You’re walking down Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg. You see a line. It’s not for a club or a limited-drop sneaker. It’s for a steakhouse that looks more like a cozy, wood-paneled tavern than a temple of high-end beef. That’s St Anselm Brooklyn NY. While the rest of the neighborhood turns into a playground for luxury high-rises and flashy franchises, St. Anselm remains stubbornly, gloriously itself. It’s the kind of place where the smoke hits your lungs before you even see the grill.
Honestly, I’ve seen people wait two hours for a table here on a Tuesday. In a city where "new" is usually synonymous with "better," this spot proves that a seasoned cast-iron skillet and a brick of salted butter are the only marketing tools you actually need.
The Myth of the Butcher’s Steak
Most people go to a steakhouse for the ribeye or the porterhouse. At St Anselm Brooklyn NY, those are great, but they aren't the star of the show. The legend here is the Butcher’s Steak. It’s basically a hanger steak, but treated with a level of respect usually reserved for a Wagyu A5.
It is charred. It is salty. It is swimming in garlic butter.
The beauty of the Butcher’s Steak is the price point versus the payoff. In 2026, finding a world-class piece of meat for under $35 in New York City feels like a fever dream, but St. Anselm manages to keep it accessible. It’s a thick, irony, deeply flavorful cut that reminds you why we started cooking over fire in the first place. You don't need a steak knife that costs more than your rent to enjoy this. You just need an appetite and maybe a piece of their thick-cut bacon to start.
👉 See also: The Gospel of Matthew: What Most People Get Wrong About the First Book of the New Testament
The Grill is the Heartbeat
Joe Carroll, the mind behind St. Anselm (and the nearby Fette Sau), didn't want a traditional steakhouse. He wanted a "grill." There’s a distinction there. A steakhouse is about leather booths and stiff waiters. A grill is about the heat.
The open kitchen is tiny. If you’re lucky enough to snag a seat at the bar, you’re basically watching a choreographed dance with fire. The cooks are flipping monster steaks, charred broccoli, and whole fish in a space that would make a Manhattan studio apartment look spacious. It’s hot. It’s loud. It’s perfect.
Beyond the Beef: Why the Sides Matter
If you only eat the meat at St Anselm Brooklyn NY, you’re doing it wrong. I’m serious. The vegetables here get just as much love from the coals as the cows do.
The charred broccoli is a staple. It’s blackened, tossed with lemon and garlic, and has that perfect crunch that makes you forget you’re eating something healthy. Then there’s the spinach. Forget that creamed, mushy stuff you get at old-school joints. Here, it’s pan-fried until it’s almost crispy, seasoned so aggressively that it stands up to the heaviest ribeye on the menu.
✨ Don't miss: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
- Grilled Tomatoes: They come out blistered and bursting with sweetness.
- Iceberg Wedge: It’s cold, crisp, and loaded with blue cheese—the ultimate palate cleanser.
- Pan-Fried Mashed Potatoes: Imagine the best part of the mashed potato (the crusty bit at the bottom of the pan) and make a whole side dish out of it.
The wine list is also worth a mention. It’s not some 50-page binder filled with $1,000 Bordeaux. It’s curated. It’s weird. It’s full of small-producer bottles that pair surprisingly well with smoke and salt. Don't be afraid to ask for a recommendation; the staff actually knows their stuff and won't just upsell you on the priciest bottle.
Navigating the St Anselm Brooklyn NY Wait Time
Let’s be real: the wait is the biggest hurdle. St. Anselm doesn’t do traditional reservations for small groups. You show up, you put your name in, and you wait.
Usually, they’ll tell you it’s ninety minutes. Don’t panic. This is Williamsburg. You’re surrounded by bars. Go get a drink at The Commodore or Spuyten Duyvil across the street. By the time you’ve finished a beer and a conversation, your table will be ready.
If you want to skip the madness, go for lunch or an early Sunday dinner. The vibe is a bit more relaxed, the light filtering through the front windows is beautiful, and you won’t feel the frantic energy of the 8:00 PM rush. It’s a different experience, maybe a bit more civilized, but the food is exactly the same.
🔗 Read more: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
The Atmosphere is the Secret Sauce
The decor is sort of "colonial hunting lodge meets Brooklyn dive." There are old flags on the wall, mismatched wood, and dim lighting that makes everyone look better than they actually do after a long day at work. It feels lived-in.
It’s the opposite of the sterile, "Instagrammable" restaurants that have been popping up lately. St. Anselm isn't trying to be your background; it’s trying to be your dinner.
What to Order: A No-Nonsense Strategy
If you're going for the first time, don't overthink it. Order the Butcher’s Steak. Get the broccoli. Get the mashed potatoes. If you're feeling fancy, the grilled whole trout is legitimately one of the best fish dishes in the borough—smoky, flaky, and simple.
- Start with the Bacon: It’s thick, honey-glazed, and probably better than most main courses elsewhere.
- The Main Event: Butcher’s Steak (medium-rare is the only way here).
- The Essential Side: Pan-fried mashed potatoes.
- The "Healthy" Bit: Charred broccoli.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
- Location: 355 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
- Transit: Take the L to Bedford or the G to Metropolitan. Both are easy walks.
- Payment: They take cards, but keep some cash for tips if you're feeling old school.
- Group Size: It’s tough for big groups. Keep it to 2-4 people if you want to eat before midnight.
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a massive promotion or a first date that you actually want to go well, this is it. It’s consistent. It’s honest. It’s exactly what a Brooklyn restaurant should be.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your visit to St Anselm Brooklyn NY, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before you actually want to eat to put your name on the list. While you wait, check out the nearby shops on Bedford Avenue or grab a craft cider at one of the neighboring bars. Always check their current hours on their official website or social media before heading out, as they occasionally close for private events or holiday shifts. If you're a true steak enthusiast, consider visiting Fette Sau right next door another night to compare the neighborhood's different approaches to fire and meat.