I’m a guy on grad school and supermarket salary budget, so my options are limited on the restaurant scene.  But, you definitely want to keep your lady happy so here don’t skimp on the restaurant. Here are the top 5 steak houses in NYC that won’t require a second mortgage to dine in: 

5. Sparks Steak House-210 East 46th Street. New York NY 10017

As some of you know, this steakhouse was the infamous place where Paul Castellano was shot by John Gotti. What you don’t know is that this place has a steak called the “Prime Sirloin Steak.” This steak comes in at a reasonable $45.95, so it won’t break your wallet our your AMEX limit when compared to other NYC restaurants. The only thing that beats the price is the taste of this tender steak. 

4. Wasan- 108 E. 4th Street, New York, NY 10003

This little spot is a “diamond in the rough” is neatly nestled on the Lower East Side. They have a stone-grilled Wagyu steak. For those that don’t know, Wagyu is the American version of “Kobe” steak. Kobe is the name of the capital of the region where the Wagyu steak was created. The Wagyu steak is a steal at $48.00, and it has the entire knockout flavor of a traditional “Kobe” steak without landing a Floyd Mayweather-esque knockout to your wallet.  

3. Palm- 206 West Street, New York, NY, 10013

There are four of these places in NYC but this one is located in the heart of TriBeCa, near the premier institution of law that I attend. I can tell you that after spending two and a half years in TriBeCa, even a bottle of water will be pricey, let alone a night on the town. The best steak on this menu is the filet mignon for $44.00. The steak practically melts in your mouth. The great thing about this place is that it has a substantial seafood menu as well, in case, your date has a flavor for fish. Although, that side of the menu isn’t exactly cheap, so you might want to think twice, if your lady is a regular “Seafood Sally.” Let’s hope for your sake and mine she isn’t. Not just to save your wallet, but if your buddies are anything like mine, you’re in for trouble. All jokes aside, the Palm is a great place for a quality meal.

2. Peter Luger's- 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211

No steak house list would be complete without this bad boy. This place is the premier place to take your lady. But, in my opinion, I think that it is too cliché and predictable. If your lady is as special as you say she is, take her to another place on this list. Not to sell the place short, the steak is probably one of the best you will eat on this list.  The most popular and tasty steak offered is the porterhouse for two, which comes in at $88.90. I mean it’s a decent price, but have you EVER tried to “share” a meal with a woman? They love to order a salad and then pick your meal apart like a vulture (no offense ladies, but it’s true). Maybe it’s just me, but the sound of sharing a meal seems juvenile. This is the big leagues fellas and if you want to “wife up” your chick, treat her like one. 

1. Angelo and Maxies-Park Ave South, New York, NY, 10003

This little doozy is located on Park Avenue so, you’re going to shell out the most money on the list here with the extras such as drinks and appetizers. However, your lady will be impressed as you dine across from business leaders and political figures. Make your reservation well in advance because unless your name is Jay-Z or Mark Cuban, you’re not getting a table at any decent time. The New York Strip steak comes in at $42.95, but like I said, this place gets you with the other parts of the meal. But imagine the look on your ladies face when she gloats to her girlfriends that she ate at the BEST steakhouse in NYC. You’re a lucky guy to have your girl, and if you take her here, I guarantee, you’ll end up even luckier at the end of the night.