A Speakeasy
Steakhouse
Frankie & Johnnie’s:
194-05 Northern Blvd., Bayside; 357-2444
Cuisine: Continental
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 12-10 p.m.; Friday and
Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday 1-10 p.m.
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Credit Cards: All major
During the prohibition, Frankie and Johnnie’s was not
the name of the restaurant, it was it’s password. A thirsty patron would knock on a
nondescript door, and through a small slat, a voice would whisper “Frankie.” In
order to gain entry and have a cold one, the patron would have to reply,
“Johnnie.”
Today Frankie & Johnnie’s is known more for its
steaks and chops, than dodging cops. Modeled on the philosophy and decor of the famed
Manhattan eatery, the Bayside location, has proven to be one of the top steakhouses in the
area.
Frankie & Johnnie’s specialties include staples like
the Sirloin Steak ($21.95), as well as the Double Loin Lamb Chops ($24.95), which are
certainly worth the 30- minute wait. Several regulars also recommended the Broiled Calves
Liver, which is served with sautéed onions.
But there is more to Frankie & Johnnie’s than just
steaks. If you are feeling more ‘turf’ than ‘surf,’ there are
excellent seafood appetizers such as the Blue Point Oysters ($7.50), the Jumbo Shrimp
Cocktail ($9.00), and entrees like the Whole Maine Lobster and Shrimp Scampi ($18.95).
To make sure you don’t forget your greens, Frankie &
Johnnie’s offers several excellent salads, like the Tomato and Bermuda Onion ($3.95),
and the Caesar for two ($9.00). And to help accompany your entree are several potato
specialties such as Hash Brown ($3.00), Au-Gratin ($3.50), and Lyonnaise ($3.00).
While steakhouses are usually associated, with long and
excessive dinners, Frankie & Johnnie’s specializes in offering reasonably priced
lunch and dinner deals. We tried the Prix-Fixe Lunch (13.95), which comes with a lunch
portion of one of the menu’s popular entrees, as well as an appetizer, salad, coffee
and dessert. The Roast Prime Rib was an excellent cut of meat, cooked to perfection and
served au jus. The Penne a la Vodka rivals even the top Italian restaurants. Both entrees
came with a baked potato, French fries, or rice.
Similar prix-fixe menus are available weekday evenings
($17.95) from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Sundays ($24.95) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
So whether you are looking for a hearty lunch, one of the
best Porterhouse steaks in Queens, or a place to cater your next affair, stop by Frankie
& Johnnie’s. But don’t forget the password.
— Jeremy Olshan |
