Stage Left has been ranked among the best restaurants in NJ since it’s opening in 1992. The focus is on the best local ingredients in the kitchen and an award-winning wine cellar stocked with wonderful gems from $30-$3000. Service is friendly and knowledgeable. Our elegant private dining rooms and rustic wine cellar are perfect for business or romance. NJ Monthly – Best American Restaurant / NY Times – Excellent / Star Ledger – 4 Stars / Wine Spectator – Best of Award of Excellence For reservations in the bar area of Stage Left, please note this in your reservation notes. There is limited seating in that area so we may reach out to you if we do not have availability.
"This is a beautiful restaurant, with great music, paintings, seating. A lovely atmosphere with professional (although not friendly) service. The menu is ambitious but the food doesn't live up to its descriptions."
Dined on 5/19/2013
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"The food and service at this restaurant are impeccable. The owner pops by to make sure everyone is happy. Only wish I wasn't always rushing off to a show afterwards as I'd love to take my time and fully enjoy the experience."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This rates as one of my favorite restaurants in NJ. I travel quite a distance to have dinner here and love it. Been coming here for many years. Even though it is only several times a year we are always remembered."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"My husband and I ate here for the first time because of a show at State Theatre. I Picked it based on reviews. Was NOT disappointed! We had the Arugula salad and scallop appetizers and were quite impressed. I was surprised and disappointed that they did not have Pinot Grigio as part of the extensive wine list but was not disappointed with the glass of chardony they recommended. I HAD to order the burger after reading the reviews and I agree, it is easily the "best burger" I have ever eaten. The service was fantastic and timed perfectly to our show departure. The only complaint was the double expresso that my husband ordered.It was cold and only a single..."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"We went to Stage Left before seeing a show at the State Theater. The staff was aware that we were going to the show, so they perfectly timed the dinner so that we got there with time to spare. The food was excellent! The portions were a bit small for the price, but we savored every bite. We were presented with a beautiful plate with the words "Happy Anniversary" drizzled in chocolate with strawberry sorbet at the end of our meal, which was the perfect ending to a wonderful dinner. The wine list was extensive, and the staff was very knowledgable in helping us to pick out a delicious wine at a reasonable price. We will definitely be back!!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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"it had the best burger I've ever had. The rest of my party had various meats that were tasty but very expensive. overall the place was over priced but very good."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The food was excellent. The service was fairly good. We had to wait a bit for our desert after it was ordered. I ordered a martini which was questioned. The anbiance was good and the entire restaurant, although crowded, was quiet. t Tables were spaced comfortably apart to lessen the noise."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I have nothing but superlatives for this restaurant. The food was spectacular--inventive, subtle, creative, delicious. The chef is brilliant. Kudos to he owners for running a terrific spot."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"Stage Left sets out to be a five star resturant and yes it does hit that mark. However, while eating there the other night with my wife as we celebrated our anniversary we both walked away feeling that the meal left us wanting more. We both ordered the tasting menu. Overall the food was good and plated beutifully. But as I already said none of the dishs sparkled with each dish we felt as though something was a miss and wanting for "X". But what pushed us over the edge saying that we will not be going back any time soon was the desert. It was sweet corn pudding with a port porches pear. It's presentation was all but attractive and the flavor was just putride."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
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Review 17 for Stage Left
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Energetic
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"The service, food and atmosphere are all wonderful separately, but work together to bring the whole dinning experience to another level of enjoyment."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Travelled 2 hours from Long Island to have dinner here before the show at the State Theater. It was worth it! Attentive staff, excellent food- we arrived late due to traffic- they understood, kept our reservation, and got us out the door with time to spare- and it didn't feel rushed.
Would do it again!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"The food, as usual, was excellent and the bartender was a true professional. My main problem was with drink prices. $ 18 for a glass of Chardonnay ?! You gotta be kidding me. I can buy a bottle at retail for that. And $ 2.95 for 50 cents' worth of club soda is even worse. As for service, the servers were efficient and quite pleasant, but there weren't enough of them. We waited and waited for our drinks and food, which, as might be expected, arrived lukewarm. This wasn't the first time that has happened. Surely you know that when there is a performanceat the State Theater, you will have a full house. So stop being money-hungry cheapskates and hire additional staff on performance nights."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"Went with two friends before a show at the State Theatre. Service was excellent. Portions were adequate if you're not a huge eater. If your a huge eater, go for the sampler. Two of us had the tile fish, one the strip steak. Everyone was happy with their meals. Desserts were large and delicious. We had cappuccinos. The cups were huge! Had a great time there. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Excellent food, attentive service, first class experience. Not inexpensive but good value. Some of the tables quite close to each other, but we were provided an excellent table with the privacy we required."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"We hadn't been back for many years and were pleasantly surprised. Wonderful experience but a tad too pricy for frequent visits. Great for special occasions. Knowlegable and attentative wait-staff."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We have dined at Stage Left many time over the past ten yeas - often for birthdays or anniversaries - sometimes for a burger in the bar. Our last two visits were extremely disappointing. Entering the restaurant separately, neither of us were acknowledged for more than five minutes. My coat was taken but then I was led OUTSIDE to go to the wine room. It was VERY cold out. This was NOT how I wanted a special evening to begin. The table we were seated at WOBBLED badly. We were moved, but again, not an auspicious beginning.
The night's soup was too heavy without intense flavor, the potato gratin was HARD and relatively tasteless, and the disappointment goes on. At least the desserts were delicious and generous."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
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"The entrance is small and intimate and immediately gave the feeling that this was a special place. For years I have been hearing about STAGE LEFT and the amazing burgers, only offered at lunch, which is only served on Fridays. It was, indeed, a most amazing hamburger. I like my burgers done "rare" and most places will not comply. STAGE LEFT served me the most delicious, perfectly cooked (rare!) hamburger. $15.00 for a hamburger? YES, it was worth it! I will look forward to trying their dinner menu."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"My wife and I have been regular visitors for years. On Sat. 2/16 we had reservations for dinner at 7:30. We waited in the front for at least 10-15 mins. before we were even acknowledged. We were then seated in the wine room. There was constant distractions with waiters getting bottles of wine from the shelves. Our waitress was friendly but she was often assisted by another waiter who bordered on rude. He served my carafe of wine with "here you go" and plopped the carafe on the table. The food was first rate as usual, but I was disappointed in our service. It normally is excellent but that night it was poor."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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"Overall was okay but not for the price. Appetizers were delicious but VERY small for $20 each. Should get more than 1 shrimp on a $20 app. Entreees came out VERY undercooked. Pork chop was cold in center. . .not good for pork. Steak was underdone as well. Reuqested medium and came out very rare."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
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"Excellent food, subtle, efficient service. They will make sure tou get through your meal in time to make your show without seeming to rush you. All in all, an excellent experience. We will be visiting them again."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Lamb loin stuffed with mushroom and herb salad was a delicacy!!! Home made bread and lobster bisque could have been better. Overall expensive but good value for money."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Went to a wonderful dinner at the Stage Left Restaurant two hours before Michael Bolton performed at the State Theatre. What a night! Make reservations two hours prior to a show and you will have the time of your life. Enjoy the best food and wine in New Jersey."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"The only reason I did not give 5 stars for service was because we felt rushed. Our server asked us if we had anywhere to go after (i.e. the theater) and we specifically said we were in no rush. Other than that the service was very good.
My husband said it was one of the best meals he has ever had. I thought my meal was very good, almost excellent. My one criticism was the lobster bisque. I really thought there was nothing special about it. Maybe my expectations were too high because it is one of my favorite things to eat. I also thought it could have been warmer. I actually had appetizer envy because my husband's pork belly was superb. However, I would rank my meal as one of the best I have ever had. Overall a winner foodwise."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Quite simply, Stage Left may be the epitome of fine dining in New Brunswick proper. Every single dish we tried on Valentine's Day was absolutely outstanding. The foie gras is a MUST TRY. It is perfectly seasoned and seared, and served with delicious bread. I also recommend (when you can get it, I believe it was a special for Valentine's Day) wagyu beef on the salt block. They bring out seared, sliced wagyu beef on top of a 500 degree Himalayan Salt block which you use to cook the beef how you like it. The salt block adds an excellent mineral-y flavor and paired with the sauce makes an exquisite cut of beef even better. I cannot speak enough as to how amazing our dining experience. It isn't cheap, but it is incredibly worth it."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We had a particularly inattentive waiter who failed on many counts including not informing us of the specials, as well as not placing part of our order in a timely manner so the food did not come out together, including one side dish that came well after we finished our main course. Very disappointing compared to our previous visits."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
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"we arrived at 6PM and had tickets for an 8PM show next door. We were asked several times if we were going to a play. Our main course arrived at 7:40, first sign that something was wrong was the long wait, next sign was the fact that all of our entrees were completely dried out and luke warm. We all took a few bites, ate the side dishes and complained. The restaurant gave us a certificate for 4 free entrees on our next visit, so we will try again, hopefully better results. Restaurant was very prompt in giving certificate and acknowledging the bad main course, so hopefully this was just a kitchen error, and they did the correct thing. I give them credit for taking care of the situation so promptly, lends me to believe, this was isolalated."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
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