Peter Luger shines as the Vatican City of all things red and beefy. Twice-a-week customer Sol Forman purchased America's sovereign steak house in 1950, and Forman family members have since been the only ones trusted with the exacting task of purchasing the 10 tons of beef consumed under their roof per week. A dining party's only decision here – aside from, perhaps, choosing between divine creamed spinach or signature German fried potatoes – is how many servings of prime porterhouse to split. After dry-aging the finest cuts in-house for a highly secretive amount of time, the Luger team butchers, barely sizzles and even slices steaks for their guests. Pretty much the only thing Peter Luger will allow diners is to enjoy each precious bite. Reservations required. Full bar. Cash only. Serving lunch and dinner daily.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Best Steak House in NYC
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Peter Luger Steak House has been serving the finest USDA Prime steaks since 1887. The selection process is crucial and therefore is done only by members of the family who visit the wholesale markets on a daily basis."
– Peter Luger Steak House website
"If imitation is indeed flattery, then Peter Luger Steak House has cause to blush for the next 120 years. But not to gloat, and not to coast. and I'm convinced that this venerated and venerable New York institution is doing some of both."
– Frank Bruni, The New York Times, Sep 19, 2007
"This is still New York City's greatest chop house, in the same way that the Met is our greatest museum."
—New York magazine
"Lamb chops, hamburgers, daily beef specials and fish are also well prepared – but most folks order the porterhouse, so menus are rarely used."
—Time Out New York
"You only have to go as far as Williamsburg to get the best steak in the U.S."
—Newsday
How others rate Peter Luger Michelin Guide
* (a very good restaurant in its category)
The New York Times
** (very good)
Top Pick
New York magazine
** (very good)
Critics' Pick
Zagat 2009
27 food rating (extraordinary to perfection)