VIBE

Peter Luger's former headwaiter Wolfgang Zwiener one-ups his “alma mater” with his own steakhouse. A dramatic, vaulted Guastavino ceiling hangs over the aroma-filled space, where sizzling porterhouse steaks and filet mignon platters come rushing from the kitchens. (For pescatarians, the menu’s surprisingly large seafood section provides plenty of alternatives.) Borrowing from Zwiener’s experience in Brooklyn, each porterhouse is aged in a meat locker for 28 days–just imagine how smoky and succulent every prime morsel will be after getting that much time and attention, and then you’ll understand why empty seats here are a rare sight.

CROWD

A meat-loving crowd made up of date-night couples, business lunchers, and groups of friends.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s an NYC steak establishment, so be sure to dress it up a bit with a stylish top, slacks, and high-heeled boots.

GO HERE WITH

A group of friends; clients or colleagues; significant other; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

Unlike at Peter Luger’s, Wolfgang’s offers more than just steak. (And his place accepts credit cards.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The place gets packed and, consequently, service can get a bit rushed.

GOOD TO KNOW

Wolfgang Zwiener was a waiter at Luger’s for four decades before trying his own hand at the business. Experience pays off–the décor here may be more lavish than at Luger’s, but his kitchen follows many of the same time-tested rules, like making sure to deliver the meat on warm, not hot, platters, to prevent it from cooking after table delivery. Porterhouses are ideal for sharing among two, three, or four guests (make sure you’re hungry).

OTHER LOCATIONS

Midtown (New York); Tribeca (New York); Waikiki; Beverly Hills

CLOSEST COMPS

Peter Luger (New York); Sparks Steak House (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.