The Highlawn
The Highlawn things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Around NYC | Stunning NJ & Manhattan Views from a Must-Visit Restaurant for Autumn Foliage and Scenic Overlooks
star_gazerstar_gazer
8150
NJ New Jersey 2022 Top 30 Restaurants | 3/30 Unlocked So Far
BroderickBroderick
1100
Disappointing Fine Dining Experience Today my culinary school took us to this restaurant for a fine dining experience, as this is what we have been learning about in class. Unfortunately, the experience fell far short of expectations. From the beginning, communication with my chef instructor was poor. When we arrived, I can say the restaurant had an amazing view, but that was the only positive aspect of our visit. After being seated, it took nearly 20 minutes for a server to approach our table. A host from the front did come by to tell us "just one more minute." When our server finally arrived, he rushed through everything, resulting in my order being incorrect for every course. My chef instructor even received raw chicken, and surprisingly, no one came to apologize despite this being an upscale establishment. They simply took the plate back without explanation. The food was cold and very average—we are preparing better dishes in our culinary school. Throughout our meal, other staff kept glancing at our table, yet no one ever checked if we needed anything or if we were enjoying our experience. As culinary students, we expected the restaurant to demonstrate what proper service in an upscale establishment should look like. Instead, there was no sense of hospitality; everything felt rushed, and we were made to feel uncomfortable. Another issue arose when the menu clearly stated that two drinks were included, but the manager insisted to my chef that it was only one drink per person. When we finished, we were given to-go boxes without bags—a small detail, perhaps, but considering we spent nearly $1,000, you would expect better service throughout. The most disappointing part came when we were leaving. The manager simply looked at us and walked away without a "thank you" or "please come back"—not even a goodbye. I made a point to say "thanks for having us" out loud, and only one tall staff member bothered to respond. As future chefs and restaurant owners, we visited this establishment hoping for an experience that would match its premium prices. The interior is indeed very nice, which sets an expectation for equally impressive service, but this was not the case at all. The restaurant knew we were coming and that we were students from the Hudson County Culinary program—why not make an effort to demonstrate proper hospitality? My server got my order wrong multiple times yet still received a $120 tip. I will never return to this restaurant, and one day we may be their competition. If nothing else, they certainly taught us what not to do in our future establishments.
Jasmine WilliamsJasmine Williams
00
Valentine’s Day disaster!!!Had a 6pm reservation for prefixed dinner on 2/14/25 for my husband and I. Hostess sent us upstairs where no one acknowledged us for about 5-7 minutes. We just stood in the middle of people dinning and wondered when will someone seat us. We were skipped over and the people behind us were taken to their table before us. Hostess from downstairs made her way up and got them to seat us. We thought thank goodness she came up! We were then seated nice view up here but that’s about it. Server did not know what restaurant he was working in or why he was even there. We had to ask for bread even though butter and olive oil are in the table. We ordered around 6:30 and got our first course, crab cake, about 10 minutes later partly cold. Then the next course- salad- took a little over an hour. When we asked a random server for our food, waiter anyone, nothing happened so I stood up and asked the bartender. He was very helpful and the only reason why I gave any stars on this review. He made sure our order was in. The kitchen still brought our salads twice and to the table next to us. Again no salad yet! Finally got our salad and then main course. My husbands filet was cooked wrong temperature, we sent it back. He got back half the size steak. We had to remind them to bring dessert. It’s now 2hrs 40 minutes and a ridiculous waste of time. Food was mediocre tasted like catering hall food. Service was embarrassing. Thank goodness my husband and I eat out often and don’t emphasize holidays for a night out. This was an epic fail and would ruin anyone’s special dinner, won’t be back.
Priscilla LunaPriscilla Luna
00
We had our wedding ceremony and reception at The Highlawn a month ago and it was amazing! Stephanie and Gianna, Highlawn Events Mgmt, were beyond accommodating, patient, and super kind. They also had fun ideas and options to make our wedding day epic. Nick was such a pleasure to work with too. Nick and the team nailed the His&His drinks and really helped make the day perfect. The ceremony space at The Highlawn is completely redone and it is beautiful. The Highlawn’s ceremony space has lots of nice flowers and trees all around. The NYC skyline shows through the ceremony area and it does not disappoint. We had the Cocktail Hour downstairs and outside with everything set up just right. One of our guests describe the Cocktail Hour we had as literally perfect. The Highlawn passed hors d'oeuvres and stations were raved about every time we spoke to someone. Every single hors d'oeuvre my husband and I had was delicious from the mini crab cakes to the sliders – the cooks and servers really did a great job there. We had the wedding reception upstairs in the Skyline Ballroom, and the night continued as planned. The chefs did an amazing job and guests continued to rave about the food all night long. The views upstairs are breathtaking, and the space was very spacious for our larger wedding. The Highlawn really ensured we had the best wedding day we could ask for. Don’t think twice about hosting your event or wedding at The Highlawn. From the entire Highlawn staff to the top tier atmosphere – you won’t regret it!
Christopher AmesChristopher Ames
10
Last month we had my daughters Bat Mitzvah at The Highlawn. From start to finish, it was a pleasure to work with Gianna! She was always available and so easy and accommodating. If I needed to sub something for another, it was no problem which was really appreciated to not have to worry about. We had over 200 ppl which had me concerned about feeling too crowded. She assured me that they would make it all work out and do their best to not add tables on the dance floor. They made that happen and to my surprise, it was comfortable without having to put any tables on the the dance floor. Joelle (our Maître d) was also wonderful! As soon as we got to the party she asked if I would like a drink or if I needed anything. Being someone who planned the event without the help of planners, I really appreciated feeling taken care of from start to finish. We received sooo many compliments on the food and how good it was. The dance floor is large which was great having so many people, particularly kids. Additionally, they set up the usable outdoor balcony/patio space which was sometimes used throughout the day even in December. The views of course are amazing and having so many large windows all around made the space feel even larger. We loved having our event catered here and I would highly recommend it. I would just note to make sure you reinforce the address and the name as The Highlawn. Some of our guests put in the Highlawn pavilion which led them to another address and therefore arrived a bit late.
Heidi SpitzerHeidi Spitzer
00
Nearby Attractions Of The Highlawn
Eagle Rock Reservation
Eagle Rock Reservation
Eagle Rock Observation Deck
West Orange Plaza
America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
Eagle Rock Reservation Trail Parking
My Gym
E. Vanderhoof & Sons
Crystal Lake
XL Game Bus

Eagle Rock Reservation
4.8
(1.9K)Click for details

Eagle Rock Reservation
4.8
(1.7K)Click for details

Eagle Rock Observation Deck
4.8
(299)Click for details

West Orange Plaza
4.1
(123)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of The Highlawn
Chit Chat Diner
Kim's Sushi
Frank's Pizza
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Jersey Mike's Subs
WFM Coffee Bar

Chit Chat Diner
4.4
(2.2K)Click for details

Kim's Sushi
4.7
(826)Click for details

Frank's Pizza
4.3
(200)Click for details

Chipotle Mexican Grill
3.5
(554)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052
Map
Phone
(973) 731-3463
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Website
highlawn.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(521 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Upscale West Orange destination for New American cuisine with an outdoor bar & Manhattan views.
attractions: Eagle Rock Reservation, Eagle Rock Reservation, Eagle Rock Observation Deck, West Orange Plaza, America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eagle Rock Reservation Trail Parking, My Gym, E. Vanderhoof & Sons, Crystal Lake, XL Game Bus, restaurants: Chit Chat Diner, Kim's Sushi, Frank's Pizza, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Jersey Mike's Subs, WFM Coffee Bar

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