| Gallaghers Steakhouse | |
|---|---|
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 Interactive map of Gallaghers Steakhouse | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | November 1927; 98 years ago (1927-11) |
| Owner | Dean Poll |
| Food type | Steak |
| Location | 228 West 52nd Street, in theTheater District,Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States |
Gallagher's Steakhouse is a steakhouserestaurant at 228 West52nd Street in theTheater District inManhattan, New York City.[1] It was founded in November 1927[2] byHelen Gallagher, a formerZiegfeld girl, and wife ofEdward Gallagher (1873–1929),[3] and Jack Solomon, a colorful gambler with a large loyal following from the sporting element. These were the days ofProhibition and Gallagher's was one of the firstspeakeasy gathering places for gamblers, sports figures, and stars ofBroadway. There is now a location in theNew York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.[2]
The restaurant opened on the same block as the Alvin Theatre (renamedNeil Simon Theatre in 1983), which opened a few days afterward.[4]
In 1933, PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt fulfilled his campaign promise to end Prohibition. With liquor now legal, Gallagher and Solomon brought a new style of steakhouse to Broadway.[4] The establishment was basic and had the informal atmosphere of a speakeasy mixed with an American country inn. The walls were covered with photos of the stars of Broadway, Hollywood, business, politics, and athletes past and present. Even the stars ofBelmont Park andAqueduct Racetrack atJamaica are honored.
When Helen died, Jack Solomon marriedIrene Hayes, who was also a former Ziegfeld girl and one of the top florists inManhattan. After a number of years as the sole owner of Gallaghers, Hayes decided to sell and chose Jerome Brody, the restaurateur responsible for theRainbow Room and theFour Seasons.[5]
In 2008, the menu at Gallaghers was changed by the new management. Most important among the changes was the removal and exclusion ofPorterhouse steak, which once 'graced' the frozen windows of the meat locker that greets customers as they enter the restaurant. This caused some of Gallagher's old customers to complain about the removal of the Porterhouse, which some believe originated in New York.[citation needed]
Gallaghers Steakhouse was featured in the 2002 movieMonday Night Mayhem.
The Trophy Room is a space for business meetings, private dining or events. Located on the second floor it features a bar, real wood-paneled walls and an extensive photo collection. The Trophy Room accommodates 110 seated, 200 reception style, 100 theater style, and the entire restaurant 400 seated.
In January 2013, Gallaghers was purchased by Long Island restaurateurDean Poll,[6] who also ownsCentral Park's Loeb Boathouse. Gallagher's closed for renovations in July 2013.[7][8]
Gallaghers Steakhouse re-opened in early February 2014 with a new menu, which includes the porterhouse, and renovated interior.[9]
Staff at Gallagher's are represented byUNITE HERE Local 100.[10]
40°45′46.05″N73°59′1.55″W / 40.7627917°N 73.9837639°W /40.7627917; -73.9837639
