Destefano's Steakhouse
image c/o Noah Kalina
CUISINE: Steakhouse
ADDRESS: 89 Conselyea Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
PHONE: 718.384.2836
CARDS: All major
HOURS: Tue-Sun 5pm-10pm
BOOZE: Full bar
SUBWAY: L at Lorimer or Graham, G at Metropolitan Ave
MAP: Click Here
MENU: Click Here
CITY SEARCH SAYS: Williamsburg hipsters aren't really prime contenders for steakhouse dining, but DeStefano's courts more of an old-school neighborhood crowd anyway. Family photos line the walls, a fireplace heats up cold winter nights, and the tin ceiling already looks worn in. The real cred, however, comes from owner Joey DeStefano: He's lived in the neighborhood for years, and the restaurant is located in his mother's former house. Steaks as thick as the last Harry Potter book arrive on hot plates, Luger-style. Dry-aged porterhouse has a pleasantly salty char but isn't pink enough in the center, while filet mignon gets a moisture boost from a side of Tuscan beans simmered with sausage. And though cottage style fries are too dry and broccoli rabe too soggy, other non-beef options, like the chipotle-spice crab cakes and delicate pistachio-crusted lamb shops, impress. And the fluffy ricotta cheesecake gives another Brooklyn institution, Junior's, a real run for its money. Though steaks make an admirable stand, lamb chops and cheesecake are the surprise menu champs. Sides let down their meaty main attractions, especially the dry-as-a-bone fries. The mostly Italian wine list offers something for every budget ($30 to more than $100).
