Nobody does it like Peter Luger’s. First opened in 1887 as a German beer hall in Williamsburg, Luger’s is a true New York experience. The wood-paneled rooms, the antique beer steins lining the walls, the white-aproned servers, the chorus of “Happy Birthday” singalongs and ripples of applause from nearby tables—it’s a kind of magic. As someone who grew up going here, I feel lucky every time I get to experience it. But let me not bury the lede, which is, of course, the steak. I’ve had steak here that tasted like butter and sliced just as smoothly, usually with a dose of “vitamins” (their term for the melted butter and fat juice that pools in the sizzling-hot platter). My favorite sides are the creamed spinach and German potatoes, and I recommend pairing it all with a crisp Bitburger or a dirty martini. Steak is the star here, of course, but the bacon appetizer is an if-you-know-you-know indulgence. And don’t forget dessert: You can’t go wrong with the “Holy Cow” hot fudge sundae, apple strudel, or chocolate mousse cake topped with whipped cream (a.k.a. the famous “schlag”). —Anna Grace Lee, lifestyle writer
798a Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
This Crown Heights gem has everything you want from a modern trattoria: long wooden tables occasionally covered in red gingham tablecloths, carafes of well-priced (for New York, anyway) house wine, and mini tins of olive oil for the table. My tagliatelle bolognese arrived with a side dish of extra bolognese—for dipping bread in, or eating by the spoonful, depending on what kind of day you’re having. There’s outdoor seating, if you’re looking for a new summer spot. I recently spotted them advertising some good-looking Ligurian ravioli, so I’m going to have to expedite my long-overdue return. —E.L.
212 Patchen Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233
On the average weekday, you may overlook this unassuming Black-owned diner, snugly nestled on Patchen Ave among the usual hubbub of Bedford-Stuyvesant. On the weekend? The hungry crowd awaiting tables on and around the singular bench directly in front of the restaurant would stop you in your tracks. If you’re longing for that suburban diner experience or just want some food that brings you comfort, look no further and enjoy a coffee-flavored Oreo milkshake, along with an order of the restaurant’s unique twist on a certain fast food chain’s breakfast sandwich–fried chicken breast, spicy maple slaw, sandwiched between two fluffy syrup-infused pancake buns. And don’t forget a side of their Smash Browns! —Edgar Gatsinzi, associate manager, social media
2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223
I spent much of my childhood waiting in long lines for slices of square Sicilian pizza, followed by many scoops of spumoni, at this now-legendary pizza spot in Bensonhurst (a.k.a. the real heart of Brooklyn). On a summer evening, the vibe of the outdoor seating area cannot be beat, and the people-watching is top-notch. Don’t sleep on the meatball parm heroes, either, nor the very excellent soft serve. —Jill Weiskopf, VP of communications
