From 1930s Speakeasy Vibes to Route 17 Legend: Steve’s Sizzling Steaks Celebrates 90 Years

Still Sizzling: This Family-Owned NJ Steakhouse Just Hit a Massive Milestone

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Carlstadt NJ, In an era of trendy pop-ups and corporate chains, one Bergen County landmark is proving that tradition (and a hot grill) is the ultimate recipe for success. Steve’s Sizzling Steaks, the iconic eatery on Route 17 in Carlstadt, is officially celebrating 90 years of family-owned service.

It’s a story that sounds like a Hollywood script: a carpenter who went fishing with Ernest Hemingway, a grandmother who “stole” hunting gear to decorate the bar, and a restaurant that once fed 24-hour factory crews during World War II.

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A $773 Investment That Defined a Legacy

The story began on New Year’s Day, 1936, when Steve and Mary Venturini rented a small spot then known as Connie’s Place. By 1938, they bought the building outright for just $773.

Current owner Blaze Damiani, who grew up next door to his grandparents, recalls his mother’s stories of sweeping the floors as a 10-year-old on opening day. Today, Blaze runs the establishment alongside his wife and relatives, keeping the family spirit alive for a third generation.

The “Museum” of Route 17: Fishing, Hunting, and Fame

Step inside Steve’s, and you aren’t just entering a steakhouse—you’re entering a time capsule.

• The Decor: To attract more patrons in the 30s, Mary Venturini raided her husband’s basement for fishing and hunting gear to decorate the walls. Those trophies and vintage gear remain today.

• Famous Friends: The founders were local legends. Steve Venturini survived two plane crashes and was known to rub elbows with the likes of Ernest Hemingway and even Babe Ruth.

• The War Effort: During WWII, Carlstadt’s factories ran around the clock. Steve’s stayed open 24 hours a day to feed hungry workers three-deep at the bar.

“I almost feel like a curator of a museum rather than running a restaurant,” says Blaze Damiani.

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The Secret to 90 Years? No Bells, No Whistles, Just Value

In a world of “fine dining” price hikes, Steve’s Sizzling Steaks has thrived by sticking to its roots. Blaze resists the urge for tablecloths and fancy frills to ensure his neighbors can still afford a world-class meal.

The “Sizzling” Deal: Unlike modern steakhouses that charge for every side dish, a meal at Steve’s still includes:

• A signature steak served on a sizzling platter

• Fresh salad

• Potato

• Savory mushrooms

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Visit a Bergen County Icon

Whether you’re a lifelong North Jersey resident or just passing through on Route 17, a stop at Steve’s is a rite of passage.

• Location: 620 Route 17 South, Carlstadt, NJ

• Contact: (201) 438-9677

• Vibe: Casual, historic, and authentically Jersey.

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