Guest Post from Upper West Sider
The Prime Grill has maintained its renowned name as the premier Kosher steakhouse in NYC for a number of years. Now, with the “Prime Hospitality Group’s” expansion – Prime KO, Solo, upcoming Prime Butcher, etc. – it’s clear that they have the right idea. With its Plaza District location, conveniently situated down the block from Saks Fifth Avenue, it’s literally at the epicenter of one of the most financially concentrated 2-mile circumferences in the world.
I always have a difficult time justifying going to Prime Grill. At $150 a head, at least, $45 to park my car and to still barely hear what the person next to me is saying, it’s not a top NYC restaurant choice for me. But, at 6PM on a summer Sunday, it provided a different experience.
I was pretty shocked when the menu were placed in front of me. Prime Grill still had those SAME light blue menus that they’ve had for YEARS? Oh, and they’re binding is reinforced with gray masking tape. Seriously? I’m sorry, but masking tape and the price tags that are listed inside is just an oxymoron.
As always, the BBQ Duck Spring Rolls and Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna appetizers are unmatchable throughout the island. The bread they serve on the table is good, but nothing to write home about. Although, all bread tastes better with a glass of wine and some olive oil.
For the main, I decided to splurge and go for the famed New York Rib at $82, which supposedly is “dry aged for 60 days.” The steak was definitely tasty and the warm steak sauce on the side was excellent, but it was not much better than a top of the line steak at any other greater NY area Kosher eatery.
Deserts were fantastic. Tiramisu was something to rave about and you never go wrong with warm apple cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Service was excellent, but the person I was with goes to Prime Grill 3 times in a bad week, so my service gauge was biased.
All in all, Prime Grill is an excellent steakhouse (the “Kritic” may disagree, but they’ll chime in on their very special experience – hopefully – at a later point). You need to know what times you can go so it’s not too packed and be prepared to refinance your home. There are definitely comparable steakhouses that are a fraction of the cost and more convenient as it relates to parking and availability, but only Prime Grill has that “name brand” effect that many people are after.
Oh, and Prime Grill – get new menus, please!
I have not been to Prime Roach Grill in over 4 years. I paid for the private room, ordered a very expensive meal - but i did NOT order the roach that dropped on our table. Instead of running for hills and making a scene, we were polite. We asked to see the manager, it was close to 10pm. He was on an "important call" and could not help us. He sent the bus boy who then said he has these all the time at his house and smashed and killed the roach on OUR TABLE. This was not only disgusting, but the manager would not give us the time of day. I stopped going and gave all our business to other establishments, amounting to thousands of dollars.
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