Sear House — Restaurant in Closter

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...

We went to Sear for my son’s farewell dinner and an incognito shopping experience on the restaurant. The server whom took care of us, was unprofessional, rude and apparently bothered to service our table. My meat was not medium, it was over cooked and tough. Filet Mignon is never tough but rather a very tender cut. The appetizer was delicious as was the bottle of Malbec. However, it’s a shame that the server does not know that a wine glass should never be empty, that he should smile and service all the tables equally, not just the tables he knows, that when asked how many pieces of Sushi the dinner roll has he should know whether it’s 9, 12 or 15. The answer should NEVER BE “I don’t know” just because you clearly can’t be bothered to answer. It’s NOT the answer a seasoned server gives or any server for that matter. If you don’t know such a basic answer, go find out, that’s server common sense 101. My son couldn’t understand how that was actually his response. The server simply didn’t want to be bothered. Interestingly, the table to our right, had all their questions answered, recommendations made and he even laughed with them and spent an enormous amount of time catering to them while we waited for more bread and lemon/lime for the Pellegrino that he had forgotten about and needed to be reminded of. We were so disappointed with the experience that out of principal I barely tipped him. He actually deserved ZERO on the tip, and I never leave less than 23%. The only reason he got anything is because the busboys and runners need to be taken care of from his tip. I honestly would have rather just tipped them cash directly. They actually deserved it. On the way out the server seemed shocked that he was left such a poor tip. It’s a reflection of your rude attitude and poor service! Next time be kind to everyone or go home, but DO NOT work in the hospitality industry if you’re going to have a miserable, rude attitude toward customers. You NEVER know...

Sear House, Little Falls, NJ - Exceptional Service and Great Food

Our visit to Sear House in Little Falls, NJ, to celebrate my father-in-law’s 70th birthday was a memorable experience. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional, and the staff made sure everything was seamless.

Arrival and First Impressions

The complimentary valet was a welcome touch, especially as we were traveling with a toddler. It made getting to the entrance stress-free, which is always appreciated when dining out with little ones.

Menu and Food Quality

Although Sear House is known for its steak, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety on the menu. As someone who isn’t a fan of steak, I ordered the chicken parmesan, and it exceeded my expectations—it was one of the best I’ve ever had! My wife and her brother shared the porterhouse for two, and they both raved about the quality and flavor of the steak.

Dining with Kids

One thing to note is that the restaurant doesn’t offer a dedicated kids’ menu. This could be a challenge for families with younger children. However, the staff was accommodating and split a pasta dish for our two toddlers, which worked out perfectly.

Service

The service was a standout. The staff was attentive, professional, and even great with the kids. This level of care made the entire dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Sear House impressed me with its stellar service, diverse menu, and delicious food. While the lack of a kids’ menu might be a minor inconvenience, the staff’s attentiveness more than made up for it. Whether you’re a steak lover or not, this is a great spot for special occasions or a night out with family.

Would I return? Absolutely! This was a dining experience...