These Burgers Are Magically Delicious

Not too long ago, Ali, myself and our significant others went out to continue the ever-worthy quest for the best burger in Jersey.

On this particular night we decided to head over to the Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell on Bloomfield Avenue, where a friend had recently gone on a date. They are said to be famous for their burgers and beer selection.

The decor is very traditional tavern — wooden booths, a warm ambiance with dark lighting and music. It was very inviting to walk inside, see the bar, and make our way to the back where our table was. We faced the open air patio. And, despite being a Wednesday night, it was hopping with customers — young couples with children, elderly friends, families, etc. It had a really welcoming atmosphere. You felt like everyone there was relaxed and enjoying themselves.

As appetizer, we ordered the “hot bubbling crab dip” (with a name like that, how could we not?) which comes served with a hot fresh baguette. It was definitely warm when it came and really delicious — one of us isn’t too crazy about crab, and even he enjoyed it.

For dinner, three out of four of us opted for a burger platter. I ordered the country bourbon burger which comes with gourmet bourbon sauce, cheddar and fried onions. Ali got the blackjack burger, which advertises Cajun spices and both Monterey and pepper jack cheeses. My husband ordered the Santa Fe which comes with guacamole, bacon and raw onion. Each cost just $9 and came with trail cut or waffle fries. The non-burger-eating diner ordered the fresh, beer-battered fish and chips.

Each of us enjoyed our meal — although I felt the bread was dense and got soggy too quickly. I ended up eating the insides and leaving the bread on the plate. My husband believes this was easily the best burger he’s ever had, though Ali griped that hers was too dry and mild but commented that the meat was definitely of a high quality.

For dessert we ordered the homemade key lime pie, which was tasty and refreshing, and the chocolate confusion cake was more overwhelming than confusing.

It’s nice to see a local restaurant packed to the gills - even on a weeknight. It’s no doubt due to the good service, quality food, and inviting atmosphere.

Cloverleaf Tavern
395 Bloomfield Ave
Caldwell
(973) 226-9812

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Assume The Best About This Unassuming Spot

On a tree-lined corner off-the-beaten path in Hoboken, you will find a pleasant place to eat and drink at Zack’s Oak Bar & Restaurant.

A handful of tiny, umbrella-d outdoor tables greet you as you approach Zack’s little, flower box-lined fence.

Inside is equally cheery and inviting. As you enter, you’ll see a few rows of dark wooden booths in the dining area to your right. (Author’s note: The entrance to the restaurant is on 3rd. There is a door on the Willow Ave side of the building, but it’s exit-only and has no handle on it. You will look like a jackass if you try to open it. Don’t ask me how I know that.)

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Yummy Food Served On Your Car Window

Forget daylight savings, thawing ice and chirping robins - the real sign of spring in metro Jersey is the opening of Stewart’s Drive-In.

Whether you’re driving along Passaic Avenue in Kearny, River Road in North Arlington, or coming over the bridge from Belleville, look out for this landmark’s famous orange awning. If you’re lucky and it’s not too crowded, you’ll be able to pull right up, turn on your headlights and get served right at your car window. After about 20 minutes, piping hot food is placed on a tray that’s attached to your rolled-down window; ah, if only the waiters were on roller skates.

If you don’t find a parking spot, or for some reason prefer to eat at a table in your home, you can go inside to get an order to go. But I recommend staying and eating in your car. A place like this offers memories across the generations - both my dad and I remember coming here as kids. What sticks out in my mind most? The root beer (which you can buy bottled in most stores and was created as a competitor to the west coast’s A&W brand) and their cheese steaks. One day I’ll remember to bring a friend from Philly to see if they’ll give their cheese steaks an honest taste test. In the meantime, you’ll just have to trust me. Grilled onions, peppers and what I can only guess is cheese whiz fill toasted buns that stand up to the grease just fine.

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This Hotel Bar Isn’t Just for Adulterers & Out-of-Towners

With the growth of tapas bars in recent years, I feel it’s also become quite acceptable to go into a non-tapas restaurant and order several appetizers for sharing, rather than several entrees. And if I ever went back to The Harbor Bar and Brasserie, that is most likely what I’d do because their appetizers were what made them stand out on this evening.

Located on the Hudson River waterfront, in the Sheraton Suites in Weehawken, this trying-to-be upscale sports bar is taking full advantage of its locale with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows. I’m not sure if the windows are a result of the recent renovation, but it’s a great feature. We went there one winter evening, so there was no real desire to stand outside and enjoy the views unobstructed. Luckily, our meal had certain highlights –which I’ll get to — that would bring me back once summer rolls in.

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This is not so much about Holsten’s, but about how it compared to a place we went to two days later, which shall remain nameless as it is in NYC and I can’t remember the name

Monday night, Ali and I ate at what could be described as a bistro in Manhattan. We were taking a class with mediabistro.com and wanted to grab a bite to eat before sitting in a hot room for 3 hours. We walked around the block (in Soho) and found little in terms of places to eat (we didn’t have much time to explore), and ended up at a place on Broadway. It was in a narrow space, and was all windows. It had a winding staircase near the front. We sat on the first floor, near their tiny bar. The tables were really close together, but it was comfortable enough.

The prices on the menu were a bit insane even by New York standards ($16 for a burger platter). Ali ordered the burger medium and I ordered their steak sandwich (also $16). My sandwich was tasty - the meat wasn’t fatty, there were carmelized onions on top and was on ciabatta bread with a tangy, but mayonaisse-y mustard. I enjoyed the sandwhich and fries, though they were nothing special. Ali’s burger was delivered to her rare, not medium, and she seemed to enjoy it okay. However, for HALF the price of her meal alone, she could’ve gotten TWO burgers at Holsten’s. Our bill total was about the same as when three of us ate at Holsten’s. At this Soho bistro, we also only drank water and had no dessert.

I realize we’re not just paying for the food, but the service and location as well. But, frankly, if I’m going to be paying an excessively high rent, I’d like to actually live there.

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