A Night Out at the Newly Revamped The Office Tavern Grill — Ridgewood

When Mike and I were first dating, one of his favorite places to go in North Jersey was this bar/restaurant called The Office. He liked the Morristown and Montclair stops for lunch with his Arthur Andersen coworkers and then Ridgewood location for drinks with his buddies and, well, his girlfriend 😉

Fast forward to 2018, and there have been a few transformations to say the least: Arthur Anderson folded. I became Mike’s wife. And The Office evolved into “The Office Tavern Grill.”

Mike and I recently had a chance to experience the new concept and menu at The Office Tavern Grill Ridgewood location and I’m pleased to report that it’s come a long way from what it once was. The restaurant is much brighter, sleeker and the menu options more curated, with an emphasis on local, craft beers (40 of them on tap!) and a global palate.

We decided to start our meal with an appetizer off of the Road Trip menu — a limited-edition selection signature dishes from around the country, paying homage to a select state in the U.S. every two months. We swooped in during Michigan season (if only it could have helped the fate of the Wolverines :/ Go, ‘Nova!) and after perusing a series of Midwestern favorites, we agreed upon the Deep Dish Flatbread, dotted with crispy pepperoni. It was so delicious and so filling that both of us couldn’t finish our main courses!

 

For dinner, Mike opted for American comfort food —  the aged NY strip with grilled asparagus and double stuffed mini baked potatoes,  while I went the global route with pulled chicken tacos. Great attention is spent on assembly and meal presentation, as I could see several hands and eyes on plates from the open kitchen before they were run to tables. Our meals were no exception — my tacos came neatly arranged on a wooden cutting board while Mike’s steak graced an oblong artisan dinner plate. Touches like these remind you that you’re in a newly revamped restaurant concept.

Dessert was a toss-up between the crowd-favorite: cookies and ice cream or the chocolate trifle. I went for the trifle, which was served in a large mason jar glass. I would have liked to have been able to see more of the layers of the trifle through the clear glass, and the mousse was by far the best part of the dessert.  Next time, I’d probably order the cookies, as my waiter tried to hint towards  😉

Our waiter was friendly and engaging and the general manager was kind and conversational — a true neighborhood spot where customers genuinely feel happy, fed and cared for.

Mike and I dined on a Thursday night and the restaurant was bustling – especially the bar scene. The GM shared with us that March Madness packed the bar to the gills and that the screens coupled with the extensive local beer selection is a major draw for local sports and brew fans.

For families, there are holiday brunches popping up left and right — The Office Tavern Grill Ridgewood hosted a Brunch with the Bunny on the Saturday of Easter weekend, and I’m told there are plans to host a Mother’s Day buffet brunch for families coming up in May.

One lucky mom a la mode reader will win a $50 gift card to The Office Tavern Grill Ridgewood! Simply comment below by April 30, 2018 12midnight EST if you have been to The Office before or why you’d like to try the new and improved Office Tavern Grill and a commenter will be selected at random for the prize.

Learn more about The Office Tavern Grill, Ridgewood here.

oxox

mom a la mode

 

 

{I received a complimentary dining experience at The Office Tavern Grill Ridgewood for purposes of this review. All opinions expressed here are solely mine.}