Peter Luger Steak House
_001_crop.jpg)
Build a trip to New York City
About
Since 1887, Peter Luger has been the gold standard for the American steakhouse. Located in Williamsburg, its beer-hall style interior with scrubbed wooden tables and surly-but-efficient waiters is a portal to old-school Brooklyn. The dry-aged beef is selected by family members and aged on-site. The sound of sizzling butter on a porterhouse for two is the quintessential sensory hallmark here. Expert recommendation: Order the 'Steak for Two' (medium-rare) and a side of 'Luger’s Special German Fried Potatoes.' Don't forget the thick-cut sizzling bacon as an appetizer. Pro tip: This is a cash-only establishment (or Peter Luger Card/US Debit cards), so visit the ATM before you arrive. Lunch reservations are easier to snag than dinner, and the Luger Burger is a legendary midday exclusive.
Highlights
- Legendary dry-aged porterhouse
- Old-world German atmosphere
- Award-winning steak tradition
- Signature steak sauce
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Westlight (William Vale)
Situated on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, Westlight is a glass-walled rooftop bar offering 360-degree views of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. The cocktail menu is sophisticated, complemented by small plates from Chef Andrew Carmellini. The outdoor terrace features high-powered yellow binoculars for guests to scout the skyline. The vibe is trendy, airy, and upscale. Expert recommendation: The 'Spring Chicken' cocktail paired with 'Spicy Tuna Tartare.' Pro tip: During the summer, it is incredibly popular; reservations for the outdoor terrace seats are highly recommended. If you can't get a table, there is a standing-room area that still provides excellent views of the sunset over the Empire State Building.
Katz's Delicatessen
Katz's has been on the corner of Houston and Ludlow since 1888, which means it has outlasted every trend, every wave of gentrification, and most of the neighborhood that surrounded it. The Lower East Side around it has changed entirely; inside, almost nothing has. You take a ticket at the door. You find the counter. The carver will ask how you want it — lean, fatty, or mixed — and slice to order. Tip him and he'll be generous. The pastrami is cured and smoked in-house, served on rye with yellow mustard, and arrives in a quantity that seems structurally improbable. It's the right amount. The table where the "I'll have what she's having" scene was filmed in When Harry Met Sally is marked with a sign. People sit there on purpose. The fluorescent lighting, the formica tables, the hand-painted signs on the walls — none of it has been updated, which is exactly the point. Some places get preserved. Katz's just never stopped.
DUMBO (Manhattan Bridge View)
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) has evolved from an industrial district into one of Brooklyn's most trendy neighborhoods. The specific intersection of Washington and Water Streets is perhaps the most famous photo spot in New York, where the Manhattan Bridge is perfectly framed by historic brick warehouses. In the distance, the Empire State Building is visible through the bridge's legs. The atmosphere is a mix of cobblestone nostalgia and modern luxury. Expert recommendation: After the photo, walk over to Jane’s Carousel, a restored 1922 merry-go-round encased in a jewel-like glass pavilion. Pro tip: To get the iconic shot without dozens of other tourists in your frame, you must arrive before 8:00 AM on a weekday.
Russ & Daughters Café
An expansion of the century-old 'appetizing' shop nearby, this café brings the tradition of lox, bagels, and herring into a beautiful sit-down space. The decor is a nod to the 1914 origins with a modern, clean aesthetic. It represents the Jewish culinary heritage of the Lower East Side, serving world-class smoked fish and caviar. The atmosphere is bustling and friendly, filled with the clinking of soda fountain glasses. Expert recommendation: The 'Lower East Side' platter or the 'Challah French Toast' are local favorites. Pro tip: The wait for a table can be several hours on weekends; put your name in and explore the nearby Tenement Museum. Alternatively, visit the original shop on Houston Street to grab a bagel to go and enjoy it in a nearby park.
Reviews
Visited this place? Share your experience and help other travelers.