Hillstone

- Hackensack, NJ 07601

Hillstone in Hackensack, often recognized by longtime patrons as the Bergen County location of the renowned Hillstone Restaurant Group (and previously known as Houston's), stands as a pillar of upscale American dining in Northern New Jersey. Located conveniently within the Shops at Riverside Square Mall, it offers a sophisticated, clubby, and inviting atmosphere that makes it a perfect destination for both an intimate weeknight dinner and a special weekend outing. This restaurant is a destination for those who value genuine hospitality, a meticulous commitment to quality, and a menu of American classics prepared with precision and flair.

The Hillstone philosophy centers on using only the highest quality ingredients, ensuring that everything, from the house-ground chuck for their signature burgers to the daily-filleted fish and freshly baked bread, is prepared from scratch. This dedication to excellence is evident in their diverse menu, which successfully marries classic American favorites with contemporary, global-inspired dishes. Diners can expect to find hand-selected USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood like the Pan Roasted Scottish Salmon, and classic items like the Spinach & Artichoke Dip, a long-time customer favorite.

Known for its consistent execution and thoughtful service, the restaurant creates a dining experience that aims to engage all the senses. The warmly lit, appealing dining room is designed to enhance the convivial atmosphere, making it a beloved spot in the region that often draws significant crowds. This popularity has led the restaurant to adapt its reservation policy over time, now welcoming smaller, more intimate parties to book ahead, a sign of its continued high demand among New Jersey food lovers. For locals, Hillstone represents a reliably excellent choice for a memorable culinary experience.

The restaurant operates on a principle of casual sophistication, where the focus is firmly on the plate. Its popularity, however, means reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak dining hours, to ensure you can experience this Bergen County gem without a long wait.

Hillstone is strategically located within one of Bergen County's premier shopping destinations, making it easily accessible for residents across Northern New Jersey and the greater metropolitan area.

The address is located within the retail center: One Riverside Square Mall, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA.

Being situated within a major shopping mall like The Shops at Riverside Square provides patrons with ample, convenient parking. This location generally ensures a pleasant and accessible visit, complementing the upscale dining experience. While specific accessibility features were not provided in the brief information, the modern setting of the mall typically includes accessible routes, entrances, and restrooms for all guests.

Hillstone’s core offerings focus on providing a superior, full-service dining experience with attention to detail and a high standard of hospitality:

• Full-Service Upscale Dining: Providing lunch and dinner services with attentive, professional table service in a relaxed, yet sophisticated environment.
• Diverse American Menu: Serving a wide selection of American classics and modern dishes, including House Specialties, freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, and USDA Prime steaks.
• In-House Food Preparation: A commitment to scratch-made cuisine, including house-ground burgers, daily filleted fish, and fresh-baked bread, ensuring maximum quality and freshness.
• Handcrafted Cocktails and Full Bar: Offering a selection of signature cocktails, wine, and a full bar to complement the dining experience.
• Desserts to Share: Featuring a highly-praised dessert menu with decadent, shareable favorites like the Warm Five-Nut Brownie and Key Lime Pie.
• Reservations for Small Parties: To address its high popularity, the restaurant accepts reservations for smaller, intimate parties of two to four people.
• Take Home Menu: Offering a dedicated menu for takeout orders, allowing customers to enjoy the Hillstone quality at home.

The elements that make Hillstone a standout choice for local patrons in New Jersey are centered on its unwavering standards for quality and the overall atmosphere it provides:

• The Famous French Dip: Widely celebrated as a menu highlight, featuring thinly sliced roasted prime rib on a house-made French roll, served with rich au jus.
• Exceptional Beef Program: Features high-quality cuts like the Hawaiian Rib-Eye (marinated in ginger soy pineapple) and USDA Prime Filet, known for their flavor and tenderness.
• Signature Entrée Salads: Unique and popular options such as the Thai Steak & Noodle Salad and the Grilled Chicken Salad, known for their distinctive, house-made dressings and fresh ingredients.
• Sophisticated Atmosphere: The dining room is described as large, softly lit, and clubby, providing an appealing and upscale ambience perfect for a business meal or romantic dinner.
• Decadent, Shareable Desserts: The dessert menu is consistently praised as a major highlight, with treats like the Five-Nut Brownie à la Mode being noted as consistently pleasing winners.
• Sushi Offerings (Select Locations/Menu): While focused on American classics, some Hillstone menus feature handcrafted sushi, adding a layer of diversity to the dining options.
• Consistent Quality: Part of a respected national restaurant group, the Hackensack location maintains the group's reputation for quality control and operational excellence.

For dining inquiries, making a reservation, or placing a takeout order for the Bergen County location:

Address: One Riverside Square Mall, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
Phone: While the Hackensack location's phone number was not explicitly provided, a central contact for the Hillstone Restaurant Group for assistance or general inquiries is (800) 230-9787. Reservations can also be made through the Hillstone website.

Hillstone is worth choosing for New Jersey residents seeking a guaranteed level of quality and a refined dining experience that transcends typical mall or chain restaurant expectations. You are selecting a restaurant where the ingredient quality is paramount—from steaks to salads—and where the kitchen’s dedication to making everything from scratch shines through in every dish. This is not just a meal; it is a consistent culinary experience.

For special occasions or for patrons who appreciate the subtle art of American comfort food done exceptionally well, Hillstone is an ideal choice. The Hackensack location has built a reputation that often results in high demand, demonstrating its status as a local favorite. The ability to make reservations for smaller parties now adds a layer of convenience to what was once a notoriously long wait, making the experience smoother and more accessible.

If you live in Bergen County or are visiting the area and are looking for a place that offers both classic comfort (like the tender Barbecue Pork Ribs or a perfectly cooked Cheeseburger) and sophisticated contemporary fare (like the Miso Glazed Cod), Hillstone provides a harmonious balance. It's the place you go when you want a consistently excellent meal in an appealing environment, making it a reliable and top-tier choice for upscale American cuisine in Northern New Jersey.

Hillstone

Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA