St. Anselm Reviews

4.3

71 of 7,064 Restaurants in Brooklyn


Reviews

One of our best meals in NYC

By Skalan2 |

We got into St Anselm on our second attempt. The first night we rocked up at 7pm, only to be told it was a 3 hour wait for a table! So we tried the next night and went next door for a drink before putting our names down when the restaurant opened at 5pm. We weren't keen to eat at 5pm but the staff were accommodating in putting our name down for a table once the 5pm seating was done. So we ended up sitting down just after 6:30pm which worked out well. And it was worth the wait. Food was delicious and it was one of the best meals we had on our trip. We got artichokes, sardines and scallops for starters which were all really tasty. My husband and I shared the rib eye on the bone for main which was cooked to perfection and was so good my husband chewed on the bone afterwards! Overall a thoroughly enjoyable meal. Definitely recommend getting there early and securing a table!

Not earth shattering

By Peter L |

We had dinner here on a Thursday for my Birthday. The place is nice and low key and you can grab a drink next door at Spuyten Duyvil and bring it over when your table is ready. The service was good but the wine selection left something to be desired for. We ordered the Grilled Octopus that shined and Grilled Giant Prawn which was ok. My wife went with the Butcher's steak and I went with the NY Strip Au Poivre. Her steak was slightly undercooked and VERY salty and mine was cooked perfectly and had great flavor. We ordered the chocolate brownie tart for dessert which was tasty. Overall I enjoyed the vibe there, but I feel the meal missed the mark for a Steak House.

Highly recommended

By roshnrachel |

Dinner for two at the chefs bench. Very busy inside and so would recommend booking in advanced. Service for drinks was a little slow at the start but apart from that absolutely fine. Was really fun watching the grill and impressive that so few people were making that food. The food itself was cooked well and was very tasty. We had butchers steak and artichokes and spinach and sardines. Sticky toffee pudding was also great. Would recommend.

Best. Steak. Ever.

By Ronnie K |

I suggest skipping lunch and getting here early because the wait can get pretty gnarly, but it's worth the wait even if you don't. The butcher's steak is quite possibly the best thing I've ever eaten! The care these guys take in making an exquisite steak is beyond belief. Get a table at the bar in front of the grill to watch this magic happen. Go here to eat in Brooklyn.

Excellent Steaks and great value too

By Shauncd13 |

Believe all the good reviews on this place, so glad we chose this place. We were lucky enough to bag the last free table on a slightly quieter night in this great laid back casual restaurant. We both had the Hangar steak and as others have said fantastic quality at a great price . Great choice of starters (loved the wine braised octopus) and good choice of wines too. Service was great and the vibe here is perfect.

Spectacular, Amazing, Heavenly

By elopez730 |

I recently visited St. Anselm with my mother for a good old fashioned mother-son dinner. We arrived around 6:00 PM and the restaurant already had a few patrons enjoying great food and drinks. We were greeted by a friendly bartender, whose name I regret not getting. He was super friendly and welcoming! Next, we met Jeremy, our server for the night. Jeremy is very knowledgeable and he really helped guide us through this dining experience. Next, we met Cliff, whose great sense of humor made us feel at home, as if we were having a huge family dinner. Get the octopus! Don't believe me ask Jeremy, he will tell you all about the magical vinaigrette it is served with. He also recommended the sardines. I don't like sardines, but I trust Jeremy, therefore next time I will be ordering the sardines. My mom had the sirloin and she loved it. I enjoyed the salmon steak although I wish it was a filet. We started with the bibb salad which was spot on. SERVICE, AMBIENCE, FOOD ALL were A++++++++. Thank you to the entire St. Anslem team you guys rock! I will be back, I want to be a regular!

Come for the steak, stay for the atmosphere.

By SnakeJazzDancer |

Absolutely our most favorite find in Williamsburg. The butchers steak is phenomenal and a must have! Their sides are delicious, the wine list is to die for, and not badly priced at all. You will, however, have to get past the incredibly pretentious staff members. If you can overlook their overall attitude, it’s truly a gem!

Worth the wait!

By Robert H |

As we couldn't make a reservation, we just fronted up, on a cold and raining Tuesday. Still it was a 50 minute wait at the bar next door for a table (for 2). However once seated, it was a fantastic experience. Food was very tasty and reasonably priced and our waitress was charming.

Good steak and really great staff

By fculrich |

Had no reservation but could wait an hour in the bar next door. The landlady came for us when our table was ready. What more do you want?

Great Food and Great Service

By Douglas H |

The food here is excellent from the small plates to the steak it will not disappoint. The sardines are bit on the small side but delicious. The rib eye might be the best I have ever tasted. The service is friendly and excellent. Not a big place but has a great feel. Will definitely return.

Fun and Steaks

By Francis McInerney |

Good location and an excellent choice of steaks. Also do chicken, salmon and a great selection of entreés like bacon slices. Staff are super friendly and very helpful. Better get there early though. Place opens at 5:00pm and is full at 5:00pm!

One of Our Favorites in Brooklyn

By michael b |

Always the best. We ordered the Ribeye for two. Wow! The grilled clams and sauteed mushrooms were outstanding. They also had a reasonably priced Spanish Rojas that complemented the steak perfectly. Can't wait to get back next time we're in Brooklyn.

Amazing food

By Gelseyf |

The only reason I am given a 4 instead of a 5 is because the restaurant does not have a full bar, just wine and beer. Other than that the meal was fantastic! They have this peppers that are to die for, roasted to perfection you will want to order more than one platter. The best steak I have ever had!

Wonderful steaks!

By Sarah S |

Stellar service, wonderful array of sides and our steaks were delicious. Cooked exactly as we asked and very good sized portions. Extensive wine list. Only draw back is the restaurant is a bit noisy, other that, a great place in all respects.

WOW! If you can't get to Luger's....

By GMBG |

I have made a rule to almost never order steak unless I am at Peter Luger's -- well tonight, St. Anselm reached that pinnacle. We got there just before they opened (highly recommend you do that as immediately the line was down the block). We were seated immediately across from the three incredibly competent women chefs behind the open kitchen, and that alone was a great show. We ordered a 54 ounce Ribeye for four people and it was cooked and prepared to perfection. No need for sauce, or salt or pepper -- just perfect as served. The pan fried mashed potatoes and the spinach were tasty and the artichokes were a great appetizer. Wine list was robust and interesting and the desserts were great (the sticky toffee cake reminded me of one we had at an exclusive restaurant in the Lake region of England). Service and staff were great -- and the waiter promised not to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday boy at the table. We would go back in a nanosecond.

A bit precious a bit very good

By walker M |

This place is known for its grill and it should be. The chicken and the steak were excellent. Two hour wait in the cold as they dont take reservations with a staff that seems to enjoy the pretense is a little less than 'excellent'. The pork with coriander was a swing and a miss. The rib eye at $2.70/oz is fine as our 48 oz. partially fed four of us and at 130 bucks is the only way you can get the rib eye.

Be prepared to wait!

By Kamara713 |

So the bad news is this place does not take reservations and depending on when you go you will have to wait anywhere from an hour to 2 hours. BUT, the good news is that the food is really outstanding! The fried mash potatoes are AMAZING and the steak is damn good too! They even have a 64 oz rib-eye which they warn you will take forever to cook but it is so worth the wait. I really want to give this place a 5/5 but the not accepting reservations thing really does suck. There is a bar next door where you can wait but it smells like a dirty wash rag. But i'm going way off topic here. The decor is pretty awesome too, everything is open. There is something really refreshing about being able to see the chef cook your food. So if you haven't been here, you need to go...just not on an EMPTY stomach!

Interesting place

By Joan H |

We arrived around 6pm on a Monday night and put our name in. They took our mobile number and said they would text when a table was available. We went to the bar next door and sat out in their garden with a bottle of wine. We received a text and headed next door. Our server was very knowledgeable and helped us with our order. The food was well prepared and tasty. It was a fun evening.

Top notch

By Fardad |

We manged to get a seat after an hour waiting but it was worth it all. Little disappointed with the wine selection but the rest made up. The days special cheese burger was just awesome. This is one place I would go back.

Very good but a bit pretentious

By jamesrose |

Very disappointed with the way I've been greeted here a few times. "Here's the thing, we're very good so you should queue up at 5pm to get in". Just too arrogant and the wine list is poor too. They let themselves down. This could be a great restaurant Awesome steak but why they're trying to create a cult following so you have to put your name down at 5pm to get either a 6pm or a 930 pm table is crazy. By the time u sit down ur either not hungry or starving Go to de Stefano. Much better, really friendly and cheaper

Our "go to" place for best steak

By Riddoch88 |

So there's a line, so what? Get there early, else chill out in a local bar while you wait for one of the best steaks you'll ever have. Ax handle can't be beat. Good wine list with range of quality wines at all price levels, and the service is great. Diver scallops always good here too. My tip - go easy on the starters and save your appetite for the meat. Enjoy.

Perfect!

By elsasale |

My October birthday is ALWAYS celebrated here, all the way from California!! It's now a tradition, visiting our daughter in Brooklyn and go to St. Anselm for dinner for the best steak dinner. We love it so much, we usually return the following evening! Hmm, let's start a new tradition for my husband's birthday, in May! Cannot wait to return.

Best steak ever!

By MJ H |

The restaurant serves not only the best steak but also the fish. The kitchen is open and you can see how your dish is prepared and cooked. The special seasonal salads were all just 'special' I wished to taste all of them. We ordered steak and fish with mashed potato and salad, and all were amazing.

The long wait was worth it

By Douglas M |

We arrived around 8pm and waited over an hour (in the beer garden next door) for table. The food was top notch and we really enjoyed our meal of simple well-cooked food. Highly recommended.

Unethical ownership

By dostrovs |

I have digested my experience for few months before posting. Unfortunately my disappointment with the restaurant is still prevailing. For ones who have not visited the place: you can not get reservations. You can only come and wait for a free table. Logically, the most appropriate opportunity would be to come at the opening time. That it what we did. We (party of 6) were second in line, standing there for 40 minutes. The first party (of 6) was seated. There was one more table for large party left. As we entered, we were informed that owner reserved the table for his friends. I replied: why? If there is no reservation policy in place? Was told: we know it is unfair, but that is what owner does. Up to you guys if you would like to visit this place. As well: we stood there for 40 minutes. Multiple employees came in and out the place. None bothered to tell to rather large (about 50) group of people waiting for opening that second large group of people will not be seated because of disingenuous arrangement by the owner.

Ridiculous prices

By MichaelS1904 |

The Steaks have been good, but the prices for the sides and the beverages are totally ridiculous. 500 % margin for beer or 16 $ for a maximum of a 1/2 lb of vegetables and chick peas are a joke. 10 green beans 9 $. 8 leaves of salad with 5 croutons 15 $. Shame. This is rip-off.

Delicious Williamsburg Restaurant

By Dibsyjo |

We had a fabulous dinner this evening at St Anselm. The food did not disappoint. The steaks were fabulous. The small plates were delicious, lots of interesting variety, successfully carried off. Service was excellent, very knowledgable, attentive but not intrusive and helpful with the menu. 4 stars instead of 5 due to the wait, why not make reservations?

Terrific steak place in Williamsburg

By Yablonski |

We visited St. Anselm for steak and split three different cuts of meat family style for our party of three to sample the range of offerings. All three cuts of meat were cooked to a perfect medium rare and served hot which is no small task. We were blown away by the Hanger steak (aka the Butcher's steak) and now fully understand why this is the dish for which the place is best known. Our second choice of three cuts was the NY Strip followed by the Sirloin. This was a surprise as I would have expected the opposite order of ranking. We were impressed with the wine list which offered a range of affordable, good value labels with the option to choose more pricy options. Service was top notch and the well-seasoned and professional wait staff took great care of us. We will return.

Excellent meal

By LW8415 |

We had the butcher's cut hanger steak and all of us (5) loved it! With no sauce and minimal seasoning, I didn't know what to expect, but the meat was cooked to perfection. Highly recommend the creamed spinach as a side. The bacon is thick and somewhat fatty and the potato cake could use a bit more seasoning. The sticky toffee cake for dessert is strongly recommended--it was warm and the perfect end to a delicious meal.

Just OK, Somewhat Overpriced

By Jeffrey S |

Wife and I ate here this past Sunday, with friends who had been there before and were raving about it. We loved the atmosphere and the intimacy of the place. NIce menu selection and the grilled tomato and mozzarella appetizer was fantastic, BUT there were four of us and one got his appetizer and slowly finished it before the rest of us were served ours. From there it was down hill. Our server seemed like she wanted to be someplace else. A smile would have gone a long way. Wife and I both ordered the hanger steak, and asked for it to be coked medium. After quite a long wait, my wife's came out almost raw and mine rare. BOth steaks were tough and difficult to cut with a steak knife. lIke most steak houses in NY everything was ala carte, any sides, salads, etc.I Ordered spinach which was tasty but too expensive for what I got. I ordered a glass of Malbec to drink with my dinner, it cost $13.00, with an amount short of what one would usually get in a glass of wine at a restaurant, and it was mediocre at best. All in all dinner for the four of us without coffee or dessert, including tip(20%) came to $220.00. I doubt I'll return. I don't mind paying that for a good meal, but this was not.

Scrumptious seafood and gnaw the bone good

By Thach N |

That 56oz ribeye was sweet and fatty! Dark place but full of buzz all around. Those gals know how to grill and put goodness on plates.

Good meat

By lunahod |

Meat is well especially considering that it didnt seem to had been pre-cooked in the sous vide. Cold draught at the feet slightly annoyed the experience but overall a solid carnivorous adventure. Enjoy.

Serious Steak, Reasonable Price

By Daxter02 |

St. Anselm in Brooklyn is kind of a miracle. The atmosphere is casual and un-ostentatious. The service is friendly, prompt and helpful. In this environment, the food punches way above its weight. St. Anselm specializes in grilled meats, and they do everything extremely well. The quality of the hanger steak I had was exceptional: tender, juicy, and cooked to absolute perfection. This being the case, I would have expected to spend north of $50 at minimum, but my steak cost $24. I don't know how they manage the quality they maintain at such low prices, but I'm not going to argue. I have spent much more money on much less impressive meals. If you are carnivorous, I don't think you will be disappointed by an experience at St. Anselm. Even if you have to wait a while for a table, the wait will be well worth your time.

Food was tasty when we finally got it. Not worth a 2.5 hr wait though.

By Daveded |

I went here for my anniversary with my wife. I knew about the wait thanks to a friend. We expected an hour wait but the hostess said "about an hour and a half" so we sat at the bar they own next door and had a couple drinks. exactly an hour and a half later we were taken to a seat at the bar, which was not the only table open. we then ordered immediately having looked at the menu. we ordered a salad and 2 grilled fish options. what happened then was the longest wait for food I have ever experienced. It literally took another hour plus to put food in our mouth!!! There were 3 "cooks" and half the time one was just standing around!!!! we are talking about grilling a piece of fish!!!! and some veggies! the place wasn't even packed, and it was a wednesday. about a half hour in while waiting for our food we started to look up another restaurant. honestly this place is ridiculous. the food is fine but i'm not going to tell my friends about it. what i will tell them is how long i waited for grilled mackerel. find somewhere else.

Great Steak!

By UrbanHippieYogaLover |

I just moved to Williamsburg and I was craving a nice steak. There arent many "steakhouses" in the neighborhood but I heard great things about this place, and I was not disappointed! The flank steak was plentiful and had great flavor! And the fingerling potatoes were great, too! The Cabernet by the glass was impressive as well. I'll be back!

A Steak House that is about the STEAK!!!!

By Patrick769 |

as Frank Lloyd Wright said...form follows function! In restaurant terms......it all about the food! Extensive, broad, encompassing wine (and beer) list matched with prime cut steaks (and sides) all in a chic comfortable Brooklyn atmosphere!! Will be back, will recommend to all my peeps (except the posers), and will remember as one of the top dining experiences!!!

Average food for the price

By Adam W |

Well maybe it's my own fault for ordering enchiladas in a steak place but they were awful. Very bland, very small and not what you would expect. Friend had the steak and enjoyed it, my Diet Coke had a dead fly in it that they changed straight away. Staff were very polite and food was relatively quick coming out. Disappointed but maybe order the steak next time. Nice atmosphere and air conditioned.

Over rated!!!

By Rohan R |

Tried this place whilst staying in Williamsburg on the strength of the reviews. It is quite simply overrated - not sure why maybe because its rated by tourists and people on first dates trying to impress each other with their ability to order the most expensive or largest piece of meat on the menu. We had the sardines to start which were very good until we realised that they were cooked on the same grill as the meat. In fact all the food is cooked on the same grill whether it is beef, pork,lamb, fish or vegetable which really should not happen for obvious reasons. The lamb chop we shared was very very big but very fatty and difficult to cut with a steak knife. In all my years of eating lamb I've never had lamb served in a restaurant which was so fatty and tough. I live in Trukish North London where lamb is a staple on the menu so know how it should be served. The approach to wine is pretentious in the extreme. If you're not drinking the craft beers you have to pay $40 for a half bottle of wine. I have spent my whole adult life drinking wine with meals in restaurants and felt the pricing was designed to ripe-off the diner. Even the 'daught' wine was $26 for 500ml. In short I would not recommend this place, although I should say the service was very good.

Awesome steak, endearingly vague service

By BoAGordon |

I finally got around to going here the other evening, having clocked the reputation when I moved to the area. We arrived early so there was no line and we easily got a table. We kept it simple. A hanger steak each, and a couple of sides. The steak was divine, tender and tasty. Both were probably undercooked by a single notch to our request, but honestly, they were so nice it didn't matter. The sides were great - the corn on the cob was particularly lovely with a hint of lemon. The service was really friendly and pretty vague all night, with them messing up splitting the bill at the end, but it really didn't spoil it. It was more like added character. All in all, recommended.

Unique steakhouse in Brooklyn

By CateyLou |

St. Anselm is a small restaurant - no more than 12 tables and some bar/counter seats - located a few blocks from the L stop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The atmosphere is more reminiscent of a neighborhood bar than a fancy steakhouse; but also has the expected Williamsburg-y (read: hipster) vibe. The menu at St. Anselm is a mix of steakhouse staples and "off-cuts" of meat. The portions may not be as oversized as a traditional steakhouse but neither are the prices. The butcher's steak for $16 is a great deal and we really enjoyed the spinach gratin. There are a few beers on tap and a good sized wine list. We recommend grabbing a spot at the chef's counter where you can watch the dedicated kitchen staff prepare the food. Overall a very fun and unique spot. For more info, including pictures, visit: http://chezcateylou.com/2013/05/08/st-anslem-williamsburg-brooklyn/

They know what they're doing

By Cet807 |

No hype here, this is one talented kitchen. For dinner we shared the axe handle steak. Tender, flavorful, cooked to perfection. Great sides, lettuce wedge with hot bacon and value cheese dressing and little potatoes with creamy garlic aioli sauce that's to die for. Excellent service in a nicely casual setting. JR took excellent care of us and he knows his menu and beers. Worth every cent and a permanent must do when we come to Williamsburg. Went back for lunch and sat at the bar. Had the patty melt and a nice brew. Walked out totally stuffed and satisfied.

Great food and atmosphere, looong wait!

By MirellaMenglide |

The staff at St. Anselm are so nice, you can't even be mad at them: we waited over an hour, they called us twice by mistake. Good thing they own the beer garden adjacent to the restaurant! It was packed, perhaps by people waiting for their tables? When we finally got to sit down, the food came reasonably soon. Very fresh and delicate appetizers (home-made burrata is a must, so is the octopus), the hanger steaks were perfectly grilled and the quality of the meat, simply outstanding. As a side, the mashed potatoes with truffled oil came in a funny-looking but delicious patty. The chanterelle mushrooms left a slight and mysterious tarragon taste in our mouths. The Cabernet was just the right temperature. Definitely a place to eat at.

Value for money

By Peter D |

I was all set on having a steak at one of the best name steakhouse - what's a trip to NYC without a good steak - but my friend convinced me to give this little Williamsburg restaurant a try. It was so worth the 30-minute wait for a table - and we got there at 8.30pm! The food was good and much cheaper than the places I had in mind. They also had a good wine selection. If you have a low tolerance for salt, ask the chef to be less generous with the fleur de sel though.

New Yorks finest

By pskold |

Really, really good food, Perfect service.... We actually had great expectations and they were way met (and surpassed). Super food at great/decent prices. Highly Recommended!

Worth the Long Wait

By BorkdlynNYC |

One of the best New American restaurants in the NYC area. The Bobo Chicken and the Lamb cuts are the best dishes, though the Butcher's Steak is close behind. All of the food is top notch. The only drawback is the long wait since the restaurant doesnt take reservations. At night, the wait can be an hour, and up to two hours for weekend nights. Go early during the day on a Sunday and there usually is seating available right away. Regardless, this place is worth a two hour wait. Great cooks, excellent waitstaff, and great beer selection too.

St(eak) Anselm: Worth the Wait!!!

By Marc I |

Finally decided to bite the bullet and prepare to wait for a dinner seat at St. Anselm. Arrived 20 minutes before the place opened for dinner minutes after 5:00 p.m. By the time the doors opened, there was a line of about 15 people. Each group is met in front of the door, and allowed in only after the group in front of you is seated. From what I saw, they will seat you only when all members of your party are present to be seated. We were third in line and chose to seat at the bar. Toward the back, there’s a "meat" bar seating for people who want to watch the grill action close up. A group of about six were seated in the front of the restaurant on the left as you walk in. Along the wall are a number of small tables. We started with beers: three beers were on tap – the Tired Hands brew and Krombacher Schwartzbier (dark lager) were excellent – prices roughly $6 each. Wines by the glass (white, rose, and red) ranged from $12 to $15 – we had the rose and the red - very good. For appetizers we had grilled little neck clams – scrumptious (dip the bread into the juice!), and amazing kale salad. The verdict was “don’t know what is in this but it is wonderful.” We had “ax handle” rib eye. This is meant for sharing, and they offer them in sizes ranging from 45 to 65 ounces, at about $2.85 per ounce. The weight includes a big bone, which I am guessing is the “ax handle” – still a 47 ounce portion was more than sufficient for two. Sides were fingerling potatoes and spinach gratin. Dessert was an apple crumb tart or something like that with vanilla ice cream. The food, drink, service, and setting, made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Watching the grill chefs do their thing was a treat. Our main server and others who helped were attentive, friendly, and efficient. The setting is warm, cozy and lively - but not overly noisy - then again, we were there in the early evening. St. Anselm is a steak house but has, among other dishes, fish and pork chops. Interestingly, we had the pleasure of sitting next to a professional photographer from Texas who is now residing in Manhattan – she wanted to eat steak that evening – just like us – heard about the place and decided that that was the night to try it out – just like us!

Delicious

By christina l |

Great place! Get the butcher steak and creamed spinach. Casual and relaxed atmosphere. Waits can be long but hang out while you wait in the backyard of the bar next door, which has a great selection of beer and wine.

Best steak in Brooklyn

By Hilary F |

Two words, ax handle. This place is awesome. No reservations so go early (I mean like 5:30/6 pm) put your name in, and go drink somewhere for the next few hours. They are great about calling you when your table is ready. Then come back and have an amazing steak dinner. Not a place for large groups with the no res policy. Everything on the menu is awesome so even if you don't like steak, there are lots of other options. Worth the wait, St. Anselm is all it is cracked up to be.

great food, service, food and drinks but cold

By Eric B |

had the steak and salmon. Specials for starters which were good and the steak was fantastic. Food got cold due to lack of heated plates and a big fan blowing, even though not that hot in the restaurant.

A meat eater paradise

By kenbo2017 |

Some of the best food I've had in New York. We ordered the Hanger Steak, the Saddle of Lamb, and both were phenomenal, particularly the quality and taste of the lamb. Perfectly cooked, too. And the two deserts we shared wee just sublime. Highly recommend going there. And our waiter was the best. Not one of those who says "everything's great here". Had opinions on the food and the wine, and was correct every time. He was a true addition to the meal! Only negative is they don't take reservations and because it's small, it took nearly 2 hours to get our table. Still, well worth the wait.

Favourite!

By sigrrrid |

You can not book a table here, so you probably have to wait. We took a drink at the next-door-bar, and got seats after about 45 minutes. We had a grilled salad, butchers steak and bourbon veal, and it was fantastic. I think is our favourite NYC restaurant so far, great atmosphere, good wine and great food

Great Meal. Great Place.

By Daniel M |

After so many years, YES, this is one of the best hangar steaks I've ever eaten. Great food, great service. Worth the wait. TIP: fennel, as uninteresting as it can be, shines as the best of the side dishes to go with a great steak. Folks, eat here as soon as you can!

Heaven found it’s steakhouse

By Sabine S |

From far the best Seal I have ever eaten, perfectly cut, cooked and rested, a share a 36oz rib-eye with a friend and could not finish it despite wanting to it it all so badly. The steak was aged, cooked to perfect juiciness, my mouth is watering just writing the review. We also took some eggplant and artichokes as appetizer which I loved as well. Just a couple disapointments- 1-the long wait to eat which of course is followed by a long wait for the perfect steak- 2- the side dishes which I found poor, we had 3, the truffle mashed potatoes where not so flavorful and fried in an iron skillet so to greasy for me, the spinach overwhelmed in cheese, and te cauliflowers, which were tasty but a little to charcoaled to my tastes. The restaurant share a back yard with the next door pub which south the wait i. A friendly and nice atmosphere. The staff was very nice, helpful and knowledgeable, they actually have an amazing wine menu an recommend the perfect one, based on our taste. Will go back for the attack for sure.

Amazing

By Emma H |

Best steak I have ever had!!! A must if you are in New York! We had the butcher steak green beans and mash and it honestly was heaven!!

Chicken was amazing!!!

By David McCarthy |

Great food, great atmosphere, great food. Worth the wait. We will be back! Must have the chicken. Why does trip advisor make you put in 100 characters...it is annoying!

Excellent meal

By dannyo62003 |

I went to St. Anselm with my son about a year ago and couldn't find it on Trip Advisor to post a review but our meal was so good that I wanted to add a review now. We had the ribeye steak, which was excellent. All of our food that evening was very good as was the service. My son returned for a second meal and tried the butcher steak which he tells me was also excellent and a fantastic value. Apparently the restaurant has now become very popular and, since it doesn't take reservations and is not very large, there can be a long wait according to more recent reviews. I would suggest going early on a weeknight. It's worth a short wait.

Snooty Steak

By RGTFoodie |

I've been four times but the last time was probably my last. The steak is very tasty if a little on the tough side. The side dishes are all delicious. The wait staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The hostess was not and was very rude regarding the wait. The establishment has a tuff love policy which I think is so disappointing and boring. I came at 6:50 to put my name down for 8pm four top (no advance reservations). The hostess said she wouldn't start a list until 7pm. I came back at 7:10pm and she said her list was so long that I couldn't get a table till 10! If they don't take calls (which they don't) and she didn't put anyone down before 7pm, how did the place fill up for 3 hours? I went nearby to another place and had a great steak with no wait.

One of the best grill around

By kohonen |

It can be hard to get a table, but I must say it was worth it. Very good chicken and beef, sides really tasty... And a surprisingly good wine list, with very reasonable prices, which is unfortunately incredibly rare on NYC. Good craft beers as well.

One of the best Hipster-Steakhouses around.

By dieswaytoofast |

The conceit of the place is that everything that shows up is made on the grill. The draw, of course, is the steak, the usual selection, and also an ax-handle in all it's glory (if you're there wi/ a bunch of people, the ax-handle is the way to go!) The sides range from excellent (mashed potatoes, whatever the special is) to "meh" (spinach, fingerling potatoes). The starters, however, are usually good - you can't go wrong with any of them. That said, be careful, you don't want to fill up on them! An extensive wine list is well maintained, and the (friendly) staff is more than happy to walk you through them. All in all, beats the pants off of Peter Lugers nearby...

A cool stop in Brooklyn

By MeganMunro |

You can get here easily by taking the L train, it is on a street with lots of other restaurants, so this can be overlooked easily. The interior is lovely - kinda like a winter ski lodge. Cozy with wood paneling. We loved it. There was four of us and we each tried a different main and shared four sides. I had the salmon, we tried the steak, the pork chops and the chicken...now, the chicken is not for the faint of heart. It comes out beak and legs attached. The sides were a great size for splitting. We enjoyed it and the service was lovely as well.

Porterhouse steak, grilled walnut bread and bacon

By greatlady482 |

On Sunday evening we went to St. Anselm to enjoy a perfect meal of grilled beef. We were not disappointed.

Not good at all

By seasonedvisitor |

The place is not cosy as it pretends to be, the food is frankly not good at all you ask for the veal, it looks they found the oldest piece of steak available, entrees and appetizers are not good at all, do not recommend it at all. And it will be very good if the waiter can keep a clean aspect without smell.

Good but can still be better.

By Phayao13 |

Of course, it would be better to have a reservation system for some of the tables.Big company and endless waiting for three guests to eat clearly and ready to check out so there will be room for 8.Big company is always a challenge, but when it takes over an hour to get the hot dishes you have the right to despair.The waiter does everything possible to avoid our eyes.But I think almost the whole company forgot the blunder when the perfectly cooked meat dishes came to the table. After all, I like the restaurant and its ambiance.

...even if you're not a big carnivore

By linnae7 |

This place is rightly famous for its grilled meat (at a fraction of Luger's price). But even if you're not a big carnivore there's still plenty to be excited about here. 'Smalls From The Grill', seafood and ingenious sides add up to an expansive menu, all reliably delicious. Patrons in the know request a seat at the counter to watch the prep show - it's inspiring if you like to cook (or eat)! The room is small and they don't take reservations so expect a long wait even if you arrive early. You can kill some time at Spuyten Duyvil next door - an oasis for brew geeks. Bring a friend who likes food and long conversations and you'll be reminiscing about your dinner for weeks.

Worth the long wait

By malatestiano |

Great, off the beaten path, choice for a Steak Night, Be prepared to wait for a LOOOONG time, even for mid-week dining. Had dinner on a wednesday evening with 3 colleagues and wasn't seated until 10/10.30. Luckily, the food was worth the wait (although not all menu items are available for late dining...). I especially enjoyed the lamb.

Fantastic!

By Emmy H |

Really good food (especially the meat), athmosphere and service! Not possible to book a table but be there early or wait for a table to be available - it will be worth it!

Wonderful meal

By Riddoch88 |

We dined here twice in December (the second time on New Year's Eve) and were very impressed. Their ax handle steak is simply superb - having now tried it on 3 occasions, I can comfortably conclude that it is superior to the Luger Porterhouse. What is great about St Anselm is that the experience doesn't end with the steak - there's delicious diver scallops, prawns, sardines and many other dishes. The wine list is extensive and the service is very good. No reservations, so be sure to arrive by 5.30 or be prepared to wait.

Still very good....

By LaVa Touristik |

....i.e. there is no room for criticism of the food or the price (it is not a typical steakhouse, but it has the quality of a really good steakhouse.....just much cheaper). There is now also the option to make a "reservation" (the best way to do this is to use the reservation platform RESY - although email and telephone should also work). We did not have a reservation, so we "only" sat at the (slightly drafty) bar - in our case "our own fault" - won't happen again next time, because we will definitely come back....promise! A butcher's steak costs 34 USD. Side dishes such as a portion of pan-fried mashed potatoes cost 15 USD.

good steak, reasonable price, nice wine..Brooklyn

By jraab |

I went here with a small group for their steak, which I've heard was quite good. It did not disappoint! ...and an added surprise was the really good Red Hook wine, from a local winery. Who knew, good wine from Brooklyn!

Astounding piece of meat

By Jane P |

We somehow fluked a table at this place which I was told is one of the hot happening joints in Brooklyn - I think cause it was late and also Thursday before a holiday weekend. Possibly the best piece of meat I've ever eaten - I think I had skirt steak - and the waiter did try to up sell us a ridiculously priced and not very nice white wine but we refused and had the house which was perfectly fine. That's all. Oh and the interior design is lovely. And there was a middle aged man eating at the counter with bum length dread locks.

Amazing Steak

By Snowfox88 |

We ate here while staying in New York last week. My husband had the sirloin steak and it was honestly one of the best steaks either of us had ever tasted. Melt in the mouth. I had the lamb and unfortunately it was chewy and tough which was a real shame... we shared sides which were all delicious. If we’d both had the steak it would probably have been a 5* review

The signature Ax steak is expensive but amazing

By EuroDriverMonaco |

The steak is wet aged, and does indeed have a amazing taste. The steak is slowly grilled on each side resulting in a 3 to 4 mm thick crusty that’s tasty and does not taste burnt. The steak is about 40 mm thick In terms of flavor, the steak is in another class above other renowned steak houses

Worth the wait

By NimaDa |

We were meeting a good friend and asked her to take us somewhere special. She had heard about St. Anselm and warned us that we will have to wait. The place looks great, there is a great mood, kitchen is open and adds to the buzz. We had some drinks for almost two hours in the bar next door until our turn came. Three of us ordered different things, but shared, cause the dishes are very tempting, all were excellent. It's pricy, but you pay for good food and good service. We really like the chats we had with the waiter about food and wine. It became a special night.

Upbeat Neighborhood Restaurant

By P B |

Since this restaurant gets very busy, we were able to sit at the bar for dinner. Our meal included well seasoned and prepared hanger steaks, skillet mashed potatoes, cauliflower, and a tomato side dish special. They also have good desserts to share.

New favorite

By DCW36 |

This may be my new favorite steakhouse. Easily as good if not better steak than all the big names in new york area (Lugers, Wofgangs, etc). We had the ax handle for three. Got 49 ounces which was perfect. Ridiculously good. Mashed potatoes and spinach also on par with other top tier peers. Its very Brooklyn which for me is not ideal but the steak is worth it. A must try for any steak person.

Amazing steak

By Bethan S |

There was no wait for the table, staff were friendly and helpful. Steak was delicious one of the best I have had and cooked to perfection. The restaurant has a laid back hipster vibe and it really is worth a visit, can't wait to go again.

A bargain in NYC!

By Carl H |

There are many high quality and high priced steakhouses in NYC. THis place is in Brooklyn and thus requires an effort to find and get to, but is well worth the effort. The "Butcher's Cut," a hanger steak, is outstanding and a true bargain at under $30. Be advised the place is small so call for reservations, but don't overlook this place if you're a steak-lover and don't want to get a steak that requires a second mortgage.

Best value steakhouse in New York

By Lisa B |

Our bill at the end at $50 for 2 people while my mom had 2 beers with her meal. Steak was cooked wonderfully and they even pre cut it. The pan mashed potatoes was so yummy i was thinking bout ordering a 2nd serving as we only ordered one to share. Overall this is a must place to eat at in New York. Just a short 10 min walk from the subway J line. Get the butcher steak ;)

This Find in Brooklyn Produces an Amazing Steak!

By STEVE D |

My wife and I spent a few days in NYC visiting a niece before going on a cruise and she said let's head over to St. Anselm. She lives in the neighborhood of this place and runs a local restaurant herself. I'm thinking, she's got to know where the good spots are. She nailed it with this place. Super friendly staff. Great wine and cocktails. The food is simple, well executed and high quality. So we shared between the three of us, a 45 ounce "Axe Handle" Ribeye cooked medium rare and simply seasoned with butter and SPG (salt/pepper/garlic) See the picture below. I'm from Texas and I love cow. I've eaten a lot of cow. This was without a doubt some of the best cow EVER! Everyone said the same. The sides, spinach, potatoes, mushrooms - amazing. Nice atmosphere. Equal parts bar/restaurant. I want to go back. Soon! Check it out.

Very good inexpensive steakhouse

By Russ j |

my wife and i like to visit different steakhouses when we can without spending an arm and a leg. i wouldn't say it's your typical steakhouse but it was good nonetheless, we both had the new york strip steak which was done to perfection. the place fills up fast so get there early on saturday night if that's when your going.there's also another bar area that's attached to the restaurant where you can wait and have drinks while you wait for your table. we will most likely visit for round two very soon.

Heavy Metal Meat House

By Bramc |

Big wait. Loud music. Limited menu. Delicious. Fun. Reasonably priced. They own the sister bar next door that has the biggest secret patio I've seen in Brooklyn. Nice place to wait for 2 hours until they have a table available.

Great food & they have bar next door while you wait

By JRMaddog |

They don't take reservations, so you have to get there early, even so we had to wait & went next door for drinks to wait their text to say our table was ready. Great beers but very hip and noisy bar.

Very Good Food

By bartpic |

Had a great steak dinner here....all the food was inventive, well prepared and delicious. Good steaks and chops, sides and salad....we had a melon salad special that was really different and delish. Show up early or wait in line. Worth it.

suprised

By Paul F |

Really, really good. Wasn't expecting much and i was totally blown away. Great food at decent prices.I will return!

THE best steak of my life... so far

By 807BryceP807 |

Watching your steaks being grilled from the bar with a juicy glass of red is one of the best things about being a human being. Big shout out to the 3 girls at the grill who were the most chilled out yet disciplined chefs I have ever seen. Amazing stuff.

Best Steak Ever!

By DGlarou |

I ve been visiting this place regularly the last 4 years. The quality of the food is simply fantastic! I recommend steak and clams. Don t forget to ask for the specials- ask for the appetizers in the specials :) Important: they do not do phone reservations. You have to ho there in person before your dinner and you get in a waiting list. Tip: the place next to the restaurant does also belong to St anselm's owners, so you can have a beer while waiting- you may even leave the bar with your drinks to go to the restaurant. Have fun!

Excellent find

By Graham S |

I am on holiday with my wife and daughter and we went here yesterday. This place was amazing laid back chilled out and the flat iron steak was just fantastic as was all our food. We would definitely recommend this restaurant and we will definitely return here. Staff all amazing great friendly service. Well done

You like meat? Go to this joint

By MickCut |

Seven us, we got two of the Butcher's Cuts (hanger steak with the bone in -- the LARGE bone in). One was 60 ounces, I think, the other like 52. Awesome cuts, cooked perfectly. Sides were amazing, too -- creamed spinach, octopus, fried mash potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and the list goes on. Cool, happening vibe. Lots of action. Waiter was great, friendly, knowledgeable and in the end, the price did not beat us up. Same meal would have cost 2-3 times as much in Manhattan..

Best steak! Superb wine! Cool Service!

By Valentina G |

Perfekt night! After 1h wait next door we had our table at the bar what we love anyway! Perfect guy celebrating his job! Lovin it, top wine choice 2001 cab sauv! Food was fantastic! best steak in a long time! Thx guys!!!

Best Ribeye in NYC

By scubacheese |

Worth the wait--get there early say 5:30PM/6:00 PM, put your name on the list, go next door to get a drink in the courtyard and relax until you get texted for your table. Get the Axehandle steak to share and a bunch of appetizers and sides to accompany. Ask the dude for a great wine recommendation. Best steak in NYC--better than the midtown 'steakhouses' with all the trappings and certainly at a better value. FYI, easier to get a table with a party of 4 rather than a party of more because there are more 4 person tables and only 2 tables for larger parties.

Great food but bad start

By Lazyjones1 |

Food was 10/10 and once we were seated the service was great. However, really disappointed to be kept waiting for 30 mins past my scheduled table time with my (obviously) pregnant wife having to stand in the doorway. The prior customers at our table were clearly friends with the staff who were in no hurry to move them on despite the fact they had gone well over their dining slot. The staff also lied, telling us that the table was just being reset when we could see the other customers sitting there! Pretty unprofessional start to the meal - this should be sorted.

Very overrated

By James Simon |

Was excited to go given the buzz around the place. Denver steak was undercooked and the mash potato tasted bad and was $15. Service was average at best as well

This. Place....... Perfection!!

By Nadia A |

The dark and moody atmosphere draws you in. It's loud, but cozy and warm.... the staff is fantastic, but by far, you WANT to go solely for the food..... my absolute FAVOURITE restaurant in NYC! The lamb chop...👌🏼😘. The salted caramel chocolate pot....❤️❤️❤️😘❤️💕👌🏼

If only every Brooklyn restaurant was like this.

By Gastronot_nyc |

We have been going here for a couple of years. It has the feel of a hipster brooklyn locale but the food quality of manhattan and with Brooklyn prices. The quality of the meat is fantastic. Bring your appetite if you want the ax handle ribeye. It ranges from 48-64 oz. The other stellar meat item is the lamb saddle. It is very tender and does not have any of the gaminess associated with lamb. Like all good steak houses the side dishes here are superb if you have the appetite after the steak. Key items to try are the bacon and the grilled seafood items, clams and octopus. If you sit at the counter, you can watch them prepare the protein over the grill. They work the meat like pros and constantly test the temperature to achieve the perfect sear and temperature. The wine list is eclectic and the markup is reasonable. They have some gems if you are willing to stray from the traditional steak house wines. They also have a reasonable corkage fee if you want to bring a special bottle but don't insult the beverage director with yellowtail. His list has much better choices. Be prepared to wait 2 hours or more unless you show up right when the doors open. No reservations. They do have a bar next door as well.

Awesome!

By Sax_Doc |

If you like awesome meats, this is your place. There is no wonder why NYC chefs come here to eat. Simply prepared fresh food. No reservations, so be prepared to wait. It's worth it!

Simply delicious

By Lii P |

Went there with my boyfriend for a dinner during our trip in NYC in May We sat at the bar just overlooking the kitchen which were the best seats! The cooks are creative, precise, passionate, the ingredients are fresh, appetising, prepared with love, the general atmosphere in the kitchen seemed really friendly and busy at the same time - a really entertaining show to look at while waiting!! And seeing your food being prepared under your eyes is really a mouthwatering experience. In the plate and in the mouth, the food is BEAUTIFUL. I personally highly recommend the Grilled Trout with gratin spinach and asparagus. My boyfriend had the Hanger Steak with the "Finger-Licking Roasted Potatoes" and found it really delicious. The service was super friendly and helpful too. To note:. We had to wait about 45mn to get a table (first come first serve basis) but had drinks at the nice little bar just next door so it went by swiftly. Definitely worth the wait anyway!

take your time if you can

By Gilberto K |

I had plans to spend the day in Brooklyn so I read about this steak place there and decided to go. The restaurant was still empty but as I walked in by myself I was offered a spot on the balcony, which I refused as I was locking for a more confortable place. Service was ok, but lacked some attention. The steak was good and the potatoes side was really good. I did not order drinks nor had desert. I liked the place and it worth a visit, but would not turn to be a regular as there are plenty of better places in NYC

Great Steak in Brooklyn

By JohnG2144 |

I knew enough about the restaurants and gastropubs in Williamsburg to know I wanted to have a meal there. Prior to a recent visit my daughter did some research and came up with St Anselm. What a fantastic place. Very relaxed atmosphere, great food - possibly one of the best steaks I have ever eaten - and knowledgeable wait staff. (Did you know Long Island produced a very good red? I certainly didn't until our waiter suggested it.) We had the grandson with us, and he was happy to accomodate him. All in all, a great night out. As they don't seem to take reservations either get there early or prepare to wait a bit to be seated, but definately go.

Great food

By Puravida_7 |

Serving lunch & dinner( closes an hour in between shifts).. gets crowded quickly.. doesn't take reservations..we were seated at the counter.. versus an hours' wait ten minutes into their opening..( young lady abrasively informed.. she comes off rude.. unapologetically honest)... service is friendly...consistent.. they offer wines, beer( their bar is adjacent ).. it's narrow , tables seating 2,4,6...courtyard small , overflowing with people .. it can get loud.. difficult to converse.. The Food is mouth watering .. meats( huge steaks), fish, chicken, veggies.. each prepared to perfection.. we had steak tartar,squid( impeccably grilled),asparagus and ricotta.. oh my! Shishito peppers A carrot cake.. birthday candle provided Can't wait to return!!

Great Local Find

By Sally G |

Charming steak house with a wonderful staff. The appetizers were very good and the steak was cooked to perfection. Lots of good wines to choice from. They do not take reservations so get there at 5:00p.m. when they open.

The best piece of meat I've ever had!

By Valerio Neryo |

We didn't have a reservation so had to wait a lot to get a table but it was definitely worth the wait. Food was simply amazing and perfectly cooked. I got one of the best steak I've ever had in my life!

delicious grilled meat + good value

By ECol82 |

After paying through the nose to eat well in Manhattan, this was a breath of fresh air! I had the grilled lamb, my boyfriend had the butcher's cut, both were cooked to perfection and great cuts of meat. We didn't need much to go with it after our jumbo prawn and an aubergine starter plate, so just shared a salad. They don't seem too fussed on their deserts here, so I'd suggest focusing on the starters and mains. Service was a little too cool for us, the hostess at the entrance was a bit stand-offish (it was only 6pm and just opening, so I wonder how she was by end of play!), and the barman was pretty offhand as well (we sat up at the bar to eat, so he was effectively our waiter). Didn't ruin the evening by any means, but brought it down to a 4* rather than 5* for me.

Great steak, great vibe, excellent service and fun spot.

By khulslander |

No Rez so have some wine and cheese next door w a glass of wine while you wait. Reasonably priced. Tasty food...outstanding steak, great octopus, Berkshire bacon, hash browns and spinach..great wine for 50 bucks...highly recommend this place.

Overpriced and overrated

By Ducky |

Denver steak served cold and was tough as leather. Probably one of the worst steaks I’ve ever tried. Not even a decent flavour. Side are a total rip off. $15 for weird tasting mash and $15 for a tiny amount of boiled potatoes topped with mayo. Had red wine which was probably the worst I’ve ever had. This was a terrible meal. None of our group enjoyed it and none would return. Server was really nice though hence the two star.

Good meat at New York prices

By BackPacker440462 |

Reservation required Welcome and good service Fairly long wait, good meat, well-confined saddle of lamb Not transcendent all the same Very high price 3 sardines $18 Not very generous side dishes $16 (without the tip of course) …

A First-Class Steakhouse

By Staunender |

These are the kind of findings that keep me going. A cozy place in Brooklyn, no pretentiousness, just guys with a passion for what they are doing. They don‘t take reservations, so prepare to wait or be early. Both is absolutely worth it - the steak was ine of the best I have ever had in a restaurant: Perfectly grilled, nicely seasoned, well presented - just they way it should be. I hope they‘ll stay a while!

Fantastic steaks.

By Yvonne L |

Really good place for casual night out. Good choices on menu but all 6 of opted for steak - it was fantastic with some really good sides. Only 2 could manage dessert. Good atmosphere.

Are you kidding me?

By kk93734 |

My son insisted on this place, saying it was incredible, etc. We make reservations. We go. The place was PACKED with a line outside. We waited in the wine bar next door for at least an hour maybe more. Finally we got in at a very crowded table with people yelling over the loud music all around ous. The waiter came and he smelled bad. His tee shirt was dirty. He was sweating and looked like he would rather be anywhere else but there. We order. I ask for "charred rare" steak. The waiter rolls his eyes and tells me it is called "Black and Blue" as if this is a breach of some major government protocol to call it whatever I want to call it. The food comes. It is fine food but not worth the price in such a pretentious environment where I felt as though we paid ALOT to have an uncomfortable evening. Don't go, cook at home or go to another steak house that at least gives decent service.

One of my favorite

By Miciopi |

I been here many times and is always amazing. The place is always packed with a line outside. We usually like to eat at the bar. This restaurant is a steak house but has among other dishes. Steaks are cooked to perfection. Great wine list. The service is cool,I mean Nyc style! You won't be disappointed . Missing you already!

Hangar Steak

By AlexChang1981 |

Love the hangar steak, mash potato, sauteed cauliflower. Great price and nice wine selection. Highly recommended.

Amazing steaks and service

By Damian C |

Amazing steaks , great vibe, nice staff and I love the space. The biscuits ??? 1 is NOT enough and 2 is TOO many. If you have 2 biscuits

Host"less" of the Year

By Aventuriste |

It's a shame Trip Advisor doesn't separate food and service into distinct categories because this restaurant deserves a 5 for food and a 2 for service. And the 2 is really just for the hostess or host"less", as I like to call her, who greeted us at the door. When the restaurant opens the protocol is to let people in one table at a time in the order that you line up. There was some confusion and this host"less" thought we cut the line. We explained to her that we didn't but instead she continued to question us and behave so rudely. I will say one thing, when you are in the service industry this type of behavior is simply unacceptable. It's a sure way to lose business. Especially in a world where social media and reviews are prevalent. And you never know who is reviewing your restaurant. My experience with this awful human being diminished my enjoyment of this establishment, despite the good food. I actually wanted to leave. To the owner of St. Anslem I say...be aware of who you hire to greet your well paying customers. The face at the door can be the difference between someone staying and someone leaving. With so many amazing restaurants in this amazing city, I don't need to come back to this one. For those of you that are willing to sacrifice service for food, try it out, just don't choke on your meal as you tolerate the host"less".

Great Food, Great Atmosphere, Great Service!

By Matt T |

From the minute I walked in the door, I was in awe of this great establishment. The hostess was great, and gave us many different options on seating. Our server was fantastic and recommended some great special for the day. If the pesto flatbread is ever available for an appetizer (it's normally a special, not on the regular menu), you must get it, it is absolutely fantastic! I had the Butchers Steak (hanger steak, garlic butter) and it was the best steak that I have ever had. Also, the Grilled Long Beans are to die for! If you're a mashed potatoes fan, try the Pan-Fried Mashed Potatoes, they are freaking fantastic. I cannot wait to come back to this establishment. Great prices, awesome food, fantastic wine selection, and all around amazing service! I will be back!

Delicious and excellent service!

By Trish B |

I love this place! The decor is unique and the food exceptional. We always go right when they open. Fills up quickly with wait. The staff that work there are personable and always remember you. I love the hanger steak and their hamburgers. The steak is excellent as well. It's a hip place that is tasty too!

Excellent, but not Unique

By ReeceLiang |

St. Anselm has great food. I got the NY Strip, pan fried mashed potatoes and spinach au gratin all of which were quite good. The au poivre sauce that comes with the steak is worth getting extra of, especially since the extra comes in a small dish which retains the heat nicely. The Cab paired well. All that being said, I can count a number of other places with similar fare, pricing, and delicious but heavy foods. The fantastic execution here comes with limited innovation. Regardless, this is a great local spot for good food and ambiance.

Finally a Steak cooked how I asked not to the chef’s preference

By trickydicky38 |

As a Brit I get tired of always being served steak in the US that is bloody at best and sometimes even needs to be led to the table. Not here. The char on the sirloin has divine and inside revealed that perfect pink that says “I know you hate the blood, but you didn’t really mean medium did you”. Intimate but efficient. Red wine literally on draft. Great staff - managed to turn a 2.5 hour wait in to 10 mins. Not a bad word to say about this place. I pray to god they don’t get bought by a venture capital firm......

Terrible service but great steak

By Joe F |

I had the butcher's steak, which was perfectly cooked, full of flavour, and probably one of the best I've had. However, the service was abysmal. It took over an hour for our food to arrive (after a 1.5 hour wait for the table) and our waiter didn't check on us at any point. I can understand the restaurant was busy but this shouldn't result in such poor service. It just wasn't good enough.

Great food in an unassuming venue

By Dave S |

My party of five ordered the Piedmontese Ax Handle Rib Eye, and it was one of the best steaks I've ever had. Just about everything else was brilliant too, including each of the two or three salads we ordered.

Good AF

By Moses M |

Had the hanger steak and the mashed potatoes. Cooked to perfection! Friendly staff. Nice vibe. Would highly recommend it to anyone.

Amazing place

By Anakin |

We been there for a steak we had the Piedmontese Ax Handle Rib Eye* (to share), the meat was great and well prepared , super tasty, I strongly suggest this steak house , the atmosphere is super cool also the people friendly, you will get a great steak for a reasonable price or cheaper than those fancy restaurants. Their salad is also amazing, it has a touch of finesse to it with flavors and not just greens with vinegar. You won't regret.

Fantastic

By karaokeboy |

We hunted out St. Anselm as we fancied a good steak and what a great choice it was.We had to wait for a table but it was definitely worth the wait.I chose the Hanger steak and my wife chose the lamb,both were cooked to perfection and we chose the spinach gratin and fingerling potatoes to accompany our meals and they were top notch as well.We had two desserts after and a litre of Greek wine as well.Everything was spot on and if I ever return to New York then I'd go back to St Anselm in a flash.

Favorite restaurant

By Priscila M |

This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of New York. No reservations necessary but the wait is long. They have amazing steaks and you can get a really great salmon steak as well. My favorite dish is the pan fried truffle oil mashed potatoes and the spinach gratin. You won't be disappointed.

Amazing steak restaurant in Williamsburg

By Kel_London1 |

What a great little spot - cosy and relaxed with friendly service to match. The steak was cooked to perfection with flavorsome and well seasoned sides. We started with some large gambas and they didn't disappoint - large and juicy albeit arguably on the pricey side for only 2 per portion. The dishes overall are reasonably priced but some options on the expensive side so be careful as the tab adds up. A great dinner recommended to all.

Ratatouille 🐀

By sonny b |

I would like to start by saying I would have given this restaurant 5stars for food and service ….steaks are brilliant quality and better than most old school steak houses in nyc . Salads and sides are really interesting but a little pricey . I give this one star ⭐️ because being seated in the back courtyard area with a rat 🐀 problem is totally unacceptable… I understand the need to utilise all the space a restaurant has but you cannot seat customers where there is any chance of being joined by rats 🐀.. There were 4 other tables in the courtyard area who all noticed several rats and who all were constantly on edge . Really disappointing as the food is great …..

Good meat

By Natalia G |

This is an small restaurant in Brooklyn. I found it nice and they serve very good meat and good home made sodas. I recommend their lunch specials. Good option for lunch. Service is a little slow but the wait was worth it. Good steak.

Beyond excellent

By Mary H |

We ordered the Axe Handle Rib eye and split it among three of us. Our steak was the biggest I’ve ever seen, around 60 oz. it was the best steak I’ve ever eaten. Also had artichoke hearts and steamed clams

Worth the Wait

By sccrref |

Never thought I'd say this but it was worth waiting almost 2 hours. Our son and his fiance took us there. They had been there before. There is a bar next door which Im sure is part of them where you wait and drink very good beer.The steak (I think it was the Ax handle- the per once steak) was simply amazing. 56oz for 4 of us. Cooked perfectly med rare and seasoned with salt and pepper. Melt in your mouth. Had several sides- cauliflower, peppers, bacon, sardines and mashed potatoes. We sat at the bar which was just fine and maybe even better cause we got to watch them cook. Highky recommend this place

Amazing steak and cheap beer. What more would you want?

By PBoier |

We had the Butcher's Steak at 19.50 with three sides. And it was amazing. The steak was juicy, grilled and cooked how we wanted it. And the sides great as well. Local Brooklyn Lager at $4 as well. Nicely decorated restaurant in the Williamsburg-deco. Wooden floors, brick walls, open kitchen and not a problem sitting in the bar. Even for a couple.

What a good way to start the new year

By Phayao13 |

From start to finish, amazing. Very fair prices for some great pieces of meat. not like a regular steak house, so much more innovative Stars of the show were the Avocado Shrimp Salad- never would have tried to grill an avocado and as you scoop into the avocado, the juices from the shrimp salad mix with the avocado making it just delicious. They have a small, open kitchen and it's very cool to see the team in action. 3 girls rocks over the open fire. The uniforms are cool as well. a bit of a Fellini sense of it all The beauty of this place, then, is not that it has everything a carnivore could ask for in a steakhouse—and more, including friendly service,and Led Zeppelin on the playlist. It’s that you can treat it like a casual neighborhood joint instead of a special-occasion expense-account extravaganza, and just drop in on a whim or whenever the craving for red meat strikes.

SO much SALT - big disappointment

By AJS1991 |

We were really looking forward to our dinner here having being recommended it by two friends as one of the best meals they had in NYC. We arrived on a Saturday evening and were told it was a 2.5hour wait - we had expected this so went for a drink elsewhere and came back later, looking forward to a delicious steak. We were seated at the bar, and the restaurant had a good atmosphere. We both ordered steak and when it came it was so ridiculously salty that we couldn't eat it. It was such a disappointment as it was obviously a very nice piece of meat but had been over seasoned to the point that it was ruined. I sent my back, and the waiter was very nice about it (the service here is good). He took it off the bill and offered me a replacement (which I declined by this point), but did say that it was a comment he had heard before - perhaps the chefs here need to take note and chill out a bit on the flavors. I imagine it would be delicious if they had!

FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE

By Sara28London |

Fantastic food and wine. I dined at St Anselm alone at the chefs counter and it was fabulous. A truly great experience with fantastic service, food and wine. Highly recommended

Excellent food, service and ambiance, the expensive drinks let it down a smidge

By shiffy m |

We arrived here on a weekday evening and had to wait about 15 mins for a reservation. They set us up at the bar to eat/drink. Our hostess was great with recommends etc. We had the halloumi with fresh greens to start (too small but very nice) and the baby shrimp cocktail which was DELICIOUS and just right. For mains we had the Butchers/Hanger Steak with a side of green beans and their famous mash with truffle oil. It was at this point I completely forgot I was sitting with my partner for about 15 mins, whilst I immersed myself in the food. Absolutely delicious. Probably the best steak I've ever had ....and I wanted to get a room with the mash. Great evening overall but 13 bucks for a glass of wine and 6 bucks for a half pint is too much.

Amazing!!

By serenad1818 |

This was our second time at St. Anselm and it was just as amazing as the first. The atmosphere is wonderful, food is delicious and perfectly cooked. The best steak we’ve ever had!

My favourite steak joint!

By evieta |

This casual steak house in Williamsburg is a must try for steak and seafood lovers. Try their incredible starter menu including grilled avocado and orange, artichoke hearts and grilled octopus - seriously delicious! Not to mention their steak, lamb, pork and seafood options. I simply love the charming atmosphere. My all time favourite steak house.

Top Spot

By Will0ughby |

We arrived on word of mouth but were told there would be a wait. Popped in next door for a drink and were texted 45mins later that a table was ready. Were able to bring our drinks in which I appreciated because I had a lovely French red from bar next door. The hanger steaks were fantastic. Waiter actually recommended less than we ordered. Really top quality food at reasonable prices.

Disappointing

By Londontraveller1811 |

We'd heard great things about St. Anselm and after waiting 90 mins for a table we expected something superb. Overall the food was disappointing - we ordered a selection of salads to start, stay away from the haloumi salad - there were two tiny bits of cheese in the entire salad! Not exactly something you can share. We also ordered a couple of steaks - at nearly $50 each you would expect something special but they were chewy, fatty and tasteless. The service wasn't exactly polite either but the guy seemed a bit rushed.

Best steak in Brooklyn

By Julian C |

St Anselm is my local favorite. The Butcher's steak here is off the hook. It is ridiculously priced too at $16! You would go up the road and pay $70 for the same steak at Peter Lugers. It is always my spot to take visitors from out of town and never disappoints. You should definitely try the Spinach Gratin as well, it literally melts in your mouth. The one thing to remember is that there will always be a wait at this place, make sure to come 1 hour before you are hungry because that is about the amount of time you will have to wait. However a good tip is to wait in the bar next door which is owned by the same people, you can bring your drinks through.

The best steak in NYC - Worth the wait

By Ashlee G |

My mouth is water just thinking about what I'm going to write about this little gem. If you want the best steak in NYC, go here! Seriously. The Butchers hanger steak ($24) is seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic butter and cooked to perfection. You can taste the quality of the ingredients and produce here. If you're looking to splurge share the Ax Handle steak that ranges between 45-65 oz. Everything warm is prepared using the grill. If it's your first time at the restaurant, I'd suggest sitting at the bar in front of the grill and watching them prepare meals for everyone. It really makes you appreciate everything! The sides are shareable for 2-3 people so keep that in mind. If you have time for one meal in Brooklyn, I'd have this at the top of my list. This is where we go to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Favorites: Drink - Donkey & Goat Red Wine / Apps - Grilled Halloumi Salad / Entrees - Butchers hanger steak (medium-rare) / Sides: Pan Fried Mashed Potatoes with Truffle Oil, Grilled Fennel with Hazelnuts, Grilled Berkshire Bacon, Grilled Cauliflower, Spinach Gratin. (For two people, we usually pick 2 sides) Dessert: Pot de Crème chocolate and salted caramel custard

Nearly perfect!

By JADE-NY0079 |

Food was just off the chart good. All you've heard about the quality of the beef is true and the wine and sides all were perfect. Service was excellent, helpful and friendly. It was uncomfortably hot in the restaurant though and that along with the somewhat unpleasant hostess frankly took a little shine off the evening.

Hidden Gem

By Vanessa V |

We were supposed to go to Peter Luger's that night (reservation was made over 1 month in advance) when a colleague told me about St Anselm which is about a mile away from Luger's in the center of Williamsburg. I am so glad I went for so many reasons. 1) Quality: the food was exceptional. My husband had the butcher's steak and I had the strip steak au poivre. Both were delicious. We also shared the burrata as an appetizer which was phenomenal and split the fingerling potatoes (fresh, delicious) and the shishito peppers (good, but I would pick something else next time - nothing special). Their wine and beer selection was also plentiful. 2) Price: I have never eaten a $15 steak that was this good. It was memorable and at any other steak restaurant would have been at least $40. 3) Service / Atmosphere: our waitress was very nice and the atmosphere was laid back / not stuffy. We were not rushed through our meal and enjoyed every moment. I would highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to going back. They do not take reservations so try to arrive on the early side during weekends so you don't have to wait too long (there is a bar next door so you can have drinks there while you wait).

Looking For The Perfect Steak?

By livingthedreamreview |

Really enjoyed this Brooklyn delight. It’s a neighbourhood restaurant serving a selection of food including steaks. I had the hanger steak which was served to perfection. Juicy, delicious and cooked with love. If in Brooklyn... Go here. Smile. Enjoy!

Great Steaks in Williamsburg, Great Value

By aod2012 |

Hangar steaks are unbelievable! Such good value too. The atmosphere is very laid back and comfortable. We had to wait an hour for a table, which wasn't that bad because there quite a cool little bar directly next door.

The Word is Out!

By michael b |

Get there early; people are lined up for the opening at 5pm. We had a party of five and everyone enjoyed every bite. Good wine list with several reasonably priced. Service was terrific. One of our Brooklyn favorites.

Best meat in town

By Dajoma |

We went there for dinner. We all had steak and it was just perfect, just the way it should be. The service was great and the staff very friendly. They have a good relationship with the St Anselm next door where we had pre-dinner drinks while we waited for our table, a great idea. This is a place you can visit again and again, their steak is so good.

Best steak I've ever had

By Dave C |

Kind of reluctant to write a review... being selfish and all... it's not like this restaurant can get any more busy though. You are lucky to get a seat, or usually have to wait at least an hour when they're full. But when you are lucky, you get to eat some of the best food I've found in NYC. The service is good, though not as friendly as some places. The steak... wow. I've tried a bunch of different steaks here. My favourite though was the the lamb shoulder. Cooked medium rare, crispy perfection on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Being an Australian, we have so much quality lamb back home, but I've never found a restaurant that turns out such great lamb. The only problem is you want to go more often, but can rarely get a table. Try getting there at 5.30pm latest.

CRAVING THE MOST DELICIOUS STEAK ON EARTH? GO STRAIGHT TO ST. ANSELM'S

By wiseandsavvy |

We were a party of six (4 in their 30s - mega foodies - and my husband and I in our 60s - super steak lovers). My suggestion: Go early to St. Anselm's and treat yourself and family or friends to a decadent dinner. There are no reservations, but knowing that, put your name in early (5:30 p.m., if you don't want to wait long), and go next door for wine and a charcuterie board and relax (We had a buzzer in hand from St. Anselm's that worked well). IT'S WORTH THE WAIT! We love the butcher steak, amazing hash browns served in small individual cast iron skillets, cauliflower, mushrooms, brussel sprouts -- for a table of six get a lot of sides for the table and share. One of the men ordered the special rib steak -- mammoth -- not a bargain price... however, you will never have a piece of meat so awesome (he shared). Atmosphere is lively, fun - we sat at a farm-style table. When my husband and I went back a week later, we walked in and sat at the bar and watched the cooking -- I've never watched anyone work so methodically and fast - maybe 8 people buzzing around all in charge of their specific areas - truly entertaining. 2 people sitting at the bar worked fine for conversation and quicker seating. HINT: I cannot stress enough that you must put your name in early - the wait time increases with the hour.

They know what they're about it - great steak!

By Sam W |

Went here to celebrate two friend's recent engagement and this place provided the perfect backdrop to a great celebration. It was busy when we arrived on arrived Thursday evening without a booking but no problem we had a couple of nice ales in their bar next door. Once in the restaurant we were sat at one of the large tables by the door which felt nice and cosy in the corner but still close to the action. The steaks are great quality and half the price of something which would be less than half the quality in manhattan. Great beer selection. They know what they are doing here and they do it right!

The hanger steaks!!

By CM9493 |

The most perfectly cooked and flavoursome hanger steak that has ever crossed my lips! We had the pleasure of dining at St Anselm during our visit to New York thanks to our friend who stays in Williamsburg. As a couple of Scots exploring the city for the first time it's unlikely that we would have come here if it wasn't for our friend. No reservations and a long waiting list we headed to a couple of bars, but it's definitely worth the wait. We all went for the hanger steak and shared a couple of sides of creamed spinach - wow. Couldn't be faulted. Waiting staff were lovely and very knowledgeable. We were recommended a great wine too. Lovely, simple rustic setting that suits the style of food perfectly. Not overly expensive but great quality. One of our best meals in New York!

Our all-time favorite place to celebrate

By Ryan W |

My wife and I have been coming here since 2012, we had one of our first dates here. We got 2-4 times a year and it’s my go to choice anytime we have something to celebrate. We’ve brought many friends and family here as well and all have loved it. Butcher steak is our favorite along with the mashed potatoes and the creme pot for dessert. We highly recommend the clams as an appetizer as well. Will continue to go here for as long as they’ll have us!

Elegant caveman dining

By Paul D |

Despite no reservations, we were able to get a table within 35 minutes of our inquiry. It was my birthday;so I was expecting a lot. The portions are not crazy big, but everything is how meat and seafood should taste. Beautifully grilled prawns. Bacon was fatty and nicely smoked. We got the 58 ounce ribeye on the bone, which apparently they have various sizes, depending on how much you want to eat that night. Desserts are a little disappointing, except the salted caramel chocolate pot de creme. Scallops a little too acidic prep-wise for my liking.

Superb meal

By Riddoch88 |

This was one of the dining highlights of our trip. Large shrimp, diver scallops followed by the Axe Handle steak. Everything was delicious, but the steak was one of the best we've ever tried. I hesitate to say it was better then Peter Luger because it was our first time here (vs multiple trips to Luger) - but it was better. Absolutely just melted in your mouth. Downside is there are no bookings, and even on a Monday night the place was full by 6pm. Only way to be safe is get here a little before 5pm or be prepared to wait. Don't hesitate, it's only an L Train away.

Bad service

By Ivan B |

Food is good but the service is terrible, the waiter was Really unfriendly and didn’t treat us well so not going again

Steak and potatoes and beer

By bklynpony1 |

A friend and I were the first ones there when they opened at 5:00 on a monday afternoon (the keys were still in the door). This small place started to fill up around 6:15. The steak was good for $17. They had some interesting side orders as well. The dark beer ( I forget the name) that they had on tap was good as well. I like it from the standpoint of a steak and potatoes kind of guy (i.e. We didn't have any soup or salad or dessert and the food tasted good and was filling). I'm not sure how it would measure up in regards to other meals. I definitely will be going back perhaps with others who may order something different, but as for me I'll stick with the steak and potatoes. And the 5 stars is strictly based on it becoming my new steak and potatoes and beer go to spot.

Quality

By McStrokin |

Heard great things about St. Anselm so I decided to dine with them during my visit to NYC. The wait was well worth it. Ordered the Butcher's steak, fingerling potatoes and grilled scallions. Every part of the dish was amazing. I have literally zero compliments. Food quality was above par. I will definitely return.

Very nice place

By Walter F |

Might be a little hard to find. Looks like a neighborhood place. They do not take reservations and if you get there by 6:00 P.M. you will see a long wait (1.5 hours). However, there is a nice adjacent bar with a back door patio and a great variety of drinks (wife's ginger ale couldn't have been better). The food was simply superb. The porter house steak, while not helping my diet, was perfect. Creamed spinach, lamb, pork, every dish was perfect. Wine was priced appropriately - try the Turly's. Nice IPA beer too.

Fantastic Steakhouse Pub in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Don't miss this opportunity.

By PeterSI447GE |

The Food is out of this world. Steaks are cooked to perfection in front of your eyes. Wonderful ambiance. The prices are low while the Quality of the Dishes rivals higher priced places like Smith & Wollensky In Manhattan and Peter Luger's in Williamsburg. The side dishes are perfectly prepared. During the summer the backyard garden dining area is a treat. This little Steakhouse Gem in Williamsburg Brooklyn is repeatedly on the frequent list and worth a trip from anywhere. An Exceptional place to bring friends to anytime of the year. I was deciding where to bring a friend who was visiting New York. After looking at Online review's of Steakhouse's, I chose St. Anselm, Brooklyn. We were both fell in love with this restaurant and to this day we still talk about it. Recommend for all. Please come early this place gets packed right away and for good reason. Oh yes don't forget the desserts and the Brooklyn Craft Beer. 5 Stars Kudos to The Owner Wonderful Staff and The Chef's on The Grill!

Super

By alliyz |

We were supposed to go to the steak house right in front of st. Anselm but i found the latter one much nicer on the aesthetics. However St. Anselm was busy and we're told to have drink in the pub just next to it. We just odered a beer and they came over to pick us up since our table was ready. Great food and nice staff!

A gem of a restaurant

By IslandTraveler8 |

We were in NYC and needed a place in Brooklyn for dinner on a very rainy day. Friends recommended St Anselm and we can't wait to return! Not well marked in the Williamsburg area, it's a small cozy restaurant. No reservations, no seating until all of your group has arrived, and no groups larger than 8. Heavy rain meant no wait when we arrived at 6. The restaurant was 1/3 full then emptied out before being packed with every table and every barstool full by 7. The guys had repeated rounds of Brooklyn Lager and gave it high praise. The guys also ordered the bourbon brined pork porterhouse--think of a giant pork chop that is melt in your mouth tender. I had the butchers steak which was cooked perfectly, also melted in your mouth and had a great mix of spices. We ordered creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and the butternut squash special as sides. Simple but with great spices to give them all unique flavor. For dessert we shared toffee cake, cranberry upside down cake, and pot de chocolat (or something like that--had a few desserts last week!). Service was relaxed and we were encouraged to take our time and not worry about crowd. Cannot recommend this place highly enough.

Bad customer service

By 130881 |

You are not able to book a table at this restaurant so, turned up last night and was told it would be a 90 minute wait. We accepted this and went to the bar next door for a drink. When 90 minutes was up we went back and they said no table and the wait would be at least another 30 minutes but no guarantee. Really disappointed, it would have been better if they had said there was a 2 hour wait in the beginning and we would have found somewhere else then.

something different

By loleco |

Very nice feeling, good food, a garden where you can smoke... we've eaten at the bar, close to the grill. I enjoyed wathing the cooks work. We've talked to several customers, everyone was very friendly. The meat was incredible, sides as well.

Nicest staff and atmosphere, great value

By Nia_STN |

Staff is perfect - nice and helpful, smiling and fast. The atmosphere is very cosy and relaxed. The food is very good with good presentation.

Butchers steak

By Regina C |

Hanger & Salmon steaks, Shishito peppers, pan-friend mashed potatoes over cider surrounded with very good company.

Great steaks, Quaint Place

By Gail M |

We went on a Sunday evening and the wait was 1 hour... it is a smaller restaurant so that is to be expected. My husband and I both had the Butchers steak and each was cooked perfectly (his medium, mine medium-well). The Pan-fried Mashed Potatoes were delicious as well as the Grilled long beans. A very nice meal!! We also enjoyed seeing this part of NY we had heard so much about.

Too much food!

By Adriandcass |

You can't book tables here. We arrived early and they very helpfully seated us immediately at a table that could have seated more people. We tasted a few wines befor settling on a Californian Cab Sav. It's a steakhouse and they gave us one huge piece of meat to cut up ourselves. It was sirloin so an ok cut. Cooked well. Too much meat though. I prefer a smaller filler steak myself. You need to order side dishes. They didn't hustle us out later. Was a queue during the busy time of people waiting to get a table.

Great wine, octopus and steak

By Becky395 |

We liked the atmosphere. We found it relaxed and not pretentious. We didn't have to queue (at 5:30). We had the house cab franc wine which was great and the braised octopus which was unbelievably good, both recommended by our waitress. We then had the butcher's steaks with grilled beans and fried mash sides. The steaks were cooked perfectly, delicious and great value. We would recommend.