St. Anselm – Best Steak in Williamsburg

I know what you’re thinking: “Peter Luger is the best steak in Williamsburg”! And while I want to agree with you on that, I also wholeheartedly don’t. I’ve been to both, and I enjoyed St. Anselm quite a bit better.

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Now don’t get me wrong, Peter Luger is an NYC staple and I think everyone should go at least once, preferably for a special occasion or when you win the lottery. It’s expensive, but it’s a cool experience – very old New York. I kind of feel like I should be wearing pearls when I go in there, you know? That said, if you don’t want to make your reservation two weeks in advance, dress up, and/or spend A LOT of cashish, you should definitely check out St. Anselm. Here’s why:

Unpretentious. I’ve lived here for six years, and I have seen the service in Williamsburg get better over the years, but St. Anselm has always been friendly and effective. Granted, I’ve had other people tell me otherwise, but I think they complained about the wait, more so than the service. And to that end, I will advise you this:

Go early, if you can. I have gone on a Friday night at 7 pm (aka not late for this trendy crowd), and I’ve been told to wait 1.5 hours. Clearly they have no clue who they’re talking to. I’m like a toddler on a 2-3 hour feeding schedule. Never.

So, about that feeding schedule.

Here’s what I get almost every time. Creature of habit.

Burrata and grilled tomato:

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The tomato is grilled, so it’s warm (obviously) and somehow just so much better tasting than any other tomato I’ve ever had. The burrata is creamy and contrasts so well, with a few pieces of basil and balsamic vinegar drizzled on top. Perfect appetizer.

Iceberg & blue with hot bacon dressing:

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I mean. Do you really need to know any further information? I basically dream of someone pouring “hot bacon dressing” on me. Because I’m classy AF. Ok but seriously, it’s an iceberg wedge salad with blue cheese and this hot bacon dressing business. It’s a wonderful mix of texture, flavor, and temperatures. Just like the burrata. They like to play with your senses at St. Anselm and I’m more than ok with that.

Axe Handle Ribeye (depends on what they have that day in terms of size):

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During my most recent visit, there was a Flintstone’s style Axe Handle Ribeye on the menu, and I think we got a 55 oz. cut. It was 3 of us, and it was still more than enough. I honestly have few words to describe this. It was perfectly cooked, SO flavorful, and didn’t need A THING other than a slab of butter slowly melting into all that marbled meat. I just salivated thinking about it, I’m not even kidding.

Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Spinach Au Gratin:

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The potatoes come out looking like a giant potato pancake in a cast iron skillet, pan fried with truffle oil on top. We attacked that and the spinach before I got a pic, so you’re going to have to deal with this crappy aerial shot. The truffle taste is subtle, so if you’re not a fan, you can dig out the potatoes from the bottom, they’ll have less truffle flavor. That’s my tip to you. You’re welcome. The spinach is baked with cheese on top as you can see, and I don’t know what they put in this one, but it’s one of the best ones I’ve ever had. Insert heart eyes emoji here, don’t ask questions and give thanks.

And speaking of, isn’t it grand that Thanksgiving is this week?! Where does the time go…

Hope everyone has a great holiday and PLEASE get to St. Anselm if you haven’t been. Then thank me later.

 

St. Anselm

355 Metropolitan Avenue

Hours: 11:00 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM

718-384-5054

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