No Menu Required
Written: Aug 07 '04 (Updated Jan 19 '05)
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Pros: The best porterhouse on the planet. Other "great" steakhouses are a distant second.
Cons: I now live 1300 miles from this mecca of meat.
The Bottom Line: Release the carnivorous beast within. Dinner at Peter Luger's reminds you that it's good to be the top link in the food chain.
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| carnut2k4's Full Review: Peter Luger Steak House |
Every so often somebody will tell me about a great steakhouse that I have to try and I always give my standard answer; I've been to all the 'great' steakhouses. Morton's, Ruth's Chris, Sparks, and they all have one thing in common - they cost twice as much as Peter Luger's and they aren't half as good. Those who have been there are forced to surrender a knowing smile. There are only two locations of this 'chain'. The first is in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC and has been there since 1887. It's just as famous for its steaks as it is for it's unbelievably rude waiters. Don't let that deter you, it's part of the charm. The relatively 'new' Peter Lugers is on Northern Blvd in Great Neck which is just east of the Queens border in Nassau County. Most of my experiences have been at the new location so that is what I am limiting this review to.
THE RULES
On week nights you may be able to walk in but reservations are recommended. For weekends make the reservations as far in advance as possible. When I know I'm going to NY I make my reservation at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially in the summer months. Dress is "casual neat" to use the Maitre D's own words. Don't forget to bring cash with you -Peter Lugers does NOT take any credit cards. Although if you plan on making it a regular place you can apply for a Peter Luger Credit Card! When you're seated don't expect a menu to be placed in front of you - you need to ask for one, and don't be surprised if the waiter looks shocked by your request. The menu consists of; Steak for 2, Steak for 3, Steak for 4, etc... It reminds me of that great scene from "My Cousin Vinny" when the diner menu lists only 3 choices: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. There actually are a few other things on the menu but you'll be on your own there. I don't know of anybody who has ever gone to Peter Lugers for chicken or pork chops.
THE MAIN COURSE
Order the steak for 2. It is hands down the greatest porterhouse in the world. If you have more than 2 people in your party, order multiples of steak for 2. If you order the steak for 3 or 4 you won't get the same cut and you'll miss out. The porterhouses are aged in the basement for a month before being seared to perfection on an open fire. I always get mine medium rare and it comes to the table burnt on the outside and cool in the middle. Perfection. The steak is cooked using their own famous steak sauce (available for purchase if you like). The sauce itself is worthy of a review. It's got a great bite to it as it is full of horseradish. The steak is served fully sliced and is portioned onto your plate by the waiter. This is the only steak I've had that I could cut with a fork. It melts in your mouth. It rejuvenates your faith. Angels sing and vegetarians weep as you devour this incredible piece of meat. There is nothing like it anywhere else. This is the food of the gods. It's hard to describe in words but just imagine the best steak you've ever had times 10. The standard side dishes that 99% of the patrons automatically order with their porterhouses are the fried potatoes and the creamed spinach. They're quite good but alone you wouldn't see any reviews of them here. They get an honorable mention simply because they're lucky enough to share a table with the king of all steaks.
The steak is enormous. I don't know in term of ounces but when you look at it you will be sure that you are going to take leftovers home. You won't. Nobody leaves the table until it's all gone. An instinct takes over and you know that if you slow your pace of leave the table for a moment you might not get your full share of this incredible piece of meat. If you take a moment to look around you will probably notice most of the other diners are facing their plates and silent as they eat their steaks. Talking becomes an unnecessary hinderence to the process. It's a surreal experience to say the least.
THE AFTER PARTY
They have a whole assortment of fresh baked desserts. The standard cheesecakes and chocolate cakes all served with fresh made whipped cream and berries. They also offer a full liquor bar which is always filled with patrons waiting for tables and drinking martini's. I always order dessert and rarely get half way through it. You will leave very full. Complimentary coat check and parking valet round out the service.
THE DAMAGE
Like I started with..twice as good as Mortons and half the price. The steak for two as of July '04 is $72. The side dishes (everything is a la carte) are around 8-12 dollars and each will feed 2-3 people. Me and my wife each had a drink and still left with a bill of only $120. I know saying only $120 is an oxymoron but not really considering Mortons would have been over $200 and wouldn't have been as good.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If I were on death row this would be my last meal. If you're a New Yorker or are planning to visit the Big Apple you must go here. Not eating here is like going to the Louvre and skipping the Mona Lisa...
Peter Luger's Steakhouse
255 Northern Boulevard
Great Neck, NY 11021
(516) 487-8800
www.peterluger.com
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Get the porterhouse for two
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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Epinions.com ID:
carnut2k4
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Member: Jason
Location: in the wind
Reviews written: 99
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The pool's in but the patio ain't dry
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