EATS // PETER LUGER STEAK HOUSE

Ever since moving to Brooklyn, I have been hearing about Peter Luger Steak House nonstop.  The restaurant has been around since 1887 and was recently awarded one Michelin star in 2013.  It is no joke that Peter Luger’s has some age-old hype.

With its lengthy history, Peter Luger’s holds onto its past dearly.  The whole atmosphere has a historic and aged feeling.  The decor and even the dishware seem like something that would come from your grandmother’s home.  Though, being outdated is part of their charm.  The restaurant still functions as it did decades ago with handwritten reservations, manual cash registers and cash as the most acceptable form of payment (no credit cards, but they will accept debit cards now).  More about Peter Luger’s history can be found here.

Once seated, they welcome you with a basket of bread and their famous sauce.  Peter Luger’s sauce is so well-known that it is also sold at local grocery stores for your own use at home.

A dinner for two is served as one huge slab of aged steak that is brought to the table and cut for each guest.  Here, they do not attempt to glamorize any part of the dining experience.  There are no garnishes and added flavorings.  It’s all about the meat, straight and simple.

We also got the German potatoes and creamed spinach.  We passed on ordering their other famous dish of bacon since the portion size was already overwhelming.

Overall, I will say that this restaurant is not for everyone.  The dining experience is very minimal with an Old American ambience.  For those who prefer more pronounced flavors, Peter Luger’s delivers its steaks in its barest form, staying true to its aged taste.  This is where I believe different palettes will diverge.  With the steep price for the meal, it just seemed that this dinner should have swept us off our feet.  Instead, we were quite surprised that Peter Luger Steak House had earned a Michelin star.  It definitely seems that the history of this restaurant has elevated its value beyond the food.  In the end, though we were a bit disappointed, we at least walked away with two chocolate coins to complete the night.  🙂  It would be great to hear what others have to say about Peter Luger’s.  Let us know what your thoughts are!

Peter Luger Steak House