Another Peter Luger spin-off, Blair Perrone is probably the nicest and most comfortable steakhouse in Manhattan. They inherited an enormous, beautiful space from the failed Ruth's Chris East Side along with Ruth's Chris's signature 1800° oven which gives them a culinary advantage. The food is all around very good and the place is extremely nice and grand - a bit more women-friendly as well. The location is very convenient (48th and 2nd) but just enough out of the fray that it's typically not a problem getting in. Given the setting and the quality of the food, this place can't be beat. Let's just hope they get enough traffic to stay in business.

885 2nd Avenue @ 47th Street

(212) 796-8000

Of all the Peter Luger clones which have popped up in Manhattan over the past several years, this one is the best so far. It's right near Grand Central and in a very comfortable, though not too glamorous setting. The menu is identical to Peter Luger, the food is nearly as good, the service is fine and the location can't be beat. Though it has yet to stand the test of time (opened in 2006), it is currently as good as it gets in Manhattan.

219 East 44th Street @ 3rd Avenue

(212) 682-5678

We know that recommending Peter Luger is about as original as saying "when you're in Paris, you should really see the Eiffel Tower," but the fact is that it is simply the best. Despite the proliferation of steakhouses across the city, among New Yorkers who are real steak lovers, it still reigns supreme. The steak itself is usually perfect; they have the best meat available to mankind. There might be an infrequent miss but far less often than at other places. The steaks are usually cooked perfectly, because, for the most part, they just crank out medium-rare porterhouses and the waiters, who really know what they're doing, make sure you get the right steak. Everything else is simple and delicious and, with an upscale beer hall atmosphere, it’s also a good time. Despite a reputation for gruffness, the owners and staff seem to have mellowed out - the service is actually excellent, the hosts are pleasant and reservations are indeed honored.

178 Broadway

(718) 387-7400

A bit different from the others as it is not a Luger's clone, the Strip House is the best of the rest. Though not a NY original, the steak and all the food is fantastic including the nontraditional gourmet adaptations of the side dishes. The bordello-themed restaurant is actually very female-friendly and good for a date (it's a place where a group of women might feel comfortable by themselves). Essentially, it's a great steakhouse disguised as a nice restaurant. For a true "guys night out" you may want to stick to the other choices. The Greenwich Village location may also be appealing to some.

13 East 12th Street @ 5th & University Place

(212) 328-0000

If you're way downtown, this is the place to go. The original Wolfgang's (at 33rd and Park) was the first Luger's spin-off/clone. The food there is excellent but the place is so cramped, it's to be avoided. The newer sister location in Tribeca, however, is spacious and vibrant. With the same excellent food and a trendy atmosphere, this is a very good downtown choice.

409 Greenwich Street @ Beach and Hubert Streets

(212) 925-0350