There’s a classic steakhouse recipe for success; perfecting it takes time. Gallaghers Steakhouse has had nearly 100 years of practice. At this chophouse, the staff is laser-focused on service, the bar pours stiffly spiritous drinks, and the kitchen dishes out perfectly cooked steaks—a pure embodiment of what you’d expect from a steakhouse. The brand started as a Manhattan theater district speakeasy in 1927, went through several iterations, and today is the standout NY chophouse that opened its only outpost here in our community last summer.
Gallaghers honors its roots and history with a variety of vintage photos of celebrities, athletes, politicians and socialites who have graced its plush banquettes. The Brody family owned the restaurant for nearly 50 years before they sold it to Dean Poll, a restaurateur who is also the former operator of the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. Guests will also find a collection of equestrian photography adorning the walls, perhaps a soft nod to the Brodys’ love for horses (the family has owned a horse farm in upstate New York for decades). Similar to its Big Apple sister restaurant, Gallaghers in Boca has an impressive meat locker on display and a wraparound bar that was bursting with revelry when I visited on a Saturday evening. But I also have an inclination that the bar is busy regardless of the day. Hoping to capitalize on our weather, this location has an outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying an al fresco meal.
We started with the jumbo lump crab cake ($27) and the steak tartare ($18). While the crab cake is pricy for an appetizer, it delivered on everything I ever wanted from that dish. It was an abundance of crab with minimal breadcrumbs (unlike what I usually get when I order it around town). It left me extremely satisfied without feeling like I’d eaten a loaf of bread or extra filler. The steak tartare, unfortunately, was another story. It came shaped in a rectangle, dull in color and resembling a piece of spam more than the beefy dish I’ve learned to appreciate and enjoy.
The entrées rolled in on a retro service cart, a nice touch I haven’t seen much in recent years. Now, while this is a steakhouse and Gallaghers proved itself a master of its craft (the filet mignon, at $65, was perfectly cooked and seasoned), in my opinion, what should have been the supporting players outshone the dry-aged star. The stuffed shrimp ($53) were jumbo, crammed with decadent crab and floating in a rich mustard butter sauce. The veal chop parmigiana ($64), oozing with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, was enormous, and perfect for sharing.
Nothing is better than finishing off a decadent meal than a moist, mile-high layered chocolate cake ($12) and a few sips of limoncello ($15) paired with the rumble of your fellow diners all collectively rejoicing in dishes that have been perfected over decades of tweaks. And while they are pricy (not uncommon for steakhouses), the cohesive meal these dishes create is worth experiencing and savoring amongst friends.
IF YOU GO
PARKING: Valet, parking lot
HOURS: Every day from 5–10 p.m.
PRICES: $14–$74
WEBSITE: gallaghersnysteakhouse.com
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