Nero's - Livingston

[Peter Conway]

Opinions?

Went there tonight. But before I comment....

Thanks.

[Rosie]

Have not been there for years. Would be interested in your comments.

[hitmanoo]

Opinions?

Went there tonight. But before I comment....

Thanks.

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I was there on Sunday night. I thought the food was very good, but the service left much to be desired.

At a table for 4 we ordered the veal rib chop, tuna and 2 orders of tilapia. Both the veal and the tuna were excellent. The tilapia was a little bit too dry, but was ok with a touch of lemon.

I had the chicken/corn soup, and it was very good. The Caesar salad was well done. I did not get to try the Julio salad, but it was completely eaten, and I was told it was delicious.

My only problem was with the service. They were very slow to take our order. When I payed my check, I had to wait 10-15 minutes to get back some change. There was a party of 4 seated about 10 minutes after us, and they were served and out of the restaurant at least 20 minutes before us.

In all, a quality meal. A little bit pricy--dinner for 4 was about $145 before tip. That price includes no alcoholic beverages.

[dbrociner]

Peter, we never did hear your report. I'm wondering what you thought? My opinion of Nero's isn't positive but I haven't been there in years. I drive by everyday and wonder how come the place is often crowded. One of the mysteries of the Livingston restaurant scene.

[Rosie]

I drive by Red Lobster and wonder the same thing!

[Peter Conway]

Peter, we never did hear your report. I'm wondering what you thought?  My opinion of Nero's isn't positive but I haven't been there in years. I drive by everyday and wonder how come the place is often crowded.  One of the mysteries of the Livingston restaurant scene.

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I hate to say anything bad, and my expectations were proberly not correct. But I think your opinion is correct.

Maybe it is a case of lesser evils.

My partner and I wanted to go out for a drink and maybe dinner at the bar. He suggested Houlihan's, Landmark or Nero's. I have also been by Nero's many times but only went there for lunch once about 13-14 years ago.

It wasn't a hard choice because I was sure it was better than Houlihans, and I hear the Landmark is good for burgers and stuff, but smokey (not for long).

I had also heard Nero's had a good wine list. So I quickly answered his question of where to go with Nero's. I was actually quite excited expecting a great meal and some good wine.

Now even though they have gotten some Wine Spectator Awards their list of wines by the glass was nothing great. So disapointment number 1.

The bartender by the way was terrific, I'd go back for drinks just to hang with her.

I ordered Clams Casino as an appetizer, not sure why. It is a left over from all the times I went to Cutter's in Morristown as a kid, I know I'm showing my age. They had the best Clams Casino ever, always looking for a repeat of that.

The clams were very bland with a half cooked chunk of bacon lying over some luke warm chopped pimentos out of a can or jar. When the bartender noticed I was not eating them she called over the Matre D' who was as nice as can be. They happily took it off the bill and that was that.

Going out on a limb again perhaps, I ordered a special of Venison. It was good, a little chewy, but isn't that the way Vension is? But, now I have never experienced this before, it was half hot and half just slightly warm. Like half of the plate was under the heat lamps while waiting for the other dinners to be ready. Weird.

It came with an enourmous plate of medicore french fries.

It looked like they serve good steaks, and my partner liked his, but they are covered with onions and potatoes that are cooked too fast tasting burnt.

The place obviously does well, I know many people who like it, but they seem to be riding on an old reputation and just not trying that hard.

With all the great places to go I don't think I am heading to Nero's anytime soon.

[dbrociner]

I drive by Red Lobster and wonder the same thing!

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RS, you are clearly suffering from the lack of pro football on tv today. Or is that me? Anyway, there is a huge difference and its an economic one. Drive by Nero's and count the number of 50K+ cars in the parking lot. People eating in the Red Lobster aren't driving those kind of cars.

[dbrociner]

Peter, we never did hear your report. I'm wondering what you thought?  My opinion of Nero's isn't positive but I haven't been there in years. I drive by everyday and wonder how come the place is often crowded.  One of the mysteries of the Livingston restaurant scene.

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It wasn't a hard choice because I was sure it was better than Houlihans, and I hear the Landmark is good for burgers and stuff, but smokey (not for long).

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Peter, you are right about the Landmark, smoke city. It will be interesting to see how they handle things come April 15th. I think it will be a crowd that will resent not being able to smoke in there, a room full of Dennis Leary's if you will. The food there is hit and miss, one time a good burger the next time a mediocre one. The kind of place where people are willing to overlook its flaws, can you say numerous?, because its a local institution. I've been able to right the Landmark off because of the cigarette smoke, now I'll have to go back for one more try. I'll post after I've been there.

As for Nero's, I hate to say this but I'm glad to hear that you confirmed my experience. Another place I won't have to waste my time/money in.

[Peter Conway]

Peter, we never did hear your report. I'm wondering what you thought?  My opinion of Nero's isn't positive but I haven't been there in years. I drive by everyday and wonder how come the place is often crowded.  One of the mysteries of the Livingston restaurant scene.

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It wasn't a hard choice because I was sure it was better than Houlihans, and I hear the Landmark is good for burgers and stuff, but smokey (not for long).

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Peter, you are right about the Landmark, smoke city. It will be interesting to see how they handle things come April 15th. I think it will be a crowd that will resent not being able to smoke in there, a room full of Dennis Leary's if you will. The food there is hit and miss, one time a good burger the next time a mediocre one. The kind of place where people are willing to overlook its flaws, can you say numerous?, because its a local institution. I've been able to right the Landmark off because of the cigarette smoke, now I'll have to go back for one more try. I'll post after I've been there.

As for Nero's, I hate to say this but I'm glad to hear that you confirmed my experience. Another place I won't have to waste my time/money in.

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That's for sure. So is there anyplace around Livingston that's good? I am relatively new to the area having just moved my office there last June.

Panevino, Strip House, Zen are all pretty decent but they get a little boring. Any other suggestions?

I live in Montclair and there is certainly no shortage there.