From Exceptional to Forgettable: A Masterclass in Decline My accountant once asked what made this place so special. I honestly couldn’t put my finger on it back then; maybe it was the charm, the quality, the consistency. Whatever it was, it’s gone now.
This used to be an upscale local gem. Great food, generous portions, a little bit of sports on the TV, and just the right atmosphere—lively but not loud, refined but not pretentious. My father and I loved coming here. We’d leave full, happy, and impressed every single time.
Fast forward to last night, the experience could’ve doubled as a case study in how to ruin a good thing. The bartender looked like he’d rather be anywhere else, and his lack of basic courtesy didn’t go unnoticed. When another customer refused to tip him, he seemed genuinely shocked, which says a lot. The energy behind the bar was flat, the service disconnected, and the staff overall seemed just as uninterested as the food was uninspired.
Speaking of food, the short rib I ordered, once a showstopper, was barely appetizer-sized. Two small pieces of meat for over $40. A couple months ago, that same dish could’ve fed two grown adults, but now I was left wondering if they were rationing ingredients to cover the electric bill.
I stayed quiet because it was clear I wasn’t the only one disappointed; at least three other tables were visibly unimpressed. Reading through recent reviews afterward, I realized it wasn’t just an off night. The decline has been ongoing, and apparently management is perfectly fine ignoring it.
Sure, they’ve got the “regulars” who love hearing their names called and getting a handshake at the door, but loyalty can’t mask mediocrity forever. Big building, big parking lot, small portions, and even smaller effort. That’s not a winning recipe.
As for me, I’ll be taking my $2,500 a month dining habit elsewhere, somewhere that still values quality, service, and consistency. Hopefully they figure it out before they become just another “remember when” spot people drive past with a sigh.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Chris Corday
We walked in on Friday, 10/10/25, around 7 PM. It was a bit crowded, but no one greeted us or offered to seat us, so my wife and I sat ourselves at a high-top table by the bar. After about 10 minutes, a waiter finally came by — still no menus — and asked if we wanted a drink. I said, “A menu would be nice,” which he did bring… but after that, nothing.
For the next 20 minutes, we sat there watching waiter after waiter walk right past us. Not even a glass of water was brought to the table, and no one took our order. Eventually, we just got up, walked out, and retrieved our own keys from the valet.
Simply amazing — the service here has hit rock bottom.
Service: 1
marilynh
I have been here a number of times and the food was always very good. This time the porterhouse was very fatty and not very tender. I was very disappointed
JOE
Sear is a fantastic steakhouse. I don't recommend ordering any fish dinners. It's apparently frozen and delivered too wet for me to enjoy.
Tom Garofano
My wife and I just went for our ten year anniversary and we both agreed the best steak we have ever had. Food, service, environment was great. Bathrooms spotless. Took the waiters advice on an appetizer and it was so much better than he even described. Filet mignon cooked spot on, melts in your mouth. Been waiting to try this place for years and ill definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin
Dining at Searhouse was a very enjoyable experience. The food was excellent, as was the service. However, as there were two parties going on at the same time, the noise level was a bit high.
Jeannette Reyes
Had a lunch meeting with two colleagues & we had a very enjoyable experience. Food & ambiance were good, and service was friendly & attentive. The lunch Pre Fixe menu is an unbelievable value!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Thomas Mertz
Very nice upscale steak house. They have a price fixed menu before 630pm . Good value for the $$
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Guy Avtalion
We love the place. A little pricey but excellent food and good ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
DeAndre Mattison
We had a lunch event for about 50 people as part of a Netflix tech scout, and everything went really well. The food was great, everyone especially loved the chocolate mousse cake and the staff couldn’t have been more attentive and helpful and accommodating. They were able to adjust to all of our last minute request and I am super appreciative of how easy and stress-free they made this event for me.
A big thank you to Benny for making sure it all came together.
We love coming to this restaurant. It is a comfortable and classy restaurant with good service. The food is great. I love the steaks and everyone wants to make sure that you're happy. I will be back.
NoName
Before they talked behind your back and make fun they must think that what if you can understand their language ;)
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Daniel
Consistently Fabulous- Always a great meal prepared exquisitely. The service is also impeccable. When I want to go to a great steakhouse, my choice is always SEAR House in Closter.
Peter Humblias
Literally the best steak I’ve ever eaten and Amanda the bar tender is above reproach. Definitely eat here and don’t look back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
S D
Really great service, very attentive and made sure we were well looked after throughout the meal. We sat outside which was really nice. Most of the food was very good, especially the french onion soup and 10oz fillet steak. My wife has the pre-fix menu which was excellent value!
From Exceptional to Forgettable: A Masterclass in Decline
My accountant once asked what made this place so special. I honestly couldn’t put my finger on it back then; maybe it was the charm, the quality, the consistency. Whatever it was, it’s gone now.
This used to be an upscale local gem. Great food, generous portions, a little bit of sports on the TV, and just the right atmosphere—lively but not loud, refined but not pretentious. My father and I loved coming here. We’d leave full, happy, and impressed every single time.
Fast forward to last night, the experience could’ve doubled as a case study in how to ruin a good thing. The bartender looked like he’d rather be anywhere else, and his lack of basic courtesy didn’t go unnoticed. When another customer refused to tip him, he seemed genuinely shocked, which says a lot. The energy behind the bar was flat, the service disconnected, and the staff overall seemed just as uninterested as the food was uninspired.
Speaking of food, the short rib I ordered, once a showstopper, was barely appetizer-sized. Two small pieces of meat for over $40. A couple months ago, that same dish could’ve fed two grown adults, but now I was left wondering if they were rationing ingredients to cover the electric bill.
I stayed quiet because it was clear I wasn’t the only one disappointed; at least three other tables were visibly unimpressed. Reading through recent reviews afterward, I realized it wasn’t just an off night. The decline has been ongoing, and apparently management is perfectly fine ignoring it.
Sure, they’ve got the “regulars” who love hearing their names called and getting a handshake at the door, but loyalty can’t mask mediocrity forever. Big building, big parking lot, small portions, and even smaller effort. That’s not a winning recipe.
As for me, I’ll be taking my $2,500 a month dining habit elsewhere, somewhere that still values quality, service, and consistency. Hopefully they figure it out before they become just another “remember when” spot people drive past with a sigh.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
We walked in on Friday, 10/10/25, around 7 PM. It was a bit crowded, but no one greeted us or offered to seat us, so my wife and I sat ourselves at a high-top table by the bar. After about 10 minutes, a waiter finally came by — still no menus — and asked if we wanted a drink. I said, “A menu would be nice,” which he did bring… but after that, nothing.
For the next 20 minutes, we sat there watching waiter after waiter walk right past us. Not even a glass of water was brought to the table, and no one took our order. Eventually, we just got up, walked out, and retrieved our own keys from the valet.
Simply amazing — the service here has hit rock bottom.
Service: 1
I have been here a number of times and the food was always very good. This time the porterhouse was very fatty and not very tender. I was very disappointed
Sear is a fantastic steakhouse. I don't recommend ordering any fish dinners. It's apparently frozen and delivered too wet for me to enjoy.
My wife and I just went for our ten year anniversary and we both agreed the best steak we have ever had. Food, service, environment was great. Bathrooms spotless. Took the waiters advice on an appetizer and it was so much better than he even described. Filet mignon cooked spot on, melts in your mouth. Been waiting to try this place for years and ill definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dining at Searhouse was a very enjoyable experience. The food was excellent, as was the service. However, as there were two parties going on at the same time, the noise level was a bit high.
Had a lunch meeting with two colleagues & we had a very enjoyable experience. Food & ambiance were good, and service was friendly & attentive. The lunch Pre Fixe menu is an unbelievable value!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Very nice upscale steak house. They have a price fixed menu before 630pm . Good value for the $$
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We love the place. A little pricey but excellent food and good ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a lunch event for about 50 people as part of a Netflix tech scout, and everything went really well. The food was great, everyone especially loved the chocolate mousse cake and the staff couldn’t have been more attentive and helpful and accommodating. They were able to adjust to all of our last minute request and I am super appreciative of how easy and stress-free they made this event for me.
A big thank you to Benny for making sure it all came together.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We love coming to this restaurant. It is a comfortable and classy restaurant with good service. The food is great. I love the steaks and everyone wants to make sure that you're happy. I will be back.
Before they talked behind your back and make fun they must think that what if you can understand their language ;)
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Consistently Fabulous- Always a great meal prepared exquisitely. The service is also impeccable. When I want to go to a great steakhouse, my choice is always SEAR House in Closter.
Literally the best steak I’ve ever eaten and Amanda the bar tender is above reproach. Definitely eat here and don’t look back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really great service, very attentive and made sure we were well looked after throughout the meal. We sat outside which was really nice. Most of the food was very good, especially the french onion soup and 10oz fillet steak. My wife has the pre-fix menu which was excellent value!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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