Peter Luger Steak House

Walking into Peter Luger feels like stepping back in time. This Williamsburg institution has been serving steaks since 1887, and the wood-paneled dining rooms still buzz with the same energy they have for generations. Half the crowd consists of tourists eager to experience a New York legend, while the other half are dedicated regulars—many of whom carry their own Peter Luger cards and know exactly what they’re ordering before they even sit down.

The porterhouse is the undisputed star here, and there’s a reason it’s achieved near-mythical status. Each steak arrives on a plate so hot it sizzles as the server touches the thick slices to the side. The meat boasts an impeccable hard crust giving way to a butter-soft, perfectly pink interior. Servers wear buzzers on their belts to ensure they grab each steak within seconds of it being ready—precision is part of the ritual. Beyond the beef, the creamed spinach is impossibly rich, the German fried potatoes deliver that ideal crispy-yet-tender texture, and the wedge salad comes loaded with enough bacon to qualify as its own entrée.

Don’t expect hand-holding or lengthy explanations of seasonal specials—this isn’t that kind of place. The menu is straightforward, the service is efficient, and the focus remains squarely on executing the classics with unwavering consistency. What you will get is a steak delivered with the urgency of someone whose livelihood depends on timing, accompanied by sides that have been perfected over decades.

Peter Luger is ideal for birthdays, family celebrations, or any occasion that calls for an unapologetically indulgent meal. Come hungry, order the porterhouse for one less person than your party size (a local tip that guarantees leftovers), and finish with the hot fudge sundae that tastes like childhood birthdays at your favorite ice cream shop. This is old-school New York dining at its finest.