Peter Luger responds to New York Times' scathing zero-star review

We know who we are and have always been. The best steak you can eat. Not the latest kale salad."
That's how a Peter Luger Steak House representative responded to a scathing review authored by New York Times restaurant critic Peter Wells titled "Peter Luger Used to Sizzle. Now It Sputters."
The century-old steakhouse in Brooklyn has a reputation for serving some of the best steaks in New York City, attracting foodies from around the country.
Yet Wells' review, published Tuesday, characterizes the restaurant as a "scam," with tired servers and unevenly cooked steak.
Rob Nelson has more: 7ny.tv/33bGeHr
----
Check out more Eyewitness News - 7ny.tv/2suJHTd
NEW HERE? -
Hi! We’re abc7NY, also known as Channel 7 on TV, home to Eyewitness News, New York’s Number 1 news. We hope you love us on KZbin as much as you do on television!
OUR SOCIAL MEDIA -
FACEBOOK: / abc7ny
TWITTER: / abc7ny
INSTAGRAM: / abc7ny
NEW TIPS:
Online: abc7ny.com/subm...
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
#nycfood #viral #nyc

[@Deathdrummer195]

Literally the best publicity peter luger could have ever gotten

[@vanillaoreo251]

p995 honestly. I’m from Oklahoma and I’m hearing about this place for the first time

[@highnrising]

Not at all.

[@1995Rebel]

@@vanillaoreo251 I'm from ny and it's the first time I hear about it. Another "coincidence"

[@Nyjetsfan1289]

1995Rebel So you’re from NY and never heard of peter Luger? I’m just curious, how old are you ? Cuz if you’re young, I could understand you never hearing of this place... and are you from NY or you moved here from some other state or country? I’m asking genuinely cuz then Peter Luger gotta do a better job of marketing to a younger crowd. A place that been open 100+ years is obviously doing something right tho

[@MalcolmCir]

I was gonna say the same. I haven't seen Peter Luger get any press in years. It's not like they ever need it...

[@tonyjay508]

If you pay top dollar you should get top notch service and a perfectly cooked steak, instead of the staff feeling like the customers should feel privileged just to be inside their acclaimed restaurant...

[@superfly3990]

Tony, you got that right ! The waiters and staff are old sourpuss dorks. Would it kill them to smile ? Wear some deodorant ? Wash up a little ? Put in a little effort ? Are these people all miserable ?

[@rabaham]

Yes, at Peter luger the staff were not interested in good service. Their attitude was like your are lucky to be here. They forgot that Customers are what keep them going.

[@APNugie]

they should hire a young staff

[@joefretty3426]

One rookie score that benefits the restaurant, everyone knows the rules.

[@dillonr2610]

joseph frennett One Barstool fan representing in the comments everyone knows Pres is proud.

[@Trains4Nicky]

One bite!

[@dhedges1340]

Pete wells is no rookie

[@taufanfajri2677]

You speak my heart

[@Chonchey]

Misogynistic douche

[@TheWheelofLife100]

Running a restaurant like this one is not easy, there’s a lot at steak here.

[@tysilents9143]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jayson008]

@cm. CG "steak" you idiot sandwich

[@firstlastname4672]

😂😂😂. I see what you did

[@ThePreachingOfHisWord]

A high "steaks" game they're playing.......hehehe

[@rumpwrangler1102]

Tis true but did you know that someone whose last name rhymes with shmepstein, didn’t kill himself?

[@toddmichaelsen788]

Kale was just sitting on his couch minding his own business today...

[@DennisMoore664]

It was a drive by fruiting!

[@shutyofacejerk]

Lmfao

[@LiberRaider]

Kale's like " whoa, whoa, WHOA!"

[@gravemind3590]

Meow

[@MrNobbless]

did you just assume kale's gender???!! ur cancelled bub

[@johnwong610]

Went for my first time yesterday after seeing so many reviews of how great the place was. I hadn’t seen The NY Times review or seen it on YT but after leaving Luger’s thinking both the dining experience and food are over rated especially for what you are paying I have to agree with the food critic at the NYTimes. Which leads me to question the opinions of the so called food critics on YT.

[@jayjacobl4667]

It's not even that much money though all things considered. It's like what, 50-60 per person for a porterhouse for 4? That's very much in line with most other high end steakhouses in the city.

[@deedumeday518]

@@jayjacobl4667 but its not top end deliciousness

[@ellemarr7234]

People think it’s the best because of their experience. If they hadn’t had any better, there’s nothing to compare it to

[@twisterwiper]

I always try to avoid these iconic places where all the tourists come to eat. In general, the quality is a big letdown in places like this, because they don’t have to make an effort. Customers will flock regardless of actual quality.

[@ashleyo9378]

So true! I learned that when I went to The Black Dog Tavern in Marthaʻs Vineyard. Not worth it!

[@joeidaho5938]

Yes...and that's why the staff end up making little effort to actually keep up the quality of the experience. It's not surprising that it gets such a low rating.

[@mattuw82]

Expensive, old school steakhouses, in general, are a rip off. You can get great steak at a ton of places or make it at home. If I'm going to fork out huge money, I'd rather get something unique, interesting, or exciting. Every time I've dropped $300+ on a steak dinner, I've always felt like it wasn't worth it, and I'm a steak lover.

[@jjaa6157]

I probably eat steak at home nine times out of ten. And I know how to cook it.

[@moin6077]

Understand that. But a 0 star for Peter Luger's?!

[@BillLaBrie]

Steak is so simple to cook it’s embarrassing.

[@rbnn]

Very tough to get dry aged steak in many places

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

@@BillLaBrie No, it's not. You don't have the equipment or experience that a professional restaurant has. You THINK you do, but you don't.

[@charliekim4225]

Just ate there a few hours ago, no complaints here

[@VitalFlexHD]

charlie kim oh you got monnnneeyyyyy

[@GizmoMaltese]

What was the bill? It seems the complaint was mostly about the salads and fries and potatoes. How were those?

[@SKtube0]

@@GizmoMaltese For 2 people, it's roughly $200 rounding up. Was just there last week with my wife.

[@corneilusmcgillicuddy]

I went there last Tuesday (2/16/21.) My girlfriend and I split the porterhouse for two, the home fries, and the creamy spinach. She had an Old Fashion while I went with the base Macallan. The bill was $190 and with an 18% tip the total was $235.

[@DovidM]

A neighbor took his wife there for their anniversary. They said that the bread was stale, the fries cold and soggy but their steaks were well cooked and still warm. They thought the service was just OK. The wife is a foodie, and they both thought that the restaurant is cutting corners to ensure that the tables turn over quickly. The husband says he’s paid more for a steak dinner but thought they were charging too much.

[@Snowy123]

Objection hearsay

[@Rlprime]

@@Snowy123 quiet, amber’s legal team!

[@dukeofdink9963]

As a NY’er a good amount of people from the nyc area have attachments to Peter Lugar’s being a special place, whether that be family memories, great nights out with friends etc. There’s a lot of sentimentality when it comes to Peter Lugars and that’s how it always has been. It’s a true NYC institution, not many of those left that are thriving as much as Peter Lugars. Personally that’s why I avoid. I have had many people tell me their experiences and I watch a lot of food videos in general including lots of Peter Lugar videos. The food is no doubt probably very tasty, but nothing out of this world, and it shouldn’t be. It’s the experience you’re paying for at Peter Lugars, I know people go nuts for some of their dishes like the creamed spinach, that thick bacon etc. All great items I’m sure, but what truly makes Peter Lugars special is their deep connection to NYC’ers which inevitably launched it into the NYC pretentious culinary scene limelight, when imo, that’s just not what Peter Lugars is about. Peter Lugars is a classy old school place you bring your family and friends for a classic NYC steakhouse experience. No, you’re not going to get the best steak or food in NYC but that is not the point of going. Quite honestly, if you’re going to Peter Lugars banking on the food being some mind altering experience, you’re going for the wrong reasons. I will say Peter Lugar only relatively recently (like past ~5-10 years) started being a NYC tourist “must try” type establishment, and no doubt that probably changed how Peter Lugars operates, and you can’t blame em. They went from being the place NYC locals went to for their fancy steak dinner, to a world recognized institution that gets loaded with tourists every day. Of course the people that remember Peter Lugars before it blew on the map will tightly hold onto their memories of how it used to be, keeping it with a good rep generally with locals. Though there’s also plenty of NYC’ers that believe it’s gotten too touristy and it went downhill. I’m not trying to say you shouldn’t try it if you get the chance, just don’t let the internet give you insanely high standards before you walk in. Enjoy the experience and don’t get upset if the food is not the best you ever had. Again, it’s all about that experience.

[@epramos6800]

Jumping on the troll bandwagon.

[@jurupa3210]

@@Snowy123 lol 😆

[@icedoutelite]

I hope to be 74 years old and able to walk and eat steak like that guy

[@papa_pt]

@Michael Lam keep a healthy active lifestyle, get your greens and meat is the least of your worries

[@MrMrabaunza]

Michael Lam that’s why he said he wants to be just like the 74 year old.

[@kilohotel1202]

So you think he’s in good health?

[@Charsi_Escobar]

@@kilohotel1202 dude can afford to eat there, I’m sure he’s doing fine.

[@JK-br1mu]

that's right, keep your goals high

[@carrrexx7190]

It's like a marriage, after 30 years my meat doesn't taste the same but it doesn't mean it's not good. Olden Gray reporting.

[@styldsteel1]

That was funny lol

[@carrrexx7190]

@@styldsteel1 👍

[@cisium1184]

Although it has gotten softer and wrinklier.

[@carrrexx7190]

@@cisium1184 Check, please!

[@marchonore]

The review seemed fair to me, particularly the service....no credit cards, 45 minute wait even with a reservation, seperate bar and food ordering and checks. Seems disorganised, unnecessary, arrogant. Stoneage.

[@vasiovasio]

What do you says - "no credit cards"?!? 😳😳😳

[@jasonhull2163]

One thing that has always bothered me about Peter Luger is when I saw a chef stab a porter house with a huge fork and throw it on the burner, then cut the steak without letting it rest. People can say what they want. I know what I saw.

[@vincenttheo8841]

My friend took me there. I have to say that the steak was mediocre. But 0 star was too much, as the reviewer is trying to make a scene.

[@Steven-xf8mz]

Most places are like that. the pricetag is just a self-justifying customers who feel like they're better.

[@known3617]

Yup I agree I gave it a try ordered my steak for 3 and was completely underwhelmed for all the hype. For $230 I would expect A5 wagyu and have it melt in my mouth instantly what I got was a steak that probably costed no more than $20 and with the smallest amount of salt and butter.

[@endlessslumber441]

Let's be real it got 0 stars cause of politics.

[@Ken-rp7ii]

I don’t know where you are from, but no way you can get 12-16 ounces A5 wagyu in U.S for $79. You have to pay almost double that amount in SF.

[@Pteechka]

@@Ken-rp7ii it’s probably about the same everywhere…serving size when I ate in nyc was about 5 ounces and that was $150 💸💸💸

[@jujugarcianyc]

I went and was open-minded, but it was genuinely far-below the best steak I've had in New York City. Burger is unexpectedly great though!

[@depannist]

the Mahi Mahi is good too 🙂

[@jujugarcianyc]

@jabron.destoroyah Sorry, what?

[@jujugarcianyc]

@jabron.destoroyah Totally! haha I don't even think they're bots too; but just a lot of sheep types that can't make critiques or life decisions authentic to them.

[@carls.1000]

I ate at its main competition, Keens, several years ago. It cost almost $300 for a basic steak dinner for two. It was good but the wait staff was very uninterested and unfriendly. I find all of these overpriced restaurants to be ultimately disappointing and I always feel guilty spending a family of 4 week's grocery bill on a so so meal.

[@richardturk7162]

Uninterested and unfriendly staff is normal for NYC dining places

[@TheOriginalFSword]

It doesn't make it right though.

[@dawsonje]

Go to Hawksmoor

[@sschevmale24]

Been there twice its a chain but I've yet to have a better steak than vic and Anthony's best porkchop perrys

[@gumaming]

For that price you already get high quality wagyu cooked to perfection with excellent service in Japan.

[@es2056]

I'll just say this. I've been to many, many great steakhouses around the country, but the best steak is always the one I cook myself at home. It takes dedication, experimentation, and a willingness to be detail oriented but you can achieve steakhouse quality at home. Plus you save a ton of money that you can use to splurge on a great bottle of wine.

[@danielueblacker9118]

God Bless can I come over Sunday....

[@es2056]

@@danielueblacker9118 Anytime my friend!

[@anonymouszero9422]

Nobody cares about you or your life. Just do you and keep things to yourself.

[@ramencurry6672]

I agree. However when I visited Japan I was blown away. I don’t think it was even wagyu or Kobe beef. It was probably some other high end cuts. After eating steak in Japan, I stopped going to American steak houses.

[@David-by4mb]

I cannot get a grill hot enough at home. A top end steak house with some liquor is why I keep turning up for work.

[@vasantos-re4hb]

Peter Lugar is still good. What I've noticed is the competition has gotten alot better. It's not hard to get great steak around NYC.

[@jimklemens5018]

Luger.

[@depannist]

This makes sense. The bar has been raised, Luger's has remained flat.

[@kenfern2259]

@@depannist well i mean its seems everybody know the secrets of steak now, dry age

[@urbanurchin5930]

@vasantos2171......no, what's hard to find in New York City is an establishment that doesn't have a roach or rat infestation ! Any exterminator that works in the city will tell you, NO place is immune from the plague of vermin and insects !

[@johndoe-fq7ez]

a steak is a steak you can get a good steak at a longhorn

[@DanielLy1200]

I’ve had it once and that was enough. Not worth the price or the hype.

[@1alsaidi319]

Daniel Ly Why they don’t serve dogs

[@DanielLy1200]

@@1alsaidi319 yes you could never eat there. bot.

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

@@1alsaidi319 shut up fuckboi

[@mikecziraky2037]

Even if it’s overrated. A zero good grief Taco Bell can get one star

[@quintonhoffert6526]

Taco Bell doesn't charge over $100 per person though. Just for the record, I've never been to Peter Luger and I can't say if the review is right or not. But I can definitely say that I'm a lot more critical of meals that cost me $100+ than I am of meals that cost less than $5.

[@Mikedl29]

@@quintonhoffert6526 well at Peter Luger's you're eating actual meat. At Taco Bell you're eating 5% meat, 95% garbage disguised as meat

[@Jack_Stafford]

@@Mikedl29 not true. It may not be high quality meat, but it is 100% meat.

[@alexchung8418]

a zero according to the new york times, could be poor, fair, or satisfactory. "What the Stars Mean: Ratings range from zero to four stars. Zero is poor, fair or satisfactory. One star, good. Two stars, very good. Three stars, excellent. Four stars, extraordinary."

[@bobbylanex576]

@@Mikedl29 the healthiest fast food chain is taco bell

[@MisterBlue50]

It's better to try something once, than to hear about it a thousand times.

[@crazylane7324]

If you're not a plant based food restaurant NYC or LA in 2020 they have zero good to say about you.

[@crazylane7324]

@Jom Jamesit appears to be the future, meat eaters are the new smokers, you work it out bc I can't.

[@blank003]

@JC Denton i swear some of these guys look at us like we are the reincarnation of jeffrey dahmer.

[@tboneone4005]

crazy is a moron - read the review.

[@feelinggrape]

They actually made quite a few valid points concerning the touristy vibe. However 0 stars is bonkers.

[@nomongosinthaworld]

JC Denton discrimination against minorities has also brought us where we are. I mean eat as much meat as you like but just because something has been done for a long time doesn’t mean that it’s morally justified

[@ChicagoTurtle1]

Overpriced it is. Sorry. And if the quality has gone down why is it so shocking?

[@zfri3369]

Any steak in NYC worth eating is minimum $58. Lugers price is essentially right on par with any other steakhouse in NYC.

[@ChicagoTurtle1]

I think those are inflated prices too. “Market price” = Price fixing. I did have a very expensive porterhouse at Peter Luggers. The food and service was very nice, but I wouldn’t call it great. Sorry.

[@stanleyhape8427]

Sounds like one of those places you go to impress someone. We have a steakhouse like that here. Way overpriced , food is good but not BETTER then other steakhouses .

[@gotacallfromvishal]

i think they have a loyal customer base and they like lugers because it's probably not super seasoned and it's the same it's always been. lot of people in the north east and canada hate food with seasoning.

[@ChicagoTurtle1]

atl_1ne. Ya I think that’s basically it.

[@daddyndaughter6106]

That critic is famous online, he got what he wanted.

[@afelias]

It says a lot that nobody cares about a "famous online" critic but Peter Luger's is still a name of its own, huh

[@barrycarrigan5584]

A few years ago we were planing a family trip to New York from the UK . and realy wanted to visit . we emaild them months in advance to find out about the process . wheather we needed to book , They could not be even assed to respond to the email , so its a big fat zero from me to ! On the plus side NY was amazing and we found plenty of great places to eat , and the New Yorkers were fantastic !!!!

[@known3617]

The place isn't bad, my service was fine the food came out rather fast but the steak wasn't that incredible for $108. I have had much better steaks at long horns for 3 times less.

[@thebubbacontinuum2645]

I had a rib eye at Longhorn, and it amazed me. I couldn't figure out how they did it so well for the price.

[@suki355]

Steak is steak. I no longer enjoy eating them at restaurants. Make better ones at home

[@dieselxdan]

joe k i agree. My big green egg performs just as good

[@Oniontrololol]

Absolutely agree; I used to go to steak houses a lot but now I cook my own.

[@jlotus2639]

I totally agree!!

[@ds5256]

could not agree more!

[@alalalala57]

Right? If I'm spending a lot of money going out, might as well get something I can't do/impractical to do at home.

[@ZicajosProductions]

The fact the reviewer left a 0 star review is literal proof of how emotionally driven a review inherently is. Just because something is allegedly overrated does not warrant giving it effectively a 0% score. Real dependable writers they have over at the Times I can tell....

[@highnrising]

Times restaurant reviews are for people who read them regularly and understand them. Most restaurants in New York that serve perfectly serviceable meals and have steady clienteles do not get any stars from the Times. Even 1 star means a place is special.

[@doomsday78251]

You clearly don't seem to understand.

[@crimsonfancy]

I can honestly agree with this even while not having any interest in steak house cuisine whatsoever. And on The Times? Absolute trash across the board.

[@superfly3990]

You know, and I think that I can speak for everyone, if you go to Peter Luger s expect a kick in the balls. The place is a joke.

[@crimsonfancy]

@@superfly3990 well, I can confidently speak for myself and it would be an absolute joke for me to spend any money at Peter Luger. No way. Fine dining in my opinion is on its way out if not already dead and steakhouse cuisine is certainly done. I'm not trying to insult anyone or any concept at all.... just offering my adult, lifetime service industry professional opinion. I wish everyone the best no matter and if we can afford the product, by all means we should give it a go at least once.

[@martinklaus2203]

If it lost it's Michelin Star rating, something is not on track.

[@mell0wyell0w100]

One disgruntled hipster, everyone knows the rules

[@luxmberg5434]

thinking Pete Wells is a hipster LEL

[@tyjohn4779]

Pete Wells is not a hipster lol

[@fireknight673]

Sadly it's a steak house that's stuck so far in the past they don't know it. It's like that great restaurant that your great grandparents just loved you loved it made you just feel warm inside for blast from the past. It's old tactics of cooking, old ways food runner's, and now just dated bad food, that's over priced but hey grandparents still can gum it just fine.

[@deloreanjones4628]

What rules

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

what are the rules? I don't get it. Is that some kind of NY hipster slang?

[@guatemalantomcat]

A steak lover makes his/her own steak at home. Now if i wanna impress a lady or the in-laws THEN I'll pay $300+ for a steak. But NOTHING beats cooking your favorite cut on your own cast iron.

[@FecalMatador]

Pay less than half of that and take her to a hibachi grill restaurant. Most women don’t care for high priced steak

[@wanderer3004]

$300 for a steak? Seriously? Not only is that an insane amount for most people to spend on a single steak (or even two), if a woman needs to be impressed that much, she isn't worth it.

[@johng.8600]

Hmmm place started up 12 years after the civil war. Several generations of customers. People just have to fix what isn't broken.

[@rayblack8]

A high end steak house that has been in business for 132 years must be doing something right

[@thebubbacontinuum2645]

Marketing to suckers. Like Budweiser.

[@KMAN8599]

Of course..time is the benchmark of quality

[@andystack7449]

Yes but a cash only business???

[@JohnVC]

What was fancy 130 years ago just isn't good enough to justify those prices anymore. You go there and spend $18 for sliced tomato and onion "salad". No thanks.

[@ohboy2592]

@@JohnVC no. But you’ll go stop $10 at McDonald’s for $1.25 worth of food and a drink🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️and it’s not even worth that taste wise

[@x4nobjectx]

As a server at a restaurant, the critic probably wasn't being sucked off by the whole staff so he gave them a zero out of spite. Glad to see they have loyal guests

[@danielueblacker9118]

Snowflake may have been melting due to the heat.

[@TheAndrew1717]

And a staff with integrity I might add.

[@bobbobbinson1841]

When you see THAT many old people eating there, you should stay away.........

[@MyKeeP81]

yup stuck in their ways

[@peterbooth6753]

A lot of people butthurt about this. Lugers is iconic but the steaks a mediocre, the service is unfriendly, the prices are high. The place has been on autopilot for years, relying on its history.

[@bogboi2600]

Peter Booth i literally just said this in my comment place is overrated

[@piffpete420]

You’ve never even been, classic loser troll

[@AfroGaz71]

Maybe so, but zero stars sounds like this critic was trying to be edgy and looking for attention. Controversy for clicks.

[@cliffordbodine5834]

Been going to Luger's for 40 years and the steaks are out of this world. The service is among the best restaurants in America. Nothing in your post has any truth to it at all. What, were you fired from there, or are you just a liberal?

[@Adam-bx3do]

@@AfroGaz71 The Times doesn't just give out stars willy-nilly. There is a maximum of four stars and a restaurant has to be really good (for its price point) to get one star.

[@Toledo1940]

I had dinner there one time, in the late 1990s: the salad and the dessert were outstanding, but the main event (the steak) was good but not the earth-shaking experience I had expected. I've never been back.

[@77dead]

Who cares, like what you like, dislike what you don't.

[@chrisklark4879]

Yes it's an iconic restaurant that's been there a long long time that doesn't mean it's good.. they are the rudest waiters on the planet it's their gimmick and I get it but I don't want people treating me rudely when I'm going out spending hundreds of dollars that's just me I guess I can't stand that they cut the steak before they send it to you letting all the juices run out of it the makeup for this they slather it in butter you shouldn't need to slather a steak and butter they're do that to hide the fact that they cut the steak hot and all the juices are now not in the steak

[@jg809]

The writer was right though...

[@yixnorb5971]

NYT just dug themselves another hole.

[@luxmberg5434]

how?

[@yixnorb5971]

@@luxmberg5434 Dissing the best steakhouse

[@kevkus]

they probably didnt have enough vegan options

[@madthumbs1564]

@@yixnorb5971 best is subjective. Most people I know appear to have never had really good food or great particular kinds of food (like steak). Cooking methods have improved drastically over the years and some places are sticking to the old or bad ways.

[@slappygrandma264]

I wish there was thumbs up 👍🏼 ^2 option on your comment 😂

[@okiepita50t-town28]

We visited there in 2017 and I have to tell you we were very disappointed with the steak quality. The best thing on the menu imo was the bacon. I don’t mind paying the high prices but I expect to be wowed when I do. I’ve had much better for much less.

[@bonkilonksmith1046]

This is like Rotten Tomatoes giving Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special a 0 Makes you wonder if this critic was a vegan going into a steakhouse.

[@jamesanderson6373]

*Chappelle

[@bonkilonksmith1046]

James Anderson gj on the correction. You must be a vegan

[@71mb0o]

no smith. This is one of those times the critic wasn’t lying. The sides are all horrible, like red lobster Olive Garden horrible. Most of their steaks are actually just not good and their $100 porter is overpriced and it’s just not cooked consistently as a good steak should.

[@jefffawcett]

I’m so tired of hearing the rotten tomatoes Dave Chapelle thing. Rotten tomatoes doesn’t give a score it’s just a site that accumulates critical reviews if the first critic posted gave it anything less than 50% that counts as 100% rotten 0% fresh. It had a 0% rating for one day

[@gotacallfromvishal]

your analogies are really dumb. or maybe the critic is a steak lover who knows what a good steak is?

[@lancecowburn1693]

I have never been there but it looks overrated.

[@Despotic_Waffle]

Even if it is, if people want to eat at it, it'll survive.

[@tich9599]

It is . You can definently judge restaurants book by its cover

[@lazzyJames]

Even if it is overrated, you think it should get a zero? at least a 2 as they have people who think it is good enough to be repeat customers.

[@germanrud9904]

I went a few years ago and it was one of the best steaks I've ever had in my life

[@lancecowburn1693]

@@lazzyJames I never said it should get a 0. Just doesn't look that great.

[@superfly3990]

You know, and I think that I can speak for everyone, Peter Luger's is Outrageously Over Priced for just regular steak. The French fries are very very average and expensive. They gouge you for a salad and then change extra for dressing. What kind of a place does that ? Then, to add insult to injury, like a swift kick to the rear, they make you pay with cash or gold bullion. I will never go back to that ridiculous stinking place again.

[@michaelobrien8224]

I heard Peter Luger isn’t there very much he is letting the place fall apart.

[@geraldbrienza4474]

Michael Obrien : the Luger family sold out to the Formans in 1950 who have been running it since.

[@michaelobrien8224]

Gerald Brienza it’s a joke. Peter died in 1941.

[@geraldbrienza4474]

Yeah, good one.

[@volquezfamily9294]

I have been waiting for this moment!! I couldn't agree more. Their steaks are just ordinary. We've visited them twice and never again. If you've ever eaten a good steak you'll know a medium cooked steak should not be tough and dry. We tried them twice hoping the first time was an accident and realized it was all a lie. People go there for the name, to brag, not because their steak are any special. Anyone that thinks otherwise still hasn't experienced a good, quality $$$$ steak!

[@marcopugliese5946]

You probably have a taste issue. I’ve eaten at so many steakhouses around the world. Peter Luger is always the best. Nursur et sucked

[@marcopugliese5946]

Their dry age process comes out better than Wolfgang’s, quality meats, literally any other place in NYC the broiler makes a huge difference.

[@volquezfamily9294]

@@marcopugliese5946 That makes the critic, myself and some others quite a few.

[@surft]

@@marcopugliese5946nah. Delmonico's is better by far. Luger keeps on insisting on their porterhouse which is a cut that cannot be cooked consistently due to their broiling process. It's sometime a hit and others a miss especially the NY strip section. And frankly all of them pale in comparison to well prepared A5 Matsusaka.

[@PetarMilanZijic]

Went there once. It was great. Awesome experience and memory. Just not worth the price. Spend $15 on a ribeye at the grocery store and cook it yourself. Better for you and more rewarding

[@romanmaxica7816]

Lugar needs to improve and is overpriced.

[@romanmaxica7816]

Mighty Boosh been there many times over 25 years...experience...and only imho.

[@revoltingslob4678]

@@romanmaxica7816 Cool,you can still just not go there.

[@astonishedhoplite2510]

@G yeah. Ok. 🤣

[@jasonzhang6786]

you are funny lol

[@joeidaho5938]

There has to be something to it...if reviews constantly show that the food is sub-par. The place obviously sells itself on it's name...and not it's actual product. Those with money are so often too stupid to realize this.

[@roxanatorres5235]

SLICED TOMATOS AND ONION FOR $17.95?! Literally the picture is sliced raw tomatos and raw onions. FOR $17.95!!!! There is no way to justify that.... The steak for the experience, okay, I can justify a hefty price for a Porterhouse...but $17.95 for tomatos and onion is just plain robbery.

[@garysandiego]

Ate there two years ago with a friend. We both were disappointed. Better steaks are available at the upscale chains (Morton’s, etc.). Sides were under-seasoned. Staff were surly (well, ok, it’s NYC so we should have expected that). Were we there on an off night? I doubt it. I read the Times article. I was agreeing as I read.

[@foodmore]

I ate at Peter Lugers once and didn’t really enjoy it. I paid for one of the most expensive sets but it was chewy and totally not enjoyable. Probably overhyped.

[@critterfritter69]

Every city worth it's salt has an iconic steakhouse that refuses to change with the times. It is what it is. Not everybody has to like it.

[@alastairgreen2077]

its salt. No apostrophe.

[@deedumeday518]

Keep coping 😂 if its iconic or old school it has to at least taste good LOL

[@josephberam117]

Well this just reinforces the fact that you can't believe anything the New York Times writes

[@redacted5035]

100% overrated, overhyped, overpriced, complete nonsensical prices

[@SweetSpot909]

PL is like a band that people go to see because they're so legendary not to hear perfect musical notes.

[@ajitkirpekar4251]

I will say, Gordon Ramsay's words offer a chilling warning. "Either move with the times, or the times move you". It's ok to be authentic and traditional, but eventually you'll always need to attract the newest cohort to become lifelong patrons.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

He was wrong. Look at Rolex.

[@gordon4385]

My wife's favorite steak. I prefer Keen's only because you don't need to get a reservation 2 months in advance to get in.

[@NotKimiRaikkonen]

These are the same types of critics who gave Dave Chappelle a 0%, while praising the comedy of Amy Schumer

[@louis-vd3ur]

New York has been bled dry of True New Yorkers. Few have the palate to enjoy our long standing spots. And fewer chefs and kitchens are willing to admit that their service and craft has dwindled within our years of ethnic cleansing. Kitchens don't stay the same in quality when you bring in low level line cooks. Smith and Wollensky is my favorite. I can afford it:)

[@sweetness_5772]

I've use to lived two blocks away from Peter Luger, (1982). That was many years ago. I, never had the chance to dine there. But, I love their steak sauce. I, saw it in Shoprite. I'd bought it and tried it. Not bad.

[@Charsi_Escobar]

After lockdown if I’m able to come visit from Cali I’ll buy you a steak!

[@sweetness_5772]

@@Charsi_Escobar Sounds good to me.😉

[@wolfmangoland7972]

If you decide to dine at Peter Lugar, take cash with you. They do not accept credit cards.

[@gnarlycharlie4u]

"Past it's prime." 🙄 I'm sorry I can't just let that one slide.

[@joejjj4378]

beef sliders. i get it

[@rbeck3200tb40]

The place has been open since the 1800s . when was their "prime" anyway ? If its been open that long then people liek it who cares

[@gnarlycharlie4u]

@@rbeck3200tb40 I was calling out a pun. Prime is also a grade of beef.

[@seikibrian8641]

"'Past it's prime.'" I can't let it slide either; it's "past its prime," not "past it's prime." "It's" is a contraction of "it is," and "past it is time" makes no sense. I don't know why so many people have trouble with the apostrophe-s, but if people NEVER used it they'd be right more often than they'd be wrong. Just remember, in cases like this, that you don't write "hi's" (it's "his") so don't write "it's" as a pronoun.

[@gnarlycharlie4u]

@@seikibrian8641 ok boomer.

[@fadiyos]

How about 0 for the times

[@billypoppins9138]

Clever publicity stunt

[@WayneAmbert-sk2dr]

Billy Poppins that was my first thought! It could very well be just that.

[@youaregoingtolovethis]

Any restaurant critic that gives any restaurant less than a 1 should never be taken seriously again or have a job critiquing food again. That is just being childish, vengeful, and ridiculous. Even eating dirt, rock, wood, and cardboard deserves a 1. Only a zero gives a zero.

[@joeshmoe781]

I can grill a steak myself. I pick out the cut I want, I cook it the way I want it. The best meat around isn't over $35 a lb. So I also get a crab or a lobster.

[@musicmike1960]

I like the fact this reviewer says "every time I eat there" seems strange that he goes back for more...It reminds me of an old saying that goes something like this..."Those who can't criticize those who can" and in this case it holds true...

[@iPat6G]

Critiquing is not a one-off process. You need to go back over time to make sure that what is good is not just a fluke, and what is bad really is always bad.

[@MusicforMe123]

It's not that expensive, the steaks are good, the Brooklyn location taste better than the one in Queens/Long Island.

[@SeahawksBamBamKam]

Yeah the problem is the service is not very hospitable and they try to jam as many customers in and get them out as fast as possible like a Amazon package center rush rush rush to turn over the tables then try to charge too much also I'm not sure the cuts of meat are as good as they used to be so these are Huge problems, they need some humble pie to change and slow down and fix issues and get back to the roots, trying to run it like a factory to make more money is what I see

[@beavermcdoogles]

agreed 100%

[@themcadamsminute8494]

I ate at Peter Luger’s on May 31st of 2019. I’ll tell ya, their steaks and food there are so good that I think about it all every single day! Never has a meal stayed with me for so long and will never disappear from my mind. I truly can’t wait to go back there again and have another truly unforgettable meal.

[@garyhorvath2957]

Its because you paid so much, you tricked yourself, but to each their own 👍

[@themcadamsminute8494]

@@garyhorvath2957 How did I trick myself? I grill my own steaks all the time and know how to very well and they are delicious. But they are not the same as Peter Luger’s. It was a very rare special occasion meal. Let me ask, have you ever eaten there?

[@bertspro]

You should try some better steakhouses. Peter Luger’s is pretty below average

[@themcadamsminute8494]

@@bertspro What are some better steakhouses?

[@bertspro]

The McAdams Minute! I’m in Maryland so you’re not likely to have the occasion to go to my favorites, but off the top of my head, Lewnes’ Steakhouse in Annapolis, MD, Rare in DC, any Smith and Wollensky, Palm, or Capital Grille, Nero’s in Las Vegas are all better than what I experienced at Peter Luger. I recall the steak I was served at PL was just not very appetizing. The color gradient went from grey on the outside to purplish grey inside, and there were globs of fat hanging off it. All in all it was a mediocre quality cut of meat compared to other prime steakhouses. The sides were also lackluster.

[@rabaham]

We ate there few months ago and yes the steak was ok, but the side dishes were bad. At that time I did a review and stated that. Yes, it is overrated, expensive and not worth the money. They need to go back to basics and work on getting better.

[@kimberley8902]

Guy isn’t alone, many are not a fan of the times!!

[@roderickl9539]

$200 bill, including tip, for family of four for lunch... Reasonable for lunch?.. Btw, cash, debit card, or Peter Luger card only... Restaurant was on my bucket list... Will I go again? With my wife? I can go or not go... Try the restaurant for yourself and comment!.. Peace!..

[@jackaln9917]

NYT just shows the public that they are becoming irrelevant. 🤣

[@swicheroo1]

I used to live in Williamsburg, back when it was more artists and less investment bankers. I would jog past. And wanted to go in. But the price point was just too high. "One day," I thought. But that one day never came. I was mostly a guy who treated himself to a Hamburger Special with a Pabst Blue Ribbon for a grand total of ten bucks--all at the local bar.

[@fgfg633]

Once the long time regulars die off, then they'll probably have to step up their game.

[@hby7768]

Plenty of people young and old love this place. The line won't even flinch because of the review or your comment. Yes i like this place and make it my mission to eat there every time i visit the east coast. The salad is average, i don't eat the fries, but the steak is one fo the best in NYC - plenty of NYC restaurant with top quality steaks that is on par with Lugers but so far none has beaten in my opinion.

[@johnanderson2775]

Me and all my friends have loved peter Luger since we were 13 years old! And we are from Florida! Every time I go to New York I have dinner at Lugers.

[@BillLaBrie]

See what happens!?!? See what happens when you back out of a deal for a display ad?!?! SEE WHAT HAPPENS?!!?

[@ActionNewsNetwork]

I miss New York...Homeboy said "Well tell the times I don't like them anymore" so Brooklyn lol

[@Nedula007]

Over priced, wait too long, food is mediocre. It's just not that great, especially when there's other options available.

[@geert574]

NYT only likes raw celery served with smug mousse on a plate

[@saidufofanah2210]

It’s free ad for the restaurant, I’ve never heard of it, but Now I want to give it a try

[@steveo3831]

Don’t ever ever rest on your laurels. NYC restaurants have repeatedly done this and have ultimately failed and gone out of business

[@armandrodriguez8501]

The Times is probably more upset with who the owner donated to in the 2016 election.

[@TheRealDarrylStrawberry]

very few people will admit they just paid $300 for an OK steak dinner. There's GEMS in the city. I know a spanish spot in the LES. Best steak you'll ever eat $22. if you want the Old steakhouse vibe, try Keens.

[@El3ctroclash]

It's not overrated but its stupidly pricey. It's not as great as everyone makes it out to be. Just decent steaks with a hefty price tag

[@thestradiosmiles]

You say "it's not overrated" then proceed to describe exactly how overrated it is.

[@Glostahdude]

For the money? There’s better. It’s the value that sucks. You’re buying a name and status when you eat there. Not food.

[@josep1918]

I'll just cook my own juicy sizzling steak 🤷🏻‍♂️. Nothing like a great home cooked meal 😋. If you can cook that is lol

[@josep1918]

Ryan Hampton 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@darrenharvey5615]

The critic said “every time I come here,” why does he keep returning? Must be good!

[@ohboy2592]

NY times can’t report factual information and now they proved they can’t even report on quality food without bending the truth🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wecantallbechessgeniuses]

It’s probably a value thing. You still have to perform, even if you’re an established name. If you charge top dollar, then people expect results. “I ate at blah blah restaurant” bragging only goes so far, then the novelty wears off and you think, was it actually worth it?

[@Teardehawkee]

I can get up my own steaks at home.

[@tomdowney37215]

Exactly. Not hard to do as good or better at home anymore

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

And it will suck. You are not a chef.

[@andrewblack7852]

Well Luger doesn’t do steak right. Period. I’m a rancher and raise waygu cattle. We naturally farm them and love them. Luger and America are sickened by industrialized thought. The best meat comes from old animals. Not 1.5 year olds. You can’t create the flavor in a young animal, it’s not there. Luger uses industrial young meat. Period. They just do what they know, and like most mericans, that’s not much. Go to the old world to find experience and know how.

[@doomdude69]

Only way someone gets a 0 star review is when someone gets "special sauce" on their food . Maybe reviewer recognized it on the steak.

[@oluwafemitoyinbo3189]

The problem with this is, I am from Nigeria, never knew about Peter Luger before. I saw the 0 star review, then saw other 5-star reviews, will be in NY soon, will sure stop by Peter Luger!

[@datraucous3351]

Like I'm going to listen to someone who probably doesn't even know how to cook.

[@ryant.warren5737]

Luger's is good but you put that place amongst the best Steakhouses in Texas and it wouldn't even be in the Top 10.....

[@rsaunable]

I'd go just to see how a restaurant can be that bad...

[@alb5632]

Notice everone is talking price

[@afterthefox]

just went there...Times are out of their minds...