When it comes to the concept of what a steakhouse truly should be, images of a clubby interior bedecked with black-and-white photographs lining the walls, sumptuous seating, and serious servers wheeling carts of beautifully presented food to hungry diners might quickly come to mind.
In other words, a throwback to an earlier era when the focus was simply on delivering an exceptional experience.
That’s just what Gallaghers Steakhouse has been doing since it first made a name for itself in New York nearly a century ago.
When the former Prohibition-style speakeasy-turned-chophouse opened its original location in Manhattan, it quickly attracted the attention of Broadway stars, sports figures, and gamblers.
Now, with a second location to its credit in Boca Raton, the brand’s expansion last summer to south Florida has made waves in the steakhouse scene – and for good reason.
There is plenty of seating at the horseshoe-style bar with its comfortable leather chairs, or you can request a table for a more intimate setting in the white tableclothed main dining room. A stunning nearby showstopper (and conversation piece) is the glass-enclosed meat locker that showcases a room filled with USDA Prime cuts slowly dry-aging in-house.
What sets Gallaghers apart from other steakhouses is its service.
Each server (and there are many per table) knows what it takes to deliver an impeccable experience. One ensures water glasses are kept full; another presents a basket of fresh bread sweet date nut bread, while yet another familiarizes guests with the menu and presents the day’s specials that may include everything from a Tomahawk for two to a full Maine lobster dinner.
Offering a nod to its New York roots, expect to find Manhattan clam chowder, a Prohibition staple dubbed “The Other Soup,” and a 52nd Street salad on the menu here. Other appetizers include house-smoked bacon, red snapper crudo, steak tartare, beef carpaccio, and burrata with coal-fired peppers.
Four jumbo shrimp cocktails arrive with a generous portion of fresh horseradish, tangy cocktail sauce, and Tabasco for an extra spicy kick.
Savory shrimp and lobster dumplings are accompanied by a tasty soy ginger dipping sauce.
When delivering both starters, our server presented us each with both a chilled plate and room temperature plate to complement our dining experience.
Perfectly prepared steaks here are grilled over hickory logs for added flavor and can be enhanced with a variety of toppings and rubs, including their signature pepper crust with Maker’s Mark au poivre.
Standouts include the exceptionally flavorful bone-in New York sirloin served sliced, and the melt-in-your-mouth, uber-tender, 14-ounce filet mignon. Be sure to pair it up with a bottle of wine (we recommend Mount Veeder Cabernet) from their impressive wine collection.
Seafood, steaks and chops are served a la carte, so be sure to try one of their sides like simply prepared fresh broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sauteed mushrooms. Side dishes are designed for sharing and large enough to accommodate two to three diners.
When in Florida, it’s hard not to resist a sampling of key lime pie, but top marks here go to the mile-high chocolate layer cake. If you want to stick with tradition, try a classic slice of New York cheesecake.
Gallaghers Steakhouse is located at 2006 NW Executive Center Circle in Boca Raton.
