1922 on the Square

Me and my date were super excited to try out this place seeing it had a lot of unique dishes to offer. Started out strong but gradually declined. Wait staff was great. It wasn’t a busy night so we got seated rather quickly (also made a reservation ahead of time just to be safe). Our waitress Jamie was super nice, checked on us throughout the night and was able to give us some wine recommendations. We ordered Salmon Rangoons for apps and it tasted great by itself and with the special “bam bam sauce”. This was part of the uniqueness that we were excited to experience. We had also gotten Lobster Bisque and it was very creamy, nicely seasoned, tasted absolutely amazing. Presentation on everything was nicely done as well. Our entrees and sides was where it got a little rough. We went on a Sunday night so it was recommended that we must try their Prime Rib that was only available on Sundays. The texture of the meat seemed like it was best served as a part of a roast rather than a steak. The edges were pretty rough and chewy as well. My date ordered carrots and a loaded potato to go with it. Carrots were great in his eyes, had not gotten to the potato since was a pretty big cut of steak. I had gotten the Prime Rib Ravioli, which had a very creamy sauce and ground prime rib as the filling for the raviolis. Loved the sauce, didn’t care too much for the extremely thick and excess dough. Meat filling also reminded me of meatloaf texture-wise. I had also gotten truffle fries as a side but they were not very crispy. I was a little disappointed seeing as there was a lot of uniqueness and variety in the menu options, but I didn’t expect the main entrees to be the quality that we experienced, especially when we had paid about $120 here for a date night. No desserts were ordered since we were a little disheartened after the entrees. Maybe the other cuts of steak would have been a better option.

We expected better. Made a reservation weeks ahead of time for a party of 12, requested to be seated in the back room that is separated from the rest of the restaurant by a wall of windows. We were told we could be seated there. We did this because it would make visiting among our party easier and to better appreciate the gifts and cake involved. We also wanted to better accommodate our teenage son who is on the autism spectrum. Arrived early, found the back room was full and we were to be seated at a long table in the main room. Talked with the hostess and then the owner, both of whom made it clear they didn’t care about what we had been promised or the issues it caused. Later we were allowed to move to the room for the last part of our time there, but not without some convincing. The waitress and food were fine, but the lack of concern otherwise put a serious damper on the evening. This was certainly not a cheap choice of place to celebrate, and we were offered no compensation. Had enjoyed this place in the past, but will certainly not be returning!

We have visited 1922 on the square in Newark twice. Both times we sat outside on a lovely night. One of my favorite locations to have dinner looking over the historic courthouse. I have to say that the service is great here. They moved a bunch of tables to accommodate our large party. The food is spectacular. They bring you the best garlic bread that was part of the menu of a diner that used to be on the square. The salmon was moist and well seasoned. The potato side dish with malt vinegar is a must order. Everyone loved their food. The prices are in the higher end but not terrible.

Valentine dinner, so it was a limited menu. I was surprised that the menu was so limited last evening. Price per person was $90 and it was NOT reflected in the entree choices. The steak offered was a TOP SIRLOIN rather than a filet mignon as the price would suggest. They really tried to dress everything up but most of it fell flat, including the tasteless purées under nearly everything. Service was rushed as our appetizer and salad hit the table at the same time and the plates were not cleared until the entree came. I do not mind spending money on food for a holiday date night but the $90 per person price normally comes with better service and better steak selection. 1922 on the square will definitely not be included in dinner plans any time soon.