Top 7 Steakhouse Sauces in NYC

published on 17 March 2025

Looking for the perfect sauce to pair with your steak in NYC? Here’s a quick rundown of 7 standout steakhouse sauces that elevate every bite:

Each sauce is crafted to enhance premium cuts of beef without overpowering their natural flavors. Whether you prefer classic or bold, NYC’s steakhouses have you covered.

Peter Luger Steak Sauce Taste Test

1. Peter Luger Steak House: Classic Béarnaise

Peter Luger Steak House

Peter Luger Steak House serves up a béarnaise sauce made with clarified butter, white wine vinegar reduction, fresh tarragon, and shallots. The rich butteriness, tangy vinegar, and touch of herbal tarragon make it an ideal match for their steak.

2. Gallaghers Steakhouse: House Chimichurri

Gallaghers Steakhouse

Gallaghers Steakhouse serves up a chimichurri sauce that's become a must-try for steak lovers. While the exact recipe is kept under wraps, guests rave about its vibrant, herb-packed taste. This flavorful sauce perfectly complements their steaks and highlights the creativity found in NYC's steakhouse scene.

Looking for more steakhouse insights and pairing tips? Visit the NY Steakhouse Guide.

3. Del Frisco's Double Eagle: Bourbon Peppercorn

Del Frisco's Double Eagle

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse pairs its Bourbon Peppercorn sauce with premium steaks and seafood. This sauce brings a bold, peppery kick balanced with a touch of bourbon, creating a flavor that perfectly complements their dishes.

It's a standout addition to NYC's steakhouse scene, offering a modern twist to classic flavors. Check out more standout sauces on the NY Steakhouse Guide.

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4. Keens Steakhouse: Blue Cheese Butter

Keens Steakhouse

Keens Steakhouse offers a standout steak companion: their Blue Cheese Butter. This rich blend of blue cheese and butter adds a bold, creamy flavor to their perfectly cooked steaks. It's a simple yet expertly crafted touch that highlights the steakhouse's expertise. For more NYC steakhouse favorites, check out NY Steakhouse Guide.

5. Smith & Wollensky: Fresh Horseradish Cream

Smith & Wollensky's Fresh Horseradish Cream stands out for its bold, sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with premium steaks. This sauce combines the kick of horseradish with a smooth, creamy texture, adding an extra layer of flavor to your steak.

It’s a great example of how a well-crafted sauce can enhance a steakhouse experience. For more reviews of Manhattan steakhouses, check out the NY Steakhouse Guide.

6. Wolfgang's Steakhouse: Red Wine Sauce

Wolfgang's Steakhouse

Wolfgang's Steakhouse is known for its signature red wine sauce, an ideal pairing for their expertly prepared steaks. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, this sauce has become a hallmark of traditional steakhouse cuisine.

Looking for more steakhouse options in Manhattan? Check out the NY Steakhouse Guide.

7. Strip House: Black Truffle Butter

Strip House

Strip House takes a bold step with its black truffle butter, a decadent blend of high-quality unsalted butter and black truffles. This rich, earthy addition enhances the flavor of a perfectly cooked steak, offering a luxurious twist that's hard to forget.

Chefs suggest pairing this butter with their signature cuts to bring out its deep umami flavor and unmistakable truffle aroma. Want more? You can always ask for an extra dollop to take it up a notch.

To complete the experience, sommeliers recommend choosing a robust red wine from their curated list to complement the dish's richness.

Conclusion

NYC steakhouses are known for their signature sauces, crafted to pair perfectly with their premium steaks. From Peter Luger's timeless Béarnaise to Strip House's indulgent black truffle butter, these sauces add a flavorful touch to expertly cooked cuts.

Each steakhouse brings its own flair to the table, showcasing culinary skill through options like bright chimichurri or a bold bourbon peppercorn sauce. These recipes highlight the attention to detail that makes NYC's steakhouses stand out.

For more recommendations, check out the NY Steakhouse Guide, a resource to help you find the perfect spot based on your location and preferences.

When picking your next steakhouse, keep in mind that while sauces enhance the meal, the quality of the steak itself remains the star. These sauces are crafted to complement - not overpower - the rich, natural flavors of aged beef. Whether you prefer classic pairings or something more adventurous, NYC's steakhouse scene has something for every palate.

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