Steak House that won't break the bank

My husband requested going to a Steak House next weekend for his birthday. Ruth's Chris, Rod's and places like that are too pricey. Where can you get a steak that won't break the bank which isn't a place like Outback either?

Charlie Brown's, perhaps? There's one close by in Millburn. Link: http://charliebrowns.com/

They have a bit of outdoor seating in a courtyard behind the restaurant, which can be nice if weather permits. You also may want to consider the Papermill Playhouse theater schedule, as the place can be crowded with pre-theater diners.

ebr95 said:
Charlie Brown's, perhaps? There's one close by in Millburn. Link: http://charliebrowns.com/
They have a bit of outdoor seating in a courtyard behind the restaurant, which can be nice if weather permits. You also may want to consider the Papermill Playhouse theater schedule, as the place can be crowded with pre-theater diners.

Have you been to Charlie Browns? I was there once and it was pretty sad.

bog, how long ago were you there? Sad how? The (small) chain reorganized itself a few years ago now, closed poor performing locations, and changed their marketing/menu a bit. The parking lot is always full, so it must still appeal to some folks. It also met the criteria for pricing that does not break the bank and does not scream "chain" like Outback. I have not been there very recently myself, so just a suggestion.

bog, how long ago were you there? Sad how? The (small) chain reorganized itself a few years ago now, closed poor performing locations, and changed their marketing/menu a bit. The parking lot is always full, so it must still appeal to some folks. It also met the criteria for pricing that does not break the bank and does not scream "chain" like Outback. I have not been there very recently myself, so just a suggestion.

Search the archives on "steakhouse" as one word, and you'll find many reviews and discussions.

The Ironbound in Newark has those place with steak on swords.

I go to a steak house once a year with my friend from the UK. Been to most in NYC and Roots. There is no way to get a good steak for cheap or even moderate price, sadly.

Went to Roots last week and was not terribly good. Food all a bit dry.

For a divey but yummy steakhouse my hubby and I love Jim johnstons:

http://www.jimjohnstons.com

Retro decor. Salads out of old school wooden bowls. Good if you're craving steak and don't want to break bank.

The filet mignon you cook on a stone at Valencia in Elizabeth is excellent. But it isn't a steakhouse experience with aged steaks, atmosphere, great sides. You pay for that at a steakhouse. The steakhouse in Westfield Sweetwatersis pretty good and there was a Groupon for it not too long ago that ca be used any day but Saturday.

Bloomfield Steak and Sea Food.........a little gem of a place. A few dollars more costly than Charlie Browns's but a world apart

http://www.eatbeefgethooked.com/dinner.html

We like Valenca's in Elizabeth. You can have your steak cooked on hot stones!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/valenca-restaurant-elizabeth

If you want a down and dirty steak with a crock of french onion soup, super buttery garlic bread and a frosty mug of beer, you can head to Aurthur's in Morris Plains or Hoboken.

debpod said:
If you want a down and dirty steak with a crock of french onion soup, super buttery garlic bread and a frosty mug of beer, you can head to Aurthur's in Morris Plains or Hoboken.

Yes , Yes, Yes. Have not been there in years and did not think about it but certainly you get a steak you will remember......Great idea.

Did the Hoboken location close

author said:

debpod said:
If you want a down and dirty steak with a crock of french onion soup, super buttery garlic bread and a frosty mug of beer, you can head to Aurthur's in Morris Plains or Hoboken.

Yes , Yes, Yes. Have not been there in years and did not think about it but certainly you get a steak you will remember......Great idea.

I don't think it has closed. My husband would be devastated- that was his college steakhouse at Stevens.

Guess I was wrong - its a good recommendation for an affordable steakhouse.

The Arthurs in Hoboken is not owned by the same people that own the one in Morris Plains (used to be, but not anymore). Myself and a few buddies ate there a few months ago, and it blows the doors off the Arthurs in Morris Plains. A little closer, and technically not a steak house, but Molly Malone's on Route 10 in Whippany has a very good 20oz. ribeye (same owners as the Dublin Pub in Morristown, the Mongey's). If you're in Brooklyn and want a reasonable steakhouse, try the Amber Steakhouse. I went there with about 20 other people after the NYC Hot Sauce Expo in April for my 50th, and the place was absolutely awesome (the bill only came to $1200 for about 20 people, including booze)). All the other joints (Ruth's Chris, Lugers, Palm, etc) are just WAY over-priced, and the a la carte stuff is just annoying. $9 for a potato? F*ck that.

DEFCON_Creator said:
The Arthurs in Hoboken is not owned by the same people that own the one in Morris Plains (used to be, but not anymore). Myself and a few buddies ate there a few months ago, and it blows the doors off the Arthurs in Morris Plains.

I have gone to Arthur's in Hoboken. Not as good as it used to be many years ago but still a good deal. The we tried the one in Morris Plains - very disappointed.

Thank you for the Amber tip. We'll give it a try. I too think paying a ton for sides sucks.

For a high-end experience, I can strongly recommend Sear in Cedar Grove (easy drive down Pompton Ave.) we've been twice and it's very good overall - food, ambiance, service. But you'll pay for that. For a special occasion, I would recommend you request a table in the quieter center fireplace room.

http://www.searhousegrill.com

For much less in the decor department, but still very excellent food, I highly, highly recommend Prime 151. It is a much smaller location and is located on Valley in Montclair in a small strip mall, but it is a hidden gem. All organic, grass-fed meats as the owner will lovingly be sure to let you know as he makes the rounds with his patrons. He is from Italy and clearly is passionate about the food he serves. Also, it's BYO, which I personally love!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/prime-151-montclair