Steakhouses are having a resurgence in New Jersey and beyond. As diners flock to the nostalgia and familiarity of America’s most approachable form of elevated dining, chefs are exploring ways to upend the classic steakhouse formula.
From iconic time-tested eateries like The River Palm Terrace in Edgewater and Knife & Fork Inn in Atlantic City to genre-bending joints like Mezcal in Old Bridge and Duke’s in Metuchen, steakhouses are as popular as ever in the Garden State.
Josh Capon is making his own play in the crowded field with Capon’s Chophouse. The longtime New Jersey resident launched the eatery in October 2025 at The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack. A veteran of high-end New York City restaurants and national food television shows, Capon is well aware of the steakhouse boom.
“I think there is something nostalgic, timeless and comforting about going to a steakhouse,” Capon said. “We wanted to instill all of those feelings but also make sure we were offering the best of the best and put our spin on some of the classics.”
Alongside Capon Chophouse’s prime Pat LaFrieda cuts you will find seafood, highly shareable appetizers and Italian-American favorites.
Chef Josh Capon, Capon’s Chophouse at The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack. 10/28/2026Steve Hockstein | For NJ.com
Capon has lived in Bergen County for the past 10 years, but grew up a little farther north in New York’s Rockland County — close enough to hang out at the mall in which he now runs a restaurant.
“For me, it’s been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career,” Capon said. “To have something so close to home and be so appreciated and welcomed in the community.”
While studying at Johnson & Wales, he did his externship with American chef and hotelier Charlie Palmer at Michelin-starred Aureole in New York City. After graduation, he went on to work at David Burke’s Park Avenue Kitchen, The St. Regis Hotel and other high-end restaurants across the city.
Capon has also appeared on shows like “The Rachael Ray Show,” “Good Morning America,” “Chopped,” and more.
The steakhouse revival has brought renewed attention to a familiar dining format, with restaurants aiming to distinguish themselves through inventive menus, polished service and modern setting.
Chef Josh Capon chats with diners at Capon’s Chophouse at The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack. 10/28/2026Steve Hockstein | For NJ.com
Capon’s Chophouse has the ingredients for that experience. The question is whether its execution gives locals a compelling reason to choose it over New Jersey’s many established steakhouses.
Let’s dig in.
The good
As is the case at most steakhouses, the menu at Capon’s is more than just steak — complete with cocktails, a raw bar, salads, appetizers, and entrees like branzino, baked lobster and their Chophouse burger.
Hamachi sashimi at Capon’s Chophouse in Hackensack, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ.com)Lauren Musni
The hamachi sashimi ($24) featured thinly sliced yellowtail doused in fennel chili crisp oil and topped with chopped green olives, basil, shallots and lemon. The buttery fish was brightened by the lemon’s citrusy tang and brininess from the olives. The chili crisp gave it a gentle kick without being too spicy. It was a light, yet flavorful start to dinner. Sashimi is an unexpected opening act at a traditional steakhouse, but the dish reflects Capon’s effort to offer guests something beyond the usual lineup of beef-heavy appetizers.
Lamb chop lollipops at Capon’s Chophouse in Hackensack, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ.com)Lauren Musni
The lamb chop lollipops ($64 for six pieces) were topped with chimichurri and pomegranate molasses. The lamb was incredibly tender and savory with the dollop of chimichurri providing it a hit of freshness. The pomegranate molasses also provided a slight sweet and tart contrast with the rich meat. Served as individual chops, they made for a fun appetizer that would be easy to share around the table. Guests can also order four pieces for $39 — though that still works out to nearly $10 per chop, a steep price for an appetizer.
Fritto misto at Capon’s Chophouse in Hackensack, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ.com)Lauren Musni
Capon’s fritto misto ($27) was a medley of fried calamari, shrimp, pickled peppers and zucchini with a side of lemon aioli. The light, crisp coating kept the seafood from feeling too heavy or greasy, while the pickled peppers added an unexpected hit of heat. It was a tasty appetizer, though the peppers were difficult to distinguish from the zucchini.
As a restaurant built around steak, the beef selection is where Capon’s has the most to prove. The menu features cuts sourced from North Bergen-based purveyor Pat LaFrieda, including a 16-ounce ribeye ($78), a 16-ounce aged New York strip ($79) and an 8-ounce filet mignon ($63).
New York strip steak at Capon’s Chophouse in Hackensack, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ.com)Lauren Musni
All three cuts had a well-seasoned, beautifully charred crust that gave way to juicy, tender meat. The sear provided a slight crunch, adding texture without overpowering the beef’s flavor. The steaks were so amazing on their own that the accompanying house steak sauce felt more like an option than a necessity.
The ribeye was the richest of the three and my personal favorite, with generous marbling that provided its bold signature flavor. The New York strip offered a slightly firmer bite, with the right balance of tenderness and umami flavor under its charred exterior. Meanwhile, the 8-ounce filet mignon was the most delicate, prized for its leaner profile and exceptionally soft center.
Sides at Capon’s Chophouse in Hackensack, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ.com)Lauren Musni
To complement the steak cuts, Capon’s serves a mix of classic steakhouse sides and more contemporary takes like creamed spinach ($15), blistered peppers ($15), cacio e pepe macaroni and cheese ($14) and charred broccolini with chiles and garlic breadcrumbs ($14)
The creamed spinach was velvety with plenty of flavor. The blistered peppers packed more heat than I expected, but were delicious nonetheless. The broccolini was my favorite with a smoky char and just enough bite. The cacio e pepe macaroni and cheese had a satisfying flavor, but lacked the dish’s signature defining peppery, cheese-forward character.
Chicken parmesan at Capon’s Chophouse in Hackensack, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ.com)Lauren Musni
Beyond steak, the restaurant also offers other main dishes like chicken parmesan ($38) topped with pomodoro sauce, melted parmesan and burrata all dotted with basil leaves. The sauce had the right amount of acidity to balance the richness of the cheeses on top. The dish offered a classic Italian-American alternative for guests looking beyond the steakhouse staples. However, I was surprised it didn’t come with pasta.
Slow roasted salmon at Capon’s Chophouse in Hackensack, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ.com)Lauren Musni
The slow-roasted salmon ($39) came on top of a butternut squash puree with a vegetable medley of roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts on the side. The salmon flaked easily and paired well with a smear of the smooth puree, which lent the dish a nutty taste and an autumnal feel. The roasted vegetables added another layer of texture and reinforced the dish’s seasonal flavors.
Bread pudding table side service at Capon’s Chophouse in Hackensack, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ.com)Lauren Musni
For a sweet finish, the warm banana pecan bread pudding ($29) served about two to four people. The server prepared each portion tableside, slicing the bread pudding onto a plate before adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel. The bread pudding brought together the sweetness of banana with the nutty crunch of pecans, while its warm, soft interior paired with the cool, creamy ice cream. The salted caramel brought the whole dessert together with a hint of salt.
The bad
Grilled Spanish octopus at Capon’s Chophouse in Hackensack, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ.com)Lauren Musni
The grilled Spanish octopus ($29) comes with warm gigante beans, ‘nduja vinaigrette and pickled peppers. The octopus was wonderfully tender but was missing the char that comes with most grilled octopus dishes. The flavor was also lackluster and felt as if it was missing something.
The vibes
Capon’s Chophouse feels more modern and edgy than a classic steakhouse but still provided comfort with plenty of seating, booths and a full bar. Tables towards the back of the restaurant offer a glimpse into the kitchen, adding a bit of behind-the-scenes action to the dining experience. For larger parties and intimate gatherings, the restaurant also has a private table tucked inside its wine room.
The bar and dining room, Capon’s Chophouse at The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack. 10/28/2026Steve Hockstein | For NJ.com
“The biggest compliment we get a lot is we have New York City vibes without having to go to New York,” Capon said. “To me, from the music to the lighting, to the ambiance, to the feel, to the service, I want people to feel like they’re not in New York anymore.”
The service lived up to that polished atmosphere. Courses arrived at a comfortable pace, with little downtime between dishes. The staff also regularly checked in to make sure everything was going smoothly without interrupting the meal.
The bottom line
Capon’s Chophouse delivers on the fundamentals of a dependable steakhouse, serving well-seasoned, beautifully charred steaks alongside fresh seafood and Italian-American favorites.
The chophouse also marks Capon’s first restaurant in the Garden State and a spot close to his home.
The modern setting and broad menu make Capon’s Chophouse an appealing option for a special occasion dinner, but the restaurant doesn’t necessarily reinvent the steakhouse experience.
Capon’s Chophouse at The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack. 10/28/2026Steve Hockstein | For NJ.com
It doesn’t have the creativity of MM by Morimoto in Montclair, which brings Japanese culinary techniques to the classic steakhouse model. It’s not as innovative as Mezcal in Old Bridge, where steakhouse classics are fused with Mexican favorites. These restaurants boast a certain verve and fusion on their menu that Capon lacks.
Customers can also expect to spend a decent chunk of change at Capon’s Chophouse. With steaks priced between $63 and $79, plus appetizers and sides that can quickly add to the bill, a dinner here is a splurge even before dessert.
Capon’s Chophouse is still a welcome addition to the New Jersey steakhouse scene. The Bergen County resident’s culinary chops are clearly on display. But at a time where steakhouses are getting more creative and contemporary, Capon’s feels a tad stuck in the past.
Dining and Cooking