Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / Food and drink

Peter Luger Steak House

Established in 1887, this legendary Brooklyn institution is an American classic renowned for its hand-selected, dry-aged USDA Prime beef and an atmospheric, wood-paneled dining room.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Peter Luger Steak House
peterluger.com, og_image_peterluger.com

What is Peter Luger Steak House known for?

It is a legendary, family-owned American classic known for hand-selected USDA Prime beef that is dry-aged on site. The restaurant is recognized for serving giant portions of meat alongside classic sides like creamed spinach and onion rings.

Where are the Peter Luger locations?

Peter Luger operates locations in New York (with the original in Brooklyn and another in Great Neck), Las Vegas, and Tokyo.

What is the history of the restaurant?

Established in 1887 at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn, it originally began as a café and billiards den for the local German population. It is the third oldest operating steakhouse in New York City.

What is the atmosphere like inside?

The interior is described as a masculine, saddle-brown, and wood-paneled space that provides an atmospheric sense of history.

Does the restaurant host private events?

Yes, private functions are available at the Brooklyn and Great Neck locations.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Peter Luger Steak House is a cornerstone of New York culinary history, established in 1887 at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn. Originally operating as a café and billiards den, the establishment was a popular gathering spot for the neighborhood's German population. Today, it stands as the third oldest operating steakhouse in New York City, following only Keens and Old Homestead Steakhouse. The restaurant is family-owned and operated under the management of the Forman family, who have maintained its status as a top-rated New York steakhouse since 1984. This dedication to quality earned the establishment a place on the James Beard Foundation's list of "America's Classics" in 2002. While the brand has expanded to locations in Tokyo and Las Vegas, the Brooklyn branch remains the original site. Visitors dine in a tucked-away, wood-paneled room described as a masculine, saddle-brown space that evokes a strong sense of history. The menu focuses on hand-selected USDA Prime short loin, which is dry-aged on site and broiled to be shared among two to four diners. These giant portions of meat are traditionally paired with classic sides, including creamed spinach and onion rings.

Visitor tips

  • Plan for a long visit, as the sharing-style USDA Prime short loin is designed for groups of two to four diners.
  • Check the official website for the Brooklyn menu and reservation availability before visiting.
  • Wear smart-casual attire to match the atmospheric, wood-paneled dining environment.

Nearby context

Located at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge, Peter Luger is a landmark of the Brooklyn dining scene, representing the area's evolution from a German immigrant hub to a global culinary destination.

Sources

Evidence and links