The Ridge Steakhouse — Restaurant in Town of Ramapo

I'm sorry to say but this place has taken a nosedive since last year. We visited recently after having last been there last November. Last year the place was elegant, understated, friendly and warm. We were greeted with a smile by all of the staff and treated like we were valued although it was our first time there. Now the place is much colder, not friendly at all. No smiles, not from the greeter (who was absent and only reluctantly paid any attention at all that we came in) not from the waitress and not from what seemed like the manager on duty. The place was busy, so we didn't expect a red carpet rolled out for us, but this was easily the worst restaurant experience I've had in a long long time. When we were finally seated, the greeter made us stand there while she called across the room - "Should I divide these tables for them?!" As we opened the menu we immediately noticed 3 things: (1) It was less than half the size of the prior year (2) the prices were much higher and (3) the menu no longer looked elegant it looked more like a fast food establishment. I was actually shocked that there seemed to be nothing affordable at all on the menu anymore, even the chicken dishes were outlandishly expensive (I think even more so than at Fireside which is this place's closest competition). Since it was busy we expected a long wait to be served but after 15 min. I realized I would have to hail down someone to get any attention. The waitress was curt, did not smile, and acted distracted. She did mention the specials without my asking so gets points for that (and I was pleased that the specials were priced below the entrees on the menu, so was glad to order the house smoked ribs). At that point, 20 min. after arriving we still had not had our water glasses filled. I glanced around and someone noticed so they came over and filled them. I waited for some fresh bread or something else to munch on during the long long wait but it never came (I'm sure they had given out bread the prior year). The wait was another painstaking 20 min. (to give credit where it's due, the fries were brought after 10 min. or so and actually were quite good). When the main courses arrived, we were very disappointed. My wife's chicken dish looked like re-heated leftovers from the fridge. The chicken was lukewarm, hard and dry, and the potatoes on the side, which were a pareve version of au gratin, were cold and not fully cooked. The whole thing was bland and unappetizing. When my ribs finally came I was impressed since they looked large and meaty. They did not offer a knife so I guess they expected I would grab these huge messy ribs with my hands and smatter them all over my face. It took me a few min. to get someone's attention and ask for a knife. As I cut in I saw they were very very rare and I tried to eat them but simply could not. My wife was just itching to get out of there already but this was already costing me as much as our monthly water bill so I refused to leave without at least trying to get my money's worth. I hailed the manager and showed him the ribs and to his credit he did not even feign a query but proffered to have them redone. I told him "You know what, just have them packed to go already", as I really couldn't wait to get out of there. It took another full 15 min., and the manager did bring us dessert on the house (which was a very good banana bread custard of some sort actually) but honestly it was too little too late. I understand the management is somewhat new, and as it stands we don't plan on returning there anytime soon, but maybe we will wait another 6 months and give it another try, hopefully others will point out their flaws as we have and they...

The Ridge is most definitely NOT the Ridge you would remember from years past. They moved, albeit just a few doors down, but the decor and menu has been given a complete refreshing modern face-lift. The decor and placing of key elements, like the bar, was really thoughtfully planned and executed. Round modern sleek bar in the center of the room so when the restaurant is closed off for an event, both sides of the expansive dining room has a beautifully appointed bar area to call their own.

Chef Gus, is a celebrated chef not only graduating from a top culinary school but also working for some renowned kitchens earning his dues. He's passionate about elevating kosher cuisine to the next level, not just mirroring the trends of the elite chefs in the treif world but creating a true statement of his own. Sadly got there just in time before the kitchen was about to close so could only try a few appetizer items.

The sous vide tongue was a tad salty but the texture of the meat was just insanely magical. The sauteed sweetbreads were a perfect light yet hearty dish. The crunchy brussel sprout leave segments were a nice nutty crunchy balance to the tender sweetbreads. The kale gnocchi...this is such a hit or miss for me because there are so many places that get this wrong. Dough is overworked so results are gunny and tacky, or there's too much liquid and it just falls apart with no body. Chef did a fantastic job of adding the kale to make it a vibrant green and also making sure that with the addition of the kale, it didn't impede on the structure or texture of the gnocchi itself. Delicately soft on the inside and nicely pan toasted on the outside for a subtle crunch. Accompanying it was a mix of succulent braised pulled beef and mixed mushrooms. The bbq pulled beef over twice fried plantain "chip" was a very nice combo of crunch and meaty goodness however suggested that the guacamole wasn't necessarily needed for the overall dish. We ended the night with their famous chocolate chip cookie and brownie baked in a mini cast iron pan.

One of the other cool highlight of the night for me, was learning that the new co-owner is from Cape Town and makes authentic biltong in house!! Had a quick delicious sampling and it transported me back to my time living in suidafrika

I'm very excited for this rejuvenated addition to the kosher restaurant roster and really looking forward to coming back try their other menu offerings like the braised oxtail, variety of charcuterie selections and their impressive...

I'm mind boggled as to how 355 people voted this 4.4, was there an incentive involved? I am not speaking on behalf of only myself but the rest of my party, 5 others. From the moment we sat down until departure was horrific. This review has to do with the food, not the servers who were very friendly. It was frigid upon entering, despite Motzei Shabbat and know you open then, it should have been set for a comfortable setting. Our menus, you would think they were the same, no. It was quite confusing especially when them in the midst of changing the menus the servers were also confused as we all received different menus and they didn't even know what was available/not available! Let's fast forward...food...how about it was only our party and another party of 2...kept confusing our orders. Somehow we ended up with an extra dish of meat that we didn't order and were charged for...then the fish didn't show up, 3 of us ordered the SAME entree with 2 have PERHAPS 1/4 of what the other had; I ordered hanger steak for $59 and LITERALLY received 2 (1.5) little strips of steak. We ordered double portion of vegetables...mine came out with a different side and the portions were small. Another waiter had to come because they were getting confused. WHAT REALLY SENT ME OVER THE EDGE TO WRITE THIS WAS - I TOOK MAYBE 3 BITES OF MY MEAL LAST NIGHT (WHEN YOU FINALLY FILLED MY PLATE TO WHAT IT SHOULD'VE ORIGINALLY HAVE BEEN) AND ASKED FOR IT TO BE PACKED UP. I JUST OPENED MY FOOD NOW....YOU THREW OUT ALL MY VEGGIES AND LEFT ME WITH THE STEAK?!?!?! WHY WEREN'T THE VEGGIES OKAY TO BE PACKED UP? DID I TELL YOU NOT TO? WERE YOU TOLD NOT TO? DID YOU INFORM...