Haute Spots Boston: Smith & Wollensky Atlantic Wharf

Because Boston is best known for its fresh seafood, you might not expect to find a waterfront steakhouse here, but that’s just what Smith & Wollensky at Atlantic Wharf delivers. Their second Boston location (the other has been a prominent landmark in Back Bay situated in a historic castle) has a seaside view of the Fort Point Channel. Consider the Back Bay property the older, more sophisticated sibling whereas this one is the younger and hipper version (think modern interior with soft leather booths, custom antique light fixtures and floor-to-ceiling windows with water views).

Both locations have recently introduced their fall menu, which features classic steakhouse staples like the beloved crab cake along with some nice hearty surprises, including the addicting house cured beef bacon served with a smoked, blue cheese dip. Also returning to the fall menu is the popular selection of steaks for two. Choose from a 44-ounce double-cut, dry aged, cowboy ribeye; Black Angus Chateaubriand tenderloin with red wine demi-glace; or a 46-ounce porterhouse, which combines the best in steakhouse flavors – a USDA prime, dry-aged, bone-In sirloin and filet.

Photo Credit: Smith & Wollensky

All of the beef here is USDA prime and each is hand cut in-house. This location also has a dry-aging room on-site for some of the best tasting steaks on the menu. During the warmer months, the restaurant offers one of the most coveted patios in Boston with seating for up to 120 guests to enjoy some al fresco dining. In the colder months, be sure to request a table in the main dining for a view of the open kitchen where you can see the culinary team headed up by National Director of Culinary Development & Corporate Chef Matt King. Here, he and his team can be found  doing everything from making their own sauces and shucking oysters to roasting vegetables and searing steaks. (Boston is the test kitchen that creates recipes for all of the brand’s locations throughout the country).

Photo Credit: Smith & Wollensky

Smith & Wollensky is best known for its classic cuts of beef, including the USDA Prime bone-in Kansas City cut sirloin, boneless New York strip, bone-In ribeye (Cajun or traditional) and Black Angus filet mignon as well as cuts like the family-farmed veal ribeye, Colorado lamb chops and Black Angus bone-in filet. Each can be complemented with a side of roasted bone marrow, cipollini onion and garlic or au poivre.

For starters, we recommend the clams casino, a deliciously warm sampling topped with applewood smoked bacon, oregano and parmesan bread crumbs. The crispy battered “angry” shrimp served in a spicy lobster butter sauce should also not be missed.

It’s difficult to save room for dinner with all of the appetizer offerings to choose from, but trust us, you’ll be glad you did, especially if you order the melt-in-your-mouth 24-ounce, bone-in ribeye. We also love the uber juicy New York strip, which we opted to have coated in their signature coffee and cocoa rub with ancho chili butter topped with “angry” onions for a dish you won’t soon forget.

All of the steaks here are chosen from the top 2 percent of all beef in the country, selected for their rich, even marbling. The primal cuts are also corn fed and humanely raised.

Photo Credit: Smith & Wollensky

With more than 500 different selections of wine available and a 4,000 bottle collection, you can certainly find the perfect bold cabernet to complement your ribeye or a delightfully light pinot grigio to pair up with a seafood dish. Also returning to the fall menu is the Filet & Silver Oak Cabernet Pairing where diners can enjoy two Black Angus filets for the price of one when you uncork a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon.

All of the steaks here are served a la carte, so we recommend sharing a sampling of their gooey lobster mac and cheese, loaded baked potato, or hash browned potatoes.

Photo Credit: Smith & Wollensky

Each of their sides is large enough to share for the table. Be sure to try the roasted duck fat vegetables, available from the seasonal fall menu.

Photo Credit: Smith & Wollensky

Smith & Wollensky is located at 294 Congress Street in Boston.