Walking into Peter Luger in Brooklyn feels like stepping into a time machine that only knows how to do two things: dry-age beef and ignore the last forty years of financial technology. It’s loud. It’s brusque. It smells like clarified butter and history. But before you even smell the steak, you’re probably wondering about the damage to your wallet. Honestly, if you’re asking how much is a peter luger steak, you need to be prepared for more than just the menu price. You’re prepping for a financial ritual.
Prices at Luger aren't exactly "budget-friendly," but they aren't the most expensive in New York City either. As of early 2026, here is the raw reality. A Single Steak—which is essentially a smaller porterhouse or a hefty club steak—will run you roughly $77.95 to $89.95 depending on whether you're at the original Brooklyn location or the slightly pricier outpost in Las Vegas.
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But nobody really goes to Luger to eat alone. The menu is built for "The Steak."
Breaking Down the "Steak for..." Math
The core of the Luger experience is the multi-person Porterhouse. They don't call it a Porterhouse on the menu; it’s just "Steak for Two," "Steak for Three," or "Steak for Four." This is where the pricing gets interesting.
- Steak for Two: Expect to pay around $155.90 to $169.90.
- Steak for Three: This usually jumps to roughly $254.85.
- Steak for Four: You’re looking at a bill of about $320.80 just for the meat.
It’s worth noting that these prices have crept up steadily. A few years ago, the "Steak for Two" was comfortably under $120. Now? You’re pushing $170 before you’ve even touched a side of creamed spinach. And the Rib Steak? That’s a different beast entirely, often priced around **$95 to $199** depending on the cut and size.
One thing people always get wrong: they think the "Steak for Two" is just two steaks. It’s not. It’s one massive, dry-aged Porterhouse, sliced away from the bone, swimming in a pool of hot fat and butter.
The Stealth Costs of a Luger Meal
You can't just eat the meat. Well, you could, but the waiters—who have the collective bedside manner of a drill sergeant—will probably look at you funny if you don't order the hits.
The Luger Bacon is a non-negotiable. It’s $8.95 or so per slice. Yes, per slice. But it’s not supermarket bacon; it’s a slab of pork belly that’s thick enough to be a doorstop. Then there are the German Fried Potatoes and the Creamed Spinach, both running about **$18.95 to $20.95** per order.
If you add a couple of slices of bacon, a side of potatoes, a salad, and maybe a slice of cheesecake with "Schlag" (their legendary, dense whipped cream), a dinner for two easily clears $250 before tip.
The "No Credit Card" Trap
This is the part that actually trips people up. You can have $10,000 in your bank account, but if you show up with just an Amex or a Visa, you’re in trouble. Peter Luger famously does not accept credit cards.
They aren't joking. They won't make an exception because it's your birthday. Your options are:
- Cash: The old-school way.
- US Debit Cards: They’ve softened slightly and will take plastic, provided it draws directly from your checking account.
- The Peter Luger Card: A literal "house account" credit card that they issue to regulars.
- Personal Checks: Only if you have a valid US ID and a lot of confidence.
If you’re ordering online for delivery through a third party, you can use a credit card. But for the "real" experience in the wood-paneled room? Bring the green stuff.
Is It Actually Worth the Price?
Value is subjective. Some critics, most notably the New York Times in a blistering zero-star review a few years back, argued the quality had slipped while prices rose. Others swear that no one else can match the specific funk of their in-house dry-aging room.
The meat is USDA Prime. It’s hand-selected. They age it for weeks. That process causes the meat to lose moisture and weight, which concentrates the flavor but also drives up the cost. You aren't just paying for the steak; you're paying for the three weeks it sat in a refrigerated room taking up space.
If you want the Luger flavor without the $300 bill, go for lunch. The Luger Burger is widely considered one of the best in the world. It’s over half a pound of Prime dry-aged trimmings and costs about **$22.95**. It’s only served until 3:45 PM, and it’s the best "budget" way to see if the hype is real.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want to experience Luger without a side of stress, follow this checklist:
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- Hit the ATM early. Even if they take debit, having cash for the tip (which should be 20%, these guys work hard) makes the departure smoother.
- Book weeks in advance. Use their website or call the Brooklyn line. Great Neck is usually easier to get into, but Brooklyn has the "vibe."
- Order the bacon as an appetizer. One slice per person is plenty. It’s incredibly rich.
- Go for the "Steak for X-1." If you are a group of four moderate eaters, a "Steak for Three" plus sides is often more than enough food.
- Don't skip the Schlag. Even if you're full, get the chocolate pudding or apple strudel with a side of the whipped cream. It’s a core part of the legend.
Plan for a total spend of roughly $125 to $150 per person for a full-course dinner. If you’re drinking wine or high-end scotch, double that.