Butcher & Banker Is Your New Midtown Hideaway

Between the time you open and close this email, two restaurants will probably open in NYC.

But occasionally, a new eatery comes along that’s actually worth writing home about.

A place that breathes some much-needed life into an oft-forgotten neighborhood.

Today, that’s Butcher & Banker, the new Midtown steakhouse serving Texas-sized pork chops and ribeyes in an abandoned bank vault.

NYC’s storied steakhouse legacy is truly turning a new chapter with this one. Butcher & Banker is a modern American steakeasy under the culinary leadership of one Executive Chef Scott Campbell.

butcher (3 images)

Nestled under the New Yorker Hotel and a stone’s throw from MSG, they’re serving old-school steakhouse favorites (tomahawks, short rib, lamb chops) as well as whiskey cocktails and an excellent bar/late-night menu in a decommissioned Manufacturers Trust Company bank vault.

And while you’re at it, check out six other Midtown hotspots worth visiting, as recommended by Chef Campbell.

For: Brunch: Baccarat
“The tuna tartare and the burger at Baccarat are perfect for brunch. It’s a real jewel as it’s such a beautiful, ornate space, but it surprisingly doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg to enjoy it.”

For Lunch: Goodman’s Cafe
“Goodman’s Cafe in the basement of Bergdorf Goodman is quiet and subdued, a great place to get away from the frenzy of Midtown. You can feel celebrated without being over-the-top and they have a great list of classic salads that are great for lunch.”

For Dinner: Estiatorio Milos
“I love Estiatorio Milos for dinner. It’s a fun, energetic restaurant and the service is impeccable. They have the best fried zucchini I’ve ever had in my life. It’s $33, but it’s off the charts. If you get there for their late night menu, they have a really well-priced prix fixe that is only $35 for 3 courses which includes dishes like octopus, rack of lamb, plus a dessert. While I’ve seen celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio there, it’s very celebrated without being pretentious.”

For Cheap Eats: Urbanspace Vanderbilt
“Urbanspace Vanderbilt is a really cool, funky spot. It’s like Williamsburg in Midtown, and they have great food like Roberta’s Pizza and Nashville Hot Chicken.”

For Nightlife: King Cole Bar at The St. Regis and Two E Bar at The Pierre Hotel
“For someone who is always overstimulated like I am, I like to go to Two E Bar/Lounge at The Pierre Hotel as it’s very romantic and cozy. You won’t be dancing until dawn, but it’s a great cozy place and the service is absolutely immaculate. They have great, reasonably priced cocktails and they also have great bar goodies like Indian Spiced Popcorn, Mixed Olives and homemade puff pastries with goat cheese and brie. I also enjoy the King Cole Bar at The St. Regis as it’s really elegant and festive, especially this time of year with the over-the-top Christmas decorations and old school vibe. They also have a great cocktail program.”

For A Point Of Interest: New Yorker Hotel
“In the basement of the New Yorker Hotel is a splendid history exhibit that includes a timeline of the hotel’s storied past. From Muhammed Ali recuperating after his fight with Joe Frazier to Nikola Tesla living (and dying) in the hotel to NBC broadcasting from The Terrace Room, it’s a hidden gem that sheds light on old-school New York.”