NYC: Peter Luger Steakhouse

I’ve heard from many that Peter Luger is one of the best steak places in NYC and maybe perhaps in the world. Having just returned from Argentina, the land of steaks and parrillas – spanish for grill – I knew I had to try this steakhouse in Brooklyn to compare. My verdict? It’s definitely the best tasting and not overhyped.

Peter Luger is a oldschool no-frills steakhouse in Brooklyn, NY
Peter Luger is a oldschool no-frills steakhouse in Brooklyn, NY

On any given night, Peter Luger is at capacity, so get a reservation! Also, I’ve heard that they’re not the most accommodating bunch, I’ve had friends who have tried to adding 2 extras to their table last minute and Peter Luger basically told them to go away. Keep that in mind when you come eat here. Also, don’t expect to be treated like you’re dining at a fancy steakhouse, or a 1 michelin star restaurant – yes, this place has 1 michelin star! – some drunk lady stumbled and spilled her wine on me as she was walking to her table, and when the manager found out, all he said was “At least it was white wine!”.

Despite the negative points for service, just mentally brace yourself and know what you’re getting yourself into. The servers and waiters there are there to take your order and bring you your food, don’t expect too much more. Also, this is by no means a fancy establishment, so no need to wear  a blazer or anything like that. Just wear your meat pants and be prepared to grub!

Love the onion rolls and their Signature Steak Sauce that's sweet and tangy
Love the onion rolls and their Signature Steak Sauce that’s sweet and tangy
Recommended: Besides their steak, another claim to fame for Peter Luger is their thick cut bacon, it's definitely worth ordering to try!
Recommended: Besides their steak, another claim to fame for Peter Luger is their thick cut bacon, it’s definitely worth ordering to try!

After you order a slab of their thick cut bacon, you will be served their Porterhouse for Two. The porterhouse gives you a chance to eat both the short loin and the tenderloin (aka filet mignon) – usually the two priciest cuts of steak.

Porterhouse for Two - $90
Porterhouse for Two – $90
Grease galore, no one said this was a healthy meal
Grease galore, no one said this was a healthy meal
The Porterhouse is enough to feed 2 with big appetites!
The Porterhouse is enough to feed 2 with big appetites!

Their steak is perfectly seared and was a perfect medium rare, just as we ordered it. They actually offer a Porterhouse for Four or Six as well, but according to the server, the Porterhouse for Two is the best, and price-point wise, it really doesn’t matter if you order for 2-4-or-6. The price for my steak during September 2012 was $90, so $45 per person.

Sides of German Fried Potatoes and Creamed Spinach (both sides are for two)
Sides of German Fried Potatoes and Creamed Spinach (both sides are for two)

In addition to the porterhouse, we also ordered a side of Luger’s Special German Fried Potatoes and Creamed Spinach. These sides had a portion size for 2, you see a theme building up here, bring friends or else you’ll have lots of leftovers. The sides were just as you expected – the potatoes are slightly crunchy and the spinach is smooth, but not with too much cream. Yum!


By the end of the meal, our bellies were full, but I had to order the Steve’s Key Lime Pie for dessert. Steve’s pies are exclusively made in Red Hook in Brooklyn and can be found in some restaurants in Brooklyn. I’ve scarfed down many of these pies before, so if you’re a key lime pie fan, be sure to order this!

So, despite my rocky start to the beginning of my Peter Luger meal, the porterhouse, sides and dessert kept me happy and more than satisfied. Definitely ready to come back again soon!!

————————
Peter Luger Steakhouse | Yelp

178 Broadway
(between 6th St & Driggs Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11211

(718) 387-7400

Leave a Comment