Peter Luger is NOT Overrated. Dining at the Legendary NYC Steakhouse
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- Опубликовано: 19 июн 2024
- I eat at and review Peter Luger Steakhouse in Williamsburg Brooklyn of New York City. The restaurant has been criticized recently from numerous sources including Pete Wells of The New York Times, who gave it zero stars. It has also lost its Michelin Star. I order their famous rib steak, a baked potato, and their apple strudel for dessert.
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My dude sat next a bathroom, heard people doing their business, and even went so far as to bring his own salt because he didn't trust the restaurant would season it enough BUT....its not overrated?? C'mon bro.
Your dude should have asked to be moved and if he knew the food needed more salt and went to the extreme of taking his own, why did he bother? He seems to have wanted to have a lousy meal. No sympathy.
Smart of you to bring your own salt! Next time you may have to bring a portable radio with you, too.
Haha! Yeah, that's good thinking!
I think where they sat you and with your back to the room I think you could have brought your own bread for a steak sandwich and your own bottle of wine! No one would have noticed anyway!
The zero star review is correct! We were yelled at for ordering a double drink, our steaks were so rare we had to send it back twice. And it sucked! By far the most expensive and disappointing meal of our dining career. So many better steak houses in NYC. Avoid like the plague.
What Steakhouses do you recommend
Gallagher's are my go-to when I visit NYC. Just checked their website, $32 for a 3-course lunch. My opinion is that it's the best steakhouse in Times Square.
Are the courses a soup, salad, and sandwhich?@@harrylloyd6955
@@harrylloyd6955Hell of a price for a NYC three course lunch lol.
that near bathroom seating is a crime
Indeed!
@@Jamesnu Why not ask to be moved?
In response to the critic who gave Peter Luger’s 0 stars, I am reminded of Anton Egos speech from Ratatouille.
Haha! Great movie!
Give me a break. Not accepting credit cards is not about fees. Those 2½% aren’t gonna break your business. It’s all about not wanting to pay taxes.
PL is one of the restos that I want to try if ever my whole family of 6 visit NY as tourists but with the no credit card policy and hefty price tag, we have to remove it from our go to list.
@@EriCooks But why would you want to go there in the first place? Even if you ignore the insane prices, the presentation and service are terrible, and the steaks are just not that good.
@@someguy31415I am just looking for a justification in not going to PL.
Peter Luger practice of being cash business makes me feel like they are tax cheat.
@@icelandic_mughal2223 a well-founded feeling
Wow, another absolute BANGER James! This one is repeat worthy in my discord we've mentioned to you before. Everyone here loves your reviews, hope to see you one day!
Thank you so much! That really makes me happy to hear! I hope to see you one day as well!
Great review. I have dined there a number of times over the years and the steak is always excellent. Agreed that is very pricey, but the experience is well worth it. Service is good but not terrific. Finally, I remember a time in the late 80s where you would pay someone to watch your car while you dined. Things changed afterwards, but may be reverting back unfortunately
Thank you! Absolutely, Peter Luger delivers a unique experience. Yeah, I know what you mean about the service. I never had a bad waiter, but I've also had more attentive service at other steakhouses. Indeed, places are always changing for better or for worse.
Peter luger is on my bucket list and has been since I first came across it on RUclips. Have to say though, I clocked a few weeks back a lot of negative reviews on here lately so did have to wonder.
Enjoying your output - great review (again). Fair and balanced I think. Poor by them to sit you where they did, especially as it was quiet and they could have put you literally anywhere else.
It's definitely a worthy bucket list restaurant. Yeah, I can only speak for my experience and I loved it! Although, like I said, it's not perfect. My seat was actually really good except for the sound effects. I just wish they had music playing.
That bit about the bathroom is….weird. How can such a place allow this. I’ve heard sooo much positive about PL and I loved the bit about PL on the Netflix movie. This is really disappointing.
Yeah, it was an unfortunate aspect, but one that I probably wouldn't have noticed if there were more people in the restaurant or if there was music playing.
I don't even know where to begin here. I grew up eating at Luger's, almost 3 decades of my adult life. I worked down the block for 3 years. That burger was my lunch whenever I got my commission check! (I still think it's the best thing / bang for the buck on the menu)
You got the ribeye, but they're traditionally known for their porterhouse. I prefer ribeye, but you go here for the porterhouse. The molten butter always keeps the meat cooking, so I'll say order your steak a temperature level under what you prefer. I'll give their creamed spinach a nod. Always good.
Do I think they lost their edge over the years? Yes. In my opinion, there are much better steakhouses in NYC, both new and old school. I'll go maybe once a year now, and it's mostly for sentimental reasons. But, I suppose that's where they have the edge. They are iconic. Certainly no where near bad, just different from years ago. And, yes. The prices have rose through the roof. For $150? With my butcher in Queens, I can make 4 of those at home, with sides, and a nice wine pairing for family. Luger's meat is all from Pat LaFrieda anyway (that's a good thing) so it's accessible to most.
Anyway, I'll stop rambling on about nothing🤣I'm very glad you enjoyed your 3 visits. The place ain't bad, but there's certainly better.
For sure! Peter Luger is definitely not my top NYC steakhouse, but I still enjoy it. I think people need to realize that just because Peter Luger might be the most famous place for steak in NYC doesn't automatically mean that it's the best. It's certainly one of the most unique however.
The prices are definitely high and I understand with inflation, especially with regards to the prices of beef, it's not easy for a lot of restaurants. I'm actually surprised that their burger has stayed the same price these past few years. It's definitely a deal!
Absolutely! As long as one has a good piece of meat and cooks it properly, a steak made at home can match almost any steakhouse.
How to piss off the waiter at Peter Luger: Ask for a bottle of A-1 😂
Haha!
I have a friend who will drown his steak in A1. I'm like, dude, you could drown a baked potato with A1 instead and it would taste the same and save you money. When I want beef I want to taste beef, not some brown goo that changes the flavor.
@@lancekirkwood7922 Exactly! Well said!
the excuse about the minimal credit card processing fee is pretty hilarious. we all know what cash businesses are about. there are tons of them where i live in south jersey just a few mins away from atlantic city. even at a place like PL, if they passed the processing fee to the customer, the average party isn’t going to end up spending probably more than $5-6 extra. what’s another $5 on a $200 meal lol?
Exactly!
Fantastic review. Appreciate your style of reviewing the restaurant.
Thank you! I really appreciate it!
I appreciate a good rib steak and that one looked ah-mazing. The butter over the chunks of cooked beef made me drool! It did look like a wonderful meal. Shame about the lack of ambient background noises. Great review. Pricey but for the experience seems something to go for
Thank you! Yeah, the food was great, but it's definitely expensive! It's a special occasion type of restaurant for sure!
If he butted a cigarette in the streudel after one bite, I’d have been impressed.
I'm a bit older and a bit old school, so I loved this video and your perspective. Having said that, If I was spending what amounts to $AU135 for a single piece of meat, it better be life changing.
I know what you mean! Peter Luger is definitely a special occasion type restaurant.
Great video James ! Gives perspective on the place . It’s on my bucket list however after you review of keens decided I would visit Peter Luger . But for the Burger 😊
Thank you! I love Keens! But you can't go wrong with the burger from Peter Luger.
Former New Yorker here and mad props to your channel for reviving those years of mine with all these familiar places. I think it all comes down to familiarity but at the same time I haven't been there since 2009 before moving to Cali in 2011 so it's been a while. Luger will always be Luger just like Sparks, Delmonico, Gallagher's, Old Homestead, etc. How they've lost their Michelin stars is however beyond me but yes I would even pay cash if you know what I mean. When that craving hits it all goes away kinda like when I used to work in Williamsburg before the hipsters moved in. How would you compare Luger to Wolfgang? I've never been to Wolfgang because I heard it was nothing but a cheap imitation of Luger so yeah it was that familiar! Your conclusion is as good as mine. 💖💪🗽👍💯
Thank you so much! I still haven't been to Wolfgang's yet, but it's definitely a spot I want to check out in the future. The restaurant seems to take a lot of inspiration from Peter Luger.
Thanks for this updated and thorough review. PLS is soon coming to Las Vegas (Caesar's), so I'm eagerly anticipating its arrival. I plan on dining there at least two times, once for dinner and its steak for two (the Mrs will be with me), along with their famous bacon as an appetizer. And the other will be for lunch to have that burger. Wonder if this locale will also be cash only. Guess I'll find out. BTW, I'm with you on adding a custom finishing salt to my beef, being I do this at home as well.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, a good finishing salt can be a game changer! I hope they take credit cards in Vegas. I feel like they would, but either way, it will probably be expensive. Still, it's an exciting addition for Vegas and hopefully I'll be able to check it out the next time I'm in the city. Yeah, going at least twice is the way to do it. I've seen people order both a steak and burger for a single meal and while I bet it's still good, it's just a little too much meat for me. I think to fully appreciate the steak and burger, one needs to consume them separately over two meals.
@@Jamesnu Agreed.
A long time ago, when I was part of a small startup, I spent quite a bit of time traveling with our co-founders. This gave me the opportunity to dine at some really great places. Steak Houses seemed to be their favorite, and I can still remember the entire visit to Peter Luger's.
Nice! It's definitely a memorable restaurant to dine at!
mom and pop startups don't have money to dine out. must be nice to be in a tech startup that spends rich investors' money.
@@papagen00 if a business can't afford to have traveling employees have a steak once in a while, it is not much of a business:-)
Great review! When the rib steak is that good, you got to go all in! Peter Luger is such a great spot except for the price tag.
Thank you! It was a great steak for sure! I probably would go there more often if the prices weren't so high and they took credit cards.
Great review 👍🏻 Glad I found your channel just subscribed
Thank you! I really appreciate it!
Been there each time I've visited NYC the last few years and its always delivered. The review didn't do much because everytime I've been there for dinner, it's always packed!
I know what you mean. No matter what, there will always be fans of Peter Luger.
Terrific video and review James!! Excellent descriptions , advice and overall fab content!! I really value your impressions and thoughts. You rock! Awful to have been seated in the place you landed. Ugh right? I would have insisted on moving. Unacceptable. They could sound proof! Thanks!
Thank you so much! Yeah, the only bad aspect of that seat was the proximity to the washroom. If they just had music playing or if more people were dining in the restaurant then it probably wouldn't have been much of a problem.
Sorry, Peter Luger is not some special company. The company can always place a surcharge for those who wish to use credit card (to cover the expense they incur for processing the purchase). It is 2023, and cash/check is a potential risk source.
In the Netherlands, it is practically a cashless society and expensive restaurants thrive.
The cost of armored car cash pickups is more expensive than credit card processing fees. I can't imagine the night manager is leaving daily with cash in a bank sleeve. So they're cash only for the same reason other business' are cash only, defrauding the IRS.
Your story about bringing your own salt was hilarious. By the way, the best Old School Chicken Soup w/ Matzo Balls and Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage are just around the corner from there, at Gottlieb’s.
Haha! Yeah, sometimes I've got to come to a restaurant prepared for anything! Thanks for the recommendation about Gottlieb's. I've always been curious about it, but haven't visited it yet.
One more thing, if you go to Gottlieb’s stick to the soups, hot entrees like their beef goulash, kishke’d and kugels. (It’s not so much about the sandwiches there, if you ask me.) Try their gefilte fish w/ a lot of horseradish to start. And order a Dr. Browns Soda.
Their food is very hearty, it’s mote like wintertime food reflecting its Hungarian roots. Go during the day and check out the bakeries. Enjoy it while sitting on a park bench. A little known thing in Hasidic neighborhoods is that eating while walking in pubic is avoided. Of course some visitors might do it, but I’d rather show respect for a neighborhood’s culture. 🙏🏼🙏🏾🙏🏿
@@amyt2400 Absolutely! That sounds like a great meal! And there are definitely some nice parks in the area to sit down and relax.
Love, love ypur reviews thank you please do more.
Thank you so much! There are plenty of more videos to come!
@@Jamesnu Great I cannot wait
@@PatriciaRoggero I appreciate it!
Well said and fairly reviewed. A dear friend (with a PL low number credit card) took me there for my first time and as you said, it was memorable. I have happily returned several times and brought others with me.
Thank you! It's certainly a special place!
3:14 Hearing someone use the bathroom, while eating a $90 steak, is the epitome of restaurant intransigence/arrogance over the comfort-level of customers. That example alone is enough to convince me to never go to Peter Luger. Install a bathroom fan, add music, do something!
Yeah, it would be such an easy fix for the restaurant.
Imagine someone dropping no. 2 while you chewing your 90 bucks steak! 😂
@@harukrentz435 Haha!
PL is just so so, not worth it. They’re definitely living off their long ago reputation, don’t take anyone’s word, go and try it for yourself.
Maybe instead of paying someone to make custom Chocolate coins with their branding embossed into them like they're organizing a birthday party for 8 year olds, they can take a hit on the credit card processing fee on a 90$ steak and not make their customers have to deal with that issue?
There is a clone of Peter Luger's Steakhouse in Bridgeport, Connecticut called Joseph's Steakhouse. Similar menu, similar service. You should check it out if you're ever in the area!
Thanks for the recommendation!
simply not acceptable to have just ordinary table salt in this day and age and at these prices
Yeah, I'm glad I brought my own salt.
Your reviews are amazing. To be honest your reviews are more authentic than others. I feel like others dont know how to properly review as a food critic. They are just looking to become youtube famous food reviewers instead of doing real reviews.
Thank you! That means a lot to me. I always strive to be authentic and not follow trends or do something just to get views.
James' alt account dropped
@@rexiioper6920 Yeah, I tried something a bit different with this video.
I wouldn’t pay $125.00 to watch an ant eat a bale of hay!!!
note to diners: it is considered proper etiquette to tear a bite-sized piece of bread and butter that morsel and pop it in your mouth. dipping it in the melted butter is of course more delicious as the meal progresses.
yes. a lot of steak houses nowadays seem to not season their steaks as well. so people with food restrictions should be advised not to step in restaurants and ruin everyone's dining experience.
good show
Went to the one in Great Neck years ago with a friend. We had the porterhouse steak for two. I was dreaming about that steak for a week. We went for lunch and everyone was very nice to us.
Nice! Yeah, you don't forget a meal from Peter Luger!
He's mentioned the absence of flaky salt in a number of these videos and it makes you wonder why restaurants just don't serve some in a ramekin to every guest (not in shaker). We do have some sense of our own palates and how the finishing salt might interact with whatever sauces, so it's not a crime to leave it up to the guest, at least just a little bit.
I agree. That would be nice.
Have you tried porter house at PL? Would you say rib steak better than porter house?
Unfortunately, I haven't. Since I've only dined at Peter Luger alone, I've only gotten the steaks meant for one person, but I'll get the porter house one day.
I vastly prefer restaurants that don’t have music playing. I love hearing the sounds of people and food coming and going (but not the unfortunate sounds you endured from your table).
I know what you mean. I would rather have no music instead of loud and obnoxious music that is played at some restaurants.
That was an excellent review. The way you described everything was perfectly worded. One thing bothered me and tat was you did not have Coffee with your dessert.
Thank you! I appreciate it! Yeah, coffee would've been perfect with that dessert, but to save a little money, I got my coffee elsewhere.
@@Jamesnu you sound like a great guy, good luck with everything you do.
@@countalucard4226 Thank you! I really appreciate that!
Appreciate your honest opinion about the price of these steaks.
Haha!
I can understand how the cost of a premium steak can sort of justify the price, as there is a lot of work that goes into aging the meat, but how do you justify 15 dollars for a small piece of apple strudel no matter how good it tastes.....that is just another example of ridiculous pricing.....I have been to premium steak places where the meat is aged and the steaks run about 50 dollars a steak, so, 90, once again, is just silly pricing. I would never grace such a place, regardless of whether I could afford it or not, as I don't like to ripped off.
Good video and even though this was the best review about taste the last 4 i watched killed Peter Luger.thank you for helping us all get ready to go!
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it!
Questioning this.
I profoundly disagree!! Sometimes the sound of silence is blissful, notwithstanding unpleasant noises emanating from the washroom. In fact, I recently went to a Michelin starred restaurant in Chicago and the “music” was soooooo loud that I ended up with a headache when it was time to leave. Given that most music in today’s era is artificially made aggravating techno-noise it is nice to hear no impenitent “music” or just lovely light classical music!!
Fair enough. I would rather have no music than music that's too loud. It's just in the case of Peter Luger, the atmosphere really would've benefited from something being played.
Although I have never been to the actual restaurant, I have ordered steaks from their Butcher shop and had them delivered overnight many times over the years. They are absolutely amazing and very consistent with the size and quality. I even send them to family and friends as a holiday present and everyone absolutely loves the steak.
Nice! The steaks definitely make great gifts.
While I'd love to get it as a present I took a quick look at their web site and it's terribly overpriced. With some research you can probably find a local butcher who can special order older dry aged steak. Or buy it from someplace like crowd cow that doesn't have the brand premium.
that bathroom thing would have really ruined it for me after paying all that money
I know what you mean. I just don't know why they don't play music, it would improve everything.
a year ago I visited NY for the first time and of course I wanted to eat in Peter Luger, so I went there ordered porterhouse and it was so disappointing. My mouth was melted, not the steak, because it took almost like forever to chew. I was kind embarrased because I told my wife and children that Peter Luger was a must place to eat😂. I,m not an expert on steak but please I know a good one. Then next day my daughter brought us to Gallagher and OMG the best
It happens, but I'm glad that you at least had a great meal at Gallaghers.
I've never been to PL but I've worked as a cook and I had the record on the grill for not having any steaks being sent back ( up to 2020) ) at a place in Dallas. If you are going to a restaurant you heard about from the TV or Internet with the intention of rating it online or putting on Instagram/RUclips your not gonna enjoy it as much and you will find things to be picky about . If a true steak lover went to PL and just went for the steak and some good conversation that steak will probably be the most fire steak he or she ever ate . Sometimes people forget going out to eat is to relax and enjoy your blessings not write a essay or make a TV production or write a OP Ed on meat and climate change.
That's impressive! Even if one cooks a steak perfectly there are always people who have different ideas on what a "medium" or "medium rare" temperature should look like. Yeah, I do think people can have heightened expectations about any restaurant they've heard about before. Just because something is famous it doesn't mean it's the best. It would be nice if diners went into restaurants with an open mind and not let what they've heard about an establishment influence how they feel about their experience.
Word. I’m a guy who doesn’t get the opportunity to eat fancy food too often. I hear about people trashing on Peter Luger (or any restaurant that’s not *h y p e* at the moment really) and I’m kind of bummed out by that. Like dude, if I got a chance to take a friend or a date to Peter fucking Luger, which is a renown and historic dining establishment, and enjoy a nice meal I’d be so fucking happy.
@@TokenChineseGuy Well said!
@@TokenChineseGuy spend your money how you feel . On the down low if you have USD spend that savings on stuff that will.mske you happy cause even Janet yellen dropped the ball the USD will collapse and the CBDC is waiting to step in .
*you're
Thank you for sharing this restaurant.
Thank you for watching!
Try Wolfgang. He used to be a server at Peter Luger for almost 30 years.
That's definitely a restaurant I want to try!
I gotta respect a man who sneaks salt into a premium priced restaurant!
Haha! I like coming to a restaurant prepared.
Forget Luger troop! Brooklyn or Great Nose! Best steakhouse around NYC/LI is Bryant & Cooper in Roslyn, right down 25A from Luger LI. The other gem no one knows about is PG Steakhouse in Commack. Primitive looking joint on the north side of Jericho Turnpike. outta this world. Forget that Luger wealth mystique bullshit. These two gems will outshine Luger any day
Thanks for sharing those recommendations.
I was born and raised in williamsburg brooklyn but I never been inside peter luger I plan on going inside peter luger soon
I hope you enjoy it! It's a classic restaurant!
Fortunately I have a local small scale beef grower a mile from my house. They focus on the best dna they can find when breeding stock. I can get a unbelievable ribeye Suis Vide that dude then sear it over hot coals. Absolutely devine for about 35 bucks. 👍
Nice!
Great review!
Thank you!
The reason it stinks? And I’ve been there several times since the 70’s:
First, overpriced. Second, Brooklyn. (And I grew up in Brooklyn.) Third, and most important:
People know how to properly cook steaks nowadays. Yeah, it’s nicely aged, but I can still make a steak closely as good at home. Going to Peter Luger’s no longer indicates status.
It indicates stupidity.
Loved Peter Lugers went twice my uncle flew in from bay area to go. I'm friends with Pete Wells and took him to Raos and I talked about that and his eleven Madison review. Also his nobu review is like Peter Lugers
Nice! Those are some notable restaurants.
How do you not accept credit cards? What’s the explanation for this?
It's a way for the restaurant to avoid the fees credit card companies charge venders for using their services. I don't think anyone likes their no credit card policy.
Curious, the sauce at Luger's is essentially red sauce for shrimp cocktail. It makes no sense to add it to a steak. Thoughts?
The sauce by itself is alright, but to me, I'm not a fan of the flavor combination with a steak.
When I heard the number one and two story I said to myself I’ve got to subscribe. Well then you got yourself a subscriber. 😅
Haha! Thank you! I appreciate it!
Is there parking available on site for those that drive there?
There's street parking, but I'm not sure if there's any lots nearby. I've always gotten there by subway.
@7:52 🤣🧂 sometimes you just have to do what you have to do....🤣
Haha! Yeah, it's always good to be prepared!
For me, it sucked. I dont eat medium rare, and I had a feeling they were steak snobs. I usually have my steaks cooked medium, but I felt that they wouldn't listen so I told them I wanted it medium well. They gave it to me bloody with the consistency of hot bubble gum. I will never go back.
Wolfgang's on the other hand was perfect. Cooked the steak exactly they way I wanted, and it was 10 times better. Service was way better also.
I'm sorry to hear that. Indeed, I've heard many great things about Wolfgang's. I definitely have to try it someday.
After living in NYC for 25 years I finally made it out to Peter Lugers, which I'd heard about a million times. I found it to be overrated. I had a good meal, but nothing special, in my opinion it's in the top 50 for the City but there are many better places and you don't have to go to Brooklyn to find them. The Restaurant is unattractive , but the Staff is really good, Old School, they know their stuff. I'll take Keens over it every time.
Understandable. I like Peter Luger, but Keens is still my favorite NYC steakhouse.
Indeed@@Jamesnu
Look at that steakhouse where you have to smuggle fleur de sel haha
I would have taken out the box without shame. Shame on them for not providing their own.
I also use Maldon, but the smoked ones. Glorious!
Fantastic...I was going to Delmonico`s for the history of it...but now I will go to Peter Luger.. Great Reviews and videos...I watched yours and the one from the meat show of the youtube channel " Eater" about delmonicos and yours is on another level...10 gtimes better ---and they have 3,4 million subscribers and much more money to spend...Greetings from Portugal
Thank you! Yeah, I try hard with my videos. You can't go wrong with either Delmonico's or Peter Luger, both are great!
I did both this weekend. Delmonicos has a much more Fine dining atmosphere, the service is much better and prices are similar. Peter Luger doesnt feel high end at all. be careful walking theres so much greese on the floor!
I would've either changed table location or just left.
I can sous vide a better tasting rib eye than that steak without the need for butter. In addition, the Maillard reaction on that crust is overdone in my opinion but to each their own.
Fair enough. I enjoyed the crust, but I can see how it would turn off some people. It definitely had some char.
Cash is, and should continue to be, King!
Pronounced- Malden- no splitting and emphasising of the 2 syllables-
Noted. Thanks for the heads up.
oh man, you went to peter luger and didn't get the bacon appetizer? I always have to get that when i go there.
Yeah, there's only so much food I can eat in one sitting, but that's something I really want to try! I'll make it a point to have it on my next visit.
Fantastic video. Expertly done, honest and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the PL burger as well…and goes great with a cold Kostritzer Schwarzbier at the bar!
Thank you so much! Yeah, that is indeed a great combo!
Do an omekase sushi review if you’re into that! Alot of us I’m sure would like your take on it
I’ve been to Sushi by M and Sushi Nakazawa, but there are so many more to try
@@joeb-vu4ds There's a ton of amazing sushi in NYC! I definitely want to review a spot soon.
A place called Sushi On Me is supposed to be great, and a hell of a time too (they apparently give you unlimited sake shots during the meal)
Sushi by Bou looks cool too
@@joeb-vu4ds Sushi On Me is one of the spots I plan on going to. It looks like a crazy time! I'm less familiar with Sushi by Bou, but it looks like great value! Thanks for the recommendation!
Though in full disclosure I've not been there, it appears the Peter Lugers suffers from the "just another high end steakhouse" syndrome. I don't doubt that the food, service, and atmosphere is upscale...just like everyone else. It's simply the criticism I have for most high end steakhouses. Few offer a wow factor that's sets them apart.
I get what you're saying and I agree that there are a number of steakhouses just doing the same thing. I do think that Peter Luger does stand out.
I’ve been there and it’s not that great. There’s better steak houses in NYC. The steak if good, the potatoes are bland and the everything is super expensive. I mean come on, if you’re paying $90 for a steak and have to bring your own salt, that should tell you everything you need to know about this place.
I’m not getting cash out to eat at a restaurant that costs $150-200 a head. Fuck that!
What do you do for living, James?
Mainly I'm involved with photography.
Every time that I see Strudel with Cream, i think of Hans Landa
Haha!
Awesome video!
Thank you so much!
Love your channel. Just to say, It’s not pronounced “Mal-DON.” It sounds more like Maldan.
Thank you so much!
I love the ‘no credit cards’ policy and no music. It’s not a Johnny Rockets. They value tradition and know they will get by without trying to solicit all the rubes.
Fair enough. I'm unfortunately not a fan.
Great review and again nice you give an idea of the prices . A great option to have an amazing cheeseburger for twenty bucks instead of dropping over a hundred for admittedly great steak.
Thank you! Yeah, their burger is the best deal at the restaurant. Plus, it gives people a more affordable way to experience Peter Luger, which I really appreciate.
They are a little pricey but it does look fantastic so I guess gotta take the good with the bad lol…keep it bud and well done
Thank you! Yeah, it's the type of restaurant that you unfortunately just have to accept that you'll be paying a lot, which definitely makes it a place for a special occasion.
Man, this is a kind review. By the way, you CANNOT dine at the bar, except MAYBE for lunch. Definitely not dinner. Those rolls they give you are always cold, and often stale. The steak sauce sucks and is loaded with high fructose corn syrup. Good thing you brought the salt because the steaks are usually underseasoned. You have a 50/50 chance of getting a great steak or one that's merely very good. The rationale for being cash-only (to keep prices down) is ridiculous. They are just as expensive as a midtown steakhouse, if not more so, and they're located in Brooklyn. Perhaps Pete Wells' zero star review is harsh (I'd say they deserve one star), but they never deserved the Michelin star.
Thank you! Yeah, I don't think they ever deserved a Michelin star in the first place too. Especially since their main offering is steak and it's not the most difficult or innovative thing to cook even if the steak tasted amazing. The rest of their menu is alright, but not the kind of food that deserves a Michelin star. I still like Peter Luger, but it's not perfect.
This place was good up until 2013. This is the time the 'average' folks caught up with the restaurant because they've seen it across Food Network, Travel Channel, and the start of Instagram Social Media posts.
"Even the pieces of fat had so much flavour to them" Well, fat carries flavor so that makes sense.
Indeed, but the fat had much more flavor than your average steak.
How much % to pay for tips?
About 20 percent.
Okay im sure this steak is top class, but I cant help thinking that when you pay 150 bucks for a meal for ONE person, they should have all these inconveniences fixed. It seems to me that NYC has a higher than normal concentration of these eccentric business owners who demand you jump through hoops for them, but idk the soup guy from seinfeld isnt for me. Theres alot of places that sell world class 150 dollar steak dinners that WILL let you book online, that let you pay whatever way is convenient for you, that doesnt have you dine in deathly silence etc etc. I'd give this one a miss and go somewhere I feel more welcome tbh.
Yeah, it's annoying. To me, many of those issues are easy fixes too and wouldn't change the character of the restaurant they're trying to preserve.
Funny enough I knew the peter luger steak wasn't as good as it should be until I added salt. Next time, I am going to bring my own favorite salt as well. Cheers!
Haha! Cheers!
@@Jamesnu You know the better restaurants will gladly bring you rock salt, salt flakes, or kosher salt if you simply ask for it. No need to smuggle in your own supply. You may also order your steak "well seasoned."
@@robertholtz That's probably true with most places, but I didn't want to risk it.
@@Jamesnu Fair enough. I appreciate the reply.
1 - If the Steak Sauce was invented to cover-up a past-due cut of meat, why offer it at such an establishment? 2 - That 1/4" grey band on the top & bottom of the steak is a little disconcerting on a med-rare custom order. 3 - Cash $$$ payments leave no discernible trail for the IRS. American Greed one-o-one!
They would probably save a bit of money if they only served the steak sauce from the bottle. I bet a lot is unfortunately wasted. I hate the fact that they don't take credit cards, but they do accept debit cards.
Funnily enough, I feel their steak tastes better at their Great Neck location than at their Brooklyn location
Interesting! I've got to visit that location sometime!
I had the Porterhouse. It was really good. Finished the whole thing.
Nice!
Hey James great video. Although when it comes to such an expensive restaurant the last thing from a review you want to hear there "pretty good". For what you pay they should have excellence. Also the place looks very dated.
Thank you! Yeah, that restaurant is pretty fixed on tradition, which definitely can be frustrating at points.
James, you don't butter the entire roll. You tear off a bite and individually butter that piece.
Indeed!
I like your reviews. You eat very modestly and don't take huge bites like others. I'd like it more if you spoke during the review rather than narrate over it, which is more common. Although maybe you are trying to do something different. I think you'd get 100k to 1 million subscribers if you did what most people do, and think this is why you're not there yet.
Thank you! The reason why I don't speak much while eating is more so to respect the other diners around me. Plus, I don't want my food to get cold while I'm talking to my camera.
Finally tried them for the first time this past December and their steak sauce tastes like a mix of ketchup and BBQ sauce. A1 sauce has a much better taste on steak imo
Yeah, I'm not the biggest fan of the Peter Luger sauce.
Nice job, good well balanced video.
Thank you so much!
Went to the one in Great Neck this past weekend, and IMO it was definitely everything it was supposed to be (and TBH I think liked it better than the Brooklyn location!). If I could hazard a VERY uneducated guess, I'd say it being further away from the hustle and bustle of the city helps .
Nice! Yeah, I've heard good things about the Great Neck location.
@@Jamesnu Very attentive waiters, seats IMO were more comfortable (and the tables had tablecloths on them), one of the dining rooms near the back IMO has a nice cozy feel IMO - narrow but not claustrophobically so, from (I guess) how it hugs the hitchen on one side? The steak I found just a touch fattier (as in, seems like they left more of the fat on, could be a fluke IDK), but that just meant cutting off more tiny slivers of the steak. It was as melt in your mouth as ever, and flavorful! The crust was definitely crispier here too, I noticed. Last time I went to the Williamsburg location the bacon was actually kinda cold, but I am gonna chalk that up to a fluke more than anything - nice and hot this time around.
@@DanknDerpyGamer Nice! I definitely have to check out the Great Neck location someday!
Please, try Amber steakhouse! I'm curious about your opinion...
I'll definitely be going there and I will make a video of my experience.