Peter Luger is NOT Overrated. Dining at the Legendary NYC Steakhouse

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.

Full Disclosure: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission from a sale, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

About Me: I live in NYC and I’m about food, travel and work.

[s_przybylowicz]

Smart of you to bring your own salt! Next time you may have to bring a portable radio with you, too.

[someguy]

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.

[TheMoesoliman]

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.

[jeanleeobrien]

thank you James, I love my virtual visits with you. I'm 85 and disabled and I do not get to dine out anymore.

[awordon]

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.

[TheVillest]

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?

[BryanMull]

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.

[MultiPetercool]

How to piss off the waiter at Peter Luger: Ask for a bottle of A-1 😂

[LarryWood-sdxb]

I wouldn’t pay $125.00 to watch an ant eat a bale of hay!!!

[jelanitarik]

In response to the critic who gave Peter Luger’s 0 stars, I am reminded of Anton Egos speech from Ratatouille.

[jperez]

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

[cqtaylor]

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!

[kevin]

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

[Wheels_NYC]

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.

[chrispnw]

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.

[KrialVR]

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!

[russell]

that bathroom thing would have really ruined it for me after paying all that money

[mkn]

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.

[BinarySmurf]

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.

[VegasVaron]

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.