Sammy's Roumanian Steak House
Contact Info:
Address: 157 Chrystie St
City: New York, NY
Zip: 10002
map: View the Map
Phone: (212) 673-0330
Food Info:
Menu: View the Menu
Cuisine:
Steakhouses
2nd Cuisine:
Romanian
Cititour Review:
There are restaurants where the food is the main event. And then there are places where the atmosphere steals the show. Sammy's Roumanian Steak House offers a bit of both. Just entering the place is an experience. I kinda felt like I was a kid again, back in my aunt's basement for a family party. On one side of the room was a bachelor party, on the other a bar mitzvah. Balloons were everywhere, the vodka was flowing as a singer belted out hits from the 1970's. Even the walls are filled with memories. Photos offering visions of parties past, politicians and lots of hugs and kisses.
Sammy's is a place where business cards are left in creases in the ceiling. Where the beer of choice is Rheingold. And where you'll immediately feel at home. Then there's the food. The first thing put before you is a plate of crisp kosher dill pickles and pickled roasted peppers, that if you're not careful, can become a meal in themselves. It was enough to make us pass up on the the appetizers, which include chopped liver, Kishka, and Karnatzlack, a Romanian grilled sausage that comes with a warning, "for garlic eaters only."
But most people come for the steaks, which are huge. A medium tenderloin ($29) arrives grilled to perfection, coated with garlic and practically falling off the plate. The meat is tender and tasty. A side of latkas (potato pancakes) arrive with apple sauce for dipping ($8). I must admit, after polishing it off there was simply no more room left dessert, although I did manage to squeeze one small piece of warm kugel. I also picked up some Yiddish. Oi Vay!
Review By: Sam Sayegh