Adega is a great steakhouse in the Ironbound district. I normally would eat at Fornos, but I was pleasantly surprised when someone took me here. The space is great and from the street looks very sleek. Inside it is nice though there is a lot of grape imagery and decor... a lot.

The menu is rather large and clearly Portuguese influenced. We had the garlic shrimp appetizer, which was simply amazing, and an empanada special appetizer which was just okay. The emp was good, but I wouldn't get it again.

Other people got steaks and paella. Portions are huge making the place a great value, and everyone enjoyed their food. The main menu items with Portuguese influence were the biggest hits.

I got the prime rib special. I should have expected this, but it was not what an American would describe as prime rib e.g. slow roasted carved with a large medium rare section.

This was a 1" thick ribeye grilled to medium rare. I was mostly disappointed with this change in expectation and wished they had warned me. Despite that change, it was tasty. Especially the grilled sausages on top (also an appetizer). Nothing spectacular about the steak, but still better than Outback.

The mashed potatoes were truly the villain of this story. The were not identifiable as potatoes since they were shaped like a small cylinder with skin on which was a surprise at this level of restaurant. The potatoes were also ice cold making them gummy, and they were completely under-seasoned. It was like someone simply forgot the salt... and heat... and to make them look delicious. It was awful.

I had to skip dessert to grab a train, but tables around us were enjoying theirs. I should also mention the wine list was extensive with lots of great options so I would plan on getting a nice rioja.

Overall, I plan to go again and focus on some of the regular menu Portuguese dishes since they were the best.