Midtown Lunch

When STK OUT opened this week in the Grace Building Plaza on 43rd and 6th, we were pleasantly surprised to find the menu items were mostly within the ML price range. The menu is divided into cutesy sections like “sammies” and “bevies,” but we won’t hold that against them, because the food has been pretty solid so far.

The BBQ Chix sandwich ($8) was very tasty but not mind blowing. It is, after all, a grilled chicken sandwich at the end of the day. But, the portion size is decent, and the ingredients are light enough that the sandwich won’t weigh you down for the remainder of the afternoon. I got the sense from their marketing that they’re trying to be healthy-ish … but not all of their menu leans in that direction.

Anyway, the grilled chicken breast was perfectly cooked and nicely seasoned. It included lettuce, tomato, red onions, bbq sauce and ranch on a large soft roll. The sandwich has a really nice balance of flavors, and I gotta say, the BBQ plus ranch idea is something I might go ahead and steal at home. Pretty friggin’ good.

The $9 STK Style burger came with tomato, caramelized onion, cheese and truffle aioli on a large sesame seed bun. I prefer my burger medium-rare, but when I ordered and asked for that, I was told their burgers were made medium-well. If you’re someone who likes to specify burger done-ness, this might not be the spot for you. Regardless, this was a very flavorful burger. I definitely tasted the cheddar cheese and hints of truffle. Of course, you can find cheaper burgers in the area these days, but few of them will include truffle-anything on ’em.

All of the “bites,” or side dishes, come in at $4. The Sweet Potater Tots were salty and crisp on the outside, while staying sweet and soft on the inside. I really enjoyed these and am looking forward to trying the Mac N’ Cheese Bites on my next visit. However, I was sad to find it nearly impossible to order a sandwich plus a side dish (not to mention a drink!) and stay within the Midtown Lunch price range. I have enjoyed the food from this Midtown newcomer so far, so if I were to suggest something to the STK OUT staff, it would be to offer meal deals at lunchtime that come in at $10. The Midtown Lunch audience would appreciate it.

The + (What someone who likes this place would say)

• STK at Midtown Lunch prices? Nice!
• Although they’re not reinventing the wheel, what they do, they’re doing well so far.
• They have sweet potato tater tots? Sign me up.

The – (What someone who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Burgers, sandwiches and wraps? That’s nothing new.
• Can’t get a sandwich and a side for under $10? Too rich for my blood.
• The menu is too cutesy for me.

STK OUT, 43rd and 6th