Old-School Steakhouse Peter Luger Is Delivering for First Time in Nearly 133 Years

Famously old-school South Williamsburg institution Peter Luger Steak House — a more than 130-year-old restaurant known as much for its no-nonsense service as it is for its dry-aged steak — is getting into the delivery game for the first time.

The restaurant briefly offered pickup at the start of the dining room shutdown in March and is now back with takeout and delivery, both by phone (718-387-7400) and though Caviar. It will be available in Brooklyn, Queens, and in a few days, Manhattan as well, according to manager David Berson, who is grandson of Sol and Marsha Forman, who took over the restaurant in 1950.

And in addition to classics like the thick-cut Luger bacon and the famed porterhouse, the restaurant is selling its popular daytime dry-aged burger for dinner and lunch. Raw steak from the restaurant’s dry-aging room, including sirloin steak and the porterhouse, are also available.

Peter Luger opened in 1887 and is widely considered New York City’s original steakhouse. It’s long been considered a tourist destination and local treasure because of how unchanged its been; up until the pandemic, the restaurant hasn’t accepted credit card as a payment, unusual for a modern restaurant where the signature entree costs more than $100.

Its dedication to old-school service was knocked down a notch last year, when New York Times critic Pete Wells blasted the restaurant in a zero-star review for brusque service, high prices, and inconsistent food. The restaurant, though, has a legion of dedicated fans that a single review couldn’t deter, and many came out to support the historic business. Meanwhile, Berson stood by the restaurant’s food and style.

But it turns out, even institutions like Luger are ultimately willing to change — at least when required to do so by a literal pandemic.

More details on the menu here.