Steak Lovers in New Jersey, This one’s for you!

What really makes a steakhouse unforgettable? For me, it starts and ends with the meat. No heavy sauces. No distractions. Just a perfectly cooked steak that makes you pause after the first bite and think, wow.

I’ll admit it, I’m a well-done steak person. No pink, no red, just cooked all the way through. I know that might make some steak purists gasp, because the most popular way to order a steak in America is medium-rare. That’s the sweet spot for many people: a flavorful sear on the outside and a tender, juicy center. My husband Nick swears by it and gives me the full speech every time. Meanwhile, I’m over here happily waiting for mine to be cooked a little longer.

The Atmosphere That Makes a Steakhouse Special

When you walk into a great steakhouse, you feel it right away. The smell in the air. The warm lighting. The cozy, romantic vibe. While big-name chains have their place, there’s something special about family-owned spots that focus on doing one thing exceptionally well: steak.

A Hidden Gem Tucked in New Brunswick

A recent list of the most underrated steakhouses in America highlighted one New Jersey location that absolutely deserves more attention. According to cheapism.com, the Garden State is home to a true hidden gem.

Steakhouse 85

Tucked away in the heart of New Brunswick, Steakhouse 85 has quietly built a reputation for serving top-quality cuts in a setting that feels both upscale and welcoming. It’s even known as the official steakhouse of Rutgers Athletics, which says a lot about its local following.

A Menu Built for True Steak Lovers

The menu is exactly what steak lovers dream about. From dry-aged steaks and classic surf and turf to over-the-top platters like the King’s Platter, there’s something for every appetite.

And true to what makes a steakhouse great, the focus stays where it belongs, on expertly prepared, high-quality meat cooked just the way you like it.

Keep Reading: Monmouth County St. Patrick's Day Parades 2026

If you’re always on the hunt for those “locals know best” spots, this is one to add to your must-visit list. Whether you order yours well-done like me or medium-rare like Nick, this underrated New Jersey steakhouse proves that when the steak is this good, everyone leaves happy.

LOOK: 1980s Daily Life Captured in Photos

Step back into the everyday world of the 1980s — mall hangouts, boxy sedans, Walkmans, and family snapshots that capture life in all its perfectly ordinary charm. These photos celebrate the small moments, styles, and scenes that made the decade unforgettable.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

LOOK: These Color Photos Vividly Capture the Everyday Moments of Life in the ’50s and ’60s

Think you know the ‘50s and ‘60s? Spoiler alert: They were filled with colors you might never expect.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz