The Return Visit
It was a rough Sunday. One of those days where you need a pick-me-up and a reason to be outside that isn’t “because the walls are closing in.” I also had errands to run in Downtown Brooklyn, so instead of spiraling, I did the responsible thing and went back to Gage & Tollner.
I hadn’t been back since they reopened years ago. When I first visited during the opening weeks, it left me cold. Not bad, just not my thing. The pricing model annoyed me. House-cut steaks, inconsistent sizing, ounces up, ounces down. This isn’t the 1800s anymore, man. I don’t want steak math. Give me a price, I’ll pay it. Market price is fine. Guessing games are not.
That experience stuck with me. But enough people I trust kept saying, “You have to go back,” so here we are.
The Space & Vibe
For context, Gage & Tollner originally opened in the late 1800s, closed for years, and came back to life looking better than ever. The interior is straight-up sexy. Old-school steakhouse energy. Dark wood, low lighting, quiet confidence. It feels like it’s supposed to be there, which most restaurants can’t pull off.
I grabbed a seat at the bar.
Drinks & Service
Martinis were first because obviously. Clean, cold, no nonsense. The bartenders were friendly and professional without being stiff. Lucky, one of the bartenders, had that classic steakhouse vibe. Quick conversation, some banter, nothing forced. I don’t need a life story, just enough human interaction to remind me I’m not drinking alone in my apartment.
Huge difference from my first visit.
Dry-Aged Beef Tartare
The Dry-Aged Beef Tartare ($25) came out quickly and looked sharp. Turnips, pears, dates, walnuts, and a cured egg yolk all piled together like they’d actually discussed the plan beforehand. The dry-aged beef had that deeper, funkier richness you want, while the pears and dates added just enough sweetness to keep things interesting. The walnuts gave it texture, and the cured egg yolk tied everything together without turning it into a salt bomb.
It’s one of those dishes that sounds a little extra on paper, but once you’re a few bites in, it just works. Balanced, rich, and surprisingly easy to keep eating. Definitely a strong start and a clear upgrade from what I remembered years ago.
Caesar Salad
Let’s talk Caesar salad. It was good. Crisp romaine, classic chunky croutons, well-balanced dressing. Nothing wild, nothing over-the-top. Not a “holy shit” Caesar, but a respectable, well-executed one. Sometimes that’s enough.
Steak & Fries
This is where Gage & Tollner really redeemed itself for me.
The steak and fries were on point. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, exactly what I asked for. The fries were thick-cut, crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, with just enough bite to keep things interesting. No complaints here. This is comfort food done right.
I would absolutely come back just for this plate.
Dessert & Espresso Martini
Closed it out with an espresso martini and cheesecake. The cheesecake wasn’t overly sweet, which I appreciate. The cookie crust had a hint of ginger that gave it a subtle kick and kept it from being flat. Easy to eat, not cloying, and a solid way to end the meal.
Verdict
This second visit completely changed my opinion of Gage & Tollner. Prices felt fair, food was solid, service was dialed in, and the atmosphere did exactly what it was supposed to do: make a bad Sunday better.
Will this become a regular spot? Probably not, and that has more to do with geography than food. Downtown Brooklyn is a nightmare to get my friends to unless tourists are involved or we’re already in the area. But if I’m nearby, it’s absolutely going into rotation. Once a year feels realistic. More if I can convince people to leave Midtown.
Also worth noting: there’s a speakeasy upstairs, Sunken Harbor Club. Fun spot, different vibe, different mission. I’ve been there before, enjoyed it, but I treat it as a separate experience entirely.
Bottom line: if you’re in Downtown Brooklyn and want a legit steakhouse with history, character, and a proper martini, Gage & Tollner deserves another look. I’m glad I gave it one.
As always, what do I know? I’m just a fat guy from Brooklyn trying to survive the week, one martini at a time. If you want more Top 10s steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it, click the words and keep going.