Peter Luger's or Ruth's Chris?

Luger

We also like a place in the West Village called the Strip House.

Egad ... not Ruth's Chris for a New York steakhouse. That's a southern chain. If it's a choice of only these two, then definitely Luger (but it doesn't take credit cards, so have lots of cash handy).

I am probably the lone wolf on this board who actually prefers Smith & Wollensky.

Without a doubt, Peter Luger!

No, you're not Doug...I do too!

Strip House.

I'll place my vote for Peter Luger.

Smith & Wollensky is a chain, I can enjoy it by the water in Chicago, at the Easton mall in Columbus Oh, in Vegas, Miami Beach, and a few other places.

Neither. http://events.nytimes.com/2007/09/19...l?pagewanted=1
I'd go to BLT Steak or Strip House.

Has anyone been to the Minetta Tavern since the menu has changed? The hamburgers and steak are supposed to be wonderful.

Ruth's Chris is headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. They operate dozens of locations all across the United States. There's little, if anything, unique about their New York operation.

On the other hand, the steakhouses so far suggested, even S&W, which originated in New York, have an NYC "cachet" about them. I'd add to the list Ben Benson's on West 52nd.

Peter Lugar's is good. But, if it wasn't old, in Brooklyn, and hard to get into it wouldn't have near the reputation it does. I've had great meals at Smith & Wollensky, Morton's, and Sparks.

The only place I wouldn't go to is Del Frisco's on 6th Avenue.

The best steak I ever had in Any city was at Buenos Aires Restaurnat, an Argentine restaurant near Tompkins Square Park on east 6th street. It's unbelievable.

or, if you're one of many who can actually spell, Buenos Aires RestaurANT:

http://www.buenosairesnyc.com/

Have any of you tried the Porter House in the Time Warner Center?

Adu - I've been to Minetta Tavern very recently and had the steak for 2 - and my teenager had the big deal burger, the more expensive Blue label or Black Label burger or whatever they call it.

The steak was very good (as was the burger) and it was a huge amount of food - my husband and I had about 2/3 of the portion and our teen ate his burger and then ate the rest of the steak. What can I say, he's a teenager.

But I thought the Minetta steak was not as 'beefy' as the the taste I remember from the grass-fed steak we had about a year and half ago at Craft Steak - THAT was excellent. But Craft Steak is closed, and since I only eat steak once a year or so . . . I'll guess I'm not the best judge of all this . . .

And when you calculate the price - to your wallet, to the environment, well, it better be a damn good steak. So in terms of NY steak houses, my personal preferences are Strip House (really for the duck fat potatoes, tho) Minetta Tavern, then Sparks, then Peter Lugar.

Oh - and Landmarc in Tribeca does a nice Rib-eye.

Thanks MP for the review.

Peter Luger is the NY classic - and the trip to Brooklyn, cash only and surly waiters is part of the ambiance. Ruth Chris is a chain you can get anywhere - and just OK. Smith & Wollensky is somewhat better - but still not great. Craft Steak was our choice but has closed.

I forgot to mention that Buenos Aires was voted 'Best Alternative Steakhouse' in New York City by Village Voice. Beef from Argentina is actually quite special and this place is worth a mention along with the usual, more conventional steakhouses. Their Malbec choices are fairly extensive too.

Thanks everyone. Those were the only two presented to me as options so that's why Ruth's Chris was listed. What do you know about Gallagher's? Heard of it but that's it. I'll check into your other recommendations. Thanks again!