The other night it was sooo cold but I met my girlfriend at Rocco Steakhouse which is located at 106 East 57th Street between Lexington and Park. There is also a second Rocco Steakhouse which is located at 72 Madison Avenue which is located between 27th and 28th Street. Now truth be told, I’ve never been a big fan of steak houses. I find them cold and detached with a very limited menu and Rocco didn’t disappoint. First of all the neighborhood and the street that it’s located on was completely deserted. Yes, not a soul on the street. Now it could have been the weather, no doubt- but there was also an eyrie sense of quietness. Then you walk into the restaurant and there is no decoration at all. There are just straight lines and a very utilitarian feeling.

When I googled Rocco Steakhouse, this is what I found”

“Rocco Steakhouse is an elegant, classic American steakhouse in NoMad. Owner Rocco Trotta has teamed up with GM/Partner Pete Pjetrovic, Beverage Director/Partner Jeff Kolenovic, and other key staff from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse—including Executive Chef Johnny Jevric and Head Waiter/sommelier Henry Doda—to provide patrons with world-class service, impeccable quality in the finest wines, steaks and freshest seafood, to make every meal with us an unforgettable experience.

All of our prime steaks and chops are dry-aged on-site and served by a dedicated and knowledgeable staff each with a minimum of 10 years steakhouse experience. The setting is primed to impress: whether for a romantic dinner, a power lunch, a client dinner or a family celebration.”

Truthfully, the last place I’d want to go for a romantic dinner is Rocco’s and I just don’t understand how they could label their restaurant that way though as a power lunch, a client dinner and potentially a family celebration-yes I can see those labels.

Having said that here is the bar and dining room area and I’ll let you be the judge…

So what did I decide to order?

I wasn’t all that hungry so I decided to order Chicken Paillard and a Baked Potato.

First came the bread basket. Yum.

Then came The Chicken Paillard which was very tasty.

So all in all, the food was very enjoyable but I didn’t enjoy the atmosphere. In addition, It is in all transparency a very expensive menu!

However, if it’s hardy food that you’re looking for and a lot of Russian looking people, and are in the East 57th Street area then you might want to check it out.