A Great Spot to Cry On The Couch & Eat Cake

It was a still, humid night one August about five years ago. My friends and I were on one of Eros’s comfy couches by the front of the café, enjoying coffee and desserts. Suddenly, a scuffle erupted out front; two groups of men were arguing and began throwing punches. One of them hit another guy with a baseball bat. Then we heard the crackle of splintering glass as the bat landed squarely in one of the restaurant’s windows. As the café owner dashed out front, he tossed his jacket aside and hit my friend squarely in the face. Soon there were flashing lights and police swarming the sidewalk. The men that hadn’t already scattered were carted off in squad cars. The excitement over, my friends and I returned to our lemon tarts and chocolate lava cakes.

Having frequented Eros Café many times over the years, I can tell you that that was the only time I witnessed a full-on brawl in the neighborhood. In fact, all the other times I’ve been there, it’s been a calm and pleasant experience.

The café is long and narrow and adjoins a Greek restaurant called After Athens. There are small tables perfect for two along the wall, and clusters of antique couches and coffee tables filling up the rest of the room. Check out the desserts in the glass counter before you sit down so you can pick out what you want to eat. There are a few sandwiches and wraps on the menu, but I recommend a piece of cake, a specialty coffee or milkshake, or a cannoli, my personal favorite. Everything tastes pleasant and fresh, and the prices aren’t too outlandish.

The relaxed vibe at Eros makes it a great girls’ night out spot, because once my friends and I score one of those primo couches, we know we won’t be pressured to let it go. Gossip/bitch/cry-fests will go forward undisturbed. The downside of that hands-off policy is, of course, it can be hard to track down a server when you need one. Waitresses typically drop off orders and run, leaving patrons to re-light their own candles or go hunting for silverware off other people’s tables. Other than that, the place is pretty user-friendly. I like to amble about the room and examine the small jewelry display case near the register (random but cool) while I wait for my turn in the bathroom. A helpful lightbulb outside the restroom indicates whether it is occupied.

First-daters are bound to like Eros too, because even taking the scant service into account, you can get in and out of there in under an hour if the night turns grim without having spent more than ten bucks. On the other hand, if the date is going well, you can stretch out the conversation for hours and show off your good manners by leaving a hefty tip – again, without breaking the bank. I wouldn’t recommend the outdoor seating area, though. The view of the parking lot/dumpster is far less than romantic.

Whether you’re visiting Eros for a special date or just some time with friends, you’re bound to grant yourself a classy night out. Unless someone decides to throw down out front. Then all bets are off.

Eros Café
19 Park Ave
Rutherford
(201) 729-0005

— by Nicole Little
Nicole, GoOutJersey's associate editor, is a Nutley native and recent Weehawken transplant. She loves dining out and imposing her opinions on others, which makes her a well-qualified reviewer.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!