I’ve been on vacation for the last few days on the East Coast, and this is my first time back at the computer.
I am staying for a few nights with some family friends. Because they were willing to have us stay with them (saying us a fortune on NYC hotel rooms), we are taking them out to dinner tomorrow.
I need the advice of the Northern NJ Dopers on this. They live in Ridgewood, in Bergen County. Are there any places that I can take them to dinner in that area that are any good?
Hey, take Maple Ave to Franklin Turnpike up into Suffern, NY. On the right hand side is a li’l place called the Olde Towne Inn. It’s a little Irish pub with some pretty decent food (and a nice quiet atmosphere).
Either that, or take the same into Ramsey, make a right at the light by Valley Nat’l Bank onto Main Street, and follow it to the tracks to the new Trackside Inn.
Tripler
Just a pair of places I’d recommend.
WHOA! Make that, take a left off of Franklin Turnpike onto Main Street. From Ridgewood, you’ll be heading North.
Tripler
My bad. Sorry 'bout that.
Take 'em over the George Washington Bridge.
[sub]I can’t believe this innocent little OP has been up here for nearly an HOUR, and I’m the first New Yorker to pounce.[/sub]
Oh, bite me,** Ike**. That’s good eatin’.
If they like steak, Arthur’s Steak House in Hoboken can’ be beat! Wonderful, not overpriced, easy to get to, and Hoboken is fun ro wander around.
There’s a Ruth Chris’ up there too…I’m on the coast in NJ but if you search Ruth Chris’ website, you’ll find where, I know it’s up North. That is an EXCELLENT place.
Try Mount Fuji (Japanese Steak House)
There is one right on 17 south in Hasbrouck Heights. That one is about 10 mins from you.
There is also another Mount Fuji, which is a really nice experience, in Hillburn, NY. For that one, take 17 N that basically turns into the NYS thruway, to exit 15A. Make a right at the light, and another quick right. You’ll be able to see it from the highway, because it’s on a pretty large mountain. That will take you 20 mins.
It’s very entertaining, and great food.
Chevy’s in Clifton is always fun. It’s right off rt 3, in the Clifton Commons. Tex Mex food.
have fun… 
I found a cite for the Japanese Steak House
http://www.mtfujirestaurants.com/mountfuji/index.html
Oooh, I’ll second the Hillburn/Suffern Mt Fuji. Great if you like a true hibachi meal, with actually decent chefs.
Take E. Ridgewood Ave to 17 North. Follow it all the way up past Sharp Plaza, and follow the directions JerseyDiamond gave you.
Tripler
May, all you people are making me homesick.
Kerrekshun: Man, all you people are making me homesick.
You probably know that downtown Ridgewood has a # of decent restaurants. But then your hosts probably know that too!
For a rather eclectic experience, try Park & Orchard in East Rutherford. Curious place, they make a big deal about how healthy their food is because they serve NO RED MEAT - lots of poultry & seafood choices - & yet many of their dishes arrive totally DRENCHED in butter. Kind of illogical if you ask me. But tasty! They also have lots of non-buttery dishes if one is on a diet.
EZ to get to, Rt 17 south down to the Rutherford exit. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp (Yield sign). You then hit a stop sign, turn right & P&O will be on your right almost immediately.
The place is consistently rated highly in NJ magazines & polls & such. If you go, don’t be shy about asking for a doggie bag, their portions are huge & most folks wind up taking some home.
I just had a flashback: Johnnie and Hadji’s (sp?) somewhere in Fair Lawn. My Pop took me there for a couple of chilli dogs. Where the hell is it? I remember it was close to the Nabisco factory. Was it off of Maple Ave (502)?
Tripler
It’s on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t remember where!!! :mad:
Well, it depends. How are you gonna cook them?
I remember that place, what great hot dogs !
I can’t remember where it is though.