Seemor
Summit › Summit › Roots Steakhouse
Roots SteakhouseA-Worth Trying
401 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
· Steak house
· 4.6/5 Google (1157 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Upscale suburban steakhouse with standout steaks, polished service, and celebratory vibe; pricey but generally delivers, with occasional service and seating hiccups.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Roots Steakhouse delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional dry-aged steaks and consistent execution paired with attentive, celebration-focused service. The warm, classic steakhouse setting and strong loyalty base reflect a well-executed neighborhood institution. However, occasional quality variation and recent operational friction during peak times prevent the higher distinction needed for grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, all dark wood, flattering light, and the hum of clinking glasses. Guests describe staff who smooth over delays with a quiet round and servers who remember why you are there. One diner said, "They made our birthday feel genuinely special." However, there are some review authenticity concerns - some review patterns are consistent with solicited or influenced feedback. The cooking leans classic steakhouse: dry‑aged beef with a serious sear, crisp seafood towers, and sides that skew rich rather than fussy. It is ingredient-driven comfort more than culinary theater, with reliable filets and a cowboy cut that earns repeat praise, plus a butter cake that closes out celebrations right. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing staples like burgers, mac and cheese, fries, and simple salads. Portions are shareable, birthday ice cream shows up often, and the lively vibe suits milestones; just request seating away from the bar if noise is a concern.
At a Glance
- Dry-aged steaks consistently praised for crust and accurate temps
- Warm, celebration-friendly service with thoughtful comps
- Peak-time waits past reservations and noisy bar area
- Occasional misses on raw bar and steak doneness
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- dry_aged_program
- celebration_comp_desserts
- robust_raw_bar
What People Love
- That first bite of well-seared steak
- Staff making milestones feel special
- Classic sides like creamed spinach and mac
- Old-school room with lively buzz
- Strong cocktails like a smoky old fashioned
Points of Concern
- Reservation delays and seating past scheduled time on busy weekends
- Bar service inconsistencies; some reports of aloof or rude bartenders
- A few reports of dry or chewy steaks and underwhelming raw bar items
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($25+ mains to $50 steaks) which may surprise casual diners
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$70-105 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the Prime NY Strip ($43.95) with creamed spinach ($7.95) and pommes frites ($7.95) for balance.
- Seafood fans: East Coast Halibut ($40.95) plus grilled asparagus ($9.95) for a lighter set.
- Share The Roots Super Sundae ($20.95) for birthdays.
Perfect For
- Milestone birthdays and anniversaries
- Business dinners with classic steakhouse polish
- Date nights in the suburbs
- Family celebrations with shareable sides
Location Insights
Area: Charming suburban downtown with boutiques and offices; draws locals for business dinners and celebrations.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic especially evenings and weekends.
Nearby: Near Summit train station, shops, and other restaurants; municipal lots behind and nearby.
SummitSummit offers a charming suburban atmosphere with a well-established dining scene that includes upscale steakhouses, casual eateries, and family-friendly restaurants. The area is known for its safe, walkable downtown with a mix of historic and modern architecture, attracting locals and visitors seeking quality dining experiences in a relaxed yet refined setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–23:00
Saturday11:30–23:00
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →