What's a Chic Downtown Restaurant for a Celebratory Steak?

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Dear Eater,

I’m a manager working at a company in the Financial District and I need a nice place for dinner for me and two co-workers. We’re celebrating a hard-earned work success so want to treat ourselves. One of my co-workers really wants steak, so it must have a solid version. She’s been working like crazy for this project, and I want to make sure she gets what she wants. A “delicious dinner” was promised, meaning we have some leverage to go to a slightly nicer place. We wanted Augustine pretty badly, but it’s all booked. Any suggestions?

Sincerely,

Manager Rewarding a Win

Hey Manager,

Sounds like you are a great boss. Eating a fantastic meal is definitely the ideal way to celebrate. It’s also the ideal way to hang out with friends, drown your sorrows, get through two hours with your parents, etc., but anyway.

Since you mentioned Augustine, I assume you’re interested in a chic, downtown bistro that’s close to your office. I also assume that you are a Keith McNally fan. This makes my answer particularly easy: Just go to The Odeon instead.

It was McNally’s first restaurant, and although he eventually parted ways, the dining room maintains some aspects that later became his hallmarks — mirrors, spherical overhead lights, a slightly golden feel. A co-worker that recently visited called it “a very satisfying bistro experience.” She got a martini and it was luxurious and great.

For your industrious meat-loving co-worker, The Odeon also will deliver. The restaurant is particularly known for its steak frites, which come with shoestring fries and a New York strip. In a December review, Pete Wells said ordering it was a “smart” call.

And because it’s been around for longer and is somewhat less sceney than Augustine, reservations will be easier to snag. That said, the mood will still be lively. It boasts a robust “power crowd” — Conde Nast editors reportedly love it — and stays fairly busy. My bet is that it will do the trick.

Good luck,

Serena