My wife loves the filet here and the I think the salad bar is fantastic. Attentive waitstaff, cool atmosphere, loads of old books (hence the name) Window ordering allows you to observe cutting go your steak. My broiled crab stuffed shrimp, was the bomb! read more

Well, I wish we had read the reviews before dining here. Where to begin? We walked in and were immediately turned off by the atmosphere. It was dark and dingy with an odd smell. However, it was late so we chose to stay... big mistake. We were seated and the hostess let us know we could order our dinner at the window or wait for a server. What? Who wants to get up and order their $60 steak at a window like it's McDonald's? We opted for a server and the service was horrendous. The waitress said we had to order everything at one time. We couldn't just order our appetizers and then entrees a bit after. She then messed up the entree order that I had repeated 3 times because I had a feeling she was getting it wrong. I had to send it back. The Manhattans we ordered were awful (they were served with a lime?). The food was mediocre at best. We had the ribeye which was tough and chewy, and the stuffed flounder which was bland. We did not see the waitress even once after getting our entrees, except to give us the much overpriced charges. We will definitely not be returning here. read more

Food was unbelievably good. Best steak I have had in ages. Odd how you have to go to a butcher window to order. My husband and I went on NYE, had shorter then first stated wait time. Will def be going back! read more

On this past Friday my wife and I went to Library II to celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary. First we had drinks at the bar and then dinner in the dining room. I ordered the seafood combo for $32.98 and my wife the two crab cake dinner. The combo was composed of four almost raw scallops, three overdone shrimp, stuffed flounder that tasted like it was filled with hamburger helper, salmon (why salmon and not baked clams?) and a baked potato that tasted more like a mashed potato. My wife's crab cakes barely tasted of crab. I purposely didn't make a fuss because it was our anniversary night and my wife didn't want me to get upset. This evening I called Library II to complain to the "manager" and all she could say was, "I am sorry". Well so am I. The best part of the evening was sitting at their beautiful bar and having a scotch and soda on ice before their overpriced joke of a dinner. read more

I was so disappointed tonight, all of our steaks were ordered rare or medium rare, and they all came out medium or medium well! We had to send one back, and when it came out a second time it was better, but it wasn't medium rare, it was still pinkish Grey. The server knew we were disappointed and offered us some free drinks, which was really nice of him. However to have four people's steaks come out different than they ordered is unacceptable. Also when the bill came out they charged us for one extra salad bar then we had. The library used to be a great place to eat but it's going a little downhill I'm sorry to say read more

Not a bad steak, was not seasoned, but still had a good steak flavor. The salad bar is well stocked. The sides are done ala cart, baked potato, mushrooms, or creamed spinach. The atmosphere is good, you eat by candle light and that might be the only light around too. You are surrounded by book shelves, full of books, so if the wait is too long for you can always read one. My wait over all was not too bad. I had the Rib Eye steak medium rare, it was cooked perfectly with the bone in. Finished off with brownie ala mode. Would recommend for a date, or a special occasion. read more

My lady and I had dinner last night at the brand it was very good . The salad bar is a meal in itself . We ordered a filet mignon butterflied well done . I did stress no blood and it come out with a medium look . I sent it back and they apologized. The drinks were great and the sautéed onions and mushrooms were delicious . Overall I recommend this place for quaint romantic dining . read more

If you are looking for a great place to showcase your new BMW, Land Rover or Benz then this place is perfect! But other than placing your status symbol in the parking lot there is not much to hang your hat on here. Where to start? The decor is definitely indicative of the name and the place is full of books that decorate every inch of the interior. And it is very dark as stated by another reviewer. I also agree with the reviewer that its definitely an environment that attracts and older population. And it might just be that the salad bar, which is included with every meal, is all you can eat. Unfortunately, we do not eat salad bars or buffets of any kind and found that the salad bar was not just a limited benefit to the experience here, but also a detriment since we were seated close by. The bacon wrapped scallops as an appetizer should have given the rest of the meal away. The five scallops you would have expected, for the price, should have been at least a half dollar size. Perhaps it was the flavorless bacon that sucked the life out of them, but they wound up being the size of a quarter. He joked that if we had accidentally dropped one on the floor during consumption it would have bounced off and hit the ceiling. So although most people would not have paired bacon and lemon, we willingly smothered it with the zingy flavor in order to avoid using the sauce that came with it - a sauce that can only best be described as marinara mixed with a fondue cheese. He ordered the surf and turf and was not expecting the steak to actually taste like turf. For this being a $60 plate the lobster, although a good size, should not have been cooked to a rubbery consistency and the steak should have possessed some type of flavor other than the A1 added. She ordered crab stuffed shrimp, which was served with rice and thank god another lemon! After tasting the rice she was immediately brought back in time to the days her grandparents would take her to Bennigan's. Ahh, the memory of choking down flavorless, saltless rice with fake peas and carrot pieces in order to be able to order dessert! The crab was the best part of the plate - it being actual lumps of crab meat that were cooked nicely - but once covered in bread crumbs it seemed to take on a whole new flavor that will last with you forever and ever. Once again the shrimp was over cooked and a bit rubbery. Sides are a la carte and therefore just means more $$$. So since we spend the money to get them I'll waste your time describing them. Garlic mashed potatoes, were actually real potatoes, but once again, although smothered in garlic lacked any other flavoring what-so-ever. We are sure you will not find it a surprise that this will be the first and last visit to the Library II. We'll stick to surrounding ourselves with books at Barnes and Noble and eating steak and seafood at the likes of the ChopHouse, Bobby Flay, and at home. read more

Ahhhhhhhhh I loooove this place so much. Some of the best steaks I've ever had. Every time I go I think it can't get any better and then it does. Awesome selection of food and drinks read more

Library II...tons of history...Mr. Young/Jimmy Young/Tom with the handle bar mustache/ his wife who served/ Kevin B/Kevin D/ Bobby B. and a host of folks that were the best and made this place the best. All the Philadelphia sports folks dined here and made this place the best steak and salad place in NJ. I worked here as a bus boy and salad runner. I proposed to my wife here. I celebrated everything at the LII. We came here and listen to live bands and had great time closing out the joint. I also recently ate here and cried about everything this place once was. I wish I could buy the owners out and make this place what it once was. I miss my LII. I miss my salad. I miss my steak on the stick and prime rib. The best memory I had as a worker, was waiting for that hot bread to come in. How delicious!!! And at the end of the night watching Mr. Young drinking a bud and making us all laugh. Someone needs to buy this place out, do some minor upgrades, and hang some pics of all the folks who dedicated their lives to making folks happy. Juice out!! read more

Where do I begin with my disappointment in the Library II. We took my Brother there to celebrate his Birthday. Based on past results (under the old management) we thought we were going to have an amazing experience. Wrong!! First, we ordered drinks from the specialty menu. When they arrived they were tasteless and obviously watered down. Secondly, my Husband had to send his Veal Chop back as it tasted like a really bad piece of meat. It had a foul taste to it. In addition, I ordered the grilled shrimp with lemon and butter. Sadly, it was tasteless and tough. The Manager (and I use that term loosely) did not come to our table and kept sending our waitress out to apologize. He did not come until we were ready to walk out the door and after I told the waitress that it was disgraceful that the Manager never came to the table to make things right. In addition, they still charged us for the salad bar that came with my Husbands meal. Really? The Manager did not seem to care and came with lots of excuses. We were also charged a processing fee, for what I am not sure about. Under the current management we will not be returning. They should have attempted to make this right. I felt very badly for our waitress as she tried, but as I told her it was not her responsibility to rectify the situation. If you are going to spend an enormous amount of money, go elsewhere. read more

I attempted to have dinner there last night (march 14, 2018), but was forced to go elsewhere. The young lady who was the hostess was rude and insulting. I have not been to this place in a few years as it had not been the same since Fred (butcher) and Kevin (manager) were no longer there. It is unfortunate that Kevin passed away, he made the place so special. The prices became exorbitant and the quality of the steaks went downhill. It was late and I was on my home from the hospital across Rt. 73, so i thought why not. Well needless to say I will not be back soon. read more

Way over rated. Service is awesome but they never asked ma how my meal was. I ordered the big stuff shrimp and it came with four very small shrimp and crab meat had way too much cream cheese in it. I would never order again. I was very disappointed because the place seem like it was really going to be good. Plus, drinks are very expensive read more

I have heard nothing but over the moon compliments for this place, so I was pretty eager to try it. Got a chance to go with some friends for a celebration. The decor is very dark with most of your light coming from individual candles on each table which I found charming yet hazardous. Salad bar was nice with fresh food and the chilled plates were a nice touch. I didn't like that you had to order your food at a window, especially for the price. I had the London broil and I really was not impressed at all. Following the London broil I indulged in a chocolate martini and once again not impressed. Overall the service, food, and cleanliness fell short of my high expectations. You can get a way better meal for half the cost of this place. I would not recommend to a friend and I will not be back. read more

The steaks here are some of the best around. You get to pick out your meat and the chef will show you the cut before they get to work. The expansive salad bar is full of quality ingredients. A fun and satisfying experience! Definitely looking forward to my next visit! read more

I'm so sad to write this review. I've been coming here for the past 30 some years. I have so many wonderful memories here and the food was to die for. Best prime rib I've ever had. We moved about an hour away so I hadn't been in a few years but went last night. SO DISAPPOINTED! The place hasn't changed at all lookwise. Except they got rid of the red candles on the tables which I looooved. Salad bar is still on point too. But my prime rib was almost inedible. My husbands ribeye had absolutely no seasoning as did mine and was super tough. The prime rib was off the last time we went too, but I thought it might just have been a bad night. Nope. Last night confirmed it. They've raised the prices but the quality is just gone. I feel like I just lost an old friend! I've never had a bad meal here, but I guess nothing stays the same forever:( read more

Very dark only tried the salad bar but it was delicious..I was with an 85 and 92 year old and they both said it was frustrating to walk to table because it was to dark.. when seating older people try to give the a well lit area is my suggestion. read more

Not a good experience. Upon walking in we were not greeted or even acknowledged. It made you momentarily wonder if you were just supposed to seat yourself. After being seated the waitress asked if we wanted drinks then set down drink menus and a check and walked away. Not once did she ask if we had been there before and were familiar with their ordering process (going up to the butchers window). There wasn't a menu to look over and get an idea of what you might order. If you have bad eyesight forget about reading the menu posted across the restaurant near the window. The sides weren't even located in the same place. A little cohesion would go a long way here. After walking up and placing our order we hit the salad bar. WOW, seriously how are people going on and on about this??? It was standard except for little things like asparagus and marinated artichokes. The garlic was noticeably straight from the jar and overall the bar options were outdated. The spinach was wilted and sitting in a puddle of juice from the decaying leaves. Pretty sure that wouldn't pass code. I watched people come up and place their bare hands on the cheese that was sitting out on the board waiting for the customer to slice it themselves. The same with the breads. They had a variety but I'm not about to eat something 20 people have molested with their possibly unwashed hands. After a long wait and our salad plates still not having been cleared, they brought out the 16 ounce filet we ordered to share. We asked for medium rare, it was medium well. The cut looked lovely before we sliced into it though. 30, yes THIRTY, minutes later when they brought out a new steak it was smaller and apparently butchered by an amateur. Do not tout yourself as a fine steakhouse if you are going to leave chain muscle and silverskin on your cuts. That is beyond unacceptable. Use the chain muscle for the $23 teriyaki beef you sell. The beef was okay but I wouldn't say it was delicious. It was absolutely under-seasoned. There is no reason to coat beef in spices, however, the simple addition of salt enhances the flavor tremendously. It's time to get a new chef that understands BEEF. The clientele were interesting to say the least. Whatever happened to getting dressed for dinner? I'm not talking about a suit and tie or a cocktail dress. I'm just saying THIS ISN'T WALMART, your jean shorts and sloppy t-shirt are unacceptable....have some pride people. If you can afford a $40+ steak and a $60+ lobster tail then you can afford something nicer to wear to a restaurant. This is not a nice, romantic spot for a date. Was there a candle on the table, yes...was it safe, not really. The tables were too close together for a place that forces you to get up to order your food etc. It was also fairly loud and definitely not a place to get to know someone. We were really sad this place wasn't as good as we had heard. We had hoped for a new spot to frequent....I guess we will continue to look. read more

Came in here for a quick drink and was over whelmed by how dark it was in here. I guess this establishment is more for dinner, which they have a buffet, which I did not try, but I'm sure was great or if you are really ugly dude trying to pick up a chick and you are using the darkness like Batman to be your friend. They had some cute bartenders that were very nice, but I probably would not be back unless I lived close. read more

Overpriced for what you get waitress had to be asked to remove dirty salad plates gave us another tables check brought it to her attention and got ours which was a higher price when walking by the hostess to leave she said nothing to us read more

We drove all the way here to splurge on a special occasion. The lighting was very dark. Seeing as they just opened there was not alot of patrons. We order our drinks and were never offered menus or anything. The bartender spent most of the time talking to the bar back on the other side of the bar where we couldn't even wave her down. Sadly we never got food. Paid our tab and left read more

I was disappointed with this restaurant based on the reviews. The food was fine, but not worthy of the $250+ check for 4 adults and 1 child. I was trying to avoid paying top shelf prices by finding a nice local steakhouse, but I will keep looking. I honestly don't understand why people consider this worthy of 5 stars, since to me a 5 star steakhouse at this price point would have truly exceptional food, service, decor and ambiance - it should be the best of the best. The steak was good - a bit overcooked - was more Well done than Medium. The lobster tail was large and delicious, which made up for my overcooked steak. My specialty drink wasn't all that tasty, but WAS loaded with liquor. The salad bar IS extensive. The milk for my coffee came in a plastic tub, which is unusual at 5 star high end restaurants. While the quirkiness of going to the counter to order did seem interesting, it left me feeling a bit like a cafeteria. I should not have to pay top dollar prices for a salad bar and an order window. I also felt rushed because there was a line and wasn't aware of all the side dish option or that they had appetizers. Because my party ordered separately, we wound up duplicating side dish orders that would not have occurred had we been seated, had time to leisurely review an entire menu and take time for discussions before a waiter took our order. My knife had food left on it and the bathroom wasn't very nice or very clean. The overall ambiance of the restaurant while interesting again doesn't justify the top shelf prices and the buffet style service. The servers were friendly and competent, but not overly attentive - after waiting 5 minutes, I had to get up to find a waiter to request some horseradish. It would have been a decent dinner for about half the price. We won't be back. read more

Delicious food and great salad bar!! It's definitely expensive especially considering you have to walk up and put in your own order!! Which was an awkward experience standing in line to order food at what I would consider a higher end restaurant! That I didn't like!! And add your standing and waiting to get to the salad bar I feel like the prices should be a lot lower!! You do all the work!! Probably won't be back for awhile!! read more

The Library NEVER disappoints! My family loves coming here for special occasions. I can still remember having dinners here that were more than 15 years ago. The decor hasn't changed...but it's pretty neat inside with books all along the walls. While the Library is A steakhouse and obviously known for its steak, my favorite part of the experience is the salad bar. The salad bar has items for salad lovers and also those who hate salad. There are plenty of options beyond greens, including cheeses, bread, fresh fruit...I could go on. The ordering process is neat--you go up to a window and tell them what you want. They show you the meat before they cook it, you approve, order your side items and you're on your way to a great meal. For those who don't like steak, there are a bunch of seafood options that are excellent as well. Tip: arrive early as the place gets packed and I don't think you can make reservations. If you end up with a wait, don't despair, the bar is a great spot to pass the time. read more

It's dark. It's old school. There are lots of books. You still get those confused looks from people when you say you're going to the Library for dinner, partly because you say your are going to a library for dinner and partly because no one goes to a library anymore. This is another one of those places that has been around since before my existence. Yes, it is on the pricey side, but they serve up steaks that are worth getting a coronary over. Yep I said it. We've all heard of salad bars, but the Library has something that you don't see too often. A bread and cheese bar! That's right. Freshly baked bread, succulent cheese, and....salad. So if that's not enough right there for you to make this your next visit, feast your eyes on this! When ordering, you must travel to the window, that is just past the bread bar. There is a list of what they have on the wall. You then tell the cook what you want and how you want it cooked. My suggestion: the prime rib medium rare. Some of the best I've ever had. I have never had a bad meal here and have always felt that the service was above average. As I said before, it might hurt to look at the check when the meal is over, but you will be satisfied to the point of not caring, as you loosen your belt and think "That was money well spent. Now what's for dessert?" read more

Horrible place. Incredibly stupid set up. And prices are astronomically horrible. I do even go to red lobster over this place.

My family adores this place, however I find it a little sub-par. The steaks are decent, but the salad bar gives me an unclean feeling and the decor is wack. I'd rather go to Ruth's! read more

Love the Library. it's fun going up to the "butcher" for your cut of meat. The salad bar is the best

So after eating here two times, and compared to the Library in Williamstown, I would not return. Let me tell you why. First, the bartenders were not very attentive. They were more interested in their cell phones. Next, we ordered one prime rib to share, and we eat decided to get the salad bar. The salad bar looked as if it was hit by a tornado. Everything was everywhere and it hadn't been attended to in quite some time. Now, for the prime rib. It was extremely fatty and well over cooked when it was supposed to be medium rare. I do believe the quality has changed here since the price of beef went up. We sent that back and they were not happy, but when you asked for MR and it comes out almost well, that's a problem. All their meals are ridiculously priced especially for the quality. Lastly, their cocktails are very under poured for the price. Over all, I would not return based on the quality of the food and how over priced it is. Cocktails are outrageous for what you receive. Lastly, think we both got sick from the salad bar, maybe too many people with dirty hands and it was not kept very well. Maybe Im spoiled, but the Library in Williamstown is much much better and not as expensive. read more

I go to this restaurant at least once per year. I've never, ever had a bad steak here. If you want mouth watering Fillet Mignon that melts in your mouth like butter, this is the place for you. The salad bar is also excellent. Over the years they've added additional dishes and side dishes, but I always go back for the fillet. Desserts are also excellent, if you have any room left. They do not take reservations and the place fills up quick so get here around 4:00-4:30 if you want to be seated right away, otherwise you're going to be waiting at the bar or outside. read more

Decent atmosphere, food was great, drinks were right on. It's not a five. The steak and lobster where made well and too order. The side dishes were lacking specially for a meal that with several drinks is over $150. It's worth a night out, and I could see have drinks and apps there. However, it's still lacking something. read more

If you like shoe leather, this is the place for you! Been here a few times. Years ago, the food was much better. My first star is for the ambience. I really enjoy the dark feel, which was pleasantly comfortably decorated with books and dimly lit lamps. Ok, I like it a lot, so there's my second star as well. My third star is for the generously sized bar drinks. My martinis were delicious and oversized. Thank you for that. I ordered a NY Strip black and blue. The order taker confirmed "Pittsburgh?" Any steak house worth their salt knows this cooking technique is for the discerning palate. Spice it properly, sear it for a minute each side and viola. Nope, not here. Mine arrived medium/medium well and tasted like burnt oil. We had a bunch in our party and everyone's steak was way overcooked. The sides aren't cheap, and the mushrooms were basically boiled and served. Sauté, spice, butter would have been better. I will be back, and look forward to the drinks and little lamps, but will not look towards craving my carnivorous pangs here. read more

I was in love with this place but... after my experience 2/23/2014 not anymore. I felt as though I was getting Saturday night left overs. Baked potato was dried out, steak wasn't seasoned. Not going back anytime soon to drop $100 plus for two. Salad bar as always awesome. read more

First let me say I've been to every high end steakhouse in the tri-state area and this place has the best steak for the money. This is a middle price range steakhouse, not high end. If you think $250 checks for 4 is high end, try Morton for$500. If you're looking for gourmet go somewhere else. This is a meat a potatoes place for meat and potatoes people. Far superior to the chains and half the price of the high ends. Awesome salad bar and well priced drinks. Only downside I see is they don't take reservations, if they did it would be hard to get considering people line up like cattle on Friday and Saturday nights for a 2 hour wait. Best bang for you buck. read more

Not great anymore. For ten years this place was my go to place for surf and turf...not anymore! Steaks looked beautiful, but were tough and pretty tasteless. This place has gone downhill...not sure what has happened. For the price, go to Flemings down the road...much better. read more

Great atmosphere, live music and the food is excellent! Adriana is a skilled bartender and awesome at her job. The rest of the staff is friendly and professional. read more

The service is great, old school salad bar, and great food. I had the prime rib... It was huge and worth every penny.

Where to begin... The young, blonde curly haired hostess was so outwardly rude, never smiled OR greeted a single patron with kindness and respect. Not surprising, as the older blonde manager occasionally working with her (figured out who she was based on others reviews) was equally cold to the customers. We were seated right next to the hostess station which was a constant distraction the entire evening as I was in constant disbelief with the rude behavior of the hostess, as well as the obvious tiff between she and a muscle head employee who attempted to approach her a couple of times. His attempts failed. She was not having it, and I wanted to tell him to run like hell. I will NEVER understand employing an entitled, self absorbed, rude person as a HOSTESS in any restaurant. It's their JOB to make people feel welcome and to greet them with a smile. FIRE HER. And the manager while you're at it... Ordering your own meal at the cooks window is an interesting concept that I might not mind if the line for that wasn't in the way of the line at the salad bar, and the entrees weren't so expensive. The 12 oz. NY strip steak I ordered was OK. Cooked just fine, but had no flavor at all. My fiance said the same about his filet mignon. Over dinner, we discussed that perhaps ordering from the chef at the window could prevent issues with the order sometimes experienced at other restaurants, as you are skipping the step of going through a 3rd party server. Well... we never got our scallops, and despite telling the waiter "nevermind, we aren't really interested anymore", we were still charged once we received the check. Not to mention that we were originally given the wrong check that belonged to another table. Each time we had to correct the waiter and the issues with the check, we had to wait at least 5-10 minutes to get each issue corrected. More time to observe the miserable hostess and grow increasingly ticked off. The only reason I gave it 2 stars and not 1 was because of the salad bar. It wasn't the best, but was the only part of dinner I enjoyed. read more

I have been here a few times. The steaks are great and they have the best salad bar in the area.

The salad bar. I mean, my vegan boyfriend left here full and satisfied. At a steakhouse. WHAT. Ambiance is also awesome. My dad and stepmom both LOVED their rib eye/Chilean sea bass, respectively. I got the sirloin since I knew I wanted to attack the salad bar. I asked for medium rare, I got it medium/medium well. They lost a star there, if only because I told the butcher "I like my cow bleeding." Ah well. read more