Did Theodore Roosevelt ever imagine sharing a meal with Babe Ruth? At Keens Steakhouse, this wasn’t just a possibility, it was a common occurrence. Keens Steakhouse stands as a testament to a bygone era, a relic of New York’s vibrant theatrical past. Established in 1885 by Albert Keen in the then-bustling Herald Square Theatre District, Keens Steakhouse, also known as Keens Chophouse, quickly became a haven for actors. They would slip in through the back door, still in their stage makeup, for a quick drink between performances at the neighboring Garrick Theater.
Keens Steakhouse isn’t just about steak. It’s about history, tradition, and a unique atmosphere. Imagine the aroma of pipe tobacco mingling with the sizzle of mutton chops. This was the scene at the famed “Pipe Club,” where prominent figures like Roosevelt, Ruth, Albert Einstein, and General Douglas MacArthur indulged in their favorite pastime. Today, over 90,000 pipes hang from the ceiling, a visual spectacle and a tribute to the club’s legacy. You can even see pipes belonging to Einstein, Adlai Stevenson, and Babe Ruth displayed prominently near the entrance.
Keens was originally a men-only establishment. This all changed in 1905 when actress Lillie Langtry, rumored to be King Edward VII’s mistress, sued the restaurant for refusing her entry. Langtry won, and a room at Keens now bears her name, a testament to her victory. The restaurant’s walls are a living museum, adorned with over 500 artifacts, postcards, political cartoons, and historic photographs. Among the collection is a Playbill believed to have been in Abraham Lincoln’s hand at Ford’s Theatre on the night of his assassination.
Keens Steakhouse is also known for its culinary history. Its signature dish, the mutton chop, reached a milestone in 1935 when the restaurant served its one-millionth chop. Post-World War II, changing tastes and mutton scarcity led to a transition to lamb, but the cut remains reminiscent of the original. The menu also features classic steakhouse fare like filet mignon and prime rib, alongside expertly crafted cocktails. And then there’s “Miss Keen,” the enigmatic, unclothed woman in a portrait above the bar. Her identity and the artist remain a mystery, adding to the restaurant’s allure.
By the 1970s, both Keens and Herald Square had fallen into decline. In 1978, Keens was on the verge of closing. George Schwarz, a radiologist and restaurateur, stepped in, purchasing and meticulously restoring the landmark. Keens Steakhouse reopened in 1981, revitalized but retaining its historic charm. Today, it thrives, seamlessly blending old-world elegance with modern culinary excellence, offering a dining experience unlike any other in New York City. Keens Steakhouse stands as the last vestige of the Herald Square Theatre District. It’s a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the present, a truly unique New York experience.