SHAKE + STIR: MANHATTAN STEAKHOUSE & BAR
Hosted at Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar
Lauren Barisic, Tracy Kashian, Brittney Sarale, Heather Richards, Shelly Castro, Becki Burkhart, and Laura Thompson.
If a spontaneous escape to the Big Apple isn’t exactly in the cards on any given evening, Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar in Fresno offers a convincing alternative close to home. A longtime staple of Northwest Fresno and a multi-year award-winning destination, Manhattan has earned its reputation as one of the area’s most iconic dining establishments. Whether you’re returning to reconnect with familiar faces or stepping inside for the first time, the atmosphere feels instantly warm, polished, and enduring.
Manhattan has been bringing New York City dining to the Central Valley since 1992, but the restaurant recently came under new ownership. “As the new owners of The Manhattan, we’re honored to continue the traditions that have made this restaurant a Fresno institution for generations,” says Mike and Heather Richards. “To us, The Manhattan is more than exceptional steaks and handcrafted cocktails—it’s a place where memorable evenings unfold and every guest is genuinely welcomed.” Guests can explore their menu updates Monday through Saturday beginning at 4:00PM.
The couple is continually refining and updating Manhattan’s offerings, and invites longstanding and new patrons alike to explore what’s now waiting for them there. “We know you have many choices when it comes to fine dining in the Central Valley, and we’re grateful to be part of the Fresno community and your longstanding traditions,” they acknowledge. “From perfectly aged steaks featuring premium Brandt Beef to attentive service and refined hospitality, every detail is thoughtfully designed to elevate your experience. We’re proud to preserve what guests have always loved about The Manhattan while continuing to enhance the dining experience for years to come.”
CVLUX’s Editorial Director Lauren Barisic and Event Director & Producer Laura Thompson were accompanied by Tracy Kashian, Brittney Sarale, Shelly Castro, and Becki Burkhart for this Travel & Leisure episode of Shake+Stir. The tablescape featured Manhattan’s signature black and white checkered tablecloths, topped with red arrangements from Kiku Floral. Modern Press Paper Studio created custom menus and place cards for the guests. PREEN a boutique salon gifted an assortment of hair perfumes and body butters as favors, which also adorned the place settings. Five dishes and cocktail pairing for each followed.
The evening began with Almond Prawns, a crisp, golden starter that balances texture and sweetness in equal measure. Each prawn is pressed in panko and sliced almonds before being fried to a delicate crunch, then paired with Manhattan’s house made honey mustard for a smooth finish with just enough tang. “I could bathe in this sauce,” chuckled Becki. “This is all I want when we come here and then everyone takes them!” Lightly dressed arugula adds a peppery green bite to the plate.
Alongside the first course arrived the Stockholme Royale, a sparkling cocktail layered with citrus vodka, triple sec, freshly squeezed lemon, sweet and sour, and Chambord. Finished with a champagne float and sugar rim, the drink lands somewhere between celebratory and indulgent, brightened by citrus and softened with berry notes. “This is dangerous,” teased Shelly. “Not too sweet, well balanced. The sugared rim is the perfect touch.”
For those leaning toward steakhouse tradition, Mike Loves “Prime” delivered a commanding 14-ounce Prime New York prepared with Manhattan’s signature touch. Served with a house made garlic butter loaded baked potato and pattypan squash, the plate is rich, savory, and unmistakably classic. “You can never go wrong with a steak at Manhattan,” Tracy noted. “The butter elevates this dish, and I loved all the toppings that come with the potato.”
The Perfect Manhattan offered a refined counterpart to the entrée, built with Piggy Back rye bourbon, sweet and dry vermouth, and finished with a Bordeaux cherry. Spirit-forward yet polished, it carries the warmth and depth expected from a timeless steakhouse pour. “The Perfect Manhattan really is the perfect year-round cocktail,” Brittney declared, which says a lot about its drinkability coming from a someone who reliably orders bourbon-based cocktails.
The Alaskan Halibut presented a lighter, coastal-inspired option without sacrificing richness. Pan seared and topped with an heirloom tomato-avocado relish, the dish is elevated by cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño vinaigrette for a clean finish with subtle heat. “This is an 11/10 dish!” exclaimed Shelly. “The avocado and tomatoes are very unexpected, but I can’t get enough of it.” Yukon gold mashed potatoes and pattypan squash complete the plate with comforting balance.
Poured alongside the halibut, the Babich Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand brought vibrant acidity and crisp fruit character to the table. “It’s a nice white that’s easy to enjoy,” Becki offered. “An ideal pairing for the halibut, as they complement each other well.” Refreshing and expressive, the wine ideally accompanies the freshness of the seafood while standing confidently on its own.
The Rack of Lamb arrived deeply flavorful and beautifully composed, featuring French cut lamb chops broiled to tenderness and finished with chimichurri sauce. “I love lamb, and this is cooked perfectly,” admired Brittney. “The chimichurri brighten the dish and gives it a summery profile. I would definitely order this again.” Fingerling potatoes and seasonal vegetables round out the entrée, adding earthy texture and color to the plate.
For a cocktail with a touch of sweetness and smoke, the Jack Daniels Honey Old Fashion layered orange, dark cherry, bitters, and sugar cube into a familiar favorite with a honeyed finish. Smooth and aromatic, it offers a richer take on the traditional Old Fashioned. “I love how this drink pairs well with the meat, but it could also be really nice as a nightcap or dessert cocktail,” Laura noticed.
Dessert closed the evening with the Valrhona Chocolate Cake, an indulgent finale featuring layers of chocolate cake filled with mousse and coated entirely in glossy ganache. Decadent without feeling overly heavy, it delivers a deep cocoa finish worthy of the final course. “The lightness of the mousse makes the chocolate-on-chocolate concept way too easy to finish,” admitted Lauren.
The Espresso Martini provided the perfect after-dinner punctuation, blending Stoli vanilla vodka, Evil Bean coffee liquor, Baileys Irish Cream, and cold brew coffee into a velvety nightcap. Creamy, bold, and lightly sweet, it carries just enough espresso bite to keep the evening going. “This has become such a popular cocktail, and I love the creaminess of this version,” shared Tracy. “It gives it more of a dessert vibe.”
Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar proves that memorable dining experiences do not always require a boarding pass or cross-country itinerary. From expertly prepared steaks and seafood to thoughtfully crafted cocktails and warm hospitality, the evening captured the feeling of slipping away to somewhere timeless and metropolitan without ever leaving the Central Valley. Much like New York itself, Manhattan balances energy and familiarity in equal measure—making every visit feel both exciting and comfortably familiar amidst a changing of the guard.
Features Editor Elisabeth Ross
Photographer Don Dizon
Florals Kiku Floral
Favors PREEN A Boutique Salon
Stationary Modern Press Paper Studio
