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

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.

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

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.

that near bathroom seating is a crime

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

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.

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!

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

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

Peter luger is on my bucket list and has been since I first came across it on RU-vid. 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.

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?

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.

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 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

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.

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.

Fantastic review. Appreciate your style of reviewing the restaurant.

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?

Great review 👍🏻 Glad I found your channel just subscribed

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.

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.

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.

Love, love ypur reviews thank you please do more.

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. 💖💪🗽👍💯

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.

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 😊

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!

simply not acceptable to have just ordinary table salt in this day and age and at these prices

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.

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

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

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!

Questioning this.

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.

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!

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.

Have you tried porter house at PL? Would you say rib steak better than porter house?

I gotta respect a man who sneaks salt into a premium priced restaurant!

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.

Appreciate your honest opinion about the price of these steaks.

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.

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 would've either changed table location or just left.

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.

How do you not accept credit cards? What’s the explanation for this?

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

Thank you for sharing this restaurant.

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.

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!

Every time that I see Strudel with Cream, i think of Hans Landa

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. 😅

I was born and raised in williamsburg brooklyn but I never been inside peter luger I plan on going inside peter luger soon

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.

Cash is, and should continue to be, King!

Great review!

Try Wolfgang. He used to be a server at Peter Luger for almost 30 years.

I’m not getting cash out to eat at a restaurant that costs $150-200 a head. Fuck that!

Is there parking available on site for those that drive there?

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

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/RU-vid 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.

Curious, the sauce at Luger's is essentially red sauce for shrimp cocktail. It makes no sense to add it to a steak. Thoughts?

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.

What do you do for living, James?

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.

Awesome video!

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!

@7:52 🤣🧂 sometimes you just have to do what you have to do....🤣

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. 👍

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!!

How much % to pay for tips?

"Even the pieces of fat had so much flavour to them" Well, fat carries flavor so that makes sense.

oh man, you went to peter luger and didn't get the bacon appetizer? I always have to get that when i go there.

How was the service?

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.

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

James, you don't butter the entire roll. You tear off a bite and individually butter that piece.

I think they lost their Michelin star because there's so many copycats out there and so Peter Luger just didn't stand out anymore as a result. Definitely not overrated, I was there last year and had some of the best steak I've ever had. And those desserts are just marvelous.

Another factor is modern thermometer has made cooking steak so much easier. People today won’t understand how hard it is to make good steak in like 25 years ago.

Pronounced- Malden- no splitting and emphasising of the 2 syllables-

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

I had the Porterhouse. It was really good. Finished the whole thing.

I was born and raised in Williamsburg brooklyn but I never been inside Peter luger

First time I've ever heard someone complain about the LACK of piped-in music in a restaurant. Usually, it's highly unwelcome, especially when a crowd is making its own excessive noise. Which is the norm in NYC restaurants.

Please, try Amber steakhouse! I'm curious about your opinion...

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

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.

peter lugers steak sauce alone is a reason to dine there. one of my favorite places

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.

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!

Funnily enough, I feel their steak tastes better at their Great Neck location than at their Brooklyn location

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!

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 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.

I want to own the nearest ATM to this place that doesn’t accept credit cards

Love your channel. Just to say, It’s not pronounced “Mal-DON.” It sounds more like Maldan.

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!

Nice job, good well balanced video.

Strudel? Don't forget ze cream😃

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.

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.