Located inside New York's Time Warner Center in what once seemed like a cursed location—Jean Georges Vongerichten's V Steakhouse occupied the same space and closed after only 18 months, while Charlie Trotter's restaurant never opened on account of high construction costs - Porter House is a successful steakhouse that's showing signs of only good fortunes. We're glad that Michael Lomonaco isn't superstitious about restaurant locations, as he's taken over the blighted real estate and, along with noted designer Jeffrey Beers, turned it into a comfortably elegant steakhouse designed with the repeat diner in mind. Not only is the varied menu interesting -featuring steak, seafood, poultry and a smattering of side dishes, all of which you'll want to try - but so is the atmosphere; it's open, airy and conducive to leisurely lunches and dinners. And for on-the-go foodies, there's also the express lunch menu, which provides delicious take-home options.

Situated on the fourth floor of the Time Warner Center alongside such notable neighbors as Thomas Keller's Per Se, Masayoshi Takayama's Masa and Bar Masa, and Rande Gerber's Stone Rose Lounge, Porter House New York is in good company. Once you step off the escalator and turn left down the corridor you'll see the restaurant nestled at the end of the hallway. Wood-framed floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the bar area, which juts out to the left, while wood-framed glass doors open to the hostess station. The sunlight from outside shines right through, a beacon that lets you know you've arrived. The rest of the exterior is made of rich wood. A menu sits on a brass stand outside the bar area, in case you'd like to take a peek and whet your appetite before you enter for the main attraction.