Best of Bergen Co

[Anonymouze]

I am looking for great little places up and down Kinderkamack Road (preferably) or Forest Ave or somewhere that is easy and fast to grab a good lunch, but not fastfood nor diner food.

(No salads or healty-choices please, I'm going through an "Anti-vegan" phase!!!!!)

Thanks, much appreciated in advance.

[whitetrufflechick]

I am looking for great little places up and down Kinderkamack Road (preferably) or Forest Ave or somewhere that is easy and fast to grab a good lunch, but not fastfood nor diner food.

(No salads or healty-choices please, I'm going through an "Anti-vegan" phase!!!!!)

Thanks, much appreciated in advance. 

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Ah, now you're talkin' my neck of the woods. Let's start with Forest Ave. From Bergen Mall north all the way to end in Westwood/Hillsdale, there is 1 sit-down Chinese place (Panda Forest) at Midland Ave in Paramus (along with a KFC and a Dunkin Donuts) and I believe that's it on Forest Ave.

As for Kinderkamack, starting in River Edge and moving north, the ones that come to mind are Rainbow in River Edge (Middle Eastern), Sanducci's (Italian) in River Edge, Charlie Brown's in Oradell, Felice's in Oradell, Badlands Cafe in Oradell (Fresh Tex-Mex), Cool Beans Coffee House in Oradell (funky, eclectic soup, sandwiches and such - great Chai), Pimaan Thai Restaurant in Emerson, Marra's Italian Market (Italian Deli-style - related to Marra's in Ridgewood), Picnic in Emerson (gourmet to-go foods), Rosa's in Emerson (small sit-down pizzeria & Italian restaurant), Arthur's steakhouse (not a fave of mine but some love it), Cafe Terrana (Italian in Emerson Plaza), nothing in Westwood on Kinderkamack Road, but plenty in town a block or two off Kinderkamack (PJ Finnegans - Irish, Iron Horse - American, Its Greek to Me, etc). Moving up to Hillsdale, nothing on Kinderkamack until Woodcliff Lake, where there's a Blue Moon Cafe (Mexican) and then up to Park Ridge where The Park Steakhouse is (do they serve lunch? I have a feeling they do) and then onward into Montvale where you'll find The Porterhouse (Irish) and I think that's the end of Kinderkamack Road (it turns into a 4 lane highway at that point.

Needless to say, I spend countless hours myself traveling the Forest Ave/KKK Rd. circuit. I'm sure there are plenty I forgot, and I'm not vouching for gourmet fare at any or all of these places, but if you're in need of a lunch once in awhile, its a start. BTW, if you ever feel like deli, Schreiber's in Oradell is a great German deli with unbelievably wonderful potato salad and a Cold Russian Sandwich (Turkey, Cole Slaw and Russian Dressing on Rye). MMMMMM..... :-)

[dumpling]

My neck of the woods too. I must be right near you White truffle chick, I'm in Oradell too.

In addition to what WTC said, although not on KKKRd, I would recommend Lodos Cafe in New Milford(across from Wine and Roses). Great lunch, $7.95 for a goodly amount of lovely Turkish food.

[tommy]

what's that "emerson hotel sliced steak" place all about.

i've been tempted to stop in, but it looks like it might be one of those places where the people at the bar grew roots in 1954 or so. not that regulars are a bad thing, but, you know.

[Anonymouze]

I'd appreciate addresses or links if you got em... never heard of rainbow.

I know there's a great middle eastern place (Babylon?) by where Hoffman Koos used to be.

Do you have an address for the Turkish place too that you mentioned? Thanks!

[dumpling]

Address for Lodos, the Turkish place:

http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=28323789&state=NJ

Rainbow is in the same strip mall as the Asian market in River Edge.

[Dana329]

what's that "emerson hotel sliced steak" place all about.

i've been tempted to stop in, but it looks like it might be one of those places where the people at the bar grew roots in 1954 or so.  not that regulars are a bad thing, but, you know.

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WHen I was a kid this was my parents favorite place and it was all homey and taverny and the sliced steak was great! I was back a couple of years ago and there had been a "modern" redecoration and the steak was tough and whatever the grease was on the toast points was NOT butter. SHouldn't have gone back, it ruined some great memories.

Dana

[foodie52]

Wow: I read this thread just to see the names of the towns where I used to have friends!! I grew up in RiverVale in the 50's but left in 1963 and never went back. All I remember is the drive-in theater somewhere, the icecream parlor (those were the days when my dad would pack 6 kids into the VW bug and head out for cones), the butcher in Westwood who always gave me a slice of bologna, and the little country store that I could walk to from Woodside Ave....

[menton1]

what's that "emerson hotel sliced steak" place all about.

i've been tempted to stop in, but it looks like it might be one of those places where the people at the bar grew roots in 1954 or so.  not that regulars are a bad thing, but, you know.

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Forget the Emerson Hotel!! It was past its prime in 1975. A real time warp, both customers and food. Forgettable. I suppose the loyal bluehair trade keeps it going...

[whitetrufflechick]

I'd appreciate addresses or links if you got em... never heard of rainbow.

I know there's a great middle eastern place (Babylon?) by where Hoffman Koos used to be. 

Do you have an address for the Turkish place too that you mentioned? Thanks!

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Rainbow is in the Asian Market mini-mall across from the now defunct Finks and current salubrius Chinese takeout place.

Edited November 17, 2005 by whitetrufflechick (log)

[Purple Pirate]

I am looking for great little places up and down Kinderkamack Road (preferably) or Forest Ave or somewhere that is easy and fast to grab a good lunch, but not fastfood nor diner food.

(No salads or healty-choices please, I'm going through an "Anti-vegan" phase!!!!!)

Thanks, much appreciated in advance. 

←

If you are willing to travel slightly off of Kinderkamack in Hillsdale...there is a great authentic little Mexican diner called Cinco de Mayo on Broadway. Seating is very limited but a great place...try the tongue taco or the head meat taco!!

[Dana329]

I am looking for great little places up and down Kinderkamack Road (preferably) or Forest Ave or somewhere that is easy and fast to grab a good lunch, but not fastfood nor diner food.

(No salads or healty-choices please, I'm going through an "Anti-vegan" phase!!!!!)

Thanks, much appreciated in advance. 

←

If you are willing to travel slightly off of Kinderkamack in Hillsdale...there is a great authentic little Mexican diner called Cinco de Mayo on Broadway. Seating is very limited but a great place...try the tongue taco or the head meat taco!!

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My 14 yr old raved about this place and when I took him there I thought it was just alot of bland greasy cheese. Maybe I ordered wrong. I may have to give it another chance

Dana

[menton1]

Is this one related to the Cinco de Mayo on Washington Ave in Bergenfield?

[Purple Pirate]

Is this one related to the Cinco de Mayo on Washington Ave in Bergenfield?

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I don't have any idea if they are related to the one on Washington Ave in Bergenfield. They are related to a small Mexican grocery store that is right around the corner from the little diner in Hillsdale. The grocery store has Mexican packaged products and also items that are baked on the premises.

I'm not one for greasy and cheesy Mexican food. At Cinco de Mayo I stick with the soft tacos that have no cheese on them, and the sopas, the mole is very good, and occassionally I have the torta sandwich. They use lots of cilantro, fresh avocado and soft Mexican cheese on their food. The one item I have tried that is very greasy and cheesy are the quesadillas, and I wouldn't order them again. Unlike most "Mexican" places in the area they deep fry their quesadilla.

Edited November 16, 2005 by Purple Pirate (log)

[Jason Perlow]

FYI Cinco de Mayo in Bergenfield is not Cinco de Mayo. Its been renamed "La Batalla" for at least a year.

[Anonymouze]

I'd appreciate addresses or links if you got em... never heard of rainbow.

I know there's a great middle eastern place (Babylon?) by where Hoffman Koos used to be. 

Do you have an address for the Turkish place too that you mentioned? Thanks!

←

Rainbow is in the Asian Market minimal across from the now defunct Finks and current salubrius Chinese takeout place.

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Saw it... thanks! Looks new-er? But as I drove by today I saw it ... thanks again!

[Anonymouze]

I am looking for great little places up and down Kinderkamack Road (preferably) or Forest Ave or somewhere that is easy and fast to grab a good lunch, but not fastfood nor diner food.

(No salads or healty-choices please, I'm going through an "Anti-vegan" phase!!!!!)

Thanks, much appreciated in advance. 

←

Ah, now you're talkin' my neck of the woods. Let's start with Forest Ave. From Bergen Mall north all the way to end in Westwood/Hillsdale, there is 1 sit-down Chinese place (Panda Forest) at Midland Ave in Paramus it on Forest Ave.

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Now it's Kumo? or something like that I used to love Panda Forest but it's been a different name & management for about 5 years or more - but I may be wrong?

Sounds like you and I love all the same places - LOL! But you're probably 1/3 my size so you can eat one of each and be fine at the end of the day!

[whitetrufflechick]

My neck of the woods too.  I must be right near you White truffle chick, I'm in Oradell too.

In addition to what WTC said, although not on KKKRd, I would recommend Lodos Cafe in New Milford(across from Wine and Roses).  Great lunch, $7.95 for a goodly amount of lovely Turkish food.

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mmmmmmm.....Lodos.

[whitetrufflechick]

I am looking for great little places up and down Kinderkamack Road (preferably) or Forest Ave or somewhere that is easy and fast to grab a good lunch, but not fastfood nor diner food.

(No salads or healty-choices please, I'm going through an "Anti-vegan" phase!!!!!)

Thanks, much appreciated in advance. 

←

Ah, now you're talkin' my neck of the woods. Let's start with Forest Ave. From Bergen Mall north all the way to end in Westwood/Hillsdale, there is 1 sit-down Chinese place (Panda Forest) at Midland Ave in Paramus it on Forest Ave.

←

Now it's Kumo? or something like that I used to love Panda Forest but it's been a different name & management for about 5 years or more - but I may be wrong?

Sounds like you and I love all the same places - LOL! But you're probably 1/3 my size so you can eat one of each and be fine at the end of the day!

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Haven't been there in years, though I drive by it every day. I think I'm existing in a time-warp at times these days. :-)

[zhelder]

I remember one day about 5 years ago I went to the KFC on Forest Avenue for a quick lunch and it was mobbed. I remember peeking in Panda Forest and seeing one well-dressed gentleman in there enjoying what looked like a nice quiet lunch. After seeing that, I told myself that I'd get back there one day to try it, but I never got the chance. Is the new place good, and is it a sit down restaurant like Panda Forest was?

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[dumpling]

I remember one day about 5 years ago I went to the KFC on Forest Avenue for a quick lunch and it was mobbed. I remember peeking in Panda Forest and seeing one well-dressed gentleman in there enjoying what looked like a nice quiet lunch. After seeing that, I told myself that I'd get back there one day to try it, but I never got the chance. Is the new place good, and is it a sit down restaurant like Panda Forest was?

←

Now it's Kumo? or something like that I used to love Panda Forest but it's been a different name & management for about 5 years or more - but I may be wrong?

Sounds like you and I love all the same places - LOL! But you're probably 1/3 my size so you can eat one of each and be fine at the end of the day!

←

[jhlurie]

FYI Cinco de Mayo in Bergenfield is not Cinco de Mayo. Its been renamed "La Batalla" for at least a year.

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It's also gone way up in quality, even though it was already very very good. It's now well worth the 15-20 minute shlep from the area being discussed in this topic.

My knowledge of this area is scattered--it's been a few years since I was in this area often, but I'm still in and out of the area a lot. Forest Ave., as I recall, is kind of a wasteland for good food, but on Kinderkamack Road a few which have been mentioned are okay. Badlands has always been worthy, Pimaan is at least okay, as is Sanducci's and It's Greek to Me. Otherwise? Maybe head to Hackensack.

[Jason Perlow]

and It's Greek to Me

You mean A Taste Of Greece. It's Greek To Me is in Englewood, Maywood and Cliffside Park.

Note: Jason meant Westwood, not Maywood, corrected below.

Edited November 23, 2005 by Rachel Perlow (log)

[Double 0]

and It's Greek to Me

You mean A Taste Of Greece. It's Greek To Me is in Englewood, Maywood and Cliffside Park.

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Its also in Westwood on Broadway (near Kinderkamack) and Ridgewood on Ridgewood Ave.

Edited November 21, 2005 by Double 0 (log)

[dumpling]

and It's Greek to Me

You mean A Taste Of Greece. It's Greek To Me is in Englewood, Maywood and Cliffside Park.

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Actually she's right...She was referring to the "It's Greek to Me" in Westwood(near the Melting Pot), not Taste of Greece in River Edge next to Midland Ave. But good point to bring that up since that's a nice choice for lunch too.