Roots Steakhouse, Ridgewood, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Fare: American Steakhouse
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Serves a superior grade of beef: USDA Prime beef.
Service: Professional, attentive.
Ambiance/Decor: Clubby, upscale ambiance with a masculine feel. Interior decor features rich dark wood paneling
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - High
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy high end steakhouse food with a clubby ambiance and a well stocked, full service bar.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who enjoy low end casual dining with lots of display TV's and the use of cell phones and other technology devices.
Recommended dishes: When available,The Prime NY Strip Steak; The Spice Crusted Yellow fin Tuna; and The Domestic Double Cut Lamb Chops.
Liquor: Full bar service with wine list of over 140 bottles --- largely California reds.
Nestled in the heart of Ridgewood’s charming downtown, Roots Steak House delivers a top-tier dining experience that balances classic steakhouse elegance with a modern, upscale edge.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, clubby ambiance—think dark wood paneling, crisp white tablecloths, and a buzz of sophisticated conversation.
Service:
Impeccable. The staff is professional without being stiff, attentive without hovering. Our server was knowledgeable about both the menu and the extensive wine list, offering insightful recommendations that perfectly complemented our meal.
Food:
Let’s talk steak—because that’s what you’re here for. Roots doesn’t disappoint. The filet mignon was buttery and perfectly cooked to medium-rare, with a charred crust that packed flavor. The bone-in ribeye was a standout—juicy, rich, and expertly seasoned. Their dry-aged beef lives up to the hype. Roots Steakhouse serves USDA Prime beef. USDA Prime is the superior grade with exceptional tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and delicate texture. It has the highest fat marbling and is derived from younger beef.
Desserts are worth the splurge, especially the chocolate molten cake and the cheesecake, both generous and delicious finales to the meal.
Drinks:
The wine list is deep and impressive, ranging from bold Napa Cabernets to elegant Old World selections. The cocktails were also crafted with care—classic, strong, and just a little fancy.
Atmosphere:
It’s a spot that’s perfect for a celebratory dinner, a business meeting, or even a classy date night. It can get a little loud during peak hours, but the energy adds to the experience rather than detracts. There is an attractive bar area with three additional dining rooms. An open kitchen is visible from the front dining room and bar. The bar area has a few high-backed booths for two, along with two large tables at the front windows. There are no TVs in the bar area. The third dining room is available for private parties.
Bottom Line:
Roots Steak House in Ridgewood is a polished, high-end steakhouse that gets the fundamentals right—quality cuts, spot-on service, and a sophisticated vibe. It’s not the cheapest place in town, but for a special night out or a great steak fix, it’s absolutely worth it.
(updated: April 2025)
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