The Hawke Restaurant Review: A must try spot in Lambertville, NJ
The Hawke Restaurant
74 S. Union St.
Lambertville, NJ
⭐ The Hawke Restaurant Review – Lambertville, NJ
🏛️ History & Ownership
The Hawke is a casual steakhouse located in a circa 1860s brick building that once housed the Inn of the Hawke. It is part of a small family of restaurants operated under The Hawke Restaurant Group, which also manages The Hawke Inn and other local hospitality ventures
Their vision is to create a warm, modern, neighborhood friendly restaurant offering approachable American cuisine, prime steaks, and a strong bar program.
🍽️ Food & Cuisine
The Hawke is a casual steakhouse with a broad American menu that goes well beyond beef
Cuisine Style
- American steakhouse with modern pub influences
- Starters, sandwiches, seafood, and prime steaks
- Comfort forward dishes with elevated touches
Quality & Ingredients
The restaurant emphasizes:
- Prime steaks, including some dry-aged inhouse
- Daily fresh seafood selections
- Well executed American pub fare such as soups, wings, and sandwiches
Signature Dishes
- Truffle onion rings – crispy, shareable
- Sticky wings – a standout appetizer
- Filet mignon sandwich
- Prime cut steaks – especially when aged in house
- Sesame Ahi Tuna and Lobster & Crab Pappardelle
🌿 Ambiance & Atmosphere
The Hawke blends modern urban contemporary design with the charm of its historic building.
Décor & Vibe
- Warm, modern dining room with clean lines and contemporary touches
- Attractive, inviting, and comfortable interior with a casual-elegant feel
- A large, separate bar that draws both locals and visitors
Outdoor Dining
- A spacious garden patio, considered one of Lambertville’s best outdoor dining spaces
Noise Level & Spacing
- Moderate - high noise level, typical of a lively steakhouse environment
- Tables are reasonably spaced, though the bar area can feel more energetic
Scenic Views
- While not waterfront, the patio offers a pleasant garden setting
🤝 Service
- Welcoming and attentive
- Knowledgeable, especially regarding cocktails and beer selections
- Consistent, with well-timed pacing and friendly staff
🍸 Other Factors
Alcohol & Bar Program
- Full bar with craft beers, fun cocktails, and wines by the glass
- Happy Hour offerings available
Child-Friendly?
- Casual enough for families, though the menu leans adult
- Best suited for older children or teens
Recommended For
- Steak lovers
- Couples on date night
- Groups of friends
- Visitors exploring Lambertville
- Outdoor dining enthusiasts
Not Recommended For
- Diners seeking a quiet, low key BYOB experience
- Those who prefer strictly farm-to-table or organic cuisine
Parking
- Complimentary valet service on Fridays and Saturdays
- Street parking available nearby
Dress Code
- Casual
Private Parties
The Hawke offers private event options, including use of their spacious patio or indoor dining areas
✅ What I Like About The Hawke
- Strong balance of approachable comfort food and quality steaks
- One of the best outdoor dining patios in Lambertville
- A lively bar scene with creative cocktails
- A historic building with modern updates
- Consistent service and a welcoming vibe
🔧 What Could Be Improved
Noise levels can rise during peak hours
⭐ What Sets The Hawke Apart
- A rare combination of casual steakhouse dining and modern ambiance in a historic building
- In house dry aged steaks, uncommon for restaurants at this price point
- A large, separate bar that appeals to both diners and locals looking for a social atmosphere
- A garden patio that stands out as one of Lambertville’s best outdoor dining spaces
Our Restaurant Rating Criteria to Ensure Minimum Subjective Evaluation
