There are many things I love about NY and not.
Let’s be clear, things have changed the restaurant scene, especially Covid.
Too many restaurants have left the city, closed, and just couldn’t recover.
It is tough enough without any pandemic to survive in NYC.
When you still see a favorite in a once thriving neighborhood you must ask…what are they doing that the others are not.
I lived on the UES for years before moving to the sensible Astoria.
One of my favorite blocks is 58th Street between 2nd and 3rd.
I met my boyfriend on that street. Not literally but at the local Pub Blooms.
Once upon a time, this street was THE restaurant row before the west side claimed that title.
Club A Steakhouse Survived When Others Could Not
Club A was amongst some of the best Restaurants on the block including Lidia Bastianich and her flagship restaurant Felidia closing after 4 decades.
Club A survived when others could not.
How did they do it?
They are known for being one of the best Steakhouse’s in Manhattan, which is not easy to do.
Comparable to Gallaghers or Keens what makes these places great is the experience you have.
A beautiful space and classic décor. Walls of photos with some famous faces and some family.
The biggest takeaway is everyone’s family.
Or at least become family after dining once.
Welcoming smiles and that extra comfort that you are home.
The location is a 3-floor townhouse. The main dining is just a few steps down from the entrance and intimate bar. Additional 2 rooms are upstairs, one overlooking the tree-lined 58th, Private rooms are available.
But wait there’s more.
A wine cellar downstairs for private dining.
We sat at the best corner table with a full view of the entire first floor.
This was a Tuesday…as we noticed the entire place filling up. Upstairs too.
A Tuesday on the UES.
How do they do it?
Many of their customers are regulars and neighbors. Some nearby office workers. Tourists looking to escape the Times Square chaos and enjoy the NY experience the way the locals do.
Being a long-time local I love being a tourist in my own town.
Club A should be on everyone’s local/tourist list.
Family Business, and Crazy
Established 2008.
Bruno Selimaj came to America at 18 yrs old from a small village in Albania.
Starting from the ground up and working his way through every position, he developed a profound passion for the restaurant industry. Determined to “live the American dream,” he eventually realized his vision by opening Bruno Ristorante.
In 2007, Bruno closed his popular restaurant after 30 years and created a modern American Steakhouse in the same location. His vision established Bruno as one of New York’s legendary restaurateurs.
Club A Steakhouse was born in April 2008. Naming Club “A” after his three sons Arben, Agron, and Alban. All who work at the restaurant and carry on this great history with the values of Family Hospitality and excellence in food service.
Great food, amazing hospitality, and a family that makes everyone that walks in feel at home.
Agron visited with us and shared the rich history of his family.
There are 2 things why anyone works in the restaurant business.
- Family business
- They’re Crazy
At Club A they are both.
The combination makes for a very special place.
Our Tasting
Agron proudly suggested our tasting…which I love.
Thick Cut Bacon
Extra Thick, Applewood smoked, club A steak sauce.
Caesar Salad – anchovy & parmesan
Prime Porterhouse for 2. This is available for 3 or 4 as well.
Whipped Potato Puree
Creamed Spinach & Nutmeg
Mac & Cheese House Blend & Breadcrumbs.
Everything you can imagine for one of the best Steak dinners you can imagine.
Agron mentioned how difficult it was during the pandemic to keep the doors open.
Regulars who live nearby were not coming in as much. With outdoor seating, it became limiting.
The nearby offices were if not completely empty, and very few office workers were still in the neighborhood. If they were, they would leave the city as quickly as possible.
Steak dinners are not the most conducive for delivery.
I must disagree to an extent.
This feast was abundant and just, if not even better the next day.
Reviving our delighted culinary experience all over again.
About the food
The Bacon was thick, crisp, and flavorful. It’s’ bacon!! Say Yes always to bacon.
Then the Porterhouse was dropped at our table to a dramatic sizzle, cut, and served individually. A beautiful cut of meat to satisfy any meat lover.
I am a creamed spinach lover and admittedly can never create it as perfect as the finest Steak houses. Although I will try.
This was perhaps my top favorite creamed spinach ever.
To Conclude…
When I lived on the west coast, we would go to Las Vegas often and decades later still talk about the mashed potatoes at The Hilton International. I don’t think they exist any longer yet every mashed potato I have ever had since is compared to that dish.
This is the winner and put in my treasured food memory vault for as long as potatoes exist.
To me it is all about Hospitality…serving people to make them feel special.
This is How Club A flourishes and survived all these years.
I observed Agron and Bruno work the room.
Charming and warm with every diner.
The staff was professional and attentive.
The food is exceptional and worth the travel to one of the most beautiful streets on the UES.
The outstanding hospitality and history of Club A are enough to return to 58th Street.
Want to read more of our latest posts? Check out our tips about what to do when you have meal prep fatigue.
Living and loving in NYC, food has been a passion of hers. East Coast to West, Faith’s goal is to explore and learn with the contribution of other like-minded foodies. Faith Rein has written for 2Girlsfromabar@blogspot.com. Youtube channel – faith.rein, love food love faith. You can find her @: Faith.rein/facebook (always looking to add friends) / faith rein@twitter / faith.rein@instagram / faith.rein@gmail.com
