Lakeside drinks and other New Jersey, NJ Restaurant Reviews

Castle Tavern

Restaurant Name: The Castle Tavern

The ambiance is the reason to come to this tavern on the lake. It's shaped like a castle (hence the name) and decorated in that theme. The real draw is outside. Downstairs is a bar and deck that is literally over the lake. The deck extends out to a dock where you can "park" your boat and come in for a bite. They play a lot of Bob Marley and other "vacation" like music. It's a perfect spot to hang out with friends have a drink and take in the great view of beautiful Greenwood Lake.%

UPDATE!!! 7/2007
The Castle tavern has fallen under new ownership and my, my what an improvement! The food is now excellent! Yippie! And they have redone the deck and docks to accommodate more people with much nicer seating and umbrellas.

Favorite Dish: On this most recent visit, Lou got the steamers and the ribs (which he said were amongst the best ribs he has ever had). I got the "hidden cheeseburger" which was ridiculously messy, but quite delish.

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Theme: American
Comparison: about average

Phone: (845) 477-3000
Address: E Shore Rd, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925
Directions: Ok so I suppose it's not technically in NJ but it's right on the border. Half of Greenwood Lake is in NJ half is in NY. :)

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Eclectic Cafe: Delicous coffee in a relaxed atmosphere

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Updated by kazander

on Aug 16, 2006

Cafe Eclectic

Restaurant Name: Eclectic Cafe

Cafe Eclectic is a perfect little coffehouse with a "shabby chic" decor. They have loosely themed the restaurant along the lines of a medieval castle, but not so much that it is obtrusive. The smoking section is the place to sit. Even if you don't smoke, you should try to deal with it because it is just so much better than non. The non smoking section is a little room with little wooden tables and chairs. Smoking however, is a large open space with good ventilation and best of all tons of couches and chairs in a vintage,"grandma's basement" sort of style. UPDATE! ALL NJ resturants are now non-smoking, so you can relax in the comfy room without enduring second hand smoke!

I included their website but the pictures on it really don't do it justice.

Favorite Dish: They have great food, as well as great coffee. My favorite is the Chicken and Brie wrap with pistachios and cranberries. I always get the mocha infusion, it's the one that has the white chocolate/raspberry flavor .
11/05 I just recently returned to Cafe Eclectic, and I am sad to say that the food has gone downhill. My wrap was not nearly as tasty as it used to be, and they replaced the side salad with a macaroni salad. Yick. I missed the leafy greens. The cofee was still excellent, so you might just want to pop in for a drink instead of lunch. Next time I visit Montclair, I want to check out the Sangria resturant just a little bit down the block. I'll post a tip after I check it out!

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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Address: 444 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair NJ 07029
Website: http://www.cafeeclecticnj.com/

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La Scalla: Authentic Italian

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Updated by kazander

on Nov 28, 2005

Restaurant Name: La Scalla

La Scalla. A wonderful resturant in Hoboken, just across the river from NYC. We have been going here for ages...Louis and my 2nd date was here:) We know the owners, Francesco and Carlo, who is also the Chef. Louis actually took all the pictures for their website.
The food is fabulous, authentic Italian Cuisine. The ambiance is perfect, small dim romantic little place. they often hold opera nights, so you can listen while you dine.
There is no bar it is BYOB, but there is a liquor store across the street. I believe they will even deliver to the restaurant if you forget:)

Favorite Dish: Banana Nutella Crepes for desert! No contest, hands down ,Best Dessert Ever (Next to my Mom's Chocolate cheesecake)

11/05 Sadly La Scalla has closed it's doors and can longer serve you it's delicious dishes. I'm keeping the tip up just for me:)

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30 » Currency Converter
Address: 159 14th Street � Hoboken, NJ 07030
Website: http://restaurantlascala.com/

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Arche Typus Cafe: Sit in Art!

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Updated by kazander

on Aug 16, 2006

table setting

Restaurant Name: Arche Typus Cafe

This cool little coffehouse in Edgewater is a sculpture in itself. The exterior looks like a set of something that would be in a science fiction movie. Carved "stone" looks like it's almost dripping from the facade. Inside be sure to sit in non smoking even if you are a smoker because the ambiance is just so much better! Instead of a little cafe table you sit in little alcoves that are carved into the walls and decorated with scuptural human forms. Hey, the coffee isn't bad either!
UPDATE! ALL NJ resturants are now non smoking!

Favorite Dish: They have wonderful desserts and ice cream sundaes (but fancier) i got one that was coconut ice cream with almonds and hot fudge

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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: (201) 941-0609
Address: 266 RIVER RD, EDGEWATER, NJ 07020

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Lambertville Inn: Jazz on Saturday Nights

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Written by kazander

on Apr 28, 2004

table setting

Restaurant Name: Lambertville Inn

If you are visiting the quiant little antique town of Lambertville. or New Hope, PA, Lambertville Station is a great place for dinner. They have a variety of good dishes and on Saturday nights they also have live Jazz performances.

Favorite Dish: Everything I have ever had at this restaurant has been amazing. Try the Calimari or the fried gnocchi for a great appetizer!

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Theme: American
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30 » Currency Converter
Website: http://www.lambertvillestation.com/

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Davy's Dogs: Hot Dogs and Ice Cream

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Written by kazander

on May 17, 2004

Davy's

Restaurant Name: Davy's Dogs

Off of Route 80 at exit 30 in Mt Arlington, is a crazy little place called Davy's. It's an interesting building that almost looks like a gingerbread house. They have inside seating as well as a walk up window and picnic tables outside.
They serve Hot dogs with all kinds of fixin's as well as other "fast food" munchies. Our favorite is the Ice cream!

Favorite Dish: Davy's is one of the places where they serve Welsh Farms Ice Cream. My favorite! The best has got to be the Peanut butter ripple, AKA chocalate peanut butter. MMMMM another favorite is the soft serve.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10 » Currency Converter
Directions: Off of Rt. 80, exit 30

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Bahr's: Waterside Seating and Fresh Seafood

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Written by kazander

on Aug 31, 2004

View from the Restaurant

Restaurant Name: Bahr's

Since our trip to Maine Lou has had a thing for Lobster. We had heard lots of good things about Bahr's from friends of ours who are frequent visitors, so we included in our Sandy Hook plans.
Most of the menu is Seafood; Lobster, clams, fresh fish, ect... There is a small section for "landlubbers". If your not into fish, you better like steak, because your only other choice is lots of drinks from the bar...
Which are really quite tasty, besides the beer on tap they also have some "fancy" drinks like the Chocolate Covered Banana Daquiri which comes with a free pint glass

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Theme: Seafood
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40 » Currency Converter
Phone: 732-872-1247
Address: 2 Bay Avenue Highlands/Sandy Hook, New Jersey
Directions: Look on official webpage for directions from your area.
Website: http://www.bahrs.com/jaycos2/

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Mexicali Rose: Great Place for Mexican

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Written by kazander

on Sep 14, 2004

my "birthday" hat

Restaurant Name: Mexicali Rose

Enjoyable mexican in a great atmoshpere. The slightly cramped, crowded wildly decorated with "mexican" paraphenalia set of rooms is the perfect setting to get together with a bunch of friends for dinner. They do not serve alcohol, so you must bring your own, there is a liqour store conveniently located across the street. Bring your own Tequila, and they will whip you up a batch of some wonderful margaritas.
If it's your birthday and someone spills the beans to the staff, look out! The servers all come out of nowhere singing loudly, while crowning you with a large, straw sombrero and taking a polaroid picture of you. It's part fun, part huge embarrassment!

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: 973-746-9005
Address: 10 Park St Montclair, NJ 07042

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Good Food Cafe: Delicious Pancakes!

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Updated by kazander

on Jul 16, 2007

Good Food Cafe

Restaurant Name: Good Food Cafe

My parents told me about this gem of an eatery way up north on Rt. 23. After hearing so many good things about it, we had to go check it out for ourselves.
It is a very cute country restaurant with light wood interior and decorated for the holiday with lots of autumnal colors and leaves.
The menu is the main attraction, every kind on pancake you can imagine is served here. They are HUGE! But not to worry, you can order just one, or you can mix and match to try different flavors. Besides pancakes, they also serve "build your own" omelets, not to mention lots of combos, and don't forget to check the special board! Pumpkin Pecan pancakes were the special when we were there, unfortunately we didn't notice this until AFTER we had orderd. Oh well. Next time.
On your way out you may want to pick up a freshly baked loaf of bread, or a pie. I picked up an apple/blackberry pie, delicious!!!

UPDATE
sadly the good food cafe is no more:( it's now a motorcycle shop. I'll keep the tip for rememberance.

Favorite Dish: Fresh squeezed orange juice and banana chocolate chip pancakes.
I've learned with some follow up dining experiences that the banana waffles, pumpkin-raisin pancakes and apple-cranberry pancakes were all wonderful as well. I really don't think anything is less than delicious here.

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Theme: Breakfast
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: 973-697-6040
Address: 2782t. 23 Stockholm, NJ 07460

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Bistecca: A great place for a delicious dinner with friends

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Updated by kazander

on Dec 17, 2004

tasty drinks