Silly me. What was I thinking? Going to a place with steak and seafood and expecting it to be vegetarian friendly. Friends were in town and insisting on steak as their last meal before their flight the next day. Sir Fancy Pants chose PJ Clarke’s as he had been several times and could vouch for the quality of the food. He assured me there were plenty of things on the menu for me as well.
NOTE TO VEGETARIANS: WHEN A MEAT EATER TELLS YOU THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR YOU AND USES THE WORD SALAD ANYWHERE IN THE SENTENCE, THROW UP A RED FLAG. This means you’re screwed. Meat eaters do not grasp that not all vegetarians like salad and/or want to eat it at every meal. Imagine going out to a different restaurant each day with only one option on the menu: SALAD. It would get boring fast. You would probably be completely turned off to salad within a few weeks; the sight and smell of leaves might even make you nauseous. Now imagine living your life this way. Welcome to my world.
When we arrived to PJ Clarke’s Saturday evening at 9:30, we were told there would be a one hour wait for our party of 17. So we hung out in the crowded bar, located in a separate room from the restaurant. 45 minutes later, we were seated.
The waiter started us off with several bottles of red wine, white wine, bottled water, and more drinks. When I looked at the menu, besides salad and vegetable side dishes, there were two other options for me to eat: mac and cheese or a goat cheese omelet. I opted for the mac and a side of home fries. The rest of the table ordered steak and a variety of side dishes.
Once the food arrived, I was greeted by a plate of baked macaroni and cheese (served with peas) and a side of home potatoes. I also snacked on the closest side dishes: creamed spinach and button mushrooms in red wine sauce. Everything was good, but nothing struck out as particularly special. I know New Yorkers have a thing for macaroni and cheese. Although PJ Clarke’s is nothing to stub your nose at, I could have made the dish myself.
The service was great; our server managed to keep up with the demands of all 17 of us. I heard several of my dinner companions remark on how great the steak was; one commented that it was the best he ever had.
Given the limited options on the menu and the nature of the place (i.e. steakhouse), PJ Clarke’s is a miss. However, the bar (est. 1884) is one of the oldest in New York City (second behind McSorley’s Old Ale House est. 1854). In that regard, I recommend stopping in for a drink before heading elsewhere.
VERDICT: Go...but only for drinks
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