Warning, this is not a good review. The good: Restaurant is a really nice building outside and inside. Nicely decorated for the holidays. The bad: Everything else. Start with the calamari appetizer. Sounds great grilled with broccoli rabe. Reality is extremely chewy calamari that was not very edible. Broccoli rabe was ok and sauce was non-offending. Ribeye steak was overcooked and not tender as a ribeye should be. Heavy butter sauce with some sliced mushrooms on top. Nothing special. T-bone special was a thin steak with the same sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Uninspired and tired. We especially loved the attack of the fruit flies throughout the meal. It became a game to try and kill them all. I am embarrassed we stayed and ate the meal. We should have left. It appears the chef/owner has lost any passion for his restaurant and serves the same tired menu for years with unimaginative specials. I wanted to love this place again but unfortunately I cannot. But hey, it is one couples opinion. See for yourself.
Barbara C.
Classificação do local: 1 Lodi, NJ
My husband & I tried this place for the first time on Friday night around 7pm. The place was busy or it looked busy because the bar was full except 3 stools at the very end. We jumped right in. My view was to look at dirty plates across the bar because that is where the restaurant’s dishwasher is located. Amelia is a warm wonderful bartender so I gave the place a chance after all it is an old rustic kind of place. We ordered a burger and a bar pie and as I was looking at my husband I saw a roach crawl out from behind a picture. I said to my husband«I think I just saw a roach!» As he turned to look, another one came out. Of course we left and now I know why no one sat in that corner. That place must be infested! Shame on them. Get an exterminator! Never going back.
T Sam M.
Classificação do local: 4 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
I’ve been here twice and both visits were very pleasant. The food was good and the staff was very friendly, though a little slow.
John M.
Classificação do local: 2 Wood-Ridge, NJ
Eaten there a few times, food is good but they close fairly early and last time we were there the waiter suggested several deserts which we really didn’t want, and as soon as they came to the table it was very clear that they wanted us out. Was going to go several other times but was informed right off the top that the kitchen closed at 9 so in order to avoid being rushed out again spent my money elsewhere. Nice ambiance and food is good but the greet em, seat em, feed em and street em needs to go at that price point. Probably won’t go back.
F W.
Classificação do local: 1 Saddle River, NJ
Just arrived home after eating at ivy inn 6 people — 1 dish was not eatable — veal chop 2 dishes had to be returned– they did not put the shrimp in a pasta/shrimp dish The meat in the other dish was not cooked– it had to be returned twice Overall terrible The service was like being served by an amateur who started to work that night The owner offered to not charge for 2 deserts but refused to buy our drinks We arrived at 5pm ordered at 530 and the appetizers arrived 1 hr later!!! This was a terrible experience
Alex L.
Classificação do local: 2 New York, NY
I have been there twice for brunch — which was ok — but Valentine’s Day at the Ivy Inn can only be described as perplexing and laughable, as in «What the heck was that?» The service was terrible, we had to ask for everything from bread to a steak knife. The owner didn’t bother to say hello, goodbye or thank you to his guests. The menu was dated — the same basic items were on the V-Day menu in 2011. There was a mandatory 20% gratuity, which they added AFTER-tax. Overall, I didn’t leave with a good feeling. Nearly $ 200 down the drain.
Helen T.
Classificação do local: 1 Bayonne, NJ
Not sure what Zagat representative came to the Ivy Inn and deemed it Zagat rated, worst dining experience ever. Maybe I should of listened and not of dined our on Valentine’s Day. The appetizer which was tomato, mozzarella and eggplant stacked, was horrible no flavor whatsoever, my chicken stuffed with prosciutto was edible however the raviolis which it came with were once again flavorless. Our waitress disappeared, people who came in 25 minutes after we did ate, had their dessert and we were still waiting. Very disappointed, not trying it again and would never recommend to anyone.
Randy M.
Classificação do local: 5 Sunman, IN
The Ivy Inn is the quintessential hometown restaurant and tavern-like eatery. The atmosphere is cozy. The service is provided by very attentive servers proud of their establishment. The food is excellent. All of which is carefully purchased by the restauranteur. I’m a business traveler, but felt like I was at home as I had a friendly chat with the owner. Really great place !
Douglas J.
Classificação do local: 4 Canoga Park, CA
Lovely atmosphere. Intimate bar. Bartender prepares a good martini. Very tasty crab cakes and short ribs. Minuscule muscles in a tasty spicy sausage sauce. Excellent mashed potatoes. The worst gristle-laced black Angus rib eye steak. Friendly but average service.
Patrick M.
Classificação do local: 5 Jersey City, NJ
We went to the Ivy Inn for our anniversary, and had a wonderful time. We didn’t have a reservation, but we still got one of(if not the best) table in the place, right by the cozy fireplace. The staff was all very knowledgeable and helpful. We started with mussels and weren’t rushed through any part of the meal, even when we just sat and slowly ate the mussels, nor when we asked for more bread to soak up the great sauce it was in(butter/garlic/wine…how can you go wrong!). Our main courses were lamb and the crab cakes; both were amazing, and they allowed us to substitute the sides for other ones, which was nice. The food was amazing, but the service and ambiance are what will make us come back soon for sure. It is also very well priced for the quality of food and style of restaurant. We checked-in online and wrote that it was our anniversary, and less than ten minutes later(though we hadn’t actual told anyone at the restaurant), they brought over champagne and wished us a happy anniversary. It was the sweetest experience I may have ever had at a restaurant. I would give this place six stars if I could!
Cathie B.
Classificação do local: 1 Rutherford, NJ
Very disappointed in the Ivy Inn. We had 9:30 reservations on New Years Eve and after waiting OVER30 minutes we were offered a table that had four place settings when we were a party of six. The table was to small for six adults and it was clear we would not fit comfortably. When making the reservation we were told we would be seated in front of the fireplace which is a larger table however another group was being seated there. We were told there were no other options, the hostess was far from accommodating or apologetic. Sidebar… The restaurant was extremely busy and while sitting at the bar I spoke to another family who waited 40 minutes past their reservation for a table. We were told that we could sit(or squeeze) at the four top table or leave. Needless to say, we found ourselves making phone calls at 10:15 to find a restaurant who would be able to seat us.
Lee C.
Classificação do local: 5 East Rutherford, NJ
As usual«THEBEST»!!! We joined Ivy Inn for New Years Eve dinner! The menu was spectacular !! The shrimp cocktail was cooked perfect and my husband had the escargot with a delicious butter garlic sauce over a crunchy croûton HEAVEN! Our entrees were the filet mignon with grilled portobello mushroom, blue cheese and a bernaise sauce… The flavors were perfect together! Rack of lamb was cooked to perfection! They kept bringing champagne to fill our glasses throughout the evening what a great way to ring in the new year! Dessert we both indulged in the crem brûlée it had a crispy warm sugar glaze on top«yummy!»… Only downfall was a group of guest that were attacking the manager because they didn’t like their table one after the other they were rudely going on and on about the table which was causing a sceen in front of a very busy packed restaurant! We had to wait to be seated due to the tantrum they were throwing for no reason! Otherwise we enjoyed our selves very much! I have been to Ivy at different times of the year and this holiday season is my favorite by far… A must try !! From the food, décor and gracious service it’s a win, win! Happy 2015!
Julia C.
Classificação do local: 3 Bergen County, NJ
The Ivy Inn is cozy, warm, homey and beautifully decorated. I dined there for brunch recently and got to see the extra special holiday decorations. In addition to sitting next to the fireplace, crackling with a warm fire on a chilly day, there was a beautiful Christmas tree on the other side of the table. The dark wood interior, low ceilings and fireplaces would make this a great spot for a romantic dinner date. The $ 18 two course brunch deal includes one brunch cocktail. We started off with a freshly baked muffin basket, which was warm when it arrived. I chose the mixed greens salad to start with blue cheese, apples, walnuts and a vinaigrette dressing. It was delicious, although I wish it was served on a larger plate since it was filled to the brim and hard to keep neat as I was eating the first few bites. For my main meal, I had the bacon and cheddar omelette served with potatoes. It was a fine omelette. The food left less of an impression than the décor and ambiance. I’d definitely recommend the Ivy Inn for brunch, and am curious to go back for dinner sometime.
Nicole B.
Classificação do local: 4 Boston, MA
I have been to the Ivy Inn a few times, mainly for brunch and lunch. I would say that the ambiance is the big draw considering how cozy it is inside. I recently went for brunch and the restaurant was decked out with Christmas decorations and we sat right by a warm fire place! This is a good choice for a romantic meal. The usual crowd seems to be a little bit on the older side. The servers are prompt and very nice. I would recommend the brunch deal that is $ 18 for a alcohol drink(mimosa, screwdriver, bloody Mary), appetizer, and brunch item. You will also receive a delicious basket of freshly baked muffins. I ordered the walnut salad and veggie Eggs Benedict. Overall, the Ivy Inn provides a very pleasant dining experience.
Shekina C.
Classificação do local: 4 Maywood, NJ
Waiter Danny was great! The Ivy Inn is so cozy and is a really cute place with a fireplace and a pianist that takes requests. I had the catfish entrée which was so, so delightful. Also had the mushroom puff pastry appetizer which was tasty. I’m excited to try the Sunday brunch one day.
Laura V.
Classificação do local: 5 Totowa, NJ
I went here with my family for my graduation party yesterday and had an amazing time. The staff was so helpful and patient and kind and was very attentive to us. The food was excellent also! The piano player also was amazing and he came over to us and told us some great stories! I have nothing bad to say about this place at all!
Nick A.
Classificação do local: 3 Manhattan, NY
I’ve passed Ivy Inn multiple times and had the opportunity to stop in recently. It’s a nice, quiet location with a long history, but unfortunately quantity trumps quality here. This is definitely an early bird joint in the evenings. There are many pleasant, older couples who know eachother and gather here for the specials menu which is generous and affordable. The server was nice enough to point this out, but I didn’t want to compromise what looked good to save a few bucks. In hindsight, I probably should have. I ordered the wheat penne with shrimp and broccoli rabe. The pasta and rabe were undercooked but the shrimp was at a decent temp. For $ 26 it seemed like a paltry serving especially with no bread offered. The rabe was also sparse with a few sprigs here and there. They did completely shell the shrimp though, which not many places do and is a HUGE point of contention for me :) They had a live piano player on Friday night asking patrons for requests which was fun. The atmosphere is dim and cozy and if the food were to rise to the occasion, it would most certainly be a four star review from me and others.
Picky N.
Classificação do local: 5 Bergenfield, NJ
Great food. Nice atmosphere. Very cozy. Romantic. Amazing deal for lunch. Most items are 12 – 14 with a salad or soup!!! Great selection of entrees sandwiches and pasta dishes. Day bartender was nice, attentive, and knowledgable about the restaurant and the area. Tapas small plate menu for happy hour. Worth stopping in at the Ivy Inn
James F.
Classificação do local: 3 Rutherford, NJ
Subpar at its best. Poor attitude to add to the disappointment. This was meant to be a nice Sunday brunch which was dealt an inconsistent blow after blow. It angers me when restaurants try to pretend that they are something they’re not. When you say,“fresh cut French fries,” I expect fresh cut French Fries. When you serve me shrimp bisque, I don’t expect canned soup; especially from a $$$ establishment.
Isis G.
Classificação do local: 4 Bergen County, NJ
WOW, I am shocked with all of these negative reviews. My department of 8 came here for a holiday luncheon and we all LOVED the food, atmosphere and service. This place has a very rustic, cozy feel to it. The fireplace is such a nice touch. No TV’s or loud music here. This place oozes romance… and good eats. The eight of us loved everything we ate, seriously. And some of us are very picky. My coworkers ordered shrimp, crab cakes, skirt steak… I ordered the penne pasta with sausage and all of us loved our dishes. For an appetizer, I had the caesar salad and it was deliciously fresh and crisp. For dessert, I had a latte and carrot cake. The carrot cake was good — not the best I’ve ever had but still good. Most of my coworkers ordered the rice pudding and they were raving about it. I kinda wished I had ordered that instead, but I’ll be back and I’ll try it. My boss ordered the coconut crème brûlée and she loved it. The service was attentive, friendly, professional and informative. We were all saying that we wanted to come back with our spouses and this would be our new holiday luncheon spot every year. The prices for lunch were very reasonable. Everything on the menu(sandwiches and all entrees) were approximately $ 12.95. You can’t beat that price, especially given the quality and presentation of the food. I took off one star because they have a small parking lot… nothing major but if the place is crowded, this could become an issue. I enjoyed my time and meal at the Ivy Inn and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. I already told my husband I want to come here for Valentine’s Day. I’m going to ask for a spot right by the fireplace… ;-)