I’ve been a fan of Russel’s restaurants since he opened Harvest back in the day. When he opened Stern and Bow, I was super stoked. I don’t live as close as I used to, but now I travel 30 minutes to experience his restaurant. Tonight was fantastic. Fried chicken, scallops, steaks, all excellent. Our waiter, Carlos, was the perfect waiter. It was my FIL’s birthday and Carlos and two other waiters joined us in singing happy birthday. It was super cool. And Russel sent over some escargot at the end, and it did not disappoint. Russel and his crew do restaurants the best! Won’t stop coming here ever
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon and Veggies, Smoked Mushroom Pizza, Crab Cakes, New Orleans Gumbo, Bread Pudding, French Toast, Octopus, Wings, French Fries, Hanger Steak & Fries, Fried Green Tomatoes, Lobster Roll with Seasoned Fries, Lobster Benedict, Pizza Oven, Fried Calamari, Steak, Blueberry Pancakes, Margherita Pizza, Fried Pickles
Judi Singer
Have been to Stern and Bow many times always fun! Last night had a reservation for 8:15. Was ver busy with large parties very crowded.We sat at the bar over an hour.My husband got up to ask. Owner said clearing the table.Never happened we were never seated.Manager came over 1/1/2 hrs in to buy us a drink.Never ate dinner and very disappointed .Not sure if we will return.wanted to take my son and his girlfriend….but hoping just a bad night for all.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Open table needs to let people know when restaurants have large parties. Last night was very loud these two parties the more they drank the louder they got. We were seated in the middle of them I couldn't even hear my hubby. Aside from that, the food and service were fantastic excellent and top notch. We will return from time to time
It was a last minute reservation but was seated at a table for 4 and set for 5! They claimed for better accommodations we would need to leave at 6:45. Why accommodate a reservation if you don't have it. Then the drinks can my Lychee martini tasted good but the lychees were not fresh. Is this because they would think people wouldn't know? My sister's drink was so sour and claimed to have simple syrup. We sent back and they delivered it with an additional shot of simple syrup without an apology as if it was our tastes that were off. Food was good but if you don't have the rest with service, drinks and atmosphere it doesn't make for a good experience.
RobinR
An outstanding dining experience. Delicious food, well trained staff who are friendly and efficient plus a delightful ambience. I've been passing this place since it opened, marveling at all the cars parked in the lot and now I know why! S&B pulls off the rare dance of quality and pricing, a family friendly spot that still allows adults to mingle. Well done, I'll be back often!
SteakLuvers
As always, Stern and Bow never disappoints. We go often and always enjoy the food and friendly service. Tonight we brought some extended family members and they all thought the food was excellent. The table favorites were apps of calamari, mussels / frites, and Brussel sprouts. Entree winner was the steak with chimichuri sauce.
debski22
Service- excellent! Food- delicious (oyster selection was tremendous- scallops and shrimp- perfection!) Vibe- great Only challenge was a huge table in the corner who brought young children whom they let run around the restaurant on and off for too long a period of time... not a restaurant to bring kids and definitely to not let them run around
Very disappointed in the lobster roll , very tough big chunks, not much flavor . Would have sent it back, but several of my friends ordered it also, so I didn't want to make a fuss. I would certainly go back, as there were many good choices on the lunch menu.
Phil O
A good well appointed place. Their lump crab meat Caesar salad is so good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
EloyY
Transformed from the expansive dark space that once housed Cuban restaurant Azucar on Shraalengburgh Road in Closter, this establishment is a light-filled, airy, and modern spot with three distinct bar areas: a liquor bar, a pizza bar, and an oyster bar. Stern and Bow has a funky industrial look with exposed pipes. It featured a subtle nautical theme with mirrors that resembled port holes. Reservations were easily made via Open Table for yesterday's Saturday dinner for first-timers. Upon arrival, my partner, our friends and I were greeted by the host, one of the owners, John. We got a table right away when our party of five arrived in this 5,000-square-foot space. The menu comprised fresh seafood and raw bar offerings, plus flavorful meat dishes, housemade pastas, and woodfired pizzas. As starters, we opted for the Tuna Tartare, House Salad , Crispy Calamari and Bruschetta. For our main dish, we decided on S&B Big Plateau, consisting of 1/2 lobster, 5 shrimps , and dozens of oysters; Wild Mushroom Fettuccine ; Hanger Steak; and Burger & Fries. I even had room for desserts and got the Crème Brûlée and Apple Beignet. Complimentary bread started our meal. The food came out fresh, well prepared, and tasteful. While having our meal, the other owner, Russell, came by to check on us to make sure everything was going well. Our service experience was just as great with attentive and thorough staff, especially our server, Carlos, who was friendly and funny. The ambiance was fantastic—the perfect mix between casual and fine dining. We went in with zero expectations and were overwhelmingly surprised by this hidden Bergen County gem. We enjoyed our dining experience, and we highly recommend this place.
The food was great and i would definitely come again. all the food we ordered tasted very good especially the octopus which was one of the best parts of the meal. They also had a magician that did magic tricks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus, French Fries, Hanger Steak & Fries
ShellsM
We have eaten here many times, but last night was different. The lobster roll had little flavor. It's the first time the food disappointed. Next time I'll go back to the other dishes I've had previously.
brad
The restaurant was pretty empty, but our server was friendly and attentive. The food, however, did not meet expectations. The sushi portion was small given the price ($18) and the pizza came out cold. For one six-piece sushi roll, one pizza, and four house cocktails the bill was $113, to me that felt high even for north Jersey standards. Overall fine, but I feel you can get better food for a better value elsewhere on a Thursday night.
ScottM
Always a great experience. We had the Red Snapper for the first time and it was great. We always come for the charbroiled oysters and happy that they lowered the price. Russell also looked great in his more casual attire.
Let me start by saying that during the week a single lady can go and have a stellar dinner by herself. I was there last night it was quiet the staff is wonderful and it does not matter if it is a family or a couple or a single person. I had the fried chicken it is a wait for 35 minutes it is so worth the wait super fantastic. A fantastic restaurant that you should definitely try.
I’ve been a fan of Russel’s restaurants since he opened Harvest back in the day. When he opened Stern and Bow, I was super stoked. I don’t live as close as I used to, but now I travel 30 minutes to experience his restaurant. Tonight was fantastic. Fried chicken, scallops, steaks, all excellent. Our waiter, Carlos, was the perfect waiter. It was my FIL’s birthday and Carlos and two other waiters joined us in singing happy birthday. It was super cool. And Russel sent over some escargot at the end, and it did not disappoint. Russel and his crew do restaurants the best! Won’t stop coming here ever
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon and Veggies, Smoked Mushroom Pizza, Crab Cakes, New Orleans Gumbo, Bread Pudding, French Toast, Octopus, Wings, French Fries, Hanger Steak & Fries, Fried Green Tomatoes, Lobster Roll with Seasoned Fries, Lobster Benedict, Pizza Oven, Fried Calamari, Steak, Blueberry Pancakes, Margherita Pizza, Fried Pickles
Have been to Stern and Bow many times always fun! Last night had a reservation for 8:15. Was ver busy with large parties very crowded.We sat at the bar over an hour.My husband got up to ask. Owner said clearing the table.Never happened we were never seated.Manager came over 1/1/2 hrs in to buy us a drink.Never ate dinner and very disappointed .Not sure if we will return.wanted to take my son and his girlfriend….but hoping just a bad night for all.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Open table needs to let people know when restaurants have large parties. Last night was very loud these two parties the more they drank the louder they got. We were seated in the middle of them I couldn't even hear my hubby. Aside from that, the food and service were fantastic excellent and top notch. We will return from time to time
It was a last minute reservation but was seated at a table for 4 and set for 5! They claimed for better accommodations we would need to leave at 6:45. Why accommodate a reservation if you don't have it. Then the drinks can my Lychee martini tasted good but the lychees were not fresh. Is this because they would think people wouldn't know? My sister's drink was so sour and claimed to have simple syrup. We sent back and they delivered it with an additional shot of simple syrup without an apology as if it was our tastes that were off. Food was good but if you don't have the rest with service, drinks and atmosphere it doesn't make for a good experience.
An outstanding dining experience. Delicious food, well trained staff who are friendly and efficient plus a delightful ambience. I've been passing this place since it opened, marveling at all the cars parked in the lot and now I know why! S&B pulls off the rare dance of quality and pricing, a family friendly spot that still allows adults to mingle. Well done, I'll be back often!
As always, Stern and Bow never disappoints. We go often and always enjoy the food and friendly service. Tonight we brought some extended family members and they all thought the food was excellent. The table favorites were apps of calamari, mussels / frites, and Brussel sprouts. Entree winner was the steak with chimichuri sauce.
Service- excellent! Food- delicious (oyster selection was tremendous- scallops and shrimp- perfection!) Vibe- great Only challenge was a huge table in the corner who brought young children whom they let run around the restaurant on and off for too long a period of time... not a restaurant to bring kids and definitely to not let them run around
Very disappointed in the lobster roll , very tough big chunks, not much flavor . Would have sent it back, but several of my friends ordered it also, so I didn't want to make a fuss. I would certainly go back, as there were many good choices on the lunch menu.
A good well appointed place. Their lump crab meat Caesar salad is so good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Transformed from the expansive dark space that once housed Cuban restaurant Azucar on Shraalengburgh Road in Closter, this establishment is a light-filled, airy, and modern spot with three distinct bar areas: a liquor bar, a pizza bar, and an oyster bar. Stern and Bow has a funky industrial look with exposed pipes. It featured a subtle nautical theme with mirrors that resembled port holes. Reservations were easily made via Open Table for yesterday's Saturday dinner for first-timers. Upon arrival, my partner, our friends and I were greeted by the host, one of the owners, John. We got a table right away when our party of five arrived in this 5,000-square-foot space. The menu comprised fresh seafood and raw bar offerings, plus flavorful meat dishes, housemade pastas, and woodfired pizzas. As starters, we opted for the Tuna Tartare, House Salad , Crispy Calamari and Bruschetta. For our main dish, we decided on S&B Big Plateau, consisting of 1/2 lobster, 5 shrimps , and dozens of oysters; Wild Mushroom Fettuccine ; Hanger Steak; and Burger & Fries. I even had room for desserts and got the Crème Brûlée and Apple Beignet. Complimentary bread started our meal. The food came out fresh, well prepared, and tasteful. While having our meal, the other owner, Russell, came by to check on us to make sure everything was going well. Our service experience was just as great with attentive and thorough staff, especially our server, Carlos, who was friendly and funny. The ambiance was fantastic—the perfect mix between casual and fine dining. We went in with zero expectations and were overwhelmingly surprised by this hidden Bergen County gem. We enjoyed our dining experience, and we highly recommend this place.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was great and i would definitely come again. all the food we ordered tasted very good especially the octopus which was one of the best parts of the meal. They also had a magician that did magic tricks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus, French Fries, Hanger Steak & Fries
We have eaten here many times, but last night was different. The lobster roll had little flavor. It's the first time the food disappointed. Next time I'll go back to the other dishes I've had previously.
The restaurant was pretty empty, but our server was friendly and attentive. The food, however, did not meet expectations. The sushi portion was small given the price ($18) and the pizza came out cold. For one six-piece sushi roll, one pizza, and four house cocktails the bill was $113, to me that felt high even for north Jersey standards. Overall fine, but I feel you can get better food for a better value elsewhere on a Thursday night.
Always a great experience. We had the Red Snapper for the first time and it was great. We always come for the charbroiled oysters and happy that they lowered the price. Russell also looked great in his more casual attire.
Let me start by saying that during the week a single lady can go and have a stellar dinner by herself. I was there last night it was quiet the staff is wonderful and it does not matter if it is a family or a couple or a single person. I had the fried chicken it is a wait for 35 minutes it is so worth the wait super fantastic. A fantastic restaurant that you should definitely try.