This old school steakhouse has stuck to the tried-and-true formula of steak, more steak and stiff drinks. Of the wood-paneled bar, all-American variety of steakhouse, Benson’s stands in direct contrast to nearby midtown steakhouses, whether the big, leather-upholstered flashiness of Del Frisco’s or the sleek modernity of AKRO-designed Quality Meats or Page 6-featured Kobe Club. Huge cuts of steak, veal chops and 3-pound minimu...

This old school steakhouse has stuck to the tried-and-true formula of steak, more steak and stiff drinks. Of the wood-paneled bar, all-American variety of steakhouse, Benson’s stands in direct contrast to nearby midtown steakhouses, whether the big, leather-upholstered flashiness of Del Frisco’s or the sleek modernity of AKRO-designed Quality Meats or Page 6-featured Kobe Club. Huge cuts of steak, veal chops and 3-pound minimum lobsters also means shamelessly retro sides like rich mashed potatoes, thick hash browns and creamed spinach. No steakhouse is immune to the modern realities of healthy diets and vegetarianism (not to mention old fashioned discipline and self-control); those looking for something lighter can opt for fish and other seafood, chicken and salads from the main and light lunch menus. The bar and outdoor patio cafe offer additional casual and inexpensive options including hearty salads, sandwiches and burgers.

Bensons starts filling up as early as 5.30pm during the week and is made up almost exclusively of executives and more junior staff from nearby office buildings who come here regularly for drinks or dinner; in fact, one of its official entrances is through the Calyon Building (which is flanked by two enormous Winged Victory of Samothrace statues) on the west side of Sixth Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Street, home to Dewey Ballantine lawyers and Lehman Brothers bankers. Despite its few concessions to trendiness, Benson’s is friendly and unaffected; it’s just a little less inviting when you’re a tourist or theater-goer without an expense report.