About Uncle Jack's Steakhouse

Welcome to Uncle Jack's, New York's best Steakhouse. In choosing our establishment, you have demonstrated a true appreciation for the finer things in life. Uncle Jack's is New York's famous gathering place for the discriminating executive, entrepreneur, and socialite. The quality of our food and service underscores our commitment to excellence and your satisfaction.

Uncle Jack's has become legendary for our unsurpassed consistency and quality. We feature the finest USDA Prime Beef, cut to our exact specifications and aged over 21 days. World famous Kobe steaks, and a full menu of the finest foods available are just a few reasons why Uncle Jack's Steakhouse in New York is the best.

History

In the early 1930's, with prohibition still in effect, "Jack's" on the Upper Westside of Manhattan became the premiere location for celebrities, socialites and aristocrats yearning to celebrate the finer things in life. Aside from serving New York's finest steaks, seafood and vegetable "Jacks's" was just as well known for it's proprietor and his dedication to quality and the high standards that still exist at Uncle Jack's today.

While world famous for his celebrity clientele, "Jack" would greet every guest as if they were family. Everyone who walked through his doors expected the absolute best - and received nothing less. "Jack" hand picked every item his restaurant served and while praised for his delicious steaks and unique menu, some would argue the main attraction for visitors was "Jack's" special sauce. Hand crafted in small quantities once a week, legend has it the sauce was stored in an iron vault watched more closely than the weekly shipment of whisky barrels from the South!

"Jack's" flourished for years, catering to New York's finest and became the place to go for the world's best steaks, a title now proudly passed on to "Uncle Jack's".

The Uncle Jack's story started when William Jack Degel opened his first restaurant, Hollywood and Main in June 1990 in Flushing, Queens. Degel's hands on management style and charismatic personality ensured its success. Degel had a vision for a steakhouse unlike any other, utilizing the highest quality products available and uncompromising service. In March of 1996 Degel started work on his dream, Uncle Jack's Steakhouse. He found a small store in Bayside, Queens and began working. He personally designed the restaurant interior with a fanatical attention to detail and modified the menu until it was perfect. Degel has elevated service to an art form with captains anticipating every need in creating a dining experience second to none. Opening in November 1996, Uncle Jack's was an immediate success filled with local sports stars, celebrities, and politicians. Degel worked for the next seven years refining and perfecting its operations receiving numerous awards and outstanding reviews. In his quest to find the highest quality products to serve in Uncle Jack's, Degel tried many established steak sauces. None met his exacting standards, so he decided to develop his own line of sauces. He created four unique recipes using the freshest and all natural ingredients available, Uncle Jack's Steak Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Sesame Teriyaki, and Lemon Grass Ginger. Uncle Jack's steak sauces are now available in 3,000 gourmet stores today. By July 2003 Degel was finally ready to open his second location. He searched for a New York City site that could showcase his creation. He found the ideal location. Degel designed a beautiful 19th century, prohibition style Victorian Saloon with a hand-carved mahogany bar and walls, copper pressed ceilings and stain glass fixtures. Opening on December 15, 2003, Uncle Jack's once again, immediately became a favorite of local CEO's and to a group of "regulars" made up of aristocrats, socialites and celebrities. With its three distinct dining areas, Jack's creates a warm and comforting appeal. The library Room is great for corporate meetings and features a state of the art video conference system with 42” plasma screens. It is decorated with a 24 carat gold leaf coffered ceiling, fully paneled cherry wood walls, custom made chandelier and a hand carved mahogany conference table. The red and white El Presidente Room with mezzanine seating, theatrical balcony, and coffered ceilings seats seventy people and features turn of the century presidential portraits. In September 2004 Degel began the search for a third location. He has since successfully opened the last incarnation of Uncle Jack's Steakhouse as 44 West 56th street between 5th and 6th avenues. Degel has plans to franchise his concept to further expand Uncle Jack's restaurants.

The Founder

Today, William Jack Degel, Godson of the famous "Jack", carries on his tradition of excellence and commitment to only the best quality. "Willie", as most people call him, is involved in every aspect of his restaurants - from hand picking the finest choice cuts served, to inspiring the sophisticated atmosphere and luxurious decor Uncle Jack's is know for.

"I learned early on that quality should always come first; and the importance of consistency."
- William Jack Degal

Through William's constant dedication to only the best for his clientele, Uncle Jack's Steakhouse continues to capture the spirit of the original "Jack's", bringing together New York's elite and discriminating patrons to eat, drink, and enjoy life.