Avenue Steak House More Than Just Bar Food

Bar food comes in many different forms – finger foods, greasy feel-good foods and late-night snacks that hit the spot after a few cocktails. But bar food prepared right is both a delight and joy to eat.
The food at the Avenue Steak House, 142-144 Bloomfield Ave. in Bloomfield falls into the latter category. The food may be standard bar fare, but that’s where the similarities end.
We started with a slew of appetizers – fried calamari ($8.95), chicken quesadillas ($6.95) and a nacho platter ($7.95).
The calamari, coated with flour and deep-fried, was served with a small dish of marinara sauce. Although deep-fried, the food was not oily making for a tasty starter.
The chicken quesadillas featured four chicken-filled triangles of cheese, chicken and vegetables. The quesadillas were loaded with chicken and the shells were crispy and crunchy, though when we bit into them, we were disappointed to find the chicken was chewy and stringy.

The nacho platter featured a mountain of nachos, tomatoes, celery and ground beef with melted cheese. It took a lot of effort, but we somehow managed to finish just about the entire platter.

A good portion of the menu featured themed platters, something we decided to sample. The Fat Tommy ($7.95) featured chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, onion rings and French fries. The portion of chicken nuggets and mozzarella sticks were abundant. The meal was a perfect portion for a hungry child.
The Fat A.S.H. ($7.95) featured a hamburger on a 6”-Italian bread roll. As a side, the dish featured onion rings and French fries as well as additional mozzarella sticks.The hamburger was prepared as requested (well done) and the roll was toasted.
The Fat Bombay ($7.95) featured a breaded chicken breast with mozzarella cheese, red peppers, spicy green long peppers, mushrooms and onions. The meal featured French fries and onions rings as well. The dish was a crunchy, delightful mix of tasty sensations that was a enjoyed by everyone at our table.
We ordered the shrimp scampi ($15.95), served with yellow rice and fresh spinach. The dish also included a side salad.
The dish featured six medium-sized shrimp in a lemon butter sauce. The shrimp were plump and meaty. Along with the rice, spinach and salad, the portion was more than enough.

Some other items to note: 

• There is no parking lot for the restaurant. Parking is available on Bloomfield Avenue or one of the side streets.
• The restrooms were large and clean and handicap accessible.
• The restaurant features six tables for dining.
•  The waitress/bartender said the bar fills up on weekends when the bar features a DJ and dance floor.
•  The bar features five plasma TVs.

Avenue Steak House Restaurant & Bar
142-144 Bloomfield Ave.
Bloomfield
(973) 429-0695
Hours: Mon - Sun, 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Serving lunch and dinner