- Attraction: Steve’s Sizzling Steaks
- Location: 620 State Rt 17, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
- Industry: Steakhouse
- Website: https://www.steves-sizzling-steaks.com
Picture this: a legendary steakhouse older than your grandparents, where the aroma of sizzling beef hits you before you even walk through the door.
Steve’s Sizzling Steaks has been dishing out thick-cut steaks on Route 17 since 1936—back when the Meadowlands were actual meadowlands, not just a sports complex. The original owner Steve survived two plane crashes and reportedly fished with Ernest Hemingway in Cuba, making him quite the larger-than-life personality.
Today, the restaurant remains family-owned, currently operated by Blaze, whose mother Marie (Steve’s daughter) made history as Bergen County’s first woman bartender.
What makes Steve’s truly special is their signature preparation method that’s been perfected over eight decades.
Your steak arrives on a sizzling hot platter, coated in their famous house sauce made with Maggi seasoning—a salty, umami-rich concoction that creates an intense flavor experience. The menu is refreshingly simple and focused, proving that sometimes less is more when you’ve mastered your craft.
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Keep Exploring →The Steaks That Made Them Famous
The Cowboy Steak: This massive 22-ounce bone-in ribeye makes a dramatic entrance at your table. You’ll watch it arrive on that signature sizzling platter, buried under a mountain of steak fries, with the intoxicating aroma of caramelized sauce wafting up. The marbling is spectacular, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that keeps people driving from all over New Jersey.
Filet Mignon Perfection: Available in 6-ounce or 12-ounce cuts, the filet here showcases exceptional tenderness. Cooked to your exact specifications, this cut demonstrates why Steve’s has maintained its reputation for nearly 90 years. The signature sauce enhances rather than overpowers the natural beef flavor, creating an addictive combination that’ll have you soaking those crispy fries in every last drop.
New York Strip & Ribeye Options: The 14-ounce New York Strip delivers that perfect balance of tenderness and beefy flavor, while the bone-in ribeye provides rich marbling and robust taste. Both arrive with that characteristic sizzle that makes your mouth water before you even take a bite. The beautiful crust formed by the high-heat cooking method adds textural contrast to the juicy interior.
The Porterhouse Experience: At 24 ounces, this bone-in combo gives you the best of both worlds—a New York strip on one side and filet mignon on the other. It’s a carnivore’s dream that provides exceptional value compared to high-end chain steakhouses while including all your sides.
What’s Included: Every steak entrée comes complete with a fresh garden salad (choose from 10+ dressings including their popular blue cheese with real chunks), those famous steak fries that you can pile high or request onion rings instead, and 3-4 of their signature button mushrooms. It’s a complete meal that doesn’t nickel-and-dime you for sides like those fancy chains do.
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Discover MoreBeyond Beef: Craving something different? The pork chops are thick and juicy, the premium shrimp dishes satisfy seafood lovers, and the fresh chicken preparations round out the menu. There’s even the Blaze Burger—a half-pound beauty that holds its own against any steak on the menu.
Appetizers & Soups Worth Starting With
French Onion Soup: This classic arrives bubbling hot in its crock with a gorgeous cheese pull that stretches from bowl to spoon. The broth carries deep, rich flavors from slow-cooked onions, and the melted cheese creates that perfect golden crown on top. It’s the ideal way to warm up before diving into your main course.
Crab Cakes: These aren’t your typical filler-heavy crab cakes. You’ll find them loaded with jumbo lump crab meat, featuring a golden crispy exterior that gives way to tender, sweet crab inside. They’re served with both cocktail and tartar sauce, letting you customize each bite.
Buffalo Shrimp: For those who like a kick, these breaded beauties pack serious heat while maintaining that satisfying crunch. The accompanying blue cheese dressing provides the perfect cooling counterpoint to the spicy coating.
Fried Zucchini Sticks: Light, crispy, and served with a tangy horseradish Dijon sauce, these make for a great shareable starter that won’t weigh you down before your steak arrives. The breading stays crunchy while the zucchini inside remains tender.
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Coconut Shrimp: Sweet coconut flakes coat plump shrimp, creating a tropical twist on seafood starters. The duck sauce provides a sweet and tangy complement that plays beautifully with the coconut coating.
The Legendary Sizzling Sauce
That Signature Flavor: The house sauce is what sets Steve’s apart from every other steakhouse in New Jersey. Made with Maggi seasoning (which has been around for over a century), this savory, salty preparation creates an intense umami explosion that coats your steak and fries. It has notes reminiscent of soy sauce but with a unique depth and complexity all its own.
Love It or Request It Aside: The restaurant is upfront about the sauce being salty and intense. You can absolutely order your steak without it or with sauce on the side if you prefer to taste the pure beef flavor first. The menu even notes that the sauce is addictive to some but may be too salty for others, so you’re empowered to make the choice that works for your palate.
The Aromatic Experience: That sizzle isn’t just for show. When your platter hits the table, the sound and smell create an anticipation that’s part of the dining experience.
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Discover MoreThe high heat caramelizes the sauce, creating a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior of your perfectly cooked steak. The aroma will absolutely cling to your clothes, turning you into a walking advertisement for the place.
Sweet Endings
Snickers Big Blitz Pie: This decadent dessert transforms everything you love about the candy bar into pie form. Think layers of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and cream creating a rich, indulgent finish to your meal that chocolate-peanut butter lovers will devour.
Key Lime Pie: Tangy, creamy, and refreshing, this classic provides the perfect palate cleanser after a hearty steak dinner. It’s not too sweet, letting that signature lime flavor shine through with just the right balance of tart and smooth.
Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm, gooey chocolate center meets a perfectly baked exterior. The molten interior flows out when you break into it, creating that Instagram-worthy moment while satisfying your chocolate cravings.
Oreo Cookie Bash & Caramel Apple Granny: These options round out a dessert menu that offers something for everyone, from cookie lovers to fruit fans. Each dessert is priced affordably at around $5-6, making them an easy addition to your meal.
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Keep Exploring →Old-School Hunting Lodge Atmosphere
Step Back in Time: Walking into Steve’s is like entering a time capsule of classic American steakhouse culture. The interior resembles a rustic hunting lodge, with heavy wooden captain’s chairs, wood-paneled walls, and taxidermied fish and game mounted throughout. There’s even a jackalope on display that adds to the quirky charm and gives the place an authentic vintage roadhouse feel.
Sports Memorabilia Galore: The walls are lined with signed black-and-white photographs of Hall of Fame athletes and celebrities from multiple generations. These autographed photos tell the story of Steve’s long history as a local institution. You might spot famous names from decades past, adding to the sense that this place has been part of Bergen County’s fabric for generations.
The Bar Scene: Steve’s features two bars with a horseshoe-shaped main bar that encourages conversation and camaraderie. Multiple TVs ensure you won’t miss the game, and the casual vibe means you can pull up a barstool in shorts and a t-shirt without feeling out of place. The bar area gets lively on weekends, creating an energetic atmosphere.
Three Dining Rooms: The layout provides options whether you’re looking for a quieter back room experience or want to be in the middle of the action. Each space maintains that comfortable, lived-in feel that makes Steve’s a neighborhood favorite rather than a stuffy fine dining destination.
That Signature Smell: You’ll know you’re in the right place when the smoky, savory aroma of sizzling steaks hits your nose from the parking lot. Fair warning—your clothes will absolutely carry that delicious scent home with you, but most people consider it a badge of honor that announces where they’ve been.
Moderate Noise Level: The restaurant maintains a lively buzz without becoming overwhelmingly loud. You can hold a conversation at your table while still feeling the energy of a busy steakhouse doing what it does best.
Practical Considerations
The Pricing Sweet Spot: Steve’s occupies a unique niche between expensive chain steakhouses and casual dining. Entrees typically range from $30-$65, with most falling in the $35-$50 range.
What sets them apart is the value proposition—your entrée includes salad, fries, and mushrooms, while those high-end chains charge separately for every side.
You’re getting quality comparable to $100+ steakhouses for significantly less, making it an excellent value for the portions and quality you receive.
Reservations & Wait Times: Steve’s operates on a first-come, first-served basis without taking reservations. Friday and Saturday nights get packed, so arrive early if you want to avoid a wait. The crowd typically picks up around 6 PM on weekends.
Weeknights tend to move faster, with shorter waits and a more relaxed pace. Even when busy, the efficient operation usually gets you seated within a reasonable timeframe.
Parking Made Easy: Unlike many Route 17 establishments, Steve’s has its own parking lot right on-site, making it easy to pull in and enjoy your meal without the hassle of street parking or walking from a distant lot.
Family-Friendly Yet Versatile: This is absolutely a place where you can bring the kids for a casual family dinner, celebrate a birthday with a big group, or enjoy a date night. The diverse crowd and welcoming atmosphere work for virtually any occasion. There’s even a kids’ menu to keep the little ones happy.
Cash Discount: Here’s a money-saving tip—they offer a 3.5% discount when you pay with cash rather than credit cards. On a $100 bill, that’s an easy few dollars back in your pocket.
Dress Code? What Dress Code?: The relaxed, casual atmosphere welcomes everything from business casual to jeans and sneakers. Come as you are and focus on enjoying your meal. This isn’t a jacket-required establishment—comfort is key.
Peak Hours Strategy: Weekends see the biggest crowds, particularly Saturday nights when the place takes on a lively, almost festive energy.
If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on a weeknight when the pace is more relaxed but the food quality remains exactly the same. Arriving before 5:30 PM or after 8 PM can also help you avoid the dinner rush.
Takeout Available: Can’t dine in? Steve’s offers takeout so you can enjoy those sizzling steaks in the comfort of your home. Just be prepared for your house to smell amazing for the rest of the evening.
Hours of Operation: Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, giving you flexibility whether you’re craving an early dinner or a later meal after work.
Steve’s Sizzling Steaks
📍 620 State Rt 17, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
