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The Rail House 1449 Reviews List
The Rail House 1449
A completely renovated and updated `19th Century home, the charming Rail House 1449 is conveniently located in Rahway’s Arts District, across the street from the Rail Station. Critically acclaimed by the NY Times-Star Ledger-and the Wall Street Journal, The Rail House 1449- rated #1 for "Romantic" by Open Table- features 2 floors of dining that seats up to 50 people in eclectic surroundings. Our wine cellar also accommodates up to 11 people in a uniquely private setting. The Rail House 1449 is proud to use Premium Sterling Silver steaks. You can also feast on our Shrimp/Scallop/Snapper/Duck/Lamb/Chicken/Lobster creations. Warm up with our delicious winter soups including Sweet Potato with Candied Bacon or our Roasted Mushroom. Indulge afterwards with a new array of luscious desserts to complete your meal. We are pleased to"warm-up" this winter with "cooled down" pricing.The menu is complimented by tasteful cocktails and our wine list, available by the bottle and the glass.
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58 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 58 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(34)
- romantic(32)
- special occasion(28)
- fit for foodies(22)
- notable wine list(13)
- great for outdoor dining(8)
The Rail House 1449 Reviews List
Review 1 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food in unlikely locale
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Second visit to this place, and the food is just as great as it was the first time we visited a couple of years ago. The surrounding area is not too impressive, with the train station, a few office buildings and a generally empty feel on a Saturday night. But the restaurant is a gem, with a couple of small dining rooms on the first floor and a bigger space suitable for medium-sized parties on the upper level. Excellent choice of appetizers and main entries, and a good wine list. Highly recommended."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 2 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was delicious, fresh,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was delicious, fresh, wonderful presentation. The service was average...our party of 7 arrived 2, 3, then 2 between 5:30 and 6:10pm. The first two were offered a cocktail immediately; the second 3 waited 15 minutes to be offered a cocktail then got up and asked for the list; the last 2 poured their own wine. It was roughly 40 minutes from the time the first couple arrived to the last, and the server never asked if we'd like to order appetizers etc. (after 30 minutes, we tracked down our server and got menus to order them). After the initial lack of attention, everything went very smoothly...one comments re the tilapia...it was not pistachio crusted, rather it was chopped pistachios on top of tilapia...but very good nevertheless."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pleasant but no more. Waitress
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Pleasant but no more. Waitress told us they were out of bubbly water, which did not start things off well. How does that happen?
They were very helpful when we asked to move outside near the fire pit. Neighborhood teenagers yelling and leaning over the outside walls for a portion of the meal. Food was ok, typical overwrought suburban bistro style. Nothing memorable. Service well meaning but slow, even though we mentioned an 8:00 curtain a short drive away. Had to ask twice for the dessert to be brought out in a timely way."
They were very helpful when we asked to move outside near the fire pit. Neighborhood teenagers yelling and leaning over the outside walls for a portion of the meal. Food was ok, typical overwrought suburban bistro style. Nothing memorable. Service well meaning but slow, even though we mentioned an 8:00 curtain a short drive away. Had to ask twice for the dessert to be brought out in a timely way."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
New Favorite!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I took my wife and two teen daughters here for my wife's birthday. I read the reviews and the menu on Open Table and hoped it would be a hit. It was! Ivan, our waiter was friendly and attentive without being disruptive. I'd put the food up against any I've paid more for in the city. My peppercorn NY Strip was perfectly seasoned. Everyone was happy with every part of their meal. We finished up with desert and the made my wife's apple crumble into a Happy Birthday dish. Well done! Well definitely be back."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
First time back since it was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"First time back since it was David Drakes. Nice to see the decor was the same and a full restaurant made for a good atmosphere. Food very different but on the whole well presented. Helpful and friendly service marred only by them losing my credit card and taking 30 minutes to get the check and leave. Overall a good evening and we will be back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 6 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We have eaten here on several
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"We have eaten here on several occasions, and this time the food wasn't as good before. The mushroom soup was delicious, but the entrees, including the red snapper, lacked seasoning. The fish was cooked well, but the risotto had no flavor as did the other items on the plate and the side of brussel sprouts we ordered. There was a limited selection of wines by the glass which was disappointing."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I have eaten at this restaurant
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have eaten at this restaurant various times, the service and atmosphere is very good, the food this time was just ok my husband and I had different meals and honestly the food was not very flavorful,I did not feel it held the quality for the pricing I was surprised."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
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Review 8 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was good, but the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was good, but the service was sub-par. On a Saturday night at 7:30, they were sold out of both soups. The waitress did not know it when I ordered. I substituted a shrimp and scallop dish, but what arrived what not what I had requested. They were also sold out of the wine the waitress recommended. Finally, there was no sorbet for dessert and only chocolate and vanilla ice cream. They were sold out of the chocolate dessert, but at least this time our waitress knew this. The service was at the level of TGI Fridays in a place that is meant for fine dining. I still give the food 4/5 stars and given that prices are lower than they were when David Drake ran the restaurant, I might even go back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
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Review 9 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious Surprise
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Pleasantly surprised by this little restaurant. The staff was very courteous and attentive, the food was delicious and the presentation very nice. It's not cheap but it is not over the top expensive either. Parking is only on the street but I believe there is a parking lot around the corner"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I was expecting a little more
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I was expecting a little more from the Easter brunch."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2005
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Review 11 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
There was an antiseptic scent
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"There was an antiseptic scent in the dining room. The mushroom soup was excellent. The red snapper was overlcooked and the desert was tired ."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2013
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Review 12 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
All we had was delicious.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"All we had was delicious. I had the marinated skirt steak which was cooked just right and my wife had the pine nut encrusted tilapia which was delicious. Overall we had a great dinner for a fair price."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 13 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This location has been home
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This location has been home to many fine restaurants over the years; I think they finally found the right mix of fine food, good service and a warm atmosphere. While there were some very minor service faux pas, they were quickly rectified and the owner was gracious in receiving the feedback. The fish was perfectly cooked and a special request was readily honored. This is a gem in the area."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
the waitress reply to every
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the waitress reply to every statement was "no problem" and I hate that response from people in the service world. I might go back I did not think it lived up to previuos reviews."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
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Review 15 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a welcoming, warm dining experience. The room was lovely and quiet, the service was wonderful, and the food was excellent. To have all this, a nice wine list, and very good prices is absolutely excellent. We'll certainly be back!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2007
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Review 16 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were very pleasantly surprised
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were very pleasantly surprised as we had never heard of the Rail House before and only live about 15 miles from there. It has a nice quiet, romantic vibe to it and the food was delicious as well. We'll definitely put it on our list of restaurants to continue dining at."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was very good but the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was very good but the service lacked a lot. Lots of help but not attentive. The wait between apps and dinner was much too long."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
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Review 18 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had a fabulous dinner & a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Had a fabulous dinner & a wonderful Valentine's Day with my husband!!!!!!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a great dinner at The Rail House 1449 on Valentine's Day. Considering the holiday and that the restaurant was full, the restaurant was very well organized. Reservations were required and there was no waiting. Our table was ready when we arrived. There was a pre-set menu for the holiday but it included excellent choices including mussels, tuna tartare, steak, surf and turf and scallops among others and two desserts, red velvet cake and tiramisu. Service was also fantastic. The hostess is friendly and excellent. I'm looking forward to returning to this restaurant. It's so comfortable it's like visiting a good friend."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Valentine;s Dinner - Perfection
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was such a nice and relaxing place right when you walk in. My girlfriend and I enjoyed the nice warm area we were sitting in and the food was amazing. Even the cocktails that they make tasted great. I will gladly come here again if I'm in the area or not."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Rail House was a romantic
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Rail House was a romantic get-a-way for Valentine's Day. Food was terrific, wine was very good and service was fine."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 22 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything from start to finish
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything from start to finish was outstanding!"
Dined on 01/24/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 23 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I can't wait to go back.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Great for a first date. Food was awesome owner was amazing. The renovated old building has a lot of charm. Wine cellar dining."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 24 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, enjoyable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food, enjoyable environment and no noise. Very pleasant. There are several rooms for the two or three servers to handled which results in slow service, BUT pleasant. We will go back."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Railhouse Review by Wayne-O
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Railhouse was busy due to an event at the Union County Art Center. This did not interrupt service at all. Drinks, appetizers, main course and dessert were all ordered and served within a reasonable period of time. Ambiance was rustic and neat, servers were proper and professional, and the food was excellent. Prices were reasonable for fine dining. My wife and I were celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary and took a chance on the Railhouse.
We made a good decision!"
We made a good decision!"
Dined on 01/12/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for The Rail House 1449
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was our first time dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our first time dining here and we loved it. We went with another couple who are total foodies and they absolutely loved it as well. The hostess/Bobbi was very welcoming and came by a few times to check on us. We will definitely return without a doubt! Although, make sure you make a reservation, especially on Saturday nights because it gets busy especially after 7:00 p.m."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Rail House 1449
Based on the average of (32) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate