If you're looking for great modern comfort and bar food with a gourmet twist served up with the best in craft beer, the Steel Wheel Tavern is a Ridgewood area staple. Located right in the city's historical district across from the train station, this building has a 19th-century charm with a fully modern dining experience. It's the local place to go for good food, good friends, and great memories.
A Beloved Neighborhood Bar
The wood-and-brick interior of the tavern offers an eclectic modern American menu with Victorian charm and a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails. Their food is made with fresh ingredients and they have an extensive kids' menu that goes far beyond your typical chicken nuggets and French fries. It's a family-friendly place that offers everything from sandwiches and burgers to pasta dishes and even locally sourced duck. It's a classic old-fashioned bar with a gourmet menu.
Meet the Owners
Steel Wheel Tavern is owned and operated by Bryan Tortella and Glen Carlough. Bryan Tortella is the executive chef and is a New Jersey native, hailing from River Edge. He's spent more than two decades working in the restaurant industry from casual grills to upscale eateries and he brings a wide range of training and culinary skills along with a passion for delicious food and a satisfying experience for everyone who comes through the doors.
Glenn Carlough graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a BA in philosophy and from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a master's in education and spent decades in education before deciding that it was time for a career change. He brings not only foodservice knowledge but years of interpersonal skills to the table as the managing partner of the tavern.
Menu Highlights
The tavern maintains separate lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus with different items and pricing so you're always getting the right food for the occasion. Just a few of the delicious menu highlights include:
Lunch
- House-made beef chili with ale cheddar
- Ahi tuna (gluten-free option)
- Maryland lump crab cakes duo
- Short rib grilled cheese sandwich
- Wagyu burger
Dinner
- Coconut shrimp
- Rhode Island calamari
- Veal Osso Bucco
- Atlantic Swordfish
- Black bean & quinoa burger (vegetarian)
Brunch
- French toast
- Hanger steak & eggs
- Belgian waffle
- Pitchers of mimosas
- Irish coffee
The kids' menu includes such items as mac and cheese, fish and chips, grilled cheese, and even pasta.
Keeping You Entertained
Stop in for Great Food with Good Friends
If you're looking for good food made with care and memories with good friends, the Steel Wheel Tavern is a local landmark. Their hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook and Instagram or give them a call at (201) 882-1800 today.