Wood-fired Italian-American w/ killer burger & lasagna. Neighborhood gem w/ great cocktails.
Rolo's, a charming Ridgewood spot with a casual vibe, is a must-visit for its delicious wood-fired chicken, pasta, and burgers, as well as its popular brunch and baked goods. Reservations are recommended for this neighborhood favorite.
This Ridgewood neighborhood gem, run by Gramercy Tavern alums, offers a vibrant atmosphere with a menu centered around a wood-fired grill. It's lauded for its creative Italian-American dishes, from smoky polenta bread and dry-aged steaks to a highly praised burger and comforting lasagna. The lively bar with excellent cocktails and friendly service contribute to a welcoming experience, making diners feel like regulars.
The cuisine is primarily Italian-American, with a strong emphasis on wood-fired cooking. Standout dishes frequently mentioned include the wood-fired polenta bread, dry-aged steaks, a much-talked-about burger (which can sell out quickly), and a highly-rated lasagna. Crispy potatoes, often described as 'war-style,' and a selection of cocktails also receive praise. While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few comments suggest some dishes can be polarizing or that quality might vary, but these are generally outliers.
"The burger is frequently cited as a must-try, though it can sell out quickly. Other highly recommended dishes include the wood-fired polenta bread with Calabrian chili, lasagna verde, dry-aged steaks, crispy potatoes ('war-style'), and various cocktails."
Overall, customers express strong positive sentiment, frequently highlighting the exceptional quality of the food, particularly the wood-fired dishes, burger, and lasagna. Service is also often noted as friendly and welcoming, contributing to a great overall dining experience.
Important Note
The restaurant is located in Ridgewood, Queens, which some find to be 'a bit out of the way.' The popular burger can sell out early, and reservations are often recommended. Some diners have noted a potential for dishes to be overly salty or for the quality to have declined over time, though these are minority opinions.
"This user explains that 'war style' fries are a Dutch dish with peanut sauce, mayo, and onions, meant to be street food. They suggest the server's advice was likely personal preference, not standard procedure."
Neutral"The commenter highlights that the mortadella and pepper sides were exceptionally good."
Positive"This user simply states that the burger is good."
Positive"This commenter loves Rolo's, finding everything they've tried to be amazing, including the pork chop, lasagna, burger, steak, and French toast for brunch, as well as the French toast ice cream dessert and the polenta."
Positive"This commenter recalls a dramatic instance where a table sent back the 'war style' fries, suspecting spice might have been the reason."
Positive"The commenter speculates that the 'war style' fries might be excessively spicy for some, and getting them on the side could help control the spice."
Positive"This user notes that they love Rolo's and have observed that some people dislike the 'war style' fries, suggesting it might be due to spice levels."
Positive"This user strongly recommends the lasagna, stating it's incredible."
Positive"Rolo's is listed as a recommendation for steak."
Positive"This commenter agrees with everything stated in the previous review."
Positive"The commenter states that the shrimp are fantastic."
Positive"The commenter found their server's insistence on getting war fries toppings on the side to be odd and felt they lacked a choice, preferring the original preparation for a first-time experience."
Negative"This user believes getting the war fries' toppings on the side allows the potatoes to stay crispier and offers more control over the sauce amount."
Positive"This user states that the burger is good but not a must-try, and also finds it to be overpriced."
Negative"This user supports the 'war style' potatoes."
Positive"The commenter expresses a desire for the restaurant to offer the arctic char again."
Neutral"This user recommends the steak, pickled carrots, tahini chickpeas, mortadella, head-on shrimp, and the sheet lasagna."
Positive"The commenter was advised by their server to get the war fries' toppings on the side, which they regret, preferring them as originally served."
Negative"This commenter agrees that the war fries are a winning choice."
Positive"The commenter mentions a specific cocktail made with carrot juice and tequila that they found to be very good."
Positive
