In a city known for its sprawling dining rooms and sky-high steakhouses, one newcomer is rewriting the rules with radical intimacy. The Eighty Six, which opened in fall 2025 in Manhattan’s West Village, boasts just 10 tables and around 35 seats—making it one of New York’s most exclusive and sought-after reservations.
Tucked into the historic address of 86 Bedford Street—once home to the legendary Prohibition-era speakeasy Chumley’s—the restaurant draws its name from the very building. The slang term “86,” meaning to remove or eject someone, adds a layer of playful irony to this ultra-intimate venue. The space, rich with literary history (frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald), has been transformed into a plush, seductive neo-speakeasy.
Glamorous Yet Cozy Atmosphere
Guests step into a glamorous, clubby environment featuring dark woods, lacquered finishes, velvet booths, and Art Deco-inspired lighting. The mood is deliberately seductive and elegant, with a strict smart-elegant dress code that discourages casual attire. Every detail reinforces the feeling of stepping into a private, members-only club rather than a typical steakhouse.
The restaurant is backed by Catch Hospitality Group, the team behind other high-demand spots like The Corner Store. Chef Michael Vignola leads the kitchen, emphasizing premium, lesser-known cuts sourced from small independent ranches rather than mainstream suppliers.
A Decadent Menu Focused on Luxury
The menu leans heavily into indulgent, protein-forward luxury. Expect steaks prepared with high-end touches such as truffle butter, foie gras, and classic bordelaise sauces. Standout dishes frequently praised by early diners include:
- Filet mignon Rossini topped with foie gras and truffles
- Wagyu ribeye or inventive takes like the Wagyu cheesesteak
- Bluefin tuna tartare with caviar
- Luxurious caviar pasta preparations
- Shareable options such as aged whole duck
Sides and starters are equally elevated, and the dessert menu features creative finishes like chocolate “flying saucers.” Reviewers describe the experience as one of the most memorable meals in the city—decadent without feeling generic or overly theatrical.
The Reservation Challenge
As expected with only 10 tables, securing a spot at The Eighty Six is notoriously difficult. Reservations drop quickly and are highly competitive. Some tables occasionally appear via platforms like DoorDash, but personal connections or persistent refreshing often prove more effective. The restaurant serves dinner, typically from early evening into the night, with pricing that matches its exclusive positioning.
In a dining landscape crowded with large, flashy venues, The Eighty Six stands out precisely because of its constraints. The limited size creates an atmosphere of genuine exclusivity and allows the kitchen to maintain tight focus on quality. For those lucky enough to land a table, it delivers a refined, intimate steakhouse experience that feels both nostalgic and entirely of-the-moment.
Whether you’re a dedicated food chaser or simply looking for a special-occasion destination, The Eighty Six has quickly earned its reputation as New York City’s current “it” steakhouse. Persistence is key—but the payoff, according to those who’ve dined there, is well worth the effort.
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