In a city of a dozen steak houses, Abe & Louie’s ranks among the very best. Regulars rightly rave about the comfortable clubby atmosphere, the lengthy wine list and all-American fare.

Tim Fannin, general manager at Abe & Louie’s steakhouse, recounts what is was like inside the restaurant, by the Herb Chambers Finish Line of the Boston Marathon on Boylston Street, when the second bomb exploded last year and how he and his staff reacted to protect their diners.