Steakhouse 85, New Brunswick, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Steakhouse 85 is a destination restaurant popular with diners for special occasions, business dinners, and romantic dates.

Steakhouse 85 co-owners, chef Brian Karluk ( a Culinary Institute of America graduate) and maitre d' Matthew Terranova, both of whom formerly worked at the Witherspoon Grill in Princeton have teamed up to create one of the finest steak houses in Central New Jersey.

The beautiful "classic steak house atmosphere" and decor are done up with hardwood cherry floors, surrounding dark woods, and fireplaces, complimented by rich tones of gold, browns, and reds. Candle-lit tables with white table linens on the stand-alone tables located around the more rustic booth seating make for an attractive, romantic setting. The soft background music and excellent acoustics make this place especially attractive for romantics who are looking for some quiet conversation.

The restaurant has several dining rooms, and in the main dining room, a large cozy fireplace is the centerpiece. During the warmer summer months, when the outdoor dining area is open, total seating can expand to 300.

For the budget-conscious who enjoy fine-quality dry-aged or wet-aged steaks, if you carefully navigate the menu, you should be able to find an outstanding meal that fits your budget.

Their dry-aged steaks are rubbed with a combination of sea salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. They are seared on a 1200-degree cast iron grill and then broiled to the dining patrons' desired temperature. Their steaks are sourced from the Hartley Ranch in Texas, which provides grass-fed natural prime black Angus beef without antibiotics and growth hormones.

For vegetarians, the chef will prepare some special salads and vegetable risotto on request.

Parking is available in a nearby Public Lot. Public Transit is also available in a one-minute walk from the New Brunswick stop on the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor line.

Open seven/days/week for dinner

(updated September 2024)