Decor/Ambience: Rothmann’s has a steakhouse feel with a “clubbier” atmosphere. There are seats at and around the bar area and a more comfortable formal setting in the back. Small parties can be accommodated in a rear room with doors closing it off for privacy. Larger parties are accommodated in a lower-level dining room with its own bar. 18/20

Service: The key to the success of any restaurant is to make your patrons feel welcome and at home. General Manager Pat Felitti and his staff are friendly and attentive. Servers cater to your needs, but also maintain a friendly demeanor and good sense of humor. I have always felt welcome at Rothmann’s. 19/20

Menu and Quality: The menu looks enormous, but you’ll notice three of the four pages are devoted to Rothmann’s extensive wine cellar. Order a bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (1998) for $1,000 or a more modest Silverado (1999) for $65. Menu items range from New York sirloin steak to grilled tuna and Maine lobster. We opted for the five-course Chef’s Special and were heartily rewarded. We started with a dual appetizer of crab cakes and spinach salad with grilled pears and Gorgonzola. Both were delicious. We moved on to filet mignon tartar. The beef was perfectly tender and the sauce was such a wonderful accompaniment that we each enjoyed a second serving. Next up-grilled bass with Yukon potatoes and mesculin greens complemented by dry-aged filet mignon on the bone. The fish was moist and tasty, while the beef was grilled to a perfect medium rare, then sliced and served at the table. We finished with homemade cheesecake, ice cream and triple chocolate cake layered with genache and butter cream. 36/40

Value for Dollar: In the realm of New York steakhouses, Rothmann’s prices seem to be right in line with the others. But instead of a gruff, “have a seat and a steak” welcome, guests are treated to an elegant but friendly atmosphere.17/20

Last Word: Rothmann’s is the perfect place to close a deal or show clients how much you appreciate their business.

Total Score: 90/100

Rothmann’s Steakhouse & Grill
3 E. 54th St.
New York, NY 10022
tel 212 319 5500
fax 212 319 5540
www.rothmannssteakhouse.com