You've probably driven past a hundred steakhouses that look exactly the same. Dark wood, white tablecloths, and a guy in a suit trying to upsell you on a bottle of wine that costs more than your mortgage. But Chris Michaels Steak House in Woodbridge, New Jersey, is a bit of a weird, beautiful outlier in the local dining scene. It’s not just a place to get a piece of meat; it’s a bizarrely successful hybrid of a high-end chophouse, a sushi bar, and a late-night lounge. Honestly, if you told someone ten years ago that one of the best spots for a Prime Ribeye would also be a destination for a "Rock and Roll" lobster maki, they’d have laughed you out of the room.
But here we are.
Located at 40 Oakwood Ave, right near the madness of the Woodbridge Center, this place has managed to carve out a niche that shouldn't work on paper but totally does. It’s moody. It’s a little dark. It feels like the kind of place where a business deal gets closed in one booth while a first date is happening in the next, and someone is watching the game at the bar with a plate of calamari.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Most people show up for the Butcher’s Block. That’s the heart of the operation. We’re talking USDA Prime beef, which is a designation only about 2% of American beef actually gets. They don't mess around with the heat, either. The kitchen uses high-temp broilers to get that specific crust—the kind that stays salty and charred while the inside is basically butter.
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If you’re looking for the heavy hitters, the 22 oz Prime Cowboy Ribeye is the one people talk about. It’s bone-in, well-marbled, and usually enough food to require a nap immediately afterward. But there’s a nuance here that you don't find at the big national chains. They offer a 36 oz Porterhouse for two, which is a massive commitment, but it gives you both the tenderness of the filet and the flavor of the strip.
The sushi side is where things get interesting. It’s not just an afterthought.
You can start with Yellowtail Jalapeño or a Tuna Tartar on crispy wontons.
Then you move to the "Roll with CM" section of the menu.
The M-16 Roll is a local favorite—shrimp tempura and avocado topped with seared salmon and a light spicy mayo.
It’s a strange pivot from a steak, but it works if you’re sharing with a group.
The Appetizer Strategy
Don't skip the "FireCracker" shrimp and calamari. It has this spicy-sweet glaze that’s addictive. If you’re feeling more traditional, the Nueske’s Slab Bacon is thick-cut and served with a house-made steak sauce that isn't just sugar and vinegar.
Some people swear by the French Onion Soup. It’s classic.
Others go for the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake.
There’s no filler.
Just crab.
The Vibe and the Lounge Scene
One thing that catches people off guard is the transition. During the day and early evening, Chris Michaels Steak House is a fairly standard, albeit upscale, dining room. But as the sun goes down, the energy shifts. There’s a DJ scene. The lounge area starts to fill up with people who aren't even there for the steak—they’re there for the Fig Cosmopolitan or the Lychee Martini.
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It’s a "rustic chic" atmosphere, which is a fancy way of saying it feels expensive but you don’t have to feel stiff. The dress code is "smart casual," so you can't just roll in wearing gym shorts, but you don't need a tuxedo either. The wood-paneled interior and dim lighting give it an old-school feel, but the house music in the lounge keeps it from feeling like a museum.
Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
Look, no place is perfect. If you go on a Friday night at 8:00 PM, it’s going to be loud. The tables are a little close together. If you’re looking for a silent, romantic corner to whisper secrets, this might not be your spot during peak hours. Some regulars have noted that the service can slow down when the lounge gets packed, which is the trade-off for that "vibrant" energy.
The pricing is also exactly what you’d expect for Prime beef. It’s an investment. You’re looking at $40 to $70 for most steaks, and that’s a la carte. By the time you add the Lobster Mac and Cheese (which you should, because it’s loaded with actual claw meat) and a couple of drinks, the bill is going to be hefty.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re actually planning to go, don’t just wing it. Here is how to handle a night at Chris Michaels:
- Make a Reservation Early: Especially on weekends. Use their online system or just call. If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday without a name on the list, you're going to be waiting at the bar for a long time.
- Park Smart: They have a private lot, which is a godsend in Woodbridge. There’s also valet if you’re feeling lazy or the lot is packed.
- Try the "Side" Move: The steaks are the stars, but the Red Bliss Smashed Garlic Potatoes and the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with bacon and honey butter are arguably just as good.
- Check the Specials: They often do "Filet Tip Risotto" or specific seasonal seafood that isn't on the main Uber Eats or online menus. Ask the server what’s fresh.
- The Happy Hour Hack: If you want the vibe without the $200 bill, hit the bar for happy hour. The cocktails are top-tier, and you can grab some of the sushi or smaller "Between the Bread" items like the Kobe Beef Burger.
Chris Michaels Steak House is one of those rare places that actually understands its audience. They know people in Jersey want a good steak, but they also want a little bit of a scene. It’s a mix of old-world quality and new-world flash. Whether you’re there for a 22 oz ribeye or a spicy tuna roll, you’re probably going to leave full, broke, and planning your next trip back.
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To get the most out of your experience, aim for a mid-week dinner if you want a quieter meal, or a late-night Friday booking if you want the full lounge experience. Check their current hours before heading out, as they often open earlier for lunch on weekdays but have different "nightlife" hours on the weekends.