Not Just Another Italian Eatery

I am not in the habit of talking to strangers, and I don’t make “bus friends.” You know - those people who insist on making small talk while you’re waiting for the 5:40 bus that always seems to be late, or who look at what you’re reading as you try to scrunch away from them in your seat. They are usually in their 50s… or 80s… and wait until you happen to make eye contact and then they lock right in.

Well, recent experience has taught me that having a bus friend can actually come in handy .. at least for restaurant reviewers. One such bus friend mentioned to a cohort of ours about a couple different places in the North Arlington area that they insisted were really good. And Carucci’s, which advertises regional Italian food, was in their top 2, so we went.

The bus friend actually recommended we go during their happy hour, which I may try to do this week since I’m off (a perk of being an overworked teacher). They told us that the happy hour offers all their appetizers for dirt cheap - like about $1 - from 3pm to 6pm Monday thru Friday (I have yet to confirm this).

On our first trip (as well as the second and third), we simply went for dinner since we got to NA after 6pm. We ordered some usual pub-style appetizers like wings and chicken fingers, but also got fried calamari, a family favorite. For entrees, we chose their cheeseburgers and fries, as well as their chicken sandwich with mozzarella and roasted peppers.

Because of its location (in basically a North Arlington-sized strip mall), it’s way too easy to pass Carucci’s up and not give it a second glance. If you’re like me, you’ve been driving by assuming it’s (at best) just like all the other local Italian eateries, or (at worst) a boring little place in a boring little strip mall. Don’t make either mistake! The decor is very comfortable, with a rather pretty wooden bar and tables, and flat-screen TVs, giving it almost an upscale pub feel. Plus, as far as I can tell, word still hasn’t really gotten out, so it’s usually not very crowded or noisy, so it’s still dinner-date-worthy.

In terms of the food, most of us were really pleased on our first and return trips. The sirloin burgers were a hit; they’re clearly homemade and the buns were soft but not soggy. The appetizers also went over really well — the calamari is a definite must, and although we didn’t have them, I hear their mussels are a reason to go. The fries, which were neither under- or overdone were eaten with a quickness. We were all satisfied — with the bill, too! They really offer quite a good deal - you can get a bacon cheeseburger intended for someone with a really large mouth, with coleslaw and fries for just under $8. Very filling. The chicken sandwiches with roasted red peppers, however, were not received well. Those who ate them felt the peppers were lacking a marinade and it was kind of dry. We have not tried their dessert.

The weekly specials are similar to most bars: Wild Wing Nite on Mondays offers you 10 cent wings & $2.00 Domestic Drafts. On Thursdays, ladies’ drinks are $3.00 and there are $2.00 Domestic Pints “for the Boys.” Not sure what they do if a woman orders a domestic and a guy orders a “lady drink.” Oh, and rumor has it they offer karaoke some nights.

Carucci’s Restaurant and Pub
440 Ridge Road
North Arlington
(201) 998-4500
http://www.caruccis.com/North_Arlington
(there’s also a location in Saddle Brook)

— by Donna M.
Both a Jersey native and recent transplant from NYC, Donna M. is obsessed with both good food and grammar.

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