Issue date: 11/10/04 Section: Arts

Enticing steakhouses lurk on every corner throughout Boston, but how many of them do you know boast a museum in a historically significant building?

Probably none-unless you've dined at the lush one-month-old Smith & Wollensky in the Castle, which is located on the corner of Columbus Avenue and Arlington Street, within the newly renovated Armory of the First Corps of Cadets.

Smith &Wollensky is the most unique-traditional New York steakhouse you won't find anywhere else, besides any of the other ten Smith & Wollensky restaurants sprinkled throughout the nation.

Founded in New York in 1977 by founder of T.G.I Friday's, Alan Stillman, Smith & Wollensky has significantly raised standards in regards to the perfect dining experience.

Lavish portions of exquisite food, a strictly American wine list and unprecedented customer service standards complement the nationalistic décor throughout the former armory.

Newly renovated, the "castle" was built in 1891 to house Boston's elite First Corps of Cadets.

The corps established the armory as a volunteer militia of upper-class men in an effort to protect the city in feared uprisings, especially during the police strike that occurred in 1919 in Boston.

Throughout the restaurant's four floors, fireplaces glow, original dark woodwork stands strong and electric converted light fixtures hang above the patrons who, if it weren't for stricter laws, would be indulging in a cigar to go with their sherry.

Aged American flags displayed on the mezzanine level overlook bar patrons and diners in the first floor dining room. Class radiates on the second floor in the formal main dining room as a prominent fireplace warms the smaller third floor dining area.

Reserved strictly for private events, the fourth floor Banquet Hall will bring you back in time as Sinatra echoes off the high ceilings and into the attached private bar area.

No matter which dining room you choose, satisfaction awaits, especially with the delectable fare served by the exuberant waitstaff.

Continued...

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