This Restaurant In New Jersey Serves A Strip Steak Locals Say Is Worth Every Penny

Along the scenic bayfront of Margate City, New Jersey, sits a culinary gem that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors for years.

Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay at 9700 Amherst Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402 is not just another upscale dining spot; it’s a destination where New American cuisine meets live jazz in an atmosphere buzzing with energy and warmth.

From the moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted by a team that treats every guest like family, serving dishes that make your mouth sing long after the last bite.

This beloved shore restaurant has earned a stellar reputation for its commitment to farm-to-table freshness, impeccable service, and a menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients with creative flair.

While the entire menu dazzles, one dish has locals raving louder than the rest: the strip steak that’s worth every single penny. But what makes this place truly special goes far beyond one spectacular cut of meat.

Want to know why the same staff returns year after year, creating a consistency that’s rarer than a perfectly cooked filet?

Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a delicious journey through ten things that make this New Jersey hotspot an absolute must-visit!

A Strip Steak That Commands Respect and Repeat Visits

Picture this: a perfectly marbled New York strip steak, seared to absolute perfection with a caramelized crust that gives way to tender, juicy meat with every slice. At Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay, the strip steak isn’t just another menu item; it’s a statement of culinary excellence that has earned passionate praise from diners who know their beef.

Locals don’t just recommend it casually; they insist you order it, plan your meal around it, and prepare for a flavor experience that justifies the upscale price tag without a moment’s hesitation.

What sets this steak apart is the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to sourcing premium ingredients and treating them with the respect they deserve. The kitchen team understands that great steak doesn’t need fancy tricks or overpowering sauces.

Instead, they let the quality of the meat shine through with expert seasoning and precise cooking techniques that honor the craft of steakhouse traditions while maintaining the creative spirit of New American cuisine.

Diners consistently mention the strip steak in glowing terms, noting how it arrives at the table cooked exactly to specification, whether you prefer a perfect medium-rare or another temperature. The accompanying sides complement rather than compete, allowing the star of the plate to command your full attention.

Each bite delivers that satisfying combination of rich, beefy flavor and buttery texture that reminds you why a well-executed steak remains one of life’s great culinary pleasures.

When you’re investing in a dining experience at Steve & Cookie’s, the strip steak represents everything the restaurant stands for: quality without compromise, preparation with precision, and a final product that leaves you planning your return visit before you’ve even finished your meal.

The Legendary Blueberry Pie That Steals the Show

Forget everything you think you know about restaurant desserts, because Steve & Cookie’s seasonal blueberry pie rewrites the rulebook entirely. With 24 mentions in customer reviews, this isn’t just a popular dessert; it’s a phenomenon that has guests strategically saving room no matter how satisfying their entrees might be.

The pie arrives as a work of edible art, showcasing plump, locally-sourced blueberries bursting with natural sweetness, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust that crumbles perfectly with each forkful.

What makes this dessert truly special is its celebration of seasonal ingredients at their absolute peak. When New Jersey blueberries hit their prime, Steve & Cookie’s transforms them into a pie that tastes like summer captured in pastry form.

The filling strikes that magical balance between sweet and slightly tart, with just enough structure to hold together without becoming gummy or overly thick. Meanwhile, the crust provides textural contrast that elevates every bite from merely good to genuinely memorable.

Reviewers use words like “wonderful,” “superb,” and “worth a visit” specifically for this dessert, which speaks volumes about its impact on the overall dining experience. Some guests admit they’ve returned to the restaurant primarily to enjoy this pie again, treating it as a destination dessert worthy of the drive to Margate City.

The presentation alone makes it Instagram-worthy, but the flavor is what keeps people talking long after their plates are cleared.

When planning your visit to Steve & Cookie’s, consider the blueberry pie non-negotiable. Share it if you must, but whatever you do, don’t skip it thinking you’re too full.

Your future self will thank you for making room for this slice of New Jersey shore perfection.

Farm-to-Table Philosophy That You Can Actually Taste

Steve & Cookie’s doesn’t just slap “farm-to-table” on their menu as a trendy marketing phrase; they live it with every dish that leaves their kitchen. Multiple reviewers specifically mention the restaurant’s commitment to using the best ingredients, sourcing from local farms and purveyors who share their passion for quality and freshness.

This dedication shows up in unexpected ways, like the seasonal fresh pea gimlet made with peas from a local organic farm, proving that their farm-to-table approach extends even to the bar program.

When you order the famous seasonal tomato salad, you’re not getting bland, out-of-season produce shipped from thousands of miles away. Instead, you’re experiencing heirloom tomatoes at their peak ripeness, likely picked within days of arriving on your plate.

Reviewers describe this simple dish as “out of this world” and “delicious,” which might seem like hyperbole until you taste vegetables that actually taste like vegetables should, bursting with natural flavor that needs minimal enhancement.

The restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons, reflecting what’s available and at its best rather than forcing year-round availability of ingredients that suffer in quality. This approach requires more work, more planning, and stronger relationships with local suppliers, but it results in dishes that taste distinctly better than restaurants relying on generic food service distributors.

You’ll notice the difference in the sweetness of corn, the depth of flavor in greens, and the vibrancy of herbs that were probably growing in New Jersey soil just days before landing on your plate.

This commitment to sourcing extends to proteins as well, with seafood that tastes ocean-fresh and meats that showcase proper aging and quality breeding. When a restaurant cares this much about where ingredients come from, it elevates every element of your dining experience from forgettable to genuinely memorable.

Live Jazz That Transforms Dinner Into an Experience

Dining at Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay isn’t just about what’s on your plate; it’s about the complete sensory experience that unfolds around you. The restaurant features live jazz performances that add sophisticated ambiance without overwhelming conversation, creating that rare balance where music enhances rather than intrudes.

As smooth melodies float through the dining room, you’ll find yourself relaxing into the evening, savoring each course a little slower, and appreciating how the right soundtrack can elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

The jazz programming reflects the same thoughtfulness that goes into menu planning, with musicians who understand the art of dinner accompaniment. These aren’t background recordings playing through speakers; they’re live performances that bring energy and authenticity to the space.

The music choices tend toward classic jazz standards and contemporary interpretations that appeal to a wide audience, whether you’re a longtime jazz enthusiast or someone who simply appreciates good music with their dinner.

Multiple reviewers mention the “buzzy environs” and “lively” atmosphere, much of which stems from the combination of live music, satisfied diners, and the general energy that fills the space nightly. The decor might lean slightly traditional, but once the restaurant fills up and the music starts flowing, any initial stiffness melts away into a warm, welcoming environment where people genuinely enjoy being.

The jazz adds sophistication without pretension, creating an upscale feel that still manages to be approachable and fun.

For couples seeking a romantic evening or friends gathering for a celebration, the live jazz provides the perfect backdrop. It gives you something to enjoy between courses, adds to the overall ambiance, and contributes to that special-occasion feeling that makes Steve & Cookie’s ideal for memorable nights out along the New Jersey shore.

Service So Consistent That Staff Become Family

Walk into Steve & Cookie’s and you might notice something unusual in today’s high-turnover restaurant industry: the same faces greeting you year after year. Multiple reviewers specifically comment on seeing familiar staff members returning season after season, a testament to how the restaurant treats its team and the culture they’ve built.

One guest noted, “Once they’re hired, they stay,” which speaks volumes about working conditions, management, and the overall environment behind the scenes that guests never see but definitely benefit from.

This consistency translates directly to your dining experience in ways that matter tremendously. Servers like Oscar, mentioned by name in reviews, provide outstanding service because they’re not just working a job; they’re representing a restaurant they believe in and have invested time in mastering.

These experienced team members know the menu inside and out, can make informed recommendations based on your preferences, and anticipate needs before you even realize you have them. They’ve served hundreds of guests and learned from each interaction, refining their craft to near perfection.

The owner personally checks on tables to ensure service meets their exacting standards, creating accountability from the top down that permeates every interaction. This hands-on approach, combined with a stable, experienced staff, results in service that reviewers consistently describe as “excellent,” “great,” “outstanding,” and “top-notch.” You won’t encounter the awkward moments of undertrained servers fumbling through explanations or forgetting requests; instead, you’ll enjoy smooth, professional service that makes you feel genuinely cared for throughout your meal.

When Cookie herself welcomes guests with warmth and sincerity, as mentioned in reviews, it sets the tone for an evening where you’re not just a customer but a valued guest. This combination of ownership involvement and experienced staff creates a level of service consistency that has become increasingly rare and infinitely precious in the restaurant world.

The Stuffed Pork Chop That Inspires Profanity-Level Praise

Sometimes a dish is so extraordinarily good that polite restaurant review language simply fails to capture its impact. One reviewer, struggling to convey their enthusiasm for Steve & Cookie’s stuffed pork chop, confessed wanting to curse because words seemed inadequate to describe how incredible it tasted.

They declared it “the BEST thing I’ve ever eaten” without exaggeration, a bold claim that carries serious weight when someone is willing to put it in writing for the world to see.

With 18 mentions in customer reviews, this pork chop has achieved cult status among regulars who order it repeatedly and insist newcomers try it. What makes it so special?

The kitchen takes a premium cut of pork, already tender and flavorful, and elevates it with a savory stuffing that adds layers of taste and texture. The preparation ensures the meat stays juicy and succulent rather than drying out, which can be the downfall of lesser pork chops.

Each bite delivers protein perfection with complementary flavors that enhance rather than mask the quality of the pork itself.

The same reviewer who gave it their highest praise also mentioned they’d happily drive from Queens to Margate City as often as possible just to eat this dish again. That’s not casual appreciation; that’s the kind of devotion usually reserved for once-in-a-lifetime meals at Michelin-starred establishments.

Yet Steve & Cookie’s delivers this level of excellence regularly, making it accessible to anyone willing to make a reservation and head to the New Jersey shore.

Whether you’re a pork enthusiast or someone who typically orders steak or seafood, the stuffed pork chop deserves serious consideration. It represents everything the kitchen does well: selecting quality ingredients, applying expert technique, and presenting a finished dish that exceeds expectations so thoroughly that you’ll understand why people struggle to find adequate words of praise.

Happy Hour That Has People Lining Up Out the Door

Imagine a restaurant so popular that happy hour creates lines of eager diners waiting outside, even when the weather isn’t perfect. That’s the reality at Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay, where the happy hour specials have achieved legendary status among shore regulars and savvy visitors.

One reviewer marveled at the rare sight of happy people actually waiting in line to get in, attributing it entirely to the food quality and the value proposition that happy hour represents at this upscale establishment.

The happy hour offerings provide an accessible entry point to experience Steve & Cookie’s exceptional cuisine at prices that feel like insider secrets. You can sample the same quality ingredients, expert preparation, and creative menu items that make dinner service so celebrated, but with special pricing that makes it easier to visit more frequently.

Multiple reviewers specifically mention their excitement about trying happy hour or returning for it after experiencing the regular dinner service, suggesting it offers genuine value rather than just discounted mediocrity.

The atmosphere during happy hour strikes a different tone than dinner service, slightly more casual and energetic, with a mix of locals catching up after work and visitors who’ve done their research and know this is where you want to be during those magic hours.

Don’t expect tired happy hour clichés like wilted vegetables or reheated appetizers. Steve & Cookie’s maintains their standards across all service times, ensuring that whether you’re there for happy hour specials or the full dinner experience, you’re getting the same attention to quality and preparation that has made this restaurant a shore dining institution.

Seafood So Fresh It Tastes Like the Ocean

Located just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean in Margate City, Steve & Cookie’s takes full advantage of its coastal location by serving seafood that tastes like it was swimming that morning. With 36 mentions in customer reviews, seafood dominates the conversation about what makes this restaurant special.

The raw bar and oyster bar offerings showcase pristine shellfish, with oysters earning specific praise for their excellence and freshness that you can taste in every briny, sweet bite.

The seafood preparation philosophy here leans toward simplicity that lets natural flavors shine. One reviewer noted that seafood was “cooked simply and perfectly,” which is actually much harder to achieve than it sounds.

Overcooked seafood becomes rubbery and loses its delicate texture, while underseasoned preparations waste the ingredient’s potential. Steve & Cookie’s kitchen walks that fine line with expertise, delivering dishes like halibut with pistachio crunch sauce that adds interest without overwhelming the fish’s subtle sweetness, or sea bass that arrives at your table flaky, moist, and perfectly seasoned.

Warner’s bouillabaisse earns special mention from reviewers, loaded generously with shrimp, scallops, fish, and clams in a flavorful broth that showcases multiple seafood varieties in one spectacular bowl. The lobster mac and cheese, mentioned eight times in reviews, combines comfort food appeal with luxurious seafood, though some note it’s not without occasional execution challenges.

Still, the overall seafood program demonstrates why coastal dining in New Jersey can compete with anywhere else when done with this level of care and sourcing standards.

Whether you’re a seafood devotee or someone who typically sticks to land-based proteins, the ocean offerings at Steve & Cookie’s deserve exploration. The proximity to fresh sources combined with kitchen expertise creates seafood experiences that remind you why humans have been drawn to coastal dining since ancient times.

Reservations Are Essential and Absolutely Worth Planning Ahead

Spontaneity might work at some restaurants, but Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay requires advance planning that proves entirely worthwhile. Multiple reviewers emphasize that reservations are “a must,” especially during peak season when the dining room fills completely by early evening and people wait outside hoping for cancellations.

The restaurant even requires a credit card to hold reservations, a policy that some find excessive but which speaks to the high demand and the restaurant’s need to minimize no-shows that would waste precious table space.

The reservation system exists not to be exclusionary but because the restaurant has earned such a devoted following that tables become genuinely scarce. Reviewers mention booking two weeks ahead for Friday nights, and even in November, well into the off-season, the dining room was packed by 6:30 PM with people waiting at the door.

This isn’t manufactured scarcity or artificial hype; it’s the natural result of consistently excellent food, service, and atmosphere that has built a reputation impossible to fake.

When planning your visit to 9700 Amherst Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402, check the website at steveandcookies.com or call 609-823-1163 well in advance of your desired date. The restaurant operates dinner service from 5 PM onwards, with hours extending to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays when demand peaks.

Consider that the effort required to secure a reservation becomes part of the anticipation, making the actual dining experience feel even more special when it finally arrives.

Yes, the reservation requirement adds a layer of planning to what might otherwise be a casual shore dinner decision. However, every reviewer who mentions the reservation process also affirms that the meal justified the advance booking, the credit card hold, and any wait time experienced.

When a restaurant is this consistently good, a little planning ahead seems like a small price to pay for a guaranteed memorable evening.