Peter Luger Steak House - An Acclaimed New York Dining Institution


A graduate of the University at Albany and Adelphi University, Larry Greenfield became a partner at OPUS Trading only four years after joining the Long Island firm as a trader’s assistant. Beyond his career, Larry Greenfield enjoys eating out and names Peter Luger Steak House among his favorites

Over its long and storied history, Peter Luger Steak House has developed a reputation as one of the finest establishments of its kind anywhere in the United States. Opened in 1887 in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg, the restaurant then known as Carl Luger’s CafĂ©, Billiards and Bowling Alley quickly rose to prominence under the ownership of Peter Luger and the kitchen skills of Carl Luger. 

In 1920, with the completion of the Williamsburg Bridge 17 years earlier bringing in new customers from Manhattan, a family-owned metalware business called Forman Family moved in across the street. One member of that family, Sol, became a regular customer of Peter Luger’s, often eating two steaks a day.

Changes in the neighborhood and the 1941 death of Peter Luger led to the restaurant falling on hard times, however, and it was forced to close in 1950. In the same year, it was purchased at auction by its longtime customer Sol Forman, who proceeded to reestablish the steakhouse’s reputation in part though his commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients. Mr. Forman also opened a second Peter Luger’s location, this one on Long Island, in 1961.

Still managed by the Forman family today, Peter Luger Steak House continues to uphold Mr. Forman’s commitment to quality. Both of the locations serve only USDA Prime meat and have in-house dry-aging facilities. As evidence of its reputation, Peter Luger’s has garnered a Michelin Star and recognition as New York’s top-rated steakhouse every year since 1984.v

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