Woodcroft Steakhouse & Seafood — Restaurant in Nutley

When you pay premium prices at a upscale steakhouse, the bar is set pretty high for the expectation level of the dining experience. Quality is measured by every aspect of the dining experience; service, atmosphere and of course, the quality of the food.

This establishment did not do well by any measure.

Starting with having to ask several times for water and napkins at the onset of the meal, things got worse as the meal progressed.

My wife asked to share a wedge salad. Getting a second plate was a project. Food sitting on the table for ten minutes, we got up asked again.

We ordered the most expensive steak on the menu; the ribeye tomahawk. It was priced similarly to what restaurants like Capitol Grill or Ruth’s Chris charge but what was served bears no resemblance to what those establishments serve. I sampled two pieces of the steak.

We asked to speak to the manager and he did not take the news well when I told him the steak was tough. His response at first was, that is aged beef. Followed by I never got any complaints on this dish before. He declined my offer to taste the food. Not exactly showing any concern for client satisfaction, as in not at all interested in finding out if there was a real issue with the steak, he cleared the plate and walked away.

Great, blame the customer!.

After another several minutes the waiter asked if there is anything else. We asked if they were planning on remaking the steak, the waiter looked dazed. The manager came back asking what’s the issue now? “I took it off the check,” he barked. I guess he knew there was no decent steak to remake.

We paid for our bottle of wine and wedge salad, left and went to the diner.

We have so many choices in this area for great steak; Sear, River Palm, Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s…. Pick one, any of these or many others.

As an aside, the party next to our table heard the whole thing go down and shared their food was also not great, as in unacceptable.

Bad food, bad service and lots of attitude, should we try this place again… not a chance!

As a post mortem to this review, note the response from the owner of this establishment. More than anything I could write about this establishment, his comments illustrate the absolute accuracy of my description of his attitude... To his credit, after re-reading his own ridiculous and pathetic response, he toned it down it realizing what a complete disaster his remarks were. Cursing out a person that wrote an accurate, but unfavorable review never works out. A honest review is not bullying. Perhaps your energy would be better spent getting your house...

I recently dined at Woodcroft Steakhouse & Seafood and unfortunately had an experience that left me with no choice but to caution others. My visit to this establishment was marred by a severe case of food poisoning, which I strongly believe stemmed from consuming their oysters.

Upon entering the restaurant, I was initially impressed by the ambiance and the apparent cleanliness of the establishment. The menu boasted a variety of enticing dishes, and being a seafood enthusiast, I eagerly opted for their oysters.

However, my excitement quickly turned into distress as the symptoms of food poisoning began to manifest shortly after consuming the oysters. Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps plagued me for hours, leaving me incapacitated and miserable.

In hindsight, I deeply regret not being more cautious about the quality and freshness of the seafood served. It's evident that proper handling and storage procedures were not followed, leading to this unfortunate incident.

While I understand that food poisoning can occur at any establishment, the severity of my experience at Woodcroft Steakhouse & Seafood cannot be overlooked. It's imperative that restaurants prioritize food safety measures to prevent such incidents from recurring and jeopardizing the health of their patrons.

In conclusion, I advise extreme caution to anyone considering dining at Woodcroft Steakhouse & Seafood, especially when it comes to consuming seafood. My experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to food safety, and I hope that the management takes proactive steps to address this issue and ensure the well-being of their customers in the future.

Response:

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to address the recent misunderstanding regarding my alleged allergy to oysters. Firstly, I want to clarify that I am not allergic to oysters. I understand there may have been some confusion or misinformation, but I assure you that consuming oysters does not pose any allergic risk to me.

Furthermore, it's important to note that the adverse reaction experienced was not exclusive to me. Another individual also encountered similar symptoms after consuming oysters, indicating that there might have been an issue with the particular batch or preparation rather than a specific allergy on my part.

I appreciate your concern and attention to this matter. Rest assured, I will continue to exercise caution when it comes to food consumption and will remain vigilant about any...

During my first visit to Woodcroft Steakhouse and Seafood, I was instantly taken by its classic, refined interior which set the stage for a delightful evening out with friends. The restaurant was bustling on a Saturday night, perfectly capturing a vibrant atmosphere conducive to engaging conversations over drinks.

We kicked off the night with some unique cocktails. The Mule of Italy, a twist on the traditional Moscow Mule, was notably lighter and more refreshing—ideal for a balmy evening. In contrast, the Woodcroft Old Fashioned packed a punch, its robust flavors wonderfully setting the tone for the hearty meal ahead.

The appetizer round began with fried calamari, which, unfortunately, didn't quite meet our expectations. It lacked the freshness and vibrant flavor I anticipated, which was a slight letdown as we moved on to the main courses.

The entrees, however, were a significant redeeming factor. The Land & Sea—a lavish combination of steak and lobster—was impeccably delicious and lived up to its classic appeal. The 28-day Dry Aged T-Bone Steak, ordered medium rare, arrived leaning more towards medium well, but was still savory and well-seasoned. The standout of the evening was undoubtedly the Braised Short Ribs, which were among the best I've ever enjoyed, with their deep flavors and tender texture making a lasting impression.

No dining experience is complete without a round of desserts and coffee, and Woodcroft excelled here. The double espresso ended up being a delightful surprise, ranking impressively among my top five ever. The house-made tiramisu was another highlight, with its exquisite texture and strong coffee flavor encapsulating the essence of this beloved dessert. My friends enjoyed the Apple Strudel and the Tartufo—an Italian treat featuring vanilla and chocolate ice cream encased in a chocolate shell—rounding off the meal on a high note.

Though slightly on the pricey side, Woodcroft Steakhouse and Seafood offers an engaging ambiance, with a selection of dishes and drinks that mostly hit the mark. The overall experience, enriched by its sophisticated setting and some truly exceptional dishes and drinks, ensures that this venue is reserved for those special occasions. Given its proximity to my home, it's undoubtedly a spot I'll revisit for a...