In 1885 Keens Chophouse opened independently under the ownership of Albert Keen, by then a noted figure in the Herald Square Theatre District. Keens soon became the lively and accepted rendezvous of the famous.
Actors in full stage make-up hurried through the rear door to "fortify" themselves between acts at the neighboring Garrick Theatre. By the time Keens celebrated its 20th anniversary, you could glance into the Pipe Room and see the jovial congregations of producers, playwrights, publishers and newspaper men who frequented Keens.
Today, Keens is the only survivor of the Herald Square Theatre District. In an age which tears down so much of the past it is comforting to find one landmark which survives.
to Pennsylvania Station/34th Street Station
to Herald Square/34th Street Station
MONDAY - FRIDAY
11:45AM - 10:30PM
SATURDAY
5:00PM - 10:30PM
SUNDAY
5:00PM - 9:30PM
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I'm thinking of places like the bar at Keens Steakhouse, where I long to sit with one of its signature bloody Marys (with balsamic vinegar) during happy hour as the bartenders whirl out tiered trays of hard-boiled eggs for all to try.
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