Eating at Benjamin Steakhouse NYC. A Steakhouse from a Former Peter Luger Employee

I eat at and review Benjamin Steakhouse in Midtown Manhattan of New York City. The restaurant has been around for almost 20 years. One of the owners and chef had previously worked at the famous Peter Luger Steak House. Benjamin’s is considered to be one of the best steakhouses in NYC. I dine at Benjamin’s during Restaurant Week and enjoy an excellent USDA Prime, dry-age New York sirloin.
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About Me: I live in NYC and I’m about food, travel and work.

[@henryi9738]

$65 bucks is a pretty good deal for a meal at such a nice steakhouse. Thank you. 🥩

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Indeed, it was well worth the money!

[@ronstallworth9421]

Indeed.

[@snartzzb983]

Agreed!

[@viciousvictortee1298]

In NYC. That's actually pretty good. If it was a good meal it's a good value on paper. The credit card payment is convenient. However. Was this a Lunch or Dinner?

[@Jamesnu]

@@viciousvictortee1298 Indeed! It was definitely good value and it was dinner.

[@JHoisin]

Always look forward to your videos! Your uploads coincide with my work day so theyre great to throw on, keep it up James! This review looked delicious

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! That makes me happy to hear! I appreciate the support!

[@spireprintingpackaging2093]

A hidden gem, that is generally easy to get a reservation. Everything I have had there has been great. The staff too is professional. Lunch is a very good deal too! My sincere thanks to Benjamin's for their takeout specials during the peak of c-19. They made a difficult time easier to swallow! One of NY's best!

[@Jamesnu]

I know what you mean, this restaurant deserves to get a lot more coverage! They're a quality steakhouse!

[@billycarroll9153]

James. I am loving binge watching your videos. GREAT content. Can’t wait to see what’s up next. Cheers.

[@Jamesnu]

Awesome, thank you!

[@danielyoo6546]

I love these videos. I like the calmness you bring with minimal sound effects and editing. its really relaxing.

[@Jamesnu]

Glad you like them! Thank you so much!

[@PatriciaRoggero]

Thank you again love your reviews looking forward to more

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much for always watching! I really appreciate it!

[@ldeanjr2]

Love your channel James. Enjoy all the history to each restaurant you go to. Even though I may never go to New York, I do always like to see a new video. Keep up the awesome work

[@NoahEats]

Definitely come experience NYC!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@tomahern8967]

That steak looked so good I started drooling, and that cheesecake looked amazing! Great review as always!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Indeed, all the food was so good! The only problem with that steak is that I wished it was larger, but it was great value for what it was.

[@RogueTrader31]

I just found your channel by chance. You deserve so many more subscribers! Quality reviews and impressive editing. Congrats, my friend. I am looking forward to your next videos.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support!

[@MebsTejpar-ty6ct]

That meal looked delicious! What a great value. The creamed/not creamed spinach was a brilliant idea. I tried to look up Benjamin's recipe for this, but they mention that the creaminess comes from secret ingredient 😳 I guess that means that I will have to go and try it for myself. Thanks again for showing us the great options around NYC!

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Indeed, it was delicious! It boggles my mind what they could've used to make that spinach dish, but it was great!

[@kevin7151]

Nice review James. Restaurant week is always a great opportunity to try some of the more expensive places within budget. Smith and Wollensky is another that fits this bill during Restaurant week. Keep up the great work.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I agree. There's a lot of great deals during Restaurant Week and they provide a great opportunity to try a variety of restaurants. I'll keep Smith and Wollensky in mind. I've been to their Chicago restaurant a few times and have enjoyed it, but I would definitely like to visit their NYC establishment!

[@Icon328]

Dinner at Benjamins is a wonderful experience! Love this place.

[@Jamesnu]

I agree!

[@borispeper6981]

He`s checking out aaaalll the cool places, one after the other. Great job.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I'm always on the lookout for the best and most interesting restaurants.

[@alisachamoy225]

Sorry about the coffee/tea issue. Restaurant week portions are always smaller than regular menu options (sadly). Great review as always! Glad you enjoyed your dinner!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! It would've been nice to have coffee, but it really was a small omission in an otherwise nice dinner. Indeed, some Restaurant Week menus sound really good until you see how small everything is, but despite that, I thought my meal was a good value.

[@ashleychambers7602]

My wife and I visited Benjamins in 2018 and had a incredible evening, great food & service 👍

[@Jamesnu]

I'm happy to hear that! Benjamins is definitely a nice restaurant!

[@sfdko3291]

Love your work I like it soo much, I feel the need to gatekeep your channel, but there's no way I'd do that. Keep it going dude!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I really appreciate the support!

[@Jessica-ls9bf]

Why do I enjoy so much? They are so good😍😍😍😍😍 thank you for your recommendations

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I'm always happy to share places that I think others will enjoy.

[@coolatta75]

I like your reviews. Simple and interesting. Just good food, a camera, and your opinion voiceover 😊👍

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@loumarhorn4682]

Food looks great. keep up the amazing work 🥂

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@shadowfilm7980]

I never knew about this steak house. Now I know! Thanks. I loved the interior of the place. The lighting too. Which is important to me. I don’t like overly lit restaurants.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, it's a really impressive space! Especially considering that so many Manhattan restaurants are pretty small and cramped.

[@debbiezullo7056]

Love your videos. I noticed at several restaurants when you order medium rare it is more towards the medium side. So what I’ve done for the last year or more if I order my steaks rare plus, saying please make it close to medium rare and it usually comes out perfect. Happy New Year James 🥂💋

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! That's a good tip! Yeah, sometimes you just never know what you're going to get. Happy New Year!

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Glad you enjoyed! Yeah I've killed a steak for 2 at Luger's, so do it. But, I love finding restaurant week deals like this. I've never been here, but my ex-wife works on Madison Avenue, and loves it. So I'll probably never set foot inside 😂😂

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! Yeah, I had to really search the Restaurant Week options for this. Sometimes you just never know with Restaurant Week menus especially with how portion sizes can be reduced, but even though I would've liked a larger steak, I thought that the meal still provided good value.

[@user-fv5yo5fi5c]

James, earlier tonight as we were having dinner at home, I swear I was wondering if you'd done a Benjamin review??? I saw the great and long review of one of the locations in Japan. It was over the type and a behind the scenes look. My friend, you're checking all the boxes on places I love or would love to try. Cheers

[@Jamesnu]

That's good to hear! Thank you!

[@a.leehilliard4716]

I love Benjamin steak house. Definitely my favorite and i have been to them all

[@Jamesnu]

It's a great place for sure!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing a very nice restaurant.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you for watching!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

@@Jamesnu You are welcome. It is good information about places to go to there in NY. I have not been there in New York for a few years so, your giving some great advice where to eat.

[@RR-fg2rl]

Great review love Benjamin and spinach is real good. Even though it's a chain you have to have to try mortons steakhouse and get the Cajun steak medium rare I haven't seen it on any other menu and flavor will knock you out

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I've been to Morton's and I've enjoyed it, but I've never had the Cajun steak. That sounds delicious! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@lialbrown1116]

Beautiful video, thank you

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@DWilliam1]

Great spot and great bar.

[@Jamesnu]

Definitely!

[@johniii8147]

We learned a trick about the soup. Request the server to bring out the soup and your steak at the same time. Put some of the steak in the soup. The base is great but definitely a bit skimpy on the meat. They pair very well.

[@Jamesnu]

That's something I never would've thought of, but that's a great tip!

[@johniii8147]

@@Jamesnu Thank my now husband for the tip. Didn't occur to me either. We went there shortly have we started dating and he had been there quite a few times for work dinners so knew the place.

[@tomdipietro8814]

You videos are so awesome love the views of NYC too

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@tomdipietro8814]

@@Jamesnu When do you think you're going to try the muttun chop and shop at keens?

[@Jamesnu]

@tomdipietro8814 I should probably try it sometime soon. The last time I was at Keens was last year, so I'm due for a return.

[@tomdipietro8814]

@@Jamesnu I'm watching all your videos, the pancake one made me some

[@Jamesnu]

@tomdipietro8814 Thank you! I really appreciate it! I'm still dreaming of those pancakes!

[@s_przybylowicz]

I was slightly shocked you went with the "healthy" option of creamless creamed spinach, but I'm glad it was a hit!

[@Jamesnu]

I've got to get my greens in sometime.

[@johnzajac9849]

If you haven't yet, please try the Strip House Steakhouse on W. 44th Street. Let us know how the food is!

[@Jamesnu]

I'll keep that restaurant in mind. There's so many places that I want to check out.

[@johnzajac9849]

@@Jamesnu Note: the establishment was actually a 'strip house' and still has red lighting! There are photos on Google maps.

[@Jamesnu]

@@johnzajac9849 Interesting! I just looked up some photos and it looks like a really nice looking place.

[@jesseeigner7352]

need you to go to Christos in Astoria!!

[@Jamesnu]

I'm sure I'll get around to it sometime. I'm always up to try a new place!

[@tony-ce7qp]

honest great video!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@enneth8435]

thx u sir

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@CEOAhmond]

Food looks delicious

[@Jamesnu]

It was really good!

[@NoahEats]

You should have talked about the steak knife, that blade and handle was impressive

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I should've mentioned it. It was a good quality knife.

[@als4179]

​@@Jamesnureviewing steak knives is exciting and unique. Good idea.

[@schulzeg]

Curious on the creamed spinach - it's rare when a steakhouse doesn't include nutmeg in their creamed spinach (which I'm not a fan of). It sounds like the creamed spinach was pretty straightforward and natural.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I know what you mean. It definitely had a lighter feel, but a similar taste to other creamed spinach dishes.

[@johnjuarez8005]

That was a great deal for NYC.

[@Jamesnu]

Absolutely!

[@dannyfrank3712]

Benjamin’s is underrated!

[@Jamesnu]

I agree!

[@bb57365]

Considering the price, this was an amazing deal. 🥩

[@Jamesnu]

Exactly!

[@ras124]

Well done

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@amybutler9886]

Coffee with dessert is always so civilized. Sorry they shorted you. I always look forward to your videos.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, the cheesecake would've tasted great with a cup of coffee, but it was still a nice meal.

[@tanyadrake5674]

The best part is the meat on the bone I would take that home reheat it and gnaw on it😅

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed! You've got to get your money's worth!

[@danielterry382]

The cream less cream spinach !

[@Jamesnu]

It was surprisingly very good!

[@cyclopsvision6370]

Hate to break this to you, restaurant week is not intended to give you a deal on their regular menu, but rather, a way for them to get additional revenue in what would be an otherwise slow period.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed!

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

It was only $65.00 for the entire meai? That is a very good deal. But how are steaks cooked with direct flame under (gas/wood/charcoal) or in a high intensity 'broiler". makes a huge difference. (Wood is preferred)

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed! It was a great deal and I was happy to be able to take advantage of it. Absolutely! The way a steak is cooked can make a big difference.

[@nychris2258]

Yes, Benjamin is really good, the way Peter Luger used to be.

[@Jamesnu]

It's definitely a good steakhouse!

[@paularcaria]

I think Wolfgang's was a Peter Lugar employee too

[@Jamesnu]

Absolutely! I've heard that too.

[@paularcaria]

@@Jamesnu been there about five times. Once I left a little upset.

[@Jamesnu]

@@paularcaria That's a shame. No restaurant is perfect.

[@KEMET1971]

Do you need to ask for permission before filming inside these restaurants? BTW, you are an inspiration to anyone who tends to choose not to do something because of feeling uncomfortable about doing it alone.

[@Jamesnu]

No, but if I'm ever told to stop, then I'll stop. I also pretty much do voiceovers for my videos for the very fact that I don't want to disturb anyone. Also, thank you! Yeah, if one wants to go to a restaurant and they don't have anyone else to accompany them, that should never stop a person.

[@KEMET1971]

@@Jamesnu Or travel, visit museums, hike, or just " being" alone and not feeling that their is something wrong with you.

[@Jamesnu]

@@KEMET1971 Exactly!

[@corgiowner436]

Now I’m hungry.

[@Jamesnu]

That was some good food!

[@justlearning6371]

I love steak lol

[@Jamesnu]

I love steak too!

[@brianG81]

This is such a great restaurant. The steak there has a wonderful Mineral / Butter / popcorn / nutty Umami. Much better dry aged flavor than Luger's, Keen's, Quality Meats and Gallagher's in my opinion.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, it has a really great taste to it. I like your description!

[@ggagoots]

Why do people feel the need to get the sirloin st lugers, eolgsngs, and benjamins?..... Get the Ribeye its always the best. I just hit Wolfgangs and that Ribeye was off the charts, and me and the wife are oretty well versed in all the too steakhouses in NYC/NJ

[@Jamesnu]

I probably would've gotten the ribeye on a normal visit, but since it was only one of two steaks on the Restaurant Week menu, I was a bit limited with what I could get.

[@ggagoots]

@@Jamesnu ahhh makes sense..... I recommend going to strip house, that's top tier, the one downtown is a little nicer imo, it will not disappoint

[@gbaca07]

Medium is better. Looks delicious

[@Jamesnu]

It was really tasty!

[@jamesprice4647]

Dark restaurants! Sometimes you have to use the light on your phone to read the menu. I hate that.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I personally prefer restaurants with more light.

[@rochesterjohnny7555]

Nice steak, needs A-1 hahahahaha

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! It definitely was a good steak!

[@jimklemens5018]

Why did you have them cut your steak?

[@Jamesnu]

I didn't. The steak came out that way. Usually I prefer cutting my steak on my own, but this worked well too.

[@jimklemens5018]

@Jamesnu I always tell them to not cut it.

[@Jamesnu]

@@jimklemens5018 That's a good idea.

[@dtna]

What do you do for a living?

[@saigonbaby]

youtube

[@solyapi]

Mergers and acquisitions.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Scuba diver.

[@amybutler9886]

Editor at a publishing house.

[@mk17173n]

Xray Technician.

[@stevec5465]

EVERY place that opens is from a FORMER Peter Luger employee. Sort of makes you wonder. 🤔

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, there are definitely a number of NYC restaurants that make that point known.

[@MrTomV]

The answers aren't on the ceiling James.

[@Jamesnu]

I try not to stare at the camera. Plus, the high ceilings of the restaurant were very impressive.

[@MrTomV]

@@Jamesnu Don't be afraid to look at the camera. The camera is us. You are telling US how the food is.

[@Jamesnu]

@@MrTomV Yeah, but in these situations I don't speak to the camera so that I can enjoy my food and offer a fair critique of it later. I also don't want to be rude to those dining next to me.

[@janetjones4874]

Soup Etiquette: Try not to bend down or slouch down to reach the spoon full of soup. Bring the spoon up to your mouth to eat. If you avoid filling up the spoon with so much soup, you will be able to bring the spoon up to your mouth without worrying that some will spill onto your shirt. Also, the same for the main entrée. Try to avoid slouching down to your plate to eat off the fork. Bring the fork up to your mouth. Remember that you don't bend down to the food. Bring the food to your mouth. Bread Etiquette: Please break bread before eating and buttering. Like Jesus broke bread and ate it, it is a tradition in the U.S. to follow as Jesus. This is standard etiquette in the US regardless of religion. No elbows and forearms on the table, please. So glad that you enjoyed the food and experience in general. Great video.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! And thank you for the suggestions. I appreciate it.

[@LlyleHunter]

Also, always spoon away from yourself ( towards the middle of the table) not towards yourself as is more widely known when eating cream soup and tilt the bowl away from yourself when spooning the last few drops.

[@Jamesnu]

@@LlyleHunter Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it!

[@ouki4925]

$15.95 for broccoli or onions LOL

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, NYC is expensive.

[@michaellawrence905]

really good review, but a $5.00 tip on a $60.00 bill. kind of cheap, don't you think?

[@Jamesnu]

That $5 was the tax not the tip. I said that the total was about $78 which included my tip.

[@thegoldrobber]

Arent you supposed to tear the bun before eating it? Otherwise youre eating something that resembles a hamburger bun.

[@Jamesnu]

You certainly can.

[@luxpursuits]

Yes. He still learning dining etiquette!!! Long way to go.

[@kirksmith1534]

Thanks for not overdressing. The tradition of Fetterman.

[@Jamesnu]

Haha!

[@nolanohana]

No credit cards 👃🏻

[@phillipjames9003]

Are we sure this is a sirloin? NBD but it looks like a strip.

[@Jamesnu]

That's what the restaurant called it. Whatever cut it was, it was very tasty.

[@phillipjames9003]

@@Jamesnu great review and I’d say a heck of a deal for 65 bucks.

[@Jamesnu]

@@phillipjames9003 Thank you! Yeah, I definitely felt like I got my money's worth.

[@possiblycurryddork]

Looks like a lot of collagen in the soup, like warm holodets. I approve.

[@Jamesnu]

The soup was definitely nice!

[@lcaceci43]

UA you are not!

[@Djm8520]

Once again, we see this ‘Cheffy’ BS of pre-slicing a steak. 2 things happen when you pre-slice a steak-both bad! The juices run out and the steak starts getting cold. Serve the damn steak whole!

[@user-rm1rh9jl7u]

From your reviews I assume you have trouble using a salt shaker? And what the hell are you looking at between bites???> You are not an experienced reviewer, why should I watch?

[@johnlynch7705]

We just say New York

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, but I'm always struggling to find different words for things so I'm not constantly repeating myself.

[@cyclopsvision6370]

You suspect the portion size was limited for restaurant week? Really? LOL

[@Jamesnu]

Well, I wasn't positive, so I could never state something that I wasn't 100 percent sure of. At least items like the cheesecake and spinach were regular sized portions.

[@TheAdventurer1]

$65 bucks for a piece of m eat ? You're insaine.

[@Jamesnu]

I guess you didn't notice, the appetizer, side, and dessert.

[@TheAdventurer1]

@@Jamesnu Yes, i noticed, still way TOO EXPENSIVE.

In good faith I recomend that you learn some table maners if you are going to post videos of you eating.

[@Eequalsmc87]

Lol wtf are u on about?

[@luxpursuits]

Agree

[@dannycrankovich]

Hey slapnut....its a soup and you want more solids in it. Get a grip and stick to McDonald's.

[@jcw3195]

Why do I feel think this another BS commercial and has a lot of stuff and saids nothing about an ad for another eatery

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

James, good review, but not worth it.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

Cut your bread FFS!