Open since 1887 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Peter Luger is the gruff, cash-only patriarch of New York steakhouses. The USDA prime dry-aged porterhouse is chosen daily from the meat market and has no equal in New York — possibly in America. Reserve weeks in advance.
Peter Luger Steak House, open since 1887 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is the gruff, cash-only patriarch of American steakhouses and a pilgrimage destination for steak lovers from around the world. The dining room is intentionally spartan — dark wood, beer steins, German beer hall energy — and the service is famously brusque, designed to move tables efficiently rather than coddle guests. None of this matters once the porterhouse arrives. The kitchen buys USDA prime dry-aged beef from the Gachot and Gachot meat market and then the Luger family selects the specific cuts each morning from the suppliers; what arrives on the table has a mineral, almost cheese-like depth of flavor that dry-aging imparts, a seared crust developed in the restaurant's legendarily hot broilers, and a richness that reads differently from any other steak in New York. The porterhouse for two is the only way to eat here — it is brought to the table in the pan it was cooked in, sliced off the bone tableside, and served in its own juices. German fried potatoes, creamed spinach, thick-cut bacon, and a tart house salad with the restaurant's famous steak sauce (available bottled) round out the meal. There is no reservation system online for walk-ins; the restaurant takes reservations by phone only, and the wait for popular times runs several weeks. The cash-only policy (or a Peter Luger-issued debit card) is non-negotiable — ATMs are available nearby. Williamsburg is easily reached by subway from Midtown Manhattan.
Signature dishes
- Porterhouse for Two — $129
- German Fried Potatoes — $15
Good to know
- Known for
- USDA prime dry-aged porterhouse steaks
- Hours
- 11:45AM–9:45PM Mon–Thu; 11:45AM–10:45PM Fri–Sat; 12:45PM–9:45PM Sun
Location
178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
40.7101, -73.9631 View on map
Highlights
- USDA prime dry-aged porterhouse, hand-selected daily and broiled at extreme heat — arguably the finest steak in America
- Williamsburg Brooklyn landmark open since 1887, unchanged in character and philosophy
- The porterhouse is served sliced off the bone, in its own juices, at the table — a theatrical presentation
- Famous Peter Luger steak sauce, bottled and sold nationally, available to purchase at the restaurant
- Cash only (or Peter Luger house debit card) — plan accordingly
Tips for visiting
- Reserve by phone weeks in advance for popular evenings; the restaurant does not take reservations online
- Order only the porterhouse for two — the kitchen is optimized for this single cut and it is what defines the experience
- Bring cash or a Peter Luger debit card; no standard credit cards are accepted
- The German fried potatoes and creamed spinach are the only side dishes worth ordering
- Take the J, M, or Z train to Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg — the steakhouse is a short walk from the subway
Accessibility
The Williamsburg steakhouse is a multi-room restaurant on a single floor; the entrance from Broadway has a small step. Guests requiring wheelchair access should call the restaurant in advance to confirm arrangements. The main dining areas are generally navigable once inside.
Frequently asked questions
Does Peter Luger accept credit cards?
No. The restaurant accepts only cash or a Peter Luger-issued debit card. ATMs are available in the immediate vicinity.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations are taken by phone only. For popular weekend evenings, calling three to four weeks in advance is recommended. There is no online reservation system.
What should I order?
The porterhouse steak — ordered for two, three, or four people — is the only main course worth considering. Appetizers include thick-cut bacon and a shrimp cocktail; German fried potatoes and creamed spinach are the essential sides.
How much does a meal cost at Peter Luger?
The porterhouse for two runs approximately $130–$140. With appetizers, sides, and beverages, expect $100–$150 per person before tax and gratuity.
Is Peter Luger in Manhattan?
No. The original location is at 178 Broadway in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A Great Neck, Long Island location also exists. The Williamsburg restaurant is accessible via the J, M, or Z subway lines to Marcy Avenue.