Medium Rare

Medium Rare in Kips Bay is a DC import (with locations around the country), and its shtick is simple: for $34.95, you get warm, crusty bread, a small green salad, and a plate of culotte steak and fries, bathed in a “special sauce” that tastes like au poivre—minus most of the pepper. Then, once you’ve eaten half your serving, they’ll bring you seconds. The steak isn’t going to make you cry tears of red meat-loving joy, but if you enjoy the taste of a good deal, you’ll be satisfied.

The space itself is large and rather plain—an LED sign that reads “Don’t Do Coke In The Bathroom” might have escaped from a more fun restaurant —but for a walk-in steak dinner under $40 , it's a solid bet. Do make sure to visit that bathroom though, where a man's voice coming out of the speaker will teach you how to flirt in French. (That’s the closest to France you’ll feel while here.)

Food Rundown

Steak Frites

Though it lacks character, the roughly 6-ounce steak has sufficient grill marks and is served to specifications, along with golden brown fries. Plus, having someone come around and serve you seconds is sort of charming.

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Rich and delicious. You don’t get seconds, but you don’t need any: the slice is the size of your face.