May 28, 2007
Cuisine: Steakhouse
178 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-387-7400
Website: www.peterluger.com
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Onion, Rye and Salt, White (complimentary)
Luger Burger with Cheese ($10)
Luger Milk Chocolate Coins (complimentary)
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After a seven mile run along the scenic East River, The Astronomer and I were ready for day two of our food tour. We hopped on the F train, transferred to the M, and eventually arrived in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at Peter Luger.
Peter Luger is famous for their superior steaks, but we came for their lesser-known hamburger. Ever since discovering Alan Richman’s list of “The 20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die,” I’ve been aiming to try them all. Richman’s fourth ranked Rouge Burger in Philadelphia did not disappoint, so I had particularly high expectations for the second ranked Luger Burger.
The Astronomer and I shared a Luger Burger because we had big eating plans ahead of us. The burger’s base price is $8.50 and cheese is available for an additional $1.50. Unlike the kind folks at Momofuku, we were charged a split fee of $3, which was disappointing considering what a well-regarded restaurant Peter Luger is. Before our burger arrived, we enjoyed some complimentary bread with butter. My favorite was the white dinner roll because it had the fluffiest interior.
At last our burger arrived and it looked delectable—thick meat patty, melted cheese, and sesame seed bun. We cut the burger in half and dug right in. Even though we ordered our hamburger prepared medium, it came out a tad pinker than we had hoped. But because the meat was so juicy and flavorful, we really didn’t mind too much. The highlight of the hamburger was definitely the meat; we could taste the impeccable quality in every bite. Neither of us bothered to slather ketchup on our hamburgers because they were so good as is. Disappointingly, the cheese and sesame seed bun were forgettable.
The Luger Burger’s patty is without a doubt top-notch, but the Rouge Burger offers a more complete hamburger package in my book. #4 > #2. The milk chocolate coins provided a pleasant conclusion to our meal.
Alan Richman’s “The 20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die”
20. Hamburger Sandwich
Louis’ Lunch
New Haven, CT
19. Our Famous Burger
Sidetrack Bar and Grill
Ypsilanti, MI
18. Hamburger
Poag Mahone’s Carvery and Ale House
Chicago
17. Double Bacon Deluxe with Cheese
Red Mill Burgers
Seattle
16. Hamburger & Fries
Burger Joint
San Francisco
15. Build Your Own Burger
The Counter
Santa Monica
14. Hamburger
J. G. Melon
New York City
13. Cheeseburger
White Manna
Hackensack, NJ
12. Hamburger
Bobcat Bite
Sante Fe
11. Grilled Bistro Burger
Bistro Don Giovanni
Napa, CA
10. Number Five
Keller’s Drive-in
Dallas
9. Cheeseburger
Burger Joint, le Parker Meridien Hotel
New York City
8. Hamburger
Miller’s Bar
Dearborn, MI
7. Buckhorn Burger
Buckhorn
San Antonio, NM
6. California Burger
Houston’s
Santa Monica
5. Kobe Sliders
Barclay Prime
Philadelphia
4. Rouge Burger
Rouge
Philadelphia
3. Not Just a Burger
Spiced Pear Restaurant at the Chanler Hotel
Newport, RI
2. Luger Burger
Peter Luger Steak House
Brooklyn
1. Sirloin Burger
Le Tub
Hollywood, FL
Don’t go out of your way to check out Miller’s bar in Dearborn, MI.
I’ve had that burger several times and would definitely not count it anywhere near my top 20. It’s nothing but a dive bar that sells burgers with velveeta on them. Nothing special, really. No distinctive qualities about the meat. The service is poor at best….and on and on. If you want a good burger in Michigan, then go to Win Schuler’s in Marshall, MI.
http://www.schulersrestaurant.com/index.asp
yeah, im not so sure about that list, either…im originally from michigan, and ive been to sidetracks in ypsilanti and after my amazement they were even mentioned on a top twenty list of anything, had to scratch my head and wonder if i even remember their burger…and im sure i had it at least a few times
ill second the f-you to split fees, i think they are ridiculous and greedy, if you can serve me that burger for 850, you can give my friend a plate for free…at least you got some free dessert!
$4 split fee? That is fucking outrageous. I would have left. Or just kicked the Astronomer out and brought him the other half in a doggie bag…!
Also, the burger at Palena: infinitely better than those Kobe sliders. Look it up next time you’re in DC. That list seems dubious.
R.F O’Sullivan’s, Somerville, MA. Best burgers on the planet.