Just over the East River in a somewhat-sketchy part of Brooklyn near the Williamsburg Bridge is the legendary Peter Luger’s, whose dining room can only be described as beer-hall chic—weathered wooden tables, a few beer steins on the shelves and somewhat surly servers who seem like they’ve been here since the restaurant opened in 1887. The Forman family, which owns the venerable steakhouse, personally selects the prime beef and then dry ages it onsite, resulting in tasty cuts that go unrivaled by other steakhouses. Our advice: Skip the menu and simply explain whether you want steak for one, for two and so on. Sides are simple classics, like German fried potatoes and creamed spinach, intended to keep the buttery broiled porterhouse the deserved star of the meal. Unless you have a Peter Luger credit card (apply online at the restaurant’s Web site), you must pay cash or risk the wrath of a crusty, bow-tied waiter.

Peter Luger Steak House Information:

• Steakhouse menu. Lunch, dinner.