DeStefano's Steakhouse
The Scoop: Walking into DeStefano's is like stepping inside the heart and soul of Brooklyn itself. First opened as an eatery in 1919 (as Dee's Cozy Corner, an extension of the family's dining room), today the walls are lined with hundreds of photos, wedding portraits and snapshots of relatives who have passed through the doors. DeStefano's mission is to make everyone feel as if they've "come home for dinner," and while they certainly succeed with their warm, familiar service, they outdo themselves with the food: the steaks served at this place are the stuff of New York dreams, and they're affordable enough to experience night after night.
Scout Notes: Joe Donatelli grew up in Brooklyn, in and around this building that's been continuously owned by his family for nearly a century, and he knows a thing or two about neighborhood pride. DeStefano's is a product of his love for this corner of New York and all of the people in it. Sitting in the cozy dining room, you'll see a microcosm of the zip code as it exists today: Williamsburg's newest residents with their out of town parents; local natives who have been coming weekly for years; older Italian couples who know the family. They all come to DeStefano's for the atmosphere and the incredible food—famous steaks (and sides) so good they'll easily become Donatelli's legacy.
When I first caught sight of the 40 oz. Porterhouse steak for two, I actually gasped; the shimmering, juicy cut is so glorious it's nearly intimidating. Everything surrounding it on the menu is this delicious. You literally cannot go wrong with any of DeStefano's steaks, especially if you match them with the neighborhood's best garlic mashed potatoes. Even more astounding than the perfection of the meat, though, is Joe Donatelli's wine list. Featuring a smart, deep collection of Cabernets and Italian reds, the list is priced amazingly affordably (there are tons of bottles under $30), in accordance with Donatelli's philosophy: everyone should be able to have a special night out with great food and serious wine, all without leaving broke or uncomfortable. Now that's what I call the spirit of Brooklyn.
Menu Highlights:
Iceberg Wedge, $8.89
Short Rib Rolls, $10.89
Hangar Steak with Pomegranate Reduction, $24.89
24 oz Rib Eye Steak, $43.89
40 oz Porterhouse Steak for 2, $79.89
Hours:
Monday, Closed
Tuesday—Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday—Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Scout Notes: Joe Donatelli grew up in Brooklyn, in and around this building that's been continuously owned by his family for nearly a century, and he knows a thing or two about neighborhood pride. DeStefano's is a product of his love for this corner of New York and all of the people in it. Sitting in the cozy dining room, you'll see a microcosm of the zip code as it exists today: Williamsburg's newest residents with their out of town parents; local natives who have been coming weekly for years; older Italian couples who know the family. They all come to DeStefano's for the atmosphere and the incredible food—famous steaks (and sides) so good they'll easily become Donatelli's legacy.
When I first caught sight of the 40 oz. Porterhouse steak for two, I actually gasped; the shimmering, juicy cut is so glorious it's nearly intimidating. Everything surrounding it on the menu is this delicious. You literally cannot go wrong with any of DeStefano's steaks, especially if you match them with the neighborhood's best garlic mashed potatoes. Even more astounding than the perfection of the meat, though, is Joe Donatelli's wine list. Featuring a smart, deep collection of Cabernets and Italian reds, the list is priced amazingly affordably (there are tons of bottles under $30), in accordance with Donatelli's philosophy: everyone should be able to have a special night out with great food and serious wine, all without leaving broke or uncomfortable. Now that's what I call the spirit of Brooklyn.
Menu Highlights:
Iceberg Wedge, $8.89
Short Rib Rolls, $10.89
Hangar Steak with Pomegranate Reduction, $24.89
24 oz Rib Eye Steak, $43.89
40 oz Porterhouse Steak for 2, $79.89
Hours:
Monday, Closed
Tuesday—Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday—Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
