Is PETER LUGER Spinoff Benjamin Steakhouse NYC's BEST STEAK?

Peter Luger Steak House really has had a significant legacy on the NYC culinary scene, as well as the steak industry as a whole. While Peter Luger may have fallen off since its heyday, I personally gave it not the best review in 2022, its legacy and impact is unquestioned and two of NYC's best steakhouses were created by its former employees: Wolfgang's Steakhouse and Benjamin Steakhouse.
We reviewed Wolfgang's Steakhouse on this channel as well and we really enjoyed it. It was almost 1:1 to Peter Luger in its menu, although I found the quality of the food to be higher. However, I hear Benjamin Steakhouse is another restaurant that has followed in Peter Luger's footsteps and may also be carrying on Peter Luger's legacy even if Peter Luger itself is no longer as consistent as it once was. Similar to Wolfgang's, it was opened by a former employee of Peter Luger. The founder of Benjamin Steakhouse, however, only had a few years of experience at Peter Luger. Wolfgang Zweiner on the other hand had decades of experience before opening his restaurant. Despite his limited experience though, the founder of Benjamin Steakhouse turned it into one of the best steakhouses in NYC and the association of Benjamin Steakhouse with celebrities is also well known at this point!
We will find out together if Benjamin Steakhouse is worth the hype and if it's the best steakhouse in New York City. Even if Peter Luger was disappointing the last time I ate there, maybe Benjamin Steakhouse will be carrying on its legacy through its recipes!
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Restaurant Deets:
Benjamin Steakhouse
Located in: Dylan Hotel NYC
Between Park and, 52 E 41st St, Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017

[@davidyoder6174]

UA - You're a failure as an undercover spy with that bright blue LED light shining through your shirt!! LOL!!

[@uaeats]

Haha it was my first time wearing it. I'll figure out a better way.

[@davidyoder6174]

@@uaeatsHi! You’re a good sport and a really hard worker!!! I appreciate your efforts!!!!!

[@RobPetrie441]

A little piece of black duct tape over that LED would work a treat.

[@MultiEquations]

You can put a piece of electrical tape over the led. They tend to be quite thick so they block the light. I used to photograph events and I used the tape ti tape over the camera light.

[@lanhoawild3234]

I like that regardless of its popularity for celebrity visits, your review about the soup as less-than-superb is your honesty as most important.

[@uaeats]

Of course! I will always share my honest opinion.

[@SDEats]

Almost at that 50K sub milestone! So happy for you man!

[@jasongratkowski9469]

Great video! I always enjoy watching!!! 👍😄

[@neanderthalsnavel7411]

UA: love your vids. Suggestion - make a webpage with your current favorite NYC steakhouses in order. And link to it in descriptions.

[@jezreyes5019]

almost 50k subs..keep it up sir.❤ all ur video😊

[@uaeats]

We're so close, I can taste it!

[@Malwaki-fifth]

Your pure honesty is what honestly made me subscribe after seeing this video.

[@johnmalerba804]

Whenever I go to one of those ridiculously over priced restaurants and I`m not 100% satisfied it ruins my entire evening. Which is why I rarely do it anymore

[@NoahEats]

Seems reasonably price for the environment

[@hmcdonnell23]

Nothing worse, going out and getting an underwhelming meal. I mean, what are you going to do? You have to pay for the darn thing but yes, we hardly go out anymore either.

[@johnmalerba804]

@@hmcdonnell23 The thing that I really can`t stand is giving these rich celebrity "chefs" and athletes like $300.00 for for 2 people. If you haven`t seen it check UA`s video on John Elways airport steak house. Pathetic

[@NoahEats]

@hmcdonnell23 sometimes expectations definitely exceeds reality!

[@hmcdonnell23]

@@johnmalerba804 lol, I did watch that recently. Service was as bad as the food.

[@TheBatchiro]

One advice..never underestimate medium steaks and let me tell you why. Intramuscular fat (marbling) melts completely when the meat reaches 140 degrees internal temperature. That’s when steaks are the most tender.

[@Acs2046]

Medium is life

[@eldorado1244]

@@Acs2046well done rules and if you add ketchup there is nothing better 😋😋😋😋

[@jf6395]

@@eldorado1244 ah yes our despicable former presidents order, if he cant get mcdonalds

[@dawsonje]

@@eldorado1244lol

[@HerrBrutal-bl2fk]

Taste matters more than tenderness.

[@chrsitopherbreuer2077]

Damn I wish I could’ve seen the Cesar salad!! Great video love the channel keep them coming!!

[@thecashman8924]

Great review UA liking your channel a lot $$$$$man

[@shawnleonard4974]

I have to admit. Your restaurant reviews are excellent and informative. I feel i would go or not go to a restaurant based on your recommendation. Your the top food review vloger around. Keep them coming.

[@kimberlyg7182]

I love you and all your videos . I always make sure to never miss one. Im even working aon getting all ur videos watched since you started. I will get them all watched. The only biff i got is the carnival music you got playing in the background. I wish you would change it up once in awhile. Othe then tjat plz keep making the awesome videos. My fiance lives in NYC and were gonna try and eat at several of the restaurants that you ate at. One more thing i would love to see Tina in some of ur videos and get her opinion on some of the food. Thank you again!!!!!!

[@elroyvanderley6460]

you can do a drinking game every time UA says "why don't we" 😀

[@kevinluyo1142]

“And whatever I don’t finish I’ll take home” is a double

[@johnmalerba804]

@elroyvanderley6460...I`ve noticed after some comments he doesn`t say it as much...I`m ok with that

[@1bluensx]

I like your video, and really like that you show the prices

[@sfuguy]

I starting subscribing to you because of your honest review to call out Luger...now, you reaffirm my commitment to watching you more!

[@mikkac]

very good food review as usual bro

[@nostalgicsheep47]

Love the transparency blunt and honest 🍽

[@SeeYouDownTheRoad_]

Truthfully, you can't judge a restaurant by their lunch special. It's called "special" for a reason. The way you should have done this review was to have their normal full standard meal and then try the special afterwards to see the difference

[@buttscratcher]

Review it yourself

[@SeeYouDownTheRoad_]

@@buttscratcher I don't have to. I have been there many times.... Have you eaten there?

[@JinxPalm2023]

''Special'' should be a way to get folks in the door to enjoy the food and not as a means to push off food of a lesser quality. I wish more restaurants would avoid the latter ideology.

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

If the lunch special was something not in the regular menu your point would hold more value. Lunch has long been a way to eat at great restaurants at a reduced rate. And often the choices are the same w dinner being more expensive. You don’t become a “starred” joint by lowering standards for lunch.

[@daveb5374]

Good job mate , keeping it real - just be real !!! I would love to see your Top 5 best steaks in NYC

[@robertkatz5256]

Hi 👋 UA keep up the awesome work . Love your signature closing of the eyes while trying to determine all that’s on your pallet.

[@annehajdu8654]

*palate

[@kwood333]

Thanks for the review! Been on the fence about trying Benjamin. Give Club A Steakhouse in Midtown East a try. Similar service of steaks to Peter Luger/Benjamin/Wolfgang but I'd say better.

[@mikes.4136]

Very good review. Thank you, UA Eats.

[@uaeats]

You're welcome!

[@MC-gj8fg]

I used to say a rare steak can always be cooked to medium rare while an overcooked steak can't be uncooked. However, receiving a rare steak when I order medium rare at a nice restaurant increasingly annoys me. First off, the texture and temperature of rare steak is noticeably worse than medium rare, and I'd have preferred to receive the steak medium over rare were I forced to choose. If you send it back for "just a touch more heat" however, I can just see the chef just losing his mind and when it arrives back on your plate it does so medium well.

[@alant.541]

After a few years, a waiter opened his own steakhouse? Waiters in NY must make a ton in tips. Nice lunch special price. Thanks for taking one for the team.👍

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Another great review, UA! I was supposed to go here last year, but never made it. The tall ceiling reminds me of Del Frisco's (which I love, and you should check out! Right near MOMA) All in all, I'm not a Luger fan, nor am I of the table side hot butter basting. The steak should come out of the kitchen at the ordered temp with a perfect sear. And, you asked about a favorite worldwide? If you find yourself in Paris, certainly visit Robert et Louise.

[@normandea]

One of the waiters at Peter Luger's used to humorously call the hot butter "vitamins" when spooning it over your steak! Still waiting for your Joe Junior hamburger review!

[@sbloome77]

I think all the waiters say that!

[@normandea]

Maybe, but I think one older waiter in particular.

[@JAY-JAY74]

After the soup dish, he was immediately kicked out of the restaurant for his criticism! 🤣

[@PeterWilliams-sy7gp]

Newsflash! Forget Luger. Best steakhouse in the NYC area is Bryant & Cooper in Roslyn. Been a staple for decades. The best hands down. I say you don't judge a steakhouse on its steak.....you judge on its creamed spinach! Not only is there steak the best around, the creamed spinach is ridiculously good. Its injectable good!!

[@Sordoi]

Last time i went we got the porterhouse for three. It was cooked medium rare and tasted amazing. Enough steak for 4 people… Love your review UA . Shoutout from melbourne australia

[@ulf373]

WTF?!. A porterhouse is barely enough for one person (me) ;-)

[@SCBMD2020]

New York Strip and sirloin are 2 completely different cuts of meat.

[@lance9584]

Just wanted to let you know, that I have been watching your streams. When you went to Delmonico Steakhouse I went there also. In the beginning, it was perfect. Then I noticed that the food had changed. Does not taste good anymore. Maybe it's just me. But, I would like to see what you think.

[@nolimitk_]

Hey UA, what do you use to record your videos? Your phone? 🤔

[@bpark0906]

He uses his iPhone.

[@nolimitk_]

@@bpark0906 thank you! I was just wondering bc it looks great!

[@DerrickWhittle-mm7jz]

Lovely and fair review looked it up Benjamin's soup is just there's yes leftovers.

[@87gnxisgod]

So far you’re right on the money Wolfgang is probably best of the best. Keep up the good work.👍🇺🇸

[@kennethmajorSG]

Hi, when will you do a complete review of all the steakhouses in NYC and rank them accordingly?

[@kennethmajorSG]

Also what is your opinion on the ranking of Delmonico and Hawksmoor? Would they both be among the top 3-5?

[@Eshabee]

On a scale 1-10 1 being not good at all and 10 being so good

[@Jagan612]

my heart aches that we didn't get a bread review!!!!!!

[@HerrBrutal-bl2fk]

I'm here for the carousel music.

[@NoahEats]

The mic is impressive that it still worked under the shirt! What is the manufacturer and model?

[@plantlvr]

I only order bone in ribeye when I used to go out to eat. I like grilling my own now.

[@markrasta8856]

This is the right answer

[@thecarlob_007]

Peter Luger’s must be paying their waiters so well they can afford to open their own restos in NY 😂

[@NoahEats]

They do have one in Great Neck

[@barbaracoffey124]

I noticed what a beautiful building the restaurant is in, The interior is striking. I wonder if it was a bank?

[@NoahEats]

Some of the best restaurants were banks!

[@brianG81]

I personally had a very good experience at Benjamin. My dry aged ribeye was fantastic with a strong Umami of popcorn and nuts. That luncheon strip looked institutional and if you are going to go here go big and go for dinner and for the normal steaks.

[@stephanwalter1467]

For the soup I think they may used tomato concentrate it gives that taste normally when I use it I deglaze with some wine to offset that taste

[@monkeyballs512]

Make no mistake. That Benjamin soup is a vegetable beef soup, which may not be to Ue’s personal preference, but it’s as good a vegetable beef soup as you’re likely to have

[@videogamefreak753]

That Porterhouse was Blue Rare but looked good but, the junior Sirloin at the beginning just needed more salt and pepper which UA could've added. I personally bring a pocket Redmonds Sea Salt shaker to steakhouses.

[@joenovak6393]

As with the Pictures, the Benjamin is a Throw Back from the 70's. And that Porterhouse was about to run away, Thanks for taken one for the team and a Pass.

[@coolmom1237]

Oreo pie crust is an actual thing.

[@joelewis8770]

there's a KZbin video featuring this steakhouse's Japan branch. Tokyo, I think. 🤔

[@777RL]

Honest question with no intent to offend. Why do the servers at NY steak houses have foreign accents?

[@NoahEats]

Interesting question, most likely they are really smart and know where the money is. I know several are driving around in Maserati's

[@misterzero8667]

Because NYC natives can't afford to do the job ,they don't want to live 20 to a house

[@jamesogden3082]

There is a fine line between soup and stew

[@robertkatz5256]

Ok now that Porterhouse looks really good .

[@robbiedaniels2164]

Can you review a high end asian style steakhouse ... either korean bbq or yaki niku? Some places: Hiyaki, Yakiniku Futango, Hyun, Yakiniju Toraji-An. I'm sure you'll love this.

[@uaeats]

Cote is on my list!

[@robbiedaniels2164]

Thats super trendy! But I'm sure excellent. Try a place a little more authentic to the style.

[@NoahEats]

I reviewed Cote a couple years ago and the quality was solid. A good mix of quality steak and the fun of the grill in front of you. Definitely go visit.

[@thomasyenner2499]

UA…dope haircut ! Lookin’ legit !!

[@jmicro47]

Had a frustrating experience at Benjamin Steakhouse a few months back. We had a reservation for 7 pm on a Thursday, booked weeks in advance. When we got there, it was chaos! There was a huge crowd around the maitre d' and at first I thought it was all walk-ins. Then I realized everyone had reservations. We were told it would be another hour wait even with our reservation. To top it off, when an annoyed customer complained about the wait time, the staff just said 'it's not our fault.' That was the last straw for us, so we left. Honestly, I kind of wish I stayed a little longer just to see the reaction from the crowd. May give it another chance at a less busy time for lunch.

[@BatmanthePoet]

Check out Reserve Cut in lower Manhattan! It's an upscale kosher steakhouse that is very $$$

[@joelm3954]

Seasoning steaks is subjective. Some do it while others allow the customer to season it to their taste. Japanese Wagyu is lightly seasoned but they will serve it with different seasoning i.e. salt, wasabi etc to your liking.

[@Joseph1NJ]

That's a great lunch deal for $45!

[@JinxPalm2023]

I'd prefer paying a little more for lunch rather than being served a meal made with scraps that were going to be thrown out 😅

[@chrismemphis8062]

A deal? Yuky soup, steamed vegetables and a flavorless shoe leather steak for $45? You can get a better dinner anywhere for that!

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

UA: I'll take Benjamin's off my go-to list! Thanks!

[@NoahEats]

I'd still go! What's your next adventure?

[@MrWhiterunGuard]

There’s a Benjamins here in Japan. It’s very good and we’ve had Peter Luger.

[@allanmcpherson9584]

And Petite Sirloin refers to the sirloin tip

[@justrobin8155]

i love how confidently the waiter told you which dessert he recommends

[@alexanderv.8961]

You know that waiter is full of BS

[@justrobin8155]

​@@alexanderv.8961for sure but at least he had an answer

[@pisces3121]

When one has to open their jaws to maximum capacity...maybe the bite is too big. But, I'm the kind of guy that savors a steak for as long as possible. Small bites and thoroughly chewed. I like your videos.

[@bnuttsgee]

Try the Butcher Block or Salt both in Long Branch NJ

[@theodorechesney2081]

UA can you please check out Atlas steakhouse in Brooklyn I think it's somewhere on Coney Island avenue will really appreciate it

[@jaytracks]

How was it compared to sparks? Im an Italian so my bucket list is to go there

[@jordanna9517]

Where abouts in Italy are you from?

[@jaytracks]

@jordanna9517 my family is from Trento

[@jaytracks]

I'm in northern Minnesota you?

[@tonycamaj7243]

I’m a fan of Benjamin’s. I always go to the Scarsdale NY location. Porterhouse is the way to go.

[@viciousvictortee1298]

Its looks like nailed a medium rare. I actually thought it was gonna be blue given the lack of sear and char. So close. A dollop of gravy on the mash would have been a step up. I def would have gone ceaser sald for lunch. Mad Respect for throwing in the porter house and not making a separate video!

[@milkshakeplease4696]

come to california and try alexanders in cupertino and house of prime rib in SF and NIKU in SF

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

I would love ua if ua went to house of prime rib.

[@xxMOxx1978]

The smacking. Please don't. Thanks for the video

[@dgsb1777]

Empire Rocco’s S&W favorites in NYC when I visit

[@sonvo4095]

the lunch steak was thinner and probably a lower grade. the dinner porterhouse was thicc and was a perfect med rare inside. great video as always.

[@NemesisXII]

@UA you should try the pastrami at Five High Marketplace in LI. They opened up recently and honestly could rival Katz imo.

[@KryCaNe]

But isn’t it better to under season than over? And you have the shakers there? I guess because I’m not a steak connoisseur I wouldn’t understand.

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

Good steak is always seasoned right , adding salt after isn’t the same, top layer only

[@andyh4464]

I appreciate that you don’t love every place you go. Too many reviewers seem to just like anything

[@uaeats]

For sure. I take the "influencer" part of the job very seriously. I know many people will eat somewhere just because they saw it on KZbin/TV. I will always share my honest opinion on the food to best inform my audience.

[@Idelia412]

Sirloin steak is generally a tough cut of meat, unlike a Ribeye steak. Usually you get what you pay for

[@AmazingChinaToday]

That soup got eviscerated 🤣

[@jeffmiller3555]

Thanks for taking off your hat

[@NoahEats]

😂 it's been a long time seeing a sans hat episode

[@jasonprice7793]

As soon as I saw that cake I knew that shit was gonna hit 😂 looked real good

[@tapking40]

The soup and sides looked awful, as you described. I agree. the mashed potatoes and broccoli looked bland. I agree with the other comments. For $45. in Manhattan it is not going to be fantastic. I am amazed at the superb deal at Gallagher's Steakhouse. I used to eat there often when I lived in NYC. My favorite is the Palm 1 and 2 but now closed. Have you had a look at the 8th Ave and 50th Street locations yet? It is sublime. The Palm has the best of everything in my opinion. Get the Gigi Salad, Steak, or 4lb Lobster and the half and half fried onions and chips and the Cheesecake is from S&S cheesecake bakery in the Bronx. Simply my all-time favorite. I miss it so much!

[@elviscordero1399]

You need to try chops steakhouse in Patchogue NY vited best steakhouse in longisland. I had a cowboy ribeye with bone marrow butter and omg it was amazing

[@incognitotees]

You might as well wear a sign that says I'm Wired! lol

[@jf6395]

discrete except for thee blue glow....frisk UA he's wearing a wire lol

[@franciscofredericci4081]

UA :) new micro phone to improve your incognito? I could see the blue light ;)

[@bb57365]

When a steakhouse misses on the steak, that's a problem. I have to say these lunch specials have to be the way to go. Tremendous value.

[@aaaaaaa1ism]

I’ve never been to that steakhouse, but you appear to be very picky. I think everything looks very good. Without eating anything there I would say give them the benefit of the doubt.

[@michaelhooks4381]

Have you ever worked in a high-end kitchen or trained in culinary arts?

[@nolanohana]

Why is every sidewalk in NYC covered in scaffolding during every foodie review I watch 🤣🤣🙄

[@stephanwalter1467]

The chocolate cake looks like store bought and the cream homemade

[@kuanged]

The sides, the soup, and the desert all look like they were bought pre-made from restaurant depot.

[@wayneguy6043]

That porterhouse was RARE

[@gfmikols]

Why?!?! TV’s in such a beautiful restaurant!

[@chrismemphis8062]

Ok UA, what is the best steak at a chain restaurant these days? And btw, Chocolate avenue grill in Hershey makes my favorite steak.

[@BlackSkullArmor]

For the price I'd be hoping for more than just "it's not bad"

[@jimmyamico4713]

I can understand if you were a chef why you would be so critical but you’re not a chef, so why are you so critical?❤ Anyway, hope you had a nice Easter. Hope everything is well with you; Peace

[@Tdush1]

It’s a $45 prix fixe menu. What were u expecting?!? You’re at steakhouse in NYC, I think that was pretty damn good. Gimme a break.

[@ToppsBaseballRacks]

If good means mediocre, maybe. Good steakhouses either charge more or dont make excuses.

[@dlfendel2844]

I just watched a video of the branch in Tokyo and somehow the sides and desserts were CHEAPER than in NY! AND they import beef from the USA and IT is cheaper too--about $100 for the double porterhouse or so. They dry age it in the restaurant for 28 days. The soup looked better there, too.

[@waynepreston542]

I judge a restaurant by the interior. The fancier it looks on the inside, the more suspect I am.

[@johnc3886]

SO, best part of the LUNCH SPECIAL is the dessert ??!!! lol.

[@777RL]

I would save my $45, tax and tip.

[@ernestedwards4073]

4th 👍! HI UA! Ooh Wee this looks amazing 👏 Can't wait to experience this!

[@mattomalley7968]

You should try Cote

[@user-il8sh9rg8s]

Reserve Cut 40 Broad Street NYC is the absolute best steak house with prices to match...