A very special trip to Peter Luger's in New York City (UPDATED 2/10/10 with 2nd trip!)

***UPDATE 02/10/10 on Page 3*** Howdy fellow Roadfooders!!  I just capped off a 22-stop burger study of New York City with a late lunch at Peter Luger's in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  I'll put up the report soon enough, but I had such a wonderful experience today that I wanted to post it while it's still fresh in my mind.  I'd had the burger at this place in my sights for some time now thanks to the good things I have heard about it from my girlfriend's family and from The Travelin' Man.  Getting here for the burger was easier than I had anticipated.  You see, they only offer the burger on their lunch menu until 3pm.  I work in NJ 9 to 5, Mon-Fri, but since my company is moving to a new city, I had a half day today so, one bus ride and 3 different subway trains later, I was just a 5 minute walk away.  Peering into the windows, they had a good crowd at 2:00pm.  

Doing what they do best (beef) for 122 years.
I walked in with plenty of cash on me (no checks or credit cards accepted, unless you have a Peter Luger's Card) and made my way to the maitre'd. She asked where I would like to sit and I replied that I'd be happy with a seat at the bar if that was okay. She was very nice and I snagged a spot at the end of the bar closest to the door, away from most of the people. I had the camera in hand and wanted to snap lots of pics without being intrusive. My brilliant plan was coming together nicely! The waiter asked me what I would like and I ordered a burger with bacon and cheese, cooked medium. I couldn't believe it when he started me out with a basket of their crusty, chewy rolls and a boat their their steakhouse sauce! The onion roll and the salt-caraway encrusted bread stick were just heavenly and made even better by spooning some sauce over them. I never made it to the third roll after they brought out my burger.
I didn't like this sauce the first time I came here and now I know why. It's a "steakhouse" sauce, not a "steak" sauce. It really is meant for the tomato and onion salad, but can also be used for the bread, bacon and yes, the steak. It's a bit sweet and has horseradish in it and definitely tastes like a "kissing cousin" to cocktail sauce.
I ordered a Diet Coke and I like that the bartender gave me the bottle to pour in as I pleased. Not a syrupy sweet, weaker version from a fountain, but just opened with good carbonation. And I've always loved soda better from a glass bottle from some reason. He saw me taking pictures and I explained my burger tour to him and we ended up having a really great conversation about the best burgers in the city. He ended up showing me a weblink on his IPhone for a website called Burger of the Month, where a group of people in NYC get together each month to find the best burgers in the five boroughs.
After about 5-10 minutes more, the waiter came out with my burger. I was getting a good feeling from the way this looked. First, I thought the bacon really would be the kind that most burgers have on them. Nope! Theirs is a slice of their famous bacon which is as thick as a ham steak, chewy, meaty, porky and has been given a great crustiness from being grilled. Their incredible fries strike a perfect balance of a crispy exterior and creamy interior and taste like potato more than any other fry I have ever eaten! The star here, though, is this burger, which after some thought, I've decided to call the 2004 World Series Burger, because it blows away the competition, no contest! Honestly, I toyed with naming it the 1927 Yankees Burger, but being a Red Sox fan I just couldn't do it. The little plastic cow in the bun that says "MEDIUM" was a nice touch that I don't see much these days.
A nice close-up shot of my burger.
I'm sooooo glad that I cut this open and took this shot as it encapsulates precisely what I love about this burger. This is quite possibly the best burger I have ever had in my life. Every single element came together and made sense here. First, the bun is substantial enough to hold up against a very juicy burger, yet soft enough not to get in the way or overwhelm. Second, the cheese was two slices of standard yellow American cheese, which lent a nice creaminess and smooth flavor that complemented the meat very nicely. And third, the meat was everything I could ever hope for: loosely packed, but not crumbly, just the right amount of pink, seasoned just so the flavor of the beef really came out, a nice char from the grill and incredibly juicy. The first sign of burger greatness was when I pressed down on the bun to cut it in half and juices ran out of the meat. Further evidence was provided by the trail of beef juice running down my fingers when I took my first bite. This was one of those foods that actually got better with each subsequent bite. The bartender put a bottle of ketchup on the bar for me and let me tell you friends, that top never came off nor did I even consider it. To do so would have been akin to burger blasphemy!
I had the bar to myself for the most part, but around the time I had finished half of my burger, a couple had walked in with a friend of theirs and sat down at the bar next to me. It turns out that the husband (Tony) and the friend grew up in Brooklyn and had been coming to Luger's since they were kids. He and his wife were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and their friend's birthday, so it was a no-brainer, martinis, tawny port and steaks at Peter Luger's. They said they live in South Carolina now, but were welcomed back by the staff like old friends. The bartender told them about my burger study and we ended up talking at length about New York City, Boston, sports and of course, food! We ended up having quite a few laughs and were all in agreement that money isn't so much the object as long as we are happy with the meal and the experience that we have when we eat out at a restaurant. As I went to pay my bill, I said goodbye to my bar companions and stuck out my hand to shake Tony's hand. He got up from his bar stool and said "I gotta give ya a hug!". I ended up hugging all of them as I made my way out into the chilly, windy New York City afternoon, flipping my gold chocolate coin as I smiled and thought "Yes, time and money well spent, indeed".
Below, the gold chocolate coin that comes as standard issue with the check at Luger's.  A nice touch and a perfect end to a great meal.  Ellen, I don't know if you've been here yet, but run, don't walk for this burger! To Stephen Rushmore and Chris Ayers, this may give R.F. O'Sullivan's a run for the title!

Nice burger pic's. Some of the best on this website .

That's a fantastic write-up! I loved every word and picture. This is too funny:

The star here, though, is this burger, which after some thought, I've decided to call the 2004 World Series Burger, because it blows away the competition, no contest! Honestly, I toyed with naming it the 1927 Yankees Burger, but I just couldn't do it.

Only thing....$3 for bacon?!? Not that I blame you though, $17 for that experience is clearly worth it.

Excellent report! The burger looks delicious. Hope to try it someday.

Thanks!

Thanks!  

ETR - Forget any preconceived bacon notions you may have of cheap supermarket varieties, this bacon is totally worth the $3 and has to be eaten to be believed!

Thanks for my new screensaver picture!  I like that the bacon came on the side, some for the burger, some for nibblin'    Is it the same as an appetizer of bacon?      Hurry with the Burger Report.... I can't wait!!!!!!!

Loved your report.  I have  been to  Lugers for lunch twice  and  have to say that  it cannot be beat.  The one at 21'  Club is also   "a special experience"  but  the ambiance at  Peter  Luger makes their  the real winner!  (And  that bacon is worth  every penny.............we have gotten a double order of it  both times that we have gone for dinner"

Did they charge you for the Coke (it is not shown on the bill)?

real good billyboy.

billyboy


Thanks!  

ETR - Forget any preconceived bacon notions you may have of cheap supermarket varieties, this bacon is totally worth the $3 and has to be eaten to be believed!

You know I thought from that picture of your bill the $2.95 was for your soda. Was the soda included? Also how many ounces would say the burger weighed?

Very, very nice. Thanks.

A bartender served the drink...

Is the sauce at the restaurant identical  to the commercial "Luger"stuff sold at super markets?

Yeah, I was kinda surprised it wasn't more.  That's a gorgeous looking burger billy--juices dripping into the bun, the meat looks extremely fresh, and I really agree about American cheese, I don't think you can improve upon it if your meat tastes really good.  Thanks for taking us along.

The Diet Coke was $2.50 on a separate bar bill. I'm not sure how much the burger weighed but it was substantial and I definitely took my time eating it.  One of the few meals I've eaten where I consciously thought, "I want to savor every single bite of this and I don't want to miss a thing".  The look, smell, flavor, texture and feel of it was everything I had hoped a burger could be.  
 
Lee, I asked the bartender about the sauce and he said that it is the same as the bottled sauce in the stores.  People do put it on the steak and burgers some times, but most of them use it for the tomato & onion salad and spoon some on their bread too.  

Was one of your burgers had at Minetta Tavern?

Thanks,billyboy...well,I have bought that..it's too sweet for me...and I rarely use sauce on a great steak or burger...but it would be fine on a salad...and that burger sure did look like it should be savored!!

Your welcome, Nancy.  Totally worth the money and I would gladly hand over the same amount again for that burger.  I was just looking at the Menupages.com site for NYC and the basic Luger Burger is over 1/2 lb and runs $8.95.  Cheese is $1.50 extra and fries are $1.95 extra.  I knew that going in and still had my heart set on it and was so glad I didn't change my mind.  

TJ, initially I came up with a list of over 50 burger places in NYC and that was just too daunting to even tackle, so I narrowed it down to places I had been to before I wanted to see how they held up, personal recommendations from friends and checking out reviews and recs online (Yelp, Menupages and here on Roadfood).  Minetta was on my short list and I did a bit of recon one day in the Village (it's in a really vibrant, fun neighborhood) but I never got around to it.  Have you tried it?

Now I'm really excited for your burger report.  Yay us!

Billyboy, this may be your best report yet! What a great afternoon you had. It's really great to spend an weekday afternoon at a bar chatting with bartenders and strangers. It's like playing hooky. To do it at Luger's is even better.

Even though I am a native Brooklynite the only time I was ever there was probably 25 years ago, on a Sunday night, with 2 friends, and like you, we sat at the bar. It wasn't nearly as interesting as your visit, I think Luger's was going thru a "down" period at that time (like NY city in general back then) the burgers were OK but nothing like what you just had. I need to return!

Thanks for writing this up, I'm really looking forward to the report on the rest of your burger stops.

Billyboy, you've done it again. You've made me insanely jealous of your food escapades once again!

billyboy


...initially I came up with a list of over 50 burger places in NYC and that was just too daunting to even tackle, so I narrowed it down to places I had been to before I wanted to see how they held up, personal recommendations from friends and checking out reviews and recs online (Yelp, Menupages and here on Roadfood).

Ahhh....you've got my mouth watering already. This was a most excellent "preview" post to your report. I want to ask questions like where all'd you go and what was the best, etc. but I know you'll get to it. I'm biting my tongue here.......so what was your favorite? (I'm actually guessing this one was because you couldn't contain your joy)

I always look for value but that burger looked every bit worth what you paid.  The bun
appeared to be a really good quality artisan bun.  The meat looked every bit as good as you said.  But one thing...I would have preferred real cheddar or swiss as opposed to a processed cheese product.  Just a minor thing.

NC Cheesehead


I always look for value but that burger looked every bit worth what you paid.  The bun
appeared to be a really good quality artisan bun.  The meat looked every bit as good as you said.  But one thing...I would have preferred real cheddar or swiss as opposed to a processed cheese product.  Just a minor thing.

I know you're using a different definition but:

"The subjective theory of value (or theory of subjective value) is an economic theory of value that holds that to possess value an object must be both useful and scarce, with the extent of that value dependent upon the ability of an object to satisfy the wants of any given individual. "Value" here is distinct from exchange value or price."

Seems like a good value to me

Great post!

All I'll say is that billyboy's report makes me what that burger now...and I just finished breakfast.

billy,

Your posts always present the very best of NYC. But really, who is going to believe that New Yorkers are THAT friendly and hug strangers.

---Only thing....$3 for bacon?!? Not that I blame you though===

That is not bacon, it is a side of pork belly. $3.00 for bacon is a bargain. Most diners charge that much for a side to go with your pancakes...

mark
p.s. I like their sauce with my steak.

oh, man......I need a towel to wipe my mouth.....

that picture of the burger cut in half, showing the medium pink and juiciness leaking onto the bun.....wow.

thanks!

What a fantastic burger photo. That burger looks as wonderful as any I have ever seen. When I get to New York, Peter Luger has joined Yankee Stadium and Citibank Park as a must see. Thank you for sharing with us.

billyboy

Minetta was on my short list .....but I never got around to it.  Have you tried it?

Have not yet been to NYC, but the 'Black Label' meat has been written about a lot

Check out  http://aht.seriouseats.co...ck_label_burger_1.html

EatingTheRoad

NC Cheesehead


I always look for value but that burger looked every bit worth what you paid.  The bun
appeared to be a really good quality artisan bun.  The meat looked every bit as good as you said.  But one thing...I would have preferred real cheddar or swiss as opposed to a processed cheese product.  Just a minor thing.

I know you're using a different definition but:

"The subjective theory of value (or theory of subjective value) is an economic theory of value that holds that to possess value an object must be both useful and scarce, with the extent of that value dependent upon the ability of an object to satisfy the wants of any given individual. "Value" here is distinct from exchange value or price."

Seems like a good value to me

This is entirely a 'your miles may vary' kind of thing, but the reason I like American on cheeseburgers, even good ones like this, is that I really want to taste the meat moreso than the cheese.  So the standard here I use is the Beacon cheeseburger--the meat is nowhere near what billy has here, but the very simple Velveeta topping is creamy and has a good texture but keeps your attention on the flavor of the meat.  I love cheddar, and swiss, and all kinds of cheeses but if I want to taste them then I really want a grilled cheese sandwich.  I do like a cheeseburger with grilled onions and Provolone, but those two things together specifically.  My two cents entirely.

@TJ, I've heard a lot about the Black Label burger too, but paying $26 for the burger (over $30 with tax and tip) is something I have a hard time reconciling in my mind.  The Old Homestead has a burger for $41 and while it gets a lot of great press, I just can't do it.

@Nancy, this burger finally made me understand why wanderingjew places such a high value on the quality and focus on the beef as opposed to the toppings in a hamburger.

Great report. I have had the Peter Luger burger a number of times but I never could have documented the experience as well as you did.

Great report and a great looking burger.

Nancypalooza

EatingTheRoad

NC Cheesehead


I always look for value but that burger looked every bit worth what you paid.  The bun
appeared to be a really good quality artisan bun.  The meat looked every bit as good as you said.  But one thing...I would have preferred real cheddar or swiss as opposed to a processed cheese product.  Just a minor thing.

I know you're using a different definition but:

"The subjective theory of value (or theory of subjective value) is an economic theory of value that holds that to possess value an object must be both useful and scarce, with the extent of that value dependent upon the ability of an object to satisfy the wants of any given individual. "Value" here is distinct from exchange value or price."

Seems like a good value to me

This is entirely a 'your miles may vary' kind of thing, but the reason I like American on cheeseburgers, even good ones like this, is that I really want to taste the meat moreso than the cheese.  So the standard here I use is the Beacon cheeseburger--the meat is nowhere near what billy has here, but the very simple Velveeta topping is creamy and has a good texture but keeps your attention on the flavor of the meat.  I love cheddar, and swiss, and all kinds of cheeses but if I want to taste them then I really want a grilled cheese sandwich.  I do like a cheeseburger with grilled onions and Provolone, but those two things together specifically.  My two cents entirely.

I would agree Nancy that the taste of the beef should be what stands out.  I didn't mean it should ever overpower the meat by any means but should accent it.

When I spoke of value, I never ever meant cheap.  My thoughts were that burger looked excellent with top notch ingredients.  Even at that price, I would buy it and enjoy every savory bite.  When I want a cheap burger, I'll head to BK and hit a cheap double cheeseburger on the dollar menu.  But at that price, if you put that incredible burger on an artisan bun, why wouldn't you put a good tillamook cheddar or some fine wisconsin cheese on that beauty?  I would still eat it in a heartbeat though.  Not trying to argue.  Just offering my humble opionion.

Oh no, I didn't take it that way, nor was I trying to argue either.

I just relocated so I am about 15 minutes away from Luger Burger - I'll have to check it out this week.  Believe it or not, I have eaten there about 30 times, but have never been for lunch.

 Well after seeing those pictures and reading your description, i decided i'd check it out. Wrong! For some reason i thought Peter Luger's had a few more places. Nothing here in Chicago, only NY! Thanks for ruining my day, billyboy! Pictures look awesome btw!

This isn't a meal, its an experience...........Great report Billy.............BillyB

Wow - we've been talking about trying Luger's for years and have just never made it. Now we have to go for lunch AND dinner....since I've got to try one of those burgers. Another great drool-worthy photo spread!

I know that I have mentioned before that I am a fan of Luger's.  I had a discussion with a friend the other night and we talked about how he may rather go to Luger's for lunch for the burger than for dinner for the steak.  Those are pretty strong words...but, it is a pretty fabulous burger.

The last time I was there, I asked for a slice of tomato to also accompany the burger.  Honestly, it was too much.  This really is one burger than needs nothing else on it - bun, burger, bun - that would make me happy.  The cheese - which usually ends up looking toasted on top - which I assume is a function of the broilers at Luger's - is good, but almost not necessary.  The bacon...well, you guys saw the bacon.

Still, after eating MANY hamburgers/cheeseburgers/bacon cheeseburgers all across this great land - the Luger Burger remains my #1 burger of all-time.

The Travelin Man


Still, after eating MANY hamburgers/cheeseburgers/bacon cheeseburgers all across this great land - the Luger Burger remains my #1 burger of all-time.

Wow.  Coming from you, that means a lot.  I'm going to try my damndest to make time to go there next May.
 
Are reservations necessary/required for lunch?

Don,

Given my reputation around here as one who does little in the way of advanced planning, reservations, as a rule, do not suit me. 

Admittedly, I tend to hit Luger's on off hours (1:30, maybe, for lunch?), and primarily at their Great Neck location.  I have never had a reservation and I have never waited for a table.  I suspect that the Brooklyn location may be busier for lunch, and if you can swing reservations, I am sure that they would gladly take them.

@JohnDunne, thanks so much and Welcome to Roadfood!!

@NC Cheesehead, I hear what you're saying about the cheese, but for some reason the subtle creaminess of this cheese balanced very nicely with the richness of the meat without becoming a "look at me, look at me!" diva-ish grab for attention away from the star of the show.

@Stephen, your post about Black Iron Burger and Back Forty here in the East Village is what prompted me to start this quest in the first place.  Many thanks!!

@jeepguy, as for "ruining" your day, I do my best!  

@MiamiDon, I went on a Friday around 2:10pm without a reservation and it was fine.  I was cool, with sitting at the bar and the dining room did look kinda full.  They did have one of the dining rooms closed for renovations, so that may have been part of the reason the other one was so packed.  I live four subway stops away so winging it "Travelin' Man" style is no biggie for me.  However, if you're coming from out of town and this is a big reason for coming here, I'd suggest calling ahead, just to be safe.  And if you want a table, I strongly suggest calling ahead!

going to Luger's this coming weekend, will report back

Wow, great stuff Billyboy!!!!

Just curious about one thing that's not explained, but is photographed: the gold coin. You said "flipping my gold chocolate coin" when you left, as if they'd given it to you. I'm guessing they did? But wondered what the coin story is anyway!

And Nancyp, I agree about the cheese.

Cecif, thanks!!  The gold chocolate coin comes with the check at Luger's for every customer.  I had forgotten about that and when they brought out the check, it was a pleasant surprise.

Wonderful report billyboy!  I have desperately wanted to visit Peter Luger's for years and now you have me wondering if I should go there for lunch or dinner.  Is it safe to assume you don't have to get dressed up?

I wish I could be on the next plane out !!!

I enjoyed your descriptive report.  Both pics and dialogue.  

Thank you for the adventure.  Anticipating more .

Wow...at most places I've been to a medium burger barely has a hint of pink in the middle and even medium-rare falls short of this one!  Does Peter Luger's do its own grinding?  Perhaps not on site but at a central location with the final product delivered fresh to the restaurants?

Brad

Getting in the car now, heading there for lunch.

Slim Strummer...we expect nothing more than a 1000+ word report replete with photos

Great report Billyboy!  I've wanted to go there for a long time and after seeing your pictures, I'm ready to jump in the car and try to get there before 3:00!!!
 
http://burghfeeding.blogspot.com/

Awesome report, billy!!! Never thought I'd order the burger if I got lucky enough to go to Luger's but wowwwwwwww.

While I do often see people eating the burger at Luger's, I personally would never consider eating there and not having the steak.  While the burger may be one of the better ones in the area, their steak is THE BEST I've ever had anywhere in the world.  I can get a great burger in a hundred places in NYC, I can even make one at home, but I cannot duplicate the wonder that is the Peter Luger's steak.

An Excellent Trip Report. One of the best ever.

I agree with you. When ever one has an exceptional dining experience....price becomes secondary. It's the experience and the memories that matter most.

Hello all ,

Excellent trip report Billy Boy , I have been there for lunch and dinner once each and it is trult one of the best burgers anywhere . Steak is in my top three .

Quick story , early 90's , Crown Heights Riot , we get called down at the end of a 4x12 from Northern Manhattan , riot gear the whole shebang , since its my last tour  and we go around the clock till 9am the following day the  eight  of us and sgt get back to pct around 1000am , We just did like 21 hours OT ,  what do three of us decide to do , we head back to Brooklyn to Peter Lugers , riots not more than a few miles away , have the best burger ever , some adult beverages , and than head home . We figured with the OT check we could afford Lugers that one time , blue collar cops were not normally visiting there often but hell we made the exception .

I would be up for a lunch  or dinner visit anytime with my roadfood friends

Benzee

I have now been to NYC, ate at Luger's, and can now confirm - the Luger burger is out-freakin-standing - best ever for me

Billy, thank you for the gorgeous pics.  Having ordered steaks from them once, I can only dream of what the food must be like at the restaurant itself.  They scattered those gold coins inside the package, too.