We have eaten at G&T on several occasions for both brunch and dinner. This review is for a recent brunch. The restaurant itself is very nice and old world-feeling. You definitely feel transported back to Olde NYC with the fabric wallpaper, booths and brass chandeliers. Service is always pretty good, but can be slower when they're busy. Always friendly and accommodating. I always get the biscuits and gravy for brunch and normally clear my plate. Husband enjoys the steak and eggs. We also love the She Crab soup. Cocktails are always made expertly and are refreshing. Dinner time is much the same, everything is very fresh (oysters shucked nearby at the bar), great steaks and sides. Overall, a wonderful addition to the neighborhood that we will of course visit again. read more

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INTERIOR/AMBIANCE: Traditional steakhouse vibe but better lit than some other places. Many tables available, restaurant overall more loud. SERVICE: Excellent. Our waiter took the time to explain his recommendations based on our party size and preferences. FOOD/DRINK: To start, we ordered the wedge salad (ok), as well as the Parker house rolls (very good). We ordered two mains between the four of us; we shared the beef Wellington for two (delectable-- meat was tender and flavorful, puff pastry was light and did not get moistened by the meat, and the red wine demi-glacé was the best we've tried so far (not too heavy on the red wine flavor)), while our companions shared the T-bone steak for two cooked perfectly to their preference. We did not have room for dessert sadly, but were very satisfied with our meal. OVERALL: Highly recommend. Delicious! read more

The entire staff, from bartender, to host to servers were all excellent. Drinks (martinis) were mixed perfectly. Salads were fresh & dressed perfectly. Trout was truly enjoyed by my husband albeit had some extra spice that he was not prepared for. The fried chicken was tender & crisp, however, the portion & size was inadequate. Small thigh, medium leg & a half of a wing...the half that has little meat. Why bother. For $35 I expected more. Rarely have I left a restaurant hungry after paying a fair price for my meal. Ambience was inviting & clientele seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere as well. read more

Gage & Tollner has been on my list of must-try's for forever. Booked a reservation for Valentines Day and as soon as you enter the restaurant the interior design transports you to a different time. Now onto the food; they had a prefix menu for V Day. I started with the fluke crudo which was a refreshing and delicate starter and then followed up with the lobster bisque which didn't have much lobster in it but was simple, tasty and not too heavy. The main star of the evening was the ribeye for two that my husband and I shared. It was the best steak I've had in a while. Super tender and well seasoned. The sides were okay. I was a little let down by the creamed spinach (it leaned on the sweeter side) but the roasted mushrooms w/ potato's were solid. Overall, I'd say the magic lies in the steak and in the dishes they've been making for eons. You can't go wrong with ordering what they're known for. read more

Gage & Tollner - Chocolate brulee and Champaign - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This is a very hustle, bustle, traditional restaurant, dark wood paneling. It's a traditional steakhouse/American food. The service was amazing and the food was quite good. The only thing that I had to complain about was it was extremely cold the restaurant it was 40° outside and they had the air conditioning running I had to have my cashmere coat on with my wool suit and I was still freezing. My husband loved the restaurant, but I don't know if I want to return, especially when it's cold out read more

I finally made it to Gage & Tollner, which has been on my list for a long time. It is one of those classic New York steakhouses you always hear about, and I was excited to finally check it off. The space feels very old school but still polished and elegant. We came for dinner and the entire restaurant was packed. Several tables were celebrating birthdays, which made the whole place feel lively and special. The service here really stood out. Everyone was attentive, friendly, and genuinely warm. I almost felt bad trying to refill my own water because they were so on top of everything. Since we were celebrating a birthday, we ordered a good mix of dishes. For appetizers, we had the dinner rolls, the G&T Caesar salad, and the crab cake. The rolls were fine, but for the price, they were a little underwhelming. Four small butter rolls for twelve dollars did not feel especially memorable. The crab cake, on the other hand, was excellent. It was expensive, but the amount of crab and the natural sweetness really came through. They definitely did not skimp on the crab, and the sauce paired with it perfectly. My husband and I finished it very quickly without much self control. I had mixed feelings about the Caesar salad. I know anchovies are part of a traditional Caesar, but the overall flavor leaned extremely salty, with a few sharp acidic notes that felt a bit overpowering. It was a wild ride with each bite... and not in a good way. For our main dishes, we ordered the New York prime strip and the Atlantic hake. Both were decent, but not standout for us. The steak was cooked well, but we have had better steaks around the city, and it was slightly on the salty side. The hake was fine, but also not very memorable. For dessert, we ordered the baked Alaska, and this was easily one of the highlights of the night. It is probably the best baked Alaska I have tried! Overall, I am glad we finally tried Gage & Tollner. It may not be my favorite steakhouse in the city, but the atmosphere and the level of service really elevate the experience. I would absolutely come back, especially for the crab cake and the baked Alaska. read more

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Food was great, solid 4/5 (our mid rare steaks were a little more rare than we expected, but seasoned BEAUTIFULLY!) Service was prompt and friendly without being disruptive. Ambiance was classic, very old school New York but accessible (people from all walks of life coming together. Very Brooklyn) read more

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Gage & Tollner is the kind of place that reminds you why restaurants with real history are so special--especially when that history is treated as a source of inspiration instead of a museum piece. First opened in the late 1800s and revived in 2021 by Sohui Kim, Ben Schneider, and St. John Frizell, it somehow manages to feel both deeply nostalgic and totally alive[1]. The room is an instant wow: vintage mirrors stretching the length of the space, cherry wood, brass chandeliers, a beautiful dark-wood bar, and a warm amber glow that makes everything feel celebratory. Knowing that the original ceiling lamps survived decades of mismatched tenants (including, somehow, a TGI Fridays and an Arby's[2]) just makes it sweeter. The vibes are great, but this is not a restaurant that relies on vibes alone: there's real substance in the menu, cocktails included. What's most exciting is how the menu pulls directly from the Gage & Tollner archives. The food feels rooted in history yet completely relevant. And honestly, that gave me a thrill. We started with a daily selection of East Coast oysters, fresh and briny, along with roasted beets and standout crispy hen-of-the-woods mushrooms with black garlic aioli and a little G&T sriracha heat. Mains were equally strong: Atlantic hake with heirloom white beans, braised cabbage, and chimichurri felt comforting yet refined, while the filet mignon with foie gras au poivre was rich and classy. The cocktail list sticks to the classics, which is exactly right here. Dirty gin martini, perfect martini[3], Sazerac, Gibson--all excellent, and come with a little container on the side so that you get a 1.5x cocktail. For dessert we had the Brooklyn blackout cake: layers of dark chocolate cake, pudding, ganache, and coffee amaro sauce. Pure decadent joy and the perfect way to end the meal. Classics like coconut layer cake and baked Alaska make choosing almost impossible. One small note: while you can purchase bread like the very popular Parker House rolls, a complimentary bread basket would feel more in line with the old-school, upscale hospitality vibe. But that's a minor quibble. Gage & Tollner feels like a celebration--of Brooklyn, of American restaurant history, and of how exciting it can be when a place truly knows who it is. Come hungry, order boldly, get a few cocktails, and don't skip dessert. ---------------------------- [1] No surprise it landed on The New York Times Top 100 list. [2] If you're interested in the history behind G&T, here is a comprehensive read: https://blog.resy.com/2021/08/the-long-road-to-gage-tollners-once-and-again-return/ [3] Equal parts dry and sweet vermouth alongside the gin. read more

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Situated in the not so swanky area of downtown Brooklyn, Gage & Tollner presents itself as a historical landmark of a restaurant, truly feeling like the oldest restaurant in Brooklyn. Walking in, we managed to snag a table right next to the window which had its pros and cons, but it was nice having our own little private area even though the waiting area (and the speakeasy entrance) was right next to us. The food is traditional historical fancy American, not burgers and fries, but more upscaled salads, appetizers, seafood, and steaks. Places like these are definitely worth a try to get a taste of history with a sprinkle of modernization. read more

Gage & Tollner - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Easy reservation on a Wednesday night. The interior was dark and initiate with a Hollywood glam vibe. We were seated at a booth which was very comfortable and far enough away from other guests. The service was top notch. For the food the must haves were the Baked Alaska (save room for dessert) & the ribeye. For me, the sides of creamed spinach and hash brown were lacking flavor. Oysters Rockefeller was fine but i probably would have been happier with raw. They gave us a little croquette and the bernaise sauce as a freebie. Cocktails and wine were good. As many steakhouses are, it was very expensive. read more

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It was a short visit as my friend and I were in the mood for oysters and an entree. Delicious oysters. And their filet mignon was probably one of the best I've had in awhile. Beautifully cooked. Good service and good vibes. Would def recommend. read more

Gage & Tollner - Oysters - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Beautiful space with great ambiance makes for an excellent experience here. East coast oyster selection is a perfect start to go along with cocktails and the bone in ribeye doesn't disappoint. read more

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Overall: Great dinner and drinks option regardless of the size of your party. The good: An amazing sazerac and steak frites, both of which are some of the best that I've had in many years. Everyone at our table loved what they got, with a variety of meat and fish selections. The atmosphere is extravagent yet warm and comforting, and the service is friendly and attentive. The not-so-good: Expensive and most of the appetizer options weren't my cup of tea. The restaurant was a little too clustered together and felt claustrophobic at times. The location also caused some hesitations. Food/drink: 8/10 Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 8/10 read more

Gage and Tollner is a historical institution located in a somewhat sketchier area of Brooklyn (saw someone OD outside across from the Raising Canes nearby). Still, the fact that this restaurant has been able to pump out quality steaks and maintain a nostalgic, NYC vibe is impressive even as ownership has changed over the years. My partner and I arrived for an 8:30PM reservation and were seated around 8:45 as the place was quite packed, both the seating area and the bar, though the hostess was friendly and sympathetic to our waiting. We started off with a nice trout crudo amuse bouche before kicking things off with a few classics, including their bread rolls and clams Kimisino. The clams were the highlight for us and we were a bit disappointed with the bread, which we had heard rave reviews about. Other sides, like their squash, were surprisingly good while others, like their hush puppies were quite bland. Still, the steak - a NY Strip - was cooked perfectly and seasoned well, even without ordering any of their supplementary sauces ($4/each). Overall, we enjoyed our time here although if it weren't for the Chase Sapphire Preferred $75 promotion (with The Infatuation) we may not return. read more

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In a landmarked building in Brooklyn, this remarkable, Victorian- design restaurant harkens back to 1879. We invited friends for brunch there and enjoyed a first class experience. First, the decor is exquisite (see photos) and their wait staff couldn't be friendlier. Then the food and drinks came! Their cocktails were well crafted (the Bloody Mary is a brunch favorite). We then enjoyed their poached eggs and sprouting broccoli on toast (so good!), fried chicken w/hush puppies & sriracha honey (to die for!), G&T steak and eggs (perfectly cooked steak & eggs) and finished the meal with their Brooklyn blackout cake (amazing!!) and fresh brewed delicious coffee. All this while surrounded by wonderful furniture, wall decor and lighting that transports you to an earlier, more civilized era. We have to return there for dinner! read more

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Love the Service, Food, Cocktails and Ambiance. The CS is over the top, very friendly, happy and accommodating staff. Steaks are phenomenal, the chicken was flavorful and tender, sides were great just an amazing restaurant, a throwback to days of prohibition. There is a Speakeasy upstairs, very limited seating, get there early to get in, reservations "ONLY" We will definitely go back read more

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The service here was great, our waiter was really attentive and nice. Everyone on the wait staff took good care of us. The ambiance here is great, feels like you're on a movie set while you're sitting down. The crab soup was a bit disappointing, there wasn't much crab to speak of in the soup itself. We also got the oysters, not pictured but they were really good. My friend said the chicken was great, but I didn't try it. The prime rib was huge, plenty for two people. The hash browns and creamed spinach were both good, nothing crazy but satisfying. read more

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Came for lunch in a Sunday with a large group and the staff was very accommodating. The steak was cooked a perfect medium rare, crab soup was delicious, fries were perfectly crispy on the outside fluffy on the inside. Everything was great. Will definitely come back read more

Stopped by for drinks and absolutely loved everything about this venue! It has a timeless, old-school elegance that instantly draws you in. Our bartender was fantastic--experienced, attentive, and clearly knowledgeable. I ordered a dirty martini, and watching him make it was such a treat. The drink was perfectly balanced and delicious. The bartenders really take their time crafting each cocktail. I'd love to return for dinner. Highly recommend! read more

Gage & Tollner - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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We sat down at the spot while waiting to get into the broken Harbor tiki bar. The drink options were great and they had an open bar so you could basically order whatever you wanted. If you didn't see anything you wanted on the menu.. It was pretty busy for after 9 PM on a Saturday night but the service and the energy of people sitting around was great.. It felt like we were going back in time with the ambience as a place was built in 1879. read more

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Gage & Tollner always feels like a special occasion. (I went twice in rapid succession immediately after they opened, but I was traumatized into not reviewing them after the second visit, or returning until now (after my third visit). On the off chance you care about why, you can scroll down to the end here to view my trauma.) The room is beautiful, as well it should be after they spent years and millions restoring those gorgeous high ceilings, the mirrored walls, and generally making it feel like a classy bygone world once you step in off the Fulton Mall. Hard to believe it was an Arby's for a while, but both Arby's and G&T have the meats. I have never not started my meal here with the platonic ideal of a martini (however you prefer it, gin or vodka, gibson, dirty, tiny available during happy hour etc.), but the other cocktails are actually outstanding as well (as are the ones at the tiki lounge upstairs). They also have a huge winelist and a corkage fee that my fancy wine friend calls very reasonable. It's $45 per bottle you want to bring in. (That's more than I want to spend on a bottle of wine itself generally, but everyone lives differently.) The food is also excellent. I would always start with the parker house rolls (I'm getting close to recreating them at home) which are mouthwatering in presentation and taste. Beyond those, the clams kimsino, the crabcake, the shrimp cocktail, the oysters, the wedge salad...hard to go wrong. At such a classic spot, you want to go classic for your main meal. Don't overthink it. Pick a steak that speaks to you, and add creamed spinach and fries, and be done with it. Onion rings are a giant win if you're really feeling spicy. The steak is prepared and presented perfectly, basted in butter and served with roasted garlic and some charred lemon. As with many a meal like this, the only real downside is the size of the bill that comes at the end. Although if I'm being honest, I was a little disappointed with the size of the ribeye for three recently; at that price point I should be bursting at the seams after dinner, and I was only pleasantly full. Either way, I'm grateful to be able to eat here once in a blue moon, as that's as often as you can without breaking the bank. My trauma: I accidentally planned a group dinner where two of the women despised each other. This only became readily apparent after we sat down. Unfortunately, G&T had a burst pipe, and it backed up the bar so much that we were forced to sit there and make awkward small talk with these angry ladies mean-mugging each other for 45 minutes WITHOUT MARTINIS. The staff at G&T are consummate professionals, and they comped that delayed first round of not inexpensive martinis, but it was a trainwreck. I wouldn't wish this awkwardness upon any of my numerous enemies. You know who you are. read more

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Came here for brunch a little bit ago and enjoyed everything we tried! We started with the Parker house rolls - which were seemingly fresh out the oven/skillet - and, though I am particularly bread-avid, I could eat like ten more of these. We also tried the guava-lime donut which was delish! Their other option that day was earl grey flavored and I kinda regret not trying that one too. For my main, I had the dutch baby pancake which was the perfect consistency and topped with a delightful apple mint salad. For the table, we also shared the fried chicken with hush puppies and sriracha honey - also great! The portions, generally, are generous so plan to come hungry! read more

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I received wonderful service at this restaurant along Fulton street in Brooklyn, which wasn't the easiest to find due to scaffolding. The restaurant is long as in lengthy, in the same way some NYC apartments are designed, like railroad style but slightly wider. It's old-school with plenty of wooden furniture and rather dimly lit with a bit of a cozy vibe. I really appreciated the diversity among the staff in so many different ways and the greetings and service received from those who were on shift. I had the She-crab soup, delicious; the shrimp scampi, also delicious, the Brussels sprouts, yummy; and the cornbread, I disliked it in all ways possible. I did enjoy the parker house rolls though, so overall the food was a bit above okay in my opinion. Others seem to love it. Again, I appreciate the service and variety of food selections to choose from and diversity among the staff. Also, the location was quite easy to get to with lots of nearby trains and buses. read more

Gage & Tollner - Shrimp scampi - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I've been around a long time especially in New York. I've done almost everything one can do in this remarkable city, without a doubt. My son (living here) just turned me on to a steakhouse in downtown Brooklyn that's been around since 1879; and I've gotta tell you, it's probably the best steakhouse I've ever been to and I've been to steakhouse's all over the world. Gage and Tollner is in this stand alone building housing one of the best most coherent menu's my eyes have ever seen. This restaurant is the quintessential steakhouse everyone dreams about! We started off with two magnificent London Dry Gin Martini's that came with a (Musso and Frank type) sidecar. What a wonderful touch this was. We next shared a pretty terrific Caesar Salad that could hold its own against any Italian restaurant within 100 miles of this place. Then, the pièce de résistance and star of this show, was our bone in rib-eye steak with this beautiful char that was even more delicious than it looked. All I could say was "Wow"! This slab of meat was cooked perfectly and it is now on my "very best steak I've ever eaten" list. Gage and Toller are known for their Hash Browns, and they didn't disappoint. Their cream spinach was an absolute winner also. We had their Brooklyn Blackout Cake for dessert and two glasses of a very good Malbec that accentuated this entire meal. The service was as good as the food, and the "Old School" ambiance was as good as the service. Sometimes, rarely, something in your life hits you like a freight train; this was my experience tonight at Gage and Tollner. I was duly impressed! read more

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I went to this historic steakhouse for my birthday in early August as my original plans fell through as I had passed by this restaurant a ton when walking to the nearby subway and decided that this worked as a meal of excess. The place was crowded as it always is it seems and I sat at the bar because there was no tables for one available which I was fine with, as there was plenty of room for dinner there. The staff, whether it was the people in front or the various bartenders, were all friendly and helpful whether it was with me or for other patrons. To drink, I had a $20 Sazerac which was standard and well prepared. Not much to say outside of that it's pricey but hey, it's an old-school steakhouse, though I do wish they made some of the more unique cocktails from upstairs down here. I didn't bother ordering an appetizer and asked the bartender the difference in terms of size between the steak frites and the strip and apparently it's several oz less as expected and went with the latter. Said NY Prime Strip was $74 and it came with garlic confit and seared lemon. The large steak was said to be between 12 oz and 14 oz and it was and it was perfectly cooked. There was a bit of a sear on the outside but not too much and the inside was very tender with only one piece being a tad chewy. By comparison to other pricier steakhouses, I would say the steak tasted a bit better than Keen's where it was cooked more properly here and was a bit more flavorful. However, I think it was a bit worse than Delmonico's where the stronger dry aging there results in a more flavorful steak and I found the sear a bit better there. The best part about this spot was the garlic confit which paired wonderfully while the confit lemon was a fun novelty but not exactly necessary for the tender meat though I used it for one cut slice to try. For a side, I went with the unique Braised Hakurei Turnips for $15 with tahini sesame furikake. I am a big fan of turnips and they were cooked very nicely but that was the best part of them. The sauce was on the watery end so the tahini flavor was a bit muted with it only being very mildly nutty. This was unfortunate as I would heavily recommend them if there was more flavor from the sauce as they were cooked expertly otherwise. For dessert, I went with one of their cobblers as I'm not the biggest fan of mint ice cream (so the baked Alaska is a no go even outside of it being for two) and I didn't want something else that was too rich. The cobblers appear seasonal because the current menu lists a more unique peach blueberry one with that one I believe being the same price at $14. The one I had was with Strawberry Rhubarb and it came with a more standard ice cream along with a ginger streusel. The dessert had a very strong sour flavor being almost a bit puckering even for someone like me who likes citrus forward and sourer desserts. The streusel had a strong flavor from some fresh ginger inside which did help. The ice cream did it's best to help with the strong flavors and overall, it was good but not balanced. I overall had a good time at this old-school spot and I was happy to try it once. I'm not sure if I would go back again but I can see why others like this place a lot. read more

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Got a vodka martini. Well made. Staff are fun and it's a good social environment here. Didn't get to try the food this round, but the cocktails were excellent and not overly done read more

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Had a reservation for a party of 6 and we were seated right away when arriving. The decor and inside of this steakhouse is super old fashioned and gives it the feel from the 80s or 90s which is definitely unique. They have a bunch of menu options. We ordered the oysters, steak, fish, spinach dish, and the cheesecake for dessert. Everything tasted good and the price is pretty reasonable. The servers are great and are very attentive in terms of filling up your water and whatnot. It gets crowded during dinner time and loud. Overall nice steakhouse to check out. read more

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We live close to Gage & Tollner and finally decided to try it, mostly because walking six blocks feels like a culinary adventure when you're hungry enough. The room is gorgeous--like dining inside a well-behaved time machine--so expectations were high. Unfortunately the food was more "pleasant neighbor" than "love of your life." The apps were fine in the way elevator music is fine. The chicken liver was the standout--rich, intense, and absolutely not for beginners. If you don't already have a complicated relationship with liver, this dish will introduce you to one. The wedge salad and I simply did not connect. It felt like a first date where both sides agree there will be no second date. The steak landed firmly in mid-tier territory: cooked correctly, showed up on time, paid its taxes, but didn't do anything heroic. For the price, I wanted a steak that would change my outlook on the future or at least make me forgive a few people. Instead, it was just... steak. Service was friendly and the vibe was lovely, so we had a nice night out, but we left with a strong sense of "that happened." If you live nearby, sure--stop in. If you're planning a cross-borough pilgrimage, maybe keep the MetroCard in your pocket and lower your expectations to "competent dinner with attractive lighting." read more

This review is solely on happy hour 5-6pm. Gage & Tollner is a historic Brooklyn steakhouse with swanky interiors and a nice section for the bar for those seeking happy hour. For actual table service, reservations seem to be recommended but I just tell the host I am only here for happy hour so I chose an available seat at the bar. $10 tiny Martinis of good sizing was the standout, so I got that. I got the Turf martini which has absinthe which is pretty cool. The martini is nicely executed and the bartender and server were very friendly. What is supposedly a fancy restaurant also appeals to those on a budget during happy hour, so you can get a taste of luxury without spending a fortune if you wish. read more

Gage & Tollner - Inside - IG @bougiefoodieboi - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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We stopped by Gage and Tollner for a drink before a walk along the Brooklyn Bridge and were impressed by the bartenders' excellent service. The drinks were reasonably priced, and we'd love to come back to try the food next time. read more

Gage & Tollner - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I made reservations here for a birthday celebration and there was a nice "happy birthday" card on our table the minute we walked in, which was a nice touch. The steakhouse had so much history being around for over 150 years. We dined here during their anniversary where they brought back some items on their menu from the past, which was cool too. There's an old school, vintage vibe with a large mirror that makes this place look even bigger than it really is. I started off with a Whiskey Fix ($18) that was similar to a whiskey sour. Our table also had the Parker House Rolls ($12) since I heard they're famous for them here. The rolls are soft and pillowy, but so pricey for these 4 pieces. Between three people, we had the Ribeye for Three ($220), Hashbrown ($19), and Sauteed Seasonal Mushrooms ($19). Unfortunately, we were all pretty shocked by the size of everything when it arrived on the table. The sides are only enough for one (not shareable, so be warned). As for the ribeye, there was only enough meat for 3 slices each. Honestly, I probably could've finished the entire ribeye by myself. The hashbrown was reminiscent of a gratin, which I didn't care for. I did enjoy the mushrooms, but still don't think the small plate was worth $19. To finish, we shared the Comeback Special Sundae ($18). The marshmellow made the texture too chewy for me, but nice to share for the table. This steakhouse was a bit of a letdown for us. For the price, we really expected so much more but disappointed with the portions. The ribeye was also difficult to cut (not sure if it's the meat that was too chewy or the knife was not sharp enough, but sucked either way). There's many other steakhouses in NY that are better options here. read more

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From the swanky revolving door entrance to the packed dining room, this landmark restaurant delivers every time. Seafood towers, appetizers made for sharing, perfectly dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and a hidden speakeasy upstairs seal the deal. In the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, Gage & Tollner stands as both a time capsule and a celebrated revival. First opened in 1879, it is one of Brooklyn's oldest and most storied restaurants--a place where, for more than 125 years, patrons gathered for celebration and fine dining. Like many New York landmarks, its history hasn't been without interruption. The standalone building once gave way to modular office spaces, a casual TGI Fridays, and a fast-food Arby's--a stark contrast to its gilded past. But today, thanks to restaurateurs Sohui Kim, Ben Schneider, and St. John Frizell, Gage & Tollner has been meticulously restored from old-school glam to a new Brooklyn vibe. Originally set to reopen in March 2020, the highly anticipated debut was palpable; however, the return was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When it finally reopened in 2021, it did so in full glory--reclaiming its place as one of New York City's most coveted dining destinations, consistently featured on The New York Times Best Restaurants list since reopening. From the moment you arrive, the experience feels like walking into a time machine. Framed by two slender white columns, a revolving door ushers you inside, hinting that New York elegance awaits. The dining room instantly transports you to another era: vintage arched mirrors, dark wood paneling, and ornate brass chandeliers that evoke the opulence of the late Victorian age. It's the kind of space where you half expect 19th-century high power brokers or prolific bank robbers to be dining over oysters and champagne. Yet, despite its historic, elegant grandeur, the room pulses with modern buzzing energy. Tables fill quickly, often from the moment the doors open, with a diverse mix of locals, date nights, and destination diners. The menu lives up to the expectations of a classic steakhouse. The appetizers and seafood towers are perfect for sharing and setting the tone for a celebratory meal. Whichever steak is calling you, the options feature expertly prepared dry-aged cuts that are rich, tender, and perfectly seared. Standouts include the filet mignon with béarnaise, creamed spinach, the "Clams Kimsino", and the crispy hen-of-the-woods mushrooms. For dessert, the baked Alaska offers a memorable finale--classic, elegant, and beautifully executed (no table-side flames needed). Beyond the food, the dining experience is elevated by attentive service and a polished, yet welcoming vibe. The bar is social, energetic, and the friendly bartenders are master mixologists --a seat where you don't need a reservation to enjoy a full meal or simply settle in for a drink and conversation. In addition to the main dining room, there's another floor to discover. During past renovations, a hidden lounge was uncovered and transformed into the Sunken Harbor Club--a transportive, nautical-themed speakeasy that has quickly become a destination in its own right. Named one of the top bars by Time Out, this libations escape requires reservations and rewards those who plan ahead. Originally intended as a private dining space, its discovery added an unexpected and magical dimension to the property. Despite its fine-dining prices, Gage & Tollner isn't out of reach. Happy hour offers a more accessible way to enjoy a taste of luxury without committing to a full splurge. At Gage & Tollner, history isn't just preserved--it's brought back to life. The restaurant manages to feel both grand and grounded, nostalgic yet current. Whether you're celebrating something special or simply indulging in a night out, it delivers an experience so memorable you'll find yourself immediately planning your return for another perfectly dry-aged steak. (My mouth is watering as I write this...) Don't forget to grab a box of G & T matches at the hostess stand--a small but classic nod to old-school hospitality. Is it worth the detour? Without question. Gage & Tollner is also worth the splurge. Michelle Infante @worththedetour (substack) I am an author, writer, and funny girl... foodie traveler, checking out the best places to eat off the beaten path. read more

A striking experience. The dining room itself is lovely, painstakingly restored to former glory. My dining companion and I felt like 19th century robber barons and dined accordingly, eating a brunch fit for kings. Dutch baby and mushroom rarebit toast were delicious but the biscuit and gravy were otherworldly, with flavors I've never encountered in the dish before. We kept rolling with a baked Alaska dessert that, despite not being flambéed, was wonderful. Service was fantastic. When I indicated to the waiter that I'd been following the place for years and was thrilled to finally be here, he went out of his way to tell me about some of the restoration work, and even let me look through menus from the 1930s and 1950s. All this was $100 for two people plus tip. Absolutely worth it. Will return next chance I get. read more

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Oh man. This was a tough review to write because everything was SO delicious, but 4 of us ended getting stomach problems throughout the following day most likely from this meal due to it being the common denominator. Regardless, the space is very romantic with dim lighting, and the waiters are extremely amiable and helpful. We ordered the caesar salad which was covered in cheese and crispy as well as the clams which had tasty toppings. The steak also was overall a crowd pleaser. Don't forget to order the drinks! The Sidecar No. 2 was great but the Tom Collins was alright. read more

Gage & Tollner - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The ambiance here is so cool. The food was a big no for me though. I'd come back for a drink, because the martini was delicious, and the raw bar, because the shrimp cocktail was as well. But everything else I ordered- the crispy hen of the woods mushrooms, the roasted swordfish, and the sautéed seasonal mushrooms were all bad. I barely touched them. read more

Gage & Tollner - Martini - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Had dinner here the other night with a work colleague as we were traveling. Excellent service and food was fantastic. The pumpkin soup was amazing. Parker tools and roasted chicken were great too. Love the historic feel as it's in an old three flat from the 1800's. read more

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I tried getting into the Sunken Harbor Club twice over the last two nights, but ended up spending time at the bar instead. Honestly, the vibes were so good that I didn't mind too much, though I do wish we could have experienced sitting in rather than just hanging at the bar. That said, we always managed to snag a seat at the bar, and the drinks were really good--and surprisingly affordable, too. I really liked the ambiance of the place, and noticed they have a ton of seating in the back room. I'd love to come back and explore more of what this bar has to offer. The hostess was super helpful in sharing information with us, which we really appreciated. And the bartenders were on point--very attentive. I'll definitely be back to see what else this spot has to offer. read more

Gage & Tollner - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Wine dinner - large format group dining private event. Steak was super soft and delicious, chicken had a wonderful gravy. Friendly staff.

We would not hesitate to return, but we wanted to like it a bit more... Atmosphere is great, but the service is what put it over the top - our waiter, who's name I wish I could remember to give proper credit, was just stellar, made great recommendations, had a great sense of humor, just top-notch & service oriented. Food was very, very good, but a little too salty for our taste, and leaning just a tad pricey ($120 for 2) for an appetizer, a burger, fried chicken, and a side - and no alcohol, so if you have a couple cocktails or a bottle of wine you're busting $200 for two... Have said that, I reiterate the service was so good and the atmosphere enjoyable, I'd go back. And that's probably the most important compliment... read more

Gage & Tollner - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This historic restaurant in downtown Brooklyn did not disappoint! We went during happy hour and had martinis with oysters to start. And then ordered the NY strip and Heritage pork chop with brusssels sprouts and potatoes. All delicious! Staff was attentive and helpful. The retro decor is just the icing on the cake with a cherry on top. We will definitely return. Love this place! read more

Gage & Tollner - Martinis during happy hour. - American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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