If I didn't like Luger's, should I bother with Strip Joint or Del Frisco's?

[VAfoodie]

I didn't hate Lugers, but I just didn't think it was that big a deal. DH likes steak places, so I thought I'd give another NY steak institution a try. Suggestions?
Let me be specific about what underwhelmed me about Lugers: I just did not find the steak to be that flavorful. Maybe it was an off night, but I've had tastier steaks at home or at various French restaurants.

[Spends Rent on Food]

I group Lugers into the old world steakhouse that focuses on searing & charing large chunks of meat with little accompanyments - personally this is how i prefer my steak. Old Homestead, Wolfgangs, Lugers, Ben & Jacks, Ben Bensons... all prepare their steaks this way.

However I constantly debate with friends who prefer less char but want more tenderness in the preparation with more sauces on the side to flavor. Strip House, Del Friscos, Quality Meats, Porterhouse, BLT Prime all take this approach to their meat.

My recommendation: Try Porterhouse it's a good blend of the old world but more refined in their preparation of the meat, and much more consistent than many of the old guard.

[offthebeatenpath1]

I have been to Luger's and many other steakhouses and have never really been impressed. Yes, I can appreciate a great steak like at Luger's (I do think Luger's is the best), but at the end of the day, I am just not a huge steak person. I think steak is like fine wine. Most people are perfectly happy drinking a $12 bottle of wine and opening up a $100 bottle is just a waste. But, there are some people that can really understand and appreciate the flavor differences b/t a great dry aged steak at Luger's and one half the price at your local chain or bistro. If you weren't in love with Luger's (and yes, maybe it was an off night, but I find with steak it is more about the meat and cooking it to teh right temperature, so I doubt it could have been that big of an off night), maybe you just are not a big steakhouse person. I doubt going to Sparks or anyplace similiar will blow you away.

[tbear]

Perhaps you need a steak place that has other good options - good food in general. I would reccomend Keen's, because the steak is fantastic (for your husband) and the rest of the menu is well executed. Luger's really is a one trick pony (yes, I know about the lunch burger) and not for everyone. Other options that I have been to: BLT Steak and Craft Steak (not institutions). Skip the Palm and Wollensky's, both of which have great steak, but un-even menus.

[ESNY]

My last two visit to Lugers have been disappointing as well and definitely a step down from all my earlier visits. Are you getting prime, dry aged steaks at home? If not and it still tastes the same to you, perhaps the extra cost is not worth it to you.

I also don't love porterhouses any more, cause I'm not enamored with the filet side any more. No taste, just a soft texture. I'll take a dry aged ribeye over a porterhouse every day of the week. Strip House is very good but they have a bad time seating people on time. I also really enjoy BLT Prime. If you want to try another Lugers type restaurant, I think the best of the clones is Ben and Jacks.

[kcijones001]

Im not a Leger's fan myself and afree with ginsbera...Del Frisco's is overrated. i like bobby vans.

[ginsbera]

I personally love Lugers, more than just the steak, but the sides, the ambiance the no frills atmosphere. I do agree that the steak did need some salt on both occasions I went, but it didn't ruin my opinion of that meat. Are you looking for a trendy steakhouse? Or another no frills spot? I've had great steak at Wolfgang's (the park ave location) and Capital Grille. Del Frisco's in my opinion is a bit overrated.

[VAfoodie]

Doesn't have to be trendy. I just want a very tender, flavorful steak. Actually I was looking at Craftsteak and Kobe House and was intrigued, but my inner cheapskate wouldn't spring for it.