Steakhouse 85

Steakhouse 85
85 Church Street
New Brunswick
732-247-8585; steakhouse85.com

Hours: Mon–Tues, 11:30 am–10 pm; Wed–Fri, 11:30 am–11 pm; Sat, 5­–11 pm; Sun, 4–9 pm.

Price: $$/$$$

Style: Upscale steakhouse with an elegant sports bar. Wood paneled walls, fireplaces and comfy banquettes and tables create a warm ambience.

Don’t Miss: Start with the champagne lobster bisque ($9, cup/$11, bowl). This creamy version has a touch of Rémy Martin cognac that adds richness. The classic onion soup topped with Gruyere ($6, cup/$8, crock) is another good choice. For lunch, steak options include sliced ribeye topped with provolone and roasted peppers ($14) and sirloin with a roasted-garlic dipping sauce ($24), both served with crispy fries. Sandwiches include the Best BLT Ever ($12), an ample portion of Applewood smoked bacon with cured tomatoes; and the smoked-salmon club with goat cheese and red onion served on pumpernickel ($14). Or go lighter with the grilled Caesar salad ($9). It comes with white anchovies and a Parmesan crostini.

Heads Up: The menu is pricey for dinner, but the selections are mouthwatering. Many appetizers are from the sea—chipotle orange scallops ($13), cilantro lime shrimp ($14) and yellowfin tuna tartare with toasted sesame sauce ($13). The fresh salads are complemented by ingredients like cranberries, local honey and candied pecans. For entrées, the star is the array of top-notch Premium Gold Angus beef ($24–$53) served à la carte, with add-ons including Bearnaise sauce ($2), Maytag blue cheese ($2) and seared foie gras ($19). Sides, such as skillet hash browns ($5), Vidalia onion rings ($5) and lobster mac and cheese ($18) are generous. Among the non-meat entrées are tender dayboat scallops with smoked bacon and cannellini beans with braised arugula ($32), roasted free-range chicken over a wild mushroom risotto cake with a side of broccoli rabe ($28) and twin South African lobster tails ($55).

The Scoop: Nightly specials keep the menu lively. The wait staff is attentive and well-versed. The restaurant strikes a rare balance: there’s a large bar area with flat screen TVs showing sports or news and also a regular lineup of jazz bands that utilize the grand piano.