Peter Luger Steak House in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, stands as a monument to New York City dining history. Since 1887, this legendary establishment has been serving up top-tier dry-aged porterhouse steaks in a setting that echoes old-world charm. My own childhood memories are intertwined with Peter Luger Brooklyn, brought there by my parents who were regulars during our time in New York. They fondly recall the German beer hall décor, the waiters in their classic bow ties, and of course, the unforgettable meals. For them, Peter Luger was more than just a restaurant; it was a taste of New York tradition. Years later, the nostalgia for Peter Luger remained strong, fueled by memories of crispy German fried potatoes and luxuriously creamy spinach.
Recently, wanting to share this iconic experience, I took my partner, Caitlin, to Peter Luger. Initially, we aimed for the Brooklyn location to celebrate our anniversary. However, finding a reservation proved impossible, leading us to the Great Neck branch instead. This sparked a debate: could the Great Neck location truly replicate the authentic Peter Luger experience, especially for a first-timer like Caitlin? My father, a staunch advocate for the original Brooklyn location, insisted on its superiority, citing the older ovens and unique ambiance. My Uncle Rick, however, believed the taste was identical, with Great Neck even offering lobster as a bonus. Online opinions were equally divided, setting the stage for our own personal investigation.
Great Neck, while enjoyable, left us wondering about the original. Social media reactions to our Great Neck visit ignited further debate among friends, some proclaiming Brooklyn’s ambiance and food superior, others arguing for their sameness. This online buzz and our own curiosity led to a decision: we had to experience Peter Luger Brooklyn for ourselves and settle the Brooklyn vs. Great Neck debate once and for all.
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Months later, a call from my mom presented the perfect opportunity. My brother, Brendon-Sage, needed a place to stay for a weekend, and she suggested a Christmas gift for us three: a reservation at Peter Luger Brooklyn. Brendon, like Caitlin, had never been, and the anticipation of finally comparing the two locations was high. Booking a table at Peter Luger Brooklyn requires planning; I made the reservation a month and a half in advance, a stark contrast to Great Neck where same-day bookings are often possible.
So, what’s the real difference between Peter Luger Brooklyn and its Long Island counterpart? Let’s delve into the details.
A Tale of Two Steakhouses: Brooklyn vs. Great Neck
The Brooklyn location of Peter Luger immediately sets itself apart with its location. Parking in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is notoriously challenging, making Peter Luger Brooklyn’s private parking lot a significant advantage. While Great Neck also offers parking, including valet, it’s a standard expectation in Long Island suburbia. Arriving at Peter Luger Brooklyn and finding dedicated parking felt like a small victory, even if the lot was a short walk from the entrance in the winter cold.
Location is where Peter Luger Brooklyn truly shines. Nestled in the heart of Williamsburg, it’s immersed in a vibrant, historic neighborhood. The majestic old bank across the street adds a touch of grandeur to the dining experience. Peter Luger Great Neck, in contrast, is situated on Northern Boulevard, surrounded by car dealerships and auto body shops – a decidedly less romantic setting. The Brooklyn ambiance begins even before you step inside.
The classic Peter Luger Steak House interior, showcasing its German beer hall style decor.
Arriving a bit early for our 7:45 pm reservation at Peter Luger Brooklyn allowed us to soak in the bar atmosphere before the dinner rush. Even early on, the energy was palpable, and within twenty minutes, the place was bustling. At the Great Neck location, we also started at the bar, where I enjoyed a “Luger” beer, a house specialty. Disappointingly, Peter Luger Brooklyn didn’t offer the Luger beer, but the bartender’s recommendation was a suitable alternative.
The bar area at Peter Luger Brooklyn, where generous wine pours are a signature.
Speaking of the bar, Peter Luger is famed for its generous wine pours. Whether in Brooklyn or Great Neck, ordering wine by the glass is an experience in itself. These aren’t dainty, sommelier-approved pours; they are robust, rim-filling glasses. It’s a testament to Peter Luger’s unpretentious, generous spirit.
Comparing the layouts, Peter Luger Brooklyn’s bar, located closer to the host stand, made it easier to hear reservation calls. The Great Neck bar is in a separate, smaller room, though the hostess there was diligent in calling out names. Caitlin found the Brooklyn restaurant noticeably more refined in its décor. While both locations embrace the German beer hall style, Peter Luger Brooklyn executes it with a more upscale touch. It feels more like a special occasion destination compared to the slightly more casual ambiance of Great Neck.
A glimpse into the lively atmosphere at the bar of Peter Luger Brooklyn.
Enjoying pre-dinner drinks at the bar, setting the tone for a memorable meal.
A close-up of Peter Luger’s famously generous wine pour, a hallmark of their service.
Diving into the Menu: What to Order at Peter Luger Brooklyn
Seated for dinner at 7:30 pm, ordering at Peter Luger Brooklyn felt like second nature, reverting to childhood favorites. Steak for three, medium rare – the classic porterhouse – was a must, alongside creamed spinach and Luger’s Special German Fried Potatoes. Remarkably, our waiter at Peter Luger Brooklyn, Lorenzo, anticipated our order almost before we spoke, confirming the restaurant’s consistent and beloved menu. We had ordered the same dishes at Great Neck, ensuring a direct food comparison.
The dining room at Peter Luger Brooklyn, filled with anticipation for a classic steakhouse meal.
The Legendary Porterhouse Steak
The centerpiece of any Peter Luger experience is, of course, the dry-aged porterhouse steak. Served sizzling on a large plate, pre-cut and family-style, it’s an impressive sight. Both at Peter Luger Brooklyn and Great Neck, the steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare and undeniably phenomenal. It’s the kind of steak that demands slow chewing to fully appreciate the rich, savory flavors.
The key difference, however, lay in the sear. While both steaks were expertly cooked to temperature, the Great Neck steak boasted a noticeably crispier, more charred outer layer compared to the Peter Luger Brooklyn steak. Personally, I favored the Great Neck steak for this intense sear. Caitlin, on the other hand, felt the Peter Luger Brooklyn steak was closer to a true medium rare, finding the Great Neck steak slightly overdone for that specification. This difference might be attributed to the cooking equipment; Peter Luger Brooklyn is rumored to use the original, older stoves and ovens, which might impart a gentler, less scorching heat than the newer equipment at Great Neck. Ultimately, steak preference is subjective, but this sear distinction was the most noticeable culinary difference between the two locations.
The magnificent dry-aged porterhouse steak for three at Peter Luger Brooklyn, accompanied by German fried potatoes and creamed spinach.
A closer look at the perfectly cooked and sliced porterhouse steak at Peter Luger Brooklyn.
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Sizzling Bacon Appetizer
Breaking from tradition slightly at Great Neck, we discovered the Sizzling Bacon appetizer – thick-cut bacon served by the slice. It was a revelation. Peter Luger’s bacon redefines bacon; it’s an experience in itself. The bacon at Peter Luger Brooklyn, while still exceptional, wasn’t quite as crispy and charred as the Great Neck version, although the slices seemed larger. Both were undeniably fantastic, thick-cut, and perfectly cured. If forced to choose, I leaned slightly towards the crispier Great Neck bacon, while Caitlin preferred the Brooklyn bacon. Regardless of location preference, ordering the bacon at Peter Luger is highly recommended.
Peter Luger’s Sizzling Bacon at Great Neck, known for its crispy char.
Peter Luger’s Sizzling Bacon at Brooklyn, slightly less charred but equally flavorful.
Classic Sides: Creamed Spinach & German Fried Potatoes
The creamed spinach and German fried potatoes were consistently excellent at both Peter Luger Brooklyn and Great Neck. Portion sizes are famously generous; “for two” easily serves four to six. The German fried potatoes, akin to home fries, were perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. The creamed spinach is a standout, even for non-spinach enthusiasts. It’s incredibly creamy, silky, and simply melts in your mouth. And of course, the signature Luger sauce enhances everything.
Don’t Forget the Drinks and Dessert
We paired our meal with a bottle of 2011 Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir at Peter Luger Brooklyn, which turned into two bottles by the end of the evening. This 89-point wine, with its dark cherry and spice notes, complemented the porterhouse beautifully.
One delightful surprise at both locations was Peter Luger’s rendition of the birthday song. Witnessing it twice, it’s clear the waiters have impressive baritone voices, almost operatic in quality. It adds a unique, theatrical element to the dining experience.
To finish the evening at Peter Luger Brooklyn, we indulged in Irish coffees and shared a slice of cheesecake. The Irish coffees, whipped up with flair by the bartender, were exceptional. The homemade cheesecake, served with a generous bowl of fresh whipped cream, was hypnotically creamy and a perfect end to a rich meal.
Our waiter Lorenzo presenting the 2011 Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir at Peter Luger Brooklyn.
The tempting cheesecake at Peter Luger, partially eaten before the photo – a testament to its deliciousness.
Service and the Peter Luger Experience in Brooklyn
Service at Peter Luger Brooklyn, particularly from our waiter Lorenzo, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable about the wine menu, attentive, and genuinely interested in ensuring we had a great experience. This contrasted with our server at Great Neck, who seemed less engaged and more focused on table turnover. This was noteworthy, as Peter Luger Brooklyn’s wait staff is often stereotyped as older and gruff. Lorenzo defied this stereotype, providing genuinely warm and professional service. He even thoughtfully wrapped our leftovers and provided a container of Luger sauce to take home – a gesture that’s not officially sanctioned but greatly appreciated. Leftovers from both locations provided a substantial second meal, softening the impact of the bill.
A practical note: Peter Luger accepts their own credit card and debit cards, dispelling the myth of being cash-only.
The Verdict: Peter Luger Brooklyn – Is It the Winner?
The differences between Peter Luger Brooklyn and Great Neck are subtle. Both offer an exceptional steakhouse experience, explaining the lack of consensus on which is superior. While Caitlin preferred the food overall at Peter Luger Brooklyn, and I personally leaned towards the sear on the Great Neck steak, the Brooklyn location edges out as the preferred choice. This is primarily due to location and ambiance. Peter Luger Brooklyn, with its historic Williamsburg setting and more refined atmosphere, offers a more complete and iconic New York dining experience.
For your next Peter Luger reservation, especially if seeking the original and quintessential experience, Peter Luger Brooklyn is the recommendation. Just remember to book well in advance!
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