The Tamesis
No one does it like Peter Luger. Luger’s first opened in Williamsburg in 1887 as a German beer hall, giving you a true New York experience. The wood-paneled room, the antique beer mugs lining the walls, the waiters in white aprons, the chorus of “Happy Birthday” and the bursts of applause from nearby tables—it’s magic. As someone who grew up here, I feel lucky every time I get to experience it. But let me not bury the lede, of course it is steak. The steaks I’ve had here taste like butter, are equally smooth slices, and usually contain a dose of “vitamins” (their term for the butter and fatty juices that melt on a piping hot plate). My favorite side dish is Creamed Spinach and German Potatoes, which I recommend pairing with a crisp Bitburger or a dirty martini. Of course, the steak is the star here, but the bacon appetizer is a if you know you know indulgence. Don’t forget about dessert: You can’t go wrong with the “Holy Cow” hot fudge sundae, apple pie or chocolate mousse cake topped with whipped cream (aka the famous “schlag”). —Anna Grace Lee, lifestyle writer
798a Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11238
This Crown Heights gem has everything you want in a modern diner: long wooden tables with the occasional red plaid tablecloth, a reasonably priced (for New York, anyway) bottle of house wine, and mini jugs of olive oil on the table. My spaghetti bolognese also came with an extra side of bolognese – either for dipping the bread or eating with a spoon, depending on how your day is going. There’s also outdoor seating if you’re looking for a new summer retreat. I recently discovered they were advertising some beautiful Ligurian ravioli, so I had to hurry up on my belated return. —EL
212 Patchen Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11233
On a normal weekday, you might overlook this unassuming black-owned restaurant just off Patchin Avenue, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Bedford-Stuyvesant. weekend? The sight of hungry people waiting for tables on the benches right in front of the restaurant and around it will stop you in your tracks. If you’re craving a suburban dining experience or just want some comfort food, look no further and enjoy a coffee-flavored Oreo milkshake and the unique flavor of one of the fast-food chain’s breakfast sandwiches—fried chicken breast, spicy maple slaw, sandwiched between two fluffy, syrupy pancake buns. Don’t forget their Smash Browns side! —Edgar Gatsinzi, Assistant Manager Social Media
2725 86th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223
I spent much of my childhood waiting in long lines at this now-legendary pizza parlor in Bensonhurst (aka the true heart of Brooklyn) for a square slice of Sicilian pizza, followed by many scoops of spumoni pizza. The ambiance of the outdoor seating area on a summer evening is unparalleled and the people watching is superb. Don’t sleep on Meatball Heroes either, and don’t sleep on really good soft serve. —Jill Weiskopf, Vice President of Communications
