Peter Luger is probably the most famous steak house in all of NYC, which is why I find it strange that it’s in Brooklyn. I’ve long wondered if that adds to the allure… “it must be good if people will brave the L train for it!”
I had been to Luger once before and hated to say I was underwhelmed. I mean, it was a very good meal, but I didn’t think it was better than places in NYC and didn’t think it was worth crossing the East River to eat.
But when friends from out-of-town wanted to try it, I was excited to go on a food adventure with them.
I certainly love the inside. It’s beautiful without being fancy.
Someone suggested we try the bacon. And BOY am I glad they did. This was probably my favorite part of the whole meal. It was thick cut, perfectly cooked, a little charred on the ends. Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmmm.
And they are famous for their tomato and onion salad. This… I do not understand. I mean I like tomatoes and onions just fine… but why is this special?
Though they did advise that we pour the Peter Luger Sauce (which is on every table) on it, and I will admit, it made the onions and tomatoes very tasty (and added great, but not overpowering flavor to the steaks, too).
The steak ordering is incredibly easy from the menu. You tell them if you want steak for two, three, or four and out it comes. It’s a beautiful Porterhouse that they serve nicely carved and dish out to each person at the table.
And you don’t get more perfectly Medium Rare than this:
We also ordered the lamb chops so we could try some different things. These were delicious and I’m glad we had some variation (as much as I love steak!)
We got a side of creamed spinach, which I thought was really tasty and heavier on the spinach flavor than the cream (which I prefer).
Mmmm… meat.
Even though we were all totally stuffed by the end, we just had to try the ice cream sundae (which came with a chocolate cow on top). This was heavenly.
As was the pecan pie. It was super pecany and not overly sweet. And don’t even get me started on that homemade schlag!
As you leave, everyone gets some chocolate gelt to take home. A nice little way to be reminded later of the great meal you had.
I certainly enjoyed my meal this time more than last time, and I think the key was variation. Definitely get the bacon, try some sauce on some tomatoes and onions (why not?) and then order up some amazing steaks with some lamb chops. Leave a wee bit of room for dessert and you’re perfect.
Do I feel the need to travel to Brooklyn for this on a regular basis? No. I still think the novelty is good for tourists, but as a local, I’ll stick with Keen’s. (Though my arm could certainly be easily twisted to return to Peter Luger!)
Total Nom Points: 8 out of 10
