Gallaghers is an icon. Walls covered with photos of horses and jockeys harken back to the seasoned stallion’s former proximity to the old Madison Square Garden. From the rolling carts of steaks and desserts to a bar scene that feels as alive as ever, this place hums with energy. The menu’s “other soup” is a sly reference held over from Prohibition days; and diners still walk past the window-fronted meat locker where slabs of USDA Prime beef are dry-aged.
Gallagher’s fresh sparkle is exhibited by the display kitchen, set behind glass panes. The kitchen turns out classic dishes – steaks over hickory logs, creamed spinach and other faithful sides that are executed with care. The rib steak is a bone-in ribeye that arrives mouthwateringly tender with a side of warm and savory house sauce.