Peter Luger Steak House
The cash-only Williamsburg steakhouse, open since 1887, famous for its dry-aged porterhouse for two.
The call
Worth it if you are traveling as a couple and food is a reason to travel.
Why
- 01
Gruff waiters, a beer-hall room, and a sizzling porterhouse carved tableside — tradition over polish.
Our read - 02
Electric for steak purists and groups; wrong for anyone expecting modern service or who forgot it doesn't take credit cards.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Peter Luger Steak House works.
Food is a reason to travel
For food & drink, Peter Luger Steak House delivers.
You prefer local life to spectacle
For local authenticity, Peter Luger Steak House delivers.
Think twice if
You are traveling solo
Solo, give Peter Luger Steak House a miss.
You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — Peter Luger Steak House isn't cheap for what it is.
You only have one day
Peter Luger Steak House is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, it depends on the day.
The plates that decide it
- Porterhouse for two (or three/four) — the only steak order that matters here; ordered by number of people
- Thick-cut bacon, German fried potatoes, creamed spinach — the classic supporting cast
- Fish or chicken from the menu — you came for beef — don't waste the trip
Plan it well
- Cost
- ~$120+ per head for the porterhouse experience
- Timing
- Earlier seatings on weeknights
- Booking
- Reservations strongly advised; bring cash
- Allow
- 1.5–2 hours
- Accessibility
- Bustling, traditional dining room
Sources and method (2)
- Williamsburg steakhouse founded in 1887 (as Carl Luger's Cafe); the dry-aged porterhouse-for-two is the signature, sized by number of diners. en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Lost its Michelin star in 2022 and now holds a Michelin 'Plate'; it no longer takes only cash, having begun accepting debit cards. guide.michelin.com ↗