Iconic Peter Luger Steakhouse Offers Delivery For First Time In 133 Years

Photo: Courtesy of Peter Luger

The coronavirus pandemic has forced businesses all across the country to change the way they operate in order to survive. In the case of restaurants, the situation is particularly dire, as most are banned from allowing dine-in service in the interest of public safety. As such, many places have begun offering curbside carry-out and/or delivery, mainly those in the fast casual space, as they attempt to pay their rent and other overhead expenses.

No state has been harder hit by COVID-19 than New York, which forced the iconic Peter Luger Steak House to do something that it’s never done before in it’s 133-year history: offer takeout and delivery. And considering how old-school they are (it remains a cash-only establishment, even though a signature entrée costs more than $100), this is quite a big deal for them.

“To best serve our customers, delivery was the best option for us,” said general manager David Berson, whose great-grandfather brought the place in 1950. “You feel like this could be the start of what will hopefully be the transition” to eventually reopening the dining rooms.

Peter Luger has partnered with high-end delivery service Caviar, allowing people in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan to enjoy any of Peter Luger’s signature dishes from the comfort and safety of their home. And for the first time ever, you can pay by credit card. “As far as the best safety practice, credit cards only was the clear choice to us.” The South Williamsburg location also offers takeout via phone (718-387-7400).

You can order any of Peter Luger’s classics, like the ever-popular half-pound Luger Burger, the thick-cut Luger bacon, or any of their famous dry-aged steak. What’s more, raw steak from the restaurant’s dry-aging room, including sirloin steak and the porterhouse, are also available if you prefer to grill them up yourself at home.

It’s rather interesting to see this century-old institution pivot like this, and hopefully this will help them ride out the pandemic, until things get back to “normal” and people can once again enjoy one of their succulent steaks in person. Eating here has long been on my bucket list, and I definitely plan on going to Peter Luger once it’s safe to go outside again!