Other than typical mom-and-pop type restaurants that offer choice cuts of beef on select nights, it’s always a treat to find a steakhouse in the suburbs that delivers an elevated dining experience every night of the week.
Smith & Wollensky does just that.
Smith & Wollensky first made a name for itself when it debuted in New York in 1977. Since then, the brand has grown into one of the most well-known and beloved steakhouses with 10 locations worldwide.
Their newest location in Burlington, Mass. opened in June and offers two levels of dining space. This is their third Massachusetts restaurant with the other two located in Boston’s Atlantic Wharf and Wellesley’s Church Square.
The interior at the new Burlington location has the same familiar feel as its siblings. Their signature green and white tiling is prevalent along with shiny brass fixtures and rich woods, offering a modern take on a classic steakhouse. Smith & Wollensky is the only national steakhouse brand that dry ages and hand carves all its steaks in house.
Whether you opt for an intimate dinner inside or prefer to head outdoors for alfresco dining, there are plenty of spaces to dine. We visited the new Burlington location recently and were seated indoors at a cozy half-moon shaped booth on the main level. A large horseshoe-shaped bar is the focal point of the first floor while the second-floor space dazzles with its indoor/outdoor bar.
Our friendly server greeted us and presented us with some rolls and butter to get us started before taking our cocktail order. We opted for a perfectly poured martini and one of their signature cocktails – the Smoked Pineapple, a delicious concoction of Bribon Blanco Tequila, Peloton Mezcal, Licor 43, lime juice and pineapple juice.
Moving right along, we sampled some fresh local oysters from Plymouth and five jumbo, and we do mean enormous, shrimp cocktail served with a spicy horseradish cocktail sauce.
Since you are at a steakhouse, be sure to try the roast beef popover topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms, melted cheddar, and a delicious brandy peppercorn sauce. For main events, the coffee-crusted filet mignon was a standout. Other classic cuts include a veal chop; Cajun marinated, USDA Prime dry-aged, bone-in ribeye; Wagyu New York strip; and a 42-ounce dry-aged porterhouse for two.
We were encouraged to try their decadent curated Caviar & Bubbles offering. The full-service conventional offer featured Royal Siberian Sturgeon complemented with egg white and yolk, crispy capers, shallots, parsley, crème fraiche and blinis. Pair it up with a glass of champagne or a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal for the ultimate indulgence and you will have an unforgettable dining experience.
Since you are at a steakhouse, be sure to try the roast beef popover topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms, melted cheddar, and a delicious brandy peppercorn sauce. For main events, the coffee-crusted filet mignon was a standout. Other classic cuts include a veal chop; Cajun marinated, USDA Prime dry-aged, bone-in ribeye; Wagyu New York strip; and a 42-ounce dry-aged porterhouse for two.
Steaks here can be “enhanced” with everything from béarnaise and hollandaise sauces to a lobster tail and roasted bone marrow. The menu is offered a la carte, so be sure to complement your dinner with a side of sautéed mushrooms (our favorite), creamed spinach, truffled mac and cheese, creamy corn Manchego, or their famous Hasselback potatoes with sour cream, crispy prosciutto, and gremolata.
Finish it all off with an unforgettable sampling of their “gigantic” chocolate cake.
Ten layers are “brushed” with Bailey’s Irish Cream then layered with chocolate mousse and topped off with a rich ganache. Trust us when we say it’s worth every overindulgent calorie.
Smith & Wollensky is located at 92 Middlesex Turnpike in Burlington, Mass.
