People Are Going Crazy Over The Mouth-Watering Steaks At This Homey Restaurant In New Jersey

Tucked away on Route 73 in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, sits a dining destination that’s been making serious waves among steak lovers who crave that perfect blend of cozy charm and top-tier beef.

The Library II isn’t your typical steakhouse; it’s a one-of-a-kind spot where towering bookshelves, dim lighting, and the smell of sizzling ribeyes create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a literary lover’s dream dinner party.

For decades, locals and visitors alike have flocked here to experience mouth-watering steaks served in a setting that’s equal parts nostalgic pub and sophisticated retreat.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, catching up with old friends, or simply treating yourself to a night out, this homey restaurant delivers an experience that goes way beyond just a meal.

Steak straight from a butcher window, walls lined with thousands of books, and a legendary salad bar that steals the spotlight. Add tomahawks and filet mignon so good they send diners into a frenzy, and you’ve got a comfort?food adventure worth every mile of the trip.

A Bookish Steakhouse Like No Other

Walking into The Library II at 306 NJ-73, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043, feels like wandering into a collector’s personal study, except this one serves up some of the juiciest steaks in South Jersey. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line every wall, packed with thousands of real books that guests are actually welcome to browse or even take home as souvenirs.

The dim, candlelit ambiance wraps around you like a warm blanket on a crisp autumn evening, making it the perfect escape from the everyday hustle.

This isn’t some gimmicky theme restaurant slapped together for Instagram likes – the literary vibe here is authentic, carefully curated over years by owners who genuinely love the charm of old libraries. Antique kitchen accessories and vintage library furnishings dot the space, transporting diners back to a Victorian-era world where conversation and good food reigned supreme.

Wooden tables, cozy booths, and soft jazz (or sometimes pop tunes, depending on the night) complete the sensory experience.

Many guests describe the atmosphere as intimate and romantic, ideal for date nights or milestone celebrations. Others appreciate the laid-back, homey feel that makes you want to linger over dessert and a second glass of red.

Whether you’re a bibliophile or just someone who appreciates unique décor, the setting alone is worth the visit. The lighting is low but not so dark you can’t see your perfectly cooked steak, striking a balance that keeps things elegant without feeling stuffy or overly formal at all.

The Legendary Salad Bar Everyone Talks About

Before your steak even hits the table, you’ll want to dive headfirst into what many regulars call one of the best salad bars in New Jersey. Included with every entrée, this isn’t some sad corner table with wilted lettuce and a bottle of ranch, it’s a sprawling spread of fresh greens, crisp vegetables, assorted cheeses, marinated mushrooms, and a rotating selection of bread that’ll make carb lovers weep with joy.

From pumpernickel to soft rolls, the bread alone could be a meal if you’re not careful.

Guests rave about the variety and freshness, with over 318 mentions in reviews highlighting the salad bar as a standout feature. You’ll find everything from classic Caesar fixings to pickled veggies, olives, croutons, and multiple dressing options that cater to every palate.

It’s the kind of place where you can build a masterpiece salad or just grab a simple side – either way, you’re getting quality ingredients that taste like they were prepped that morning.

However, some recent reviews mention that the salad bar can run low during peak dinner hours, so arriving earlier in the evening might score you the fullest selection. A few longtime fans have also noted changes since new ownership took over, like missing pickled cucumbers or certain bread varieties they used to love.

Still, the consensus remains strong: this salad bar is a major draw and a delicious way to kick off your meal before the main event arrives.

Order Your Steak Like a Boss from the Butcher Window

Here’s where The Library II really sets itself apart from cookie-cutter chain steakhouses: instead of just pointing at a menu item and hoping for the best, you walk up to a butcher window where a real-deal butcher showcases cuts of beef and helps you choose exactly what you want. It’s an interactive, old-school experience that makes you feel like you’re part of the cooking process, not just a passive diner waiting for food to appear.

You can select your preferred cut – whether it’s a thick ribeye, a tender filet mignon, a massive tomahawk, or a hearty New York strip, and specify the exact size and temperature. Want a 14-ounce medium-rare NY strip with a garlic butter topping?

Done. Craving a bone-in ribeye cooked medium with a side of sautéed mushrooms?

You got it. This personalized approach means your steak is prepared to your exact specifications, taking the guesswork out of the equation.

The butcher and kitchen staff are generally knowledgeable and friendly, offering recommendations if you’re unsure which cut suits your taste. However, a few recent reviews mention inconsistencies – some guests reported steaks arriving undercooked or overcooked despite clear instructions, and a handful felt the seasoning was lacking.

These hiccups seem sporadic rather than the norm, but it’s worth double-checking your order when it arrives. Overall, the butcher window remains a beloved tradition that adds a fun, engaging twist to the typical steakhouse experience in New Jersey.

Steaks That Have People Coming Back for Decades

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: the steaks at The Library II are what built this restaurant’s reputation and keep guests returning year after year, sometimes for over two decades. From the melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon to the show-stopping tomahawk that practically hangs off the plate, the beef here is high-quality, well-marbled, and cooked over open flames that give each cut a beautiful char and smoky depth.

Regulars sing praises about the tenderness and flavor, with many calling it the best steak they’ve ever had in South Jersey. The filet is buttery soft, the ribeye is rich and juicy, and the prime rib, when available, delivers that classic, beefy satisfaction.

Portion sizes are generous, often leaving diners with plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Pair your steak with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, or mac and cheese, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent without being over-the-top fancy.

That said, recent feedback has been mixed, with some guests reporting bland, underseasoned steaks or inconsistent cooking temperatures. A few mentioned receiving well-done meat when they ordered medium-rare, or steaks that were tough rather than tender.

These experiences seem to coincide with ownership changes and staffing turnover, leading longtime fans to worry the quality isn’t what it used to be. Still, plenty of five-star reviews continue to roll in, proving that when The Library II nails it, they really nail it.

Surf and Turf Options That Bring the Ocean to Your Plate

Not just a one-trick pony for beef lovers, The Library II offers a solid lineup of seafood dishes that let you enjoy the best of both land and sea. Surf and turf combos are a popular choice, pairing a perfectly grilled steak with lobster tail, shrimp, or crab for a decadent feast that feels like a special occasion on a plate.

The crab cake appetizers get plenty of love from guests, described as fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned.

Other seafood highlights include the lobster bisque (though one review mentioned it arriving cold, so temperature consistency can be hit or miss), broiled seafood combos, and salmon that several diners praised as very good. The crab topping option for steaks is another fan favorite, adding a sweet, briny richness that elevates an already delicious cut of beef.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the stuffed cod is on the menu, though reviews on that dish have been lukewarm, with some calling it bland.

Unfortunately, a few guests have raised concerns about seafood quality in recent visits. One diner reported receiving imitation scallops in a pricey seafood combo, which led to a tense exchange with management.

Another mentioned undercooked tilapia that had to be sent back. These incidents seem isolated but are worth noting if seafood is your main reason for visiting.

When the seafood is fresh and prepared well, it shines, but it’s clear that consistency has been a challenge lately, so proceed with cautious optimism and don’t hesitate to speak up if something seems off.

Desserts That End Your Meal on a Sweet High Note

After polishing off a hearty steak and salad bar feast, you might think there’s no room left for dessert, but trust us, you’ll want to save a little space. The Library II offers a tempting dessert menu that includes classics like crème brûlée, cheesecake, apple cobbler, and key lime pie.

The crème brûlée gets frequent shout-outs in reviews, with guests loving the creamy custard and crispy caramelized sugar crust that cracks perfectly under your spoon.

Cheesecake fans rave about the rich, velvety texture, while the apple cobbler is a warm, comforting option that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or an espresso martini. These desserts are made to feel indulgent without being overly complicated, letting quality ingredients and classic techniques shine through.

Sharing a dessert is a popular move here, especially after a filling meal, and it’s a sweet way to linger a little longer in that cozy, book-filled ambiance.

However, not every dessert experience has been flawless. A couple of reviews mentioned issues like a thin, sliding crust on the crème brûlée or a grainy texture in the custard.

One guest described their key lime dessert as hard and tasteless, which was disappointing given the price point. Another found a moldy strawberry on their dessert plate, a concerning lapse in quality control that shouldn’t happen at any restaurant, let alone one charging premium prices.

These seem to be exceptions rather than the rule, but they’re reminders to inspect your plate and speak up if something seems off.

A Mixed Bag of Service Experiences

Service at The Library II can be a real rollercoaster depending on when you visit and who’s working your table. On the high end, guests gush about servers like Kayla, Michelle, Adam, and Cody, who go above and beyond to make the night special with friendly banter, menu knowledge, and attentive check-ins.

Some reviews highlight teamwork among staff, with multiple servers stopping by to ensure everything is perfect, a level of care that elevates the entire dining experience.

Unfortunately, the flip side is equally well-documented. Recent reviews mention servers who seem disinterested, irritated, or barely present during the meal, leaving guests waiting long stretches for drinks, refills, or even their food.

One diner described being handed off between three different servers, the last of whom had only been employed for three days and lacked basic menu knowledge. Another mentioned a server spilling au jus all over the table and not offering much of an apology or solution.

The front desk staff have also come under fire, with multiple accounts of cold, unwelcoming greetings and rigid enforcement of reservation policies, even when the dining room appears mostly empty. One particularly upsetting review described outright rude behavior on Christmas Eve, with staff mocking guests as they left.

Management response to complaints has been inconsistent – sometimes gracious, other times defensive or dismissive. It’s clear that staffing changes and turnover have impacted service quality, leaving longtime fans worried about the restaurant’s future.

If you do visit, crossing your fingers for a great server might be part of the experience.

Pricing That Reflects a Special Occasion Vibe

Make no mistake: dining at The Library II is not a budget-friendly weeknight affair. With entrées often ranging from fifty to over seventy dollars per person (especially if you’re ordering premium cuts like the tomahawk or adding seafood toppings), this is a restaurant best reserved for celebrations, anniversaries, or those nights when you just want to treat yourself to something special.

Cocktails can run upwards of thirty dollars, and by the time you factor in appetizers, sides, and dessert, a meal for two can easily top 150 to 300 dollars.

For many guests, the price feels justified by the quality of the beef, the generous portions, and the unique atmosphere. Walking out with a to-go bag full of leftovers softens the blow a bit, and the experience of ordering from the butcher window and enjoying that epic salad bar adds value beyond just the food itself.

If you’re celebrating a milestone or looking for a memorable night out in New Jersey, the splurge can feel worth every penny.

That said, recent reviews suggest the price-to-quality ratio has slipped in some cases. Guests who paid premium prices for steaks that arrived underseasoned, overcooked, or with subpar sides understandably felt let down.

When you’re shelling out serious cash, expectations are high, and any misstep feels magnified. A few diners have pointed out that nearby competitors like Fleming’s or other upscale steakhouses offer similar or better experiences at comparable prices, with more consistent service and food quality.

If you’re going to invest in a meal here, it’s smart to go in with realistic expectations and a willingness to speak up if something isn’t right.

Recent Changes and What Long-Time Fans Are Saying

If you’ve been to The Library II before and are thinking about returning, be prepared: things have changed. The restaurant underwent a shift in ownership, now reportedly connected to The Pub, another local dining spot.

Longtime regulars have noticed differences in everything from the music selection (more upbeat pop instead of mellow jazz) to the lighting (brighter than the old candlelit intimacy) to menu tweaks and missing salad bar favorites like pickled cucumbers and pumpernickel bread.

Some guests appreciate the refreshed vibe and find the lighter atmosphere easier to navigate, especially for older diners who struggled with the previous dim lighting. Others mourn the loss of that dark, romantic library feel that made The Library II feel truly special and different from every other restaurant in New Jersey.

The music, in particular, has been a sticking point, hearing Top 40 hits in a space lined with antique books and wooden shelves feels jarring to those who loved the old-school ambiance.

More concerning are the reports of declining food quality and service consistency. Multiple reviews from recent months describe underseasoned, improperly cooked steaks, cold or bland seafood, and staff who seem undertrained or indifferent.

A few guests have even mentioned food safety concerns, like bread being dropped and placed back on the cutting board or ingredients not being handled with care. Management responses to negative reviews have been hit or miss, sometimes acknowledging issues graciously and other times coming off as dismissive or sarcastic.

For fans who’ve been coming here for ten, fifteen, even twenty years, these changes are heartbreaking. The hope is that the restaurant can find its footing again and reclaim the magic that made it a beloved local gem for so long.