) along with ahi tuna tartare tacos served with avocado and a spicy citrus mayo ($16).  We opted for the lollipop chicken wings which arrived in a cute little bucket ($15).  The buffalo-style wings have just the right amount of spice and are served with a tasty avocado ranch dressing.  We also enjoyed the Shanghai fried calamari (16); crispy rings of squid topped with green onions, cilantro and chopped peanuts in a sweet and spicy sauce.

Appetizers also include flatbreads fresh from a brick oven with toppings like white clam, proscuitto di parma and pulled roasted chicken.  Salads range from a traditional iceberg wedge with blue cheese dressing to another topped with prime strip steak and deviled egg. 

For our main course we tried some of the two-fisted sandwiches.  The pastrami & swiss reuben ($18) could easily compete with ones found at New York's most famous delis.  It's served with a side of crispy frites and a pickle.  The shaved prime steak sandwich ($19) with an au jus dipping sauce, was good, although a bit overdone for my liking.

Speaking of steak, there is plenty to go around, although you should be prepared to pay up.  Filet mignon starts at $37 for an 8 oz cut; $44 for a 12 oz version.    A New York strip is $39, while a prime ribeye goes for $42.  Toppings are extra. 

We were also quite impressed with the service at Del Frisco's Grille, from the helpful wait staff to the  floor manager, who made it a point to see if we were enjoying our meal.