MEXICAN/ LATIN AMERICAN
BERGENFIELD
Chapala Grill: Mexican; Bergenfield; 52 South Washington Ave @ Palisade Av; 21/15/$36; 201-387-2107; Fairly authentic Mexican classics; Gigantic menu consisting of any variety of combos and specialties; Guac and drinks are flavorful and a highlight; Mid-scale in terms of fanciness. Appealing service. Great neighborhood find.
BLOOMFIELD
Senorita’s Mexican Grill: Mexican; Bloomfield; 20/18/$28; 285 Glenwood @ Conger; 20/18/$28; 973-743-0099; This is a fun, laid back place; Nothing fancy- just a menu filled with all the most popular Mexican favorites & combos; Inexpensive and lively; Lots of veggie & fish dishes; Margaritas powerful.
EDGEWATER
Rebecca's: Cuban; Edgewater; 236 Old River Rd @ River Rd; 25/20/$47; 201-943-8808; One of the best Cuban restaurants in the county; Addictive food; Incredible quality; Rave reviews; BYO helps with the cost; Fun, friendly staff; Secluded backyard; Smallish- romantic feel. Every Cuban dish you’d expect is on the menu.
ENGLEWOOD
Blue Moon Mexican Café: Mexican; Englewood; 21 E Palisade @ Dean; 24/18/$35; 201-541-0600; Hip, Americanized versions of the Mexican classics; High energy and lively; Upscale Mexican serviced in a laid back environment- almost a club feel; Excellent margaritas; Mouthwatering appetizers including Guacamole; Unique main courses; Just better than the rest.
HAWTHORNE
Sabor: New Latin; Hawthorne; 1060 Goffle Rd @ Rt 208; 22/21/$44; 973-238-0800; Large menu featuring selections from all over the Caribbean; They serve hot and cold tapas style dishes as well as full hot entrees; Pricy for the genre; Gorgeous setting- festive and polished. They serve Brunch as well.
HOBOKEN
Charrito’s: Mexican; Hoboken; 1024 Washington @ 10-11th St; Also, 121 Washington @ 1st-2nd St; 22/17/$27; 201-659-2800; BYO, family run, and well maintained. Housing the usual fair and numerous varieties of combos and exciting dishes; Insanely good Guacamole; Not a huge place but always high energy and extremely reasonable prices.
Lua: Pan-Latin; Hoboken; 1300 Sinatra @ 14th St; 22/24/$46; 201-876-1900; Hot bar scene; Known for signature cocktails- creative and strong; Wonderful steaks; Spectacular views of NYC; Perfect date spot- sexy vibe; Clubby at night; Pricy for genre- you pay for the environment as well as food.
Zafra: Pan-Latin; Hoboken; 301 Willow Av @ 3rd St; 24/16/$31; 201-610-9801; Cuban influenced small plates in this BYO hotspot; Tables fill quickly and it is fairly small; Outstanding quality for the genre and a huge selection where you can fully sample the cuisine. Will make Sangria for you with your wine.
NEW MILFORD
Pancho’s Burritos: Mexican; New Milford; 214 Main @ Prospect; 23/15/$33; 201-225-2554; Happy Hour noon-6 and 9pm-close every day; Huge menu, endless variety; Great guacamole; Many margaritas to choose from; Friendly service; Large portions; Festive, laid back & fun atmosphere.
NORTH BERGEN
Mundo Latino: Cuban; North Bergen; 8619 Bergenline Av @ 85th; 21/14/$35; 201-861-6902; Just a giant menu of authentic meat and seafood dishes; Tons of wine, beer and mixed drinks to choose from; Massive portions; Attentive service ensures you will have a great time (and leftovers).
Sabor: New Latin; North Bergen; 8809 River Rd @ Churchill; 22/21/$44; 201-943-6366; Large menu featuring selections from all over the Caribbean; They serve hot and cold tapas style dishes as well as full hot entrees; Pricy for the genre; Gorgeous setting- festive and polished. They serve Brunch as well.
OLD TAPPAN
Blue Moon Mexican Café: Mexican; Old Tappan; 216 Old Tappan Rd @ Central; 24/18/$35; 201-263-0244; Hip, Americanized versions of the Mexican classics; High energy and lively; Upscale Mexican serviced in a laid back environment- almost a club feel; Excellent margaritas; Mouthwatering appetizers including Guacamole; Unique main courses; Happy hour 4-7pm, M-F.
UNION CITY
Charrito’s: Mexican; Union City; 4900 Bergenlive Av @ 49th; 22/17/$27; 201-863-0345; BYO, family run, and well maintained. Housing the usual fair and numerous varieties of combos and exciting dishes; Insanely good Guacamole; Not a huge place but always high energy and extremely reasonable prices.
Mi Bandera: Cuban; Union City; 518 32nd St @ Central; 23/15/$32; 201-348-2828; Family Style Cuban food; Fun, attractive setting; Affordable prices; Large, exciting menu; Great lunch specials; Huge portions with plenty left over for the next day; Excellent drink menu. Great food for the price.
WESTWOOD
Pancho’s Burritos: Mexican; Westwood; 20 Jefferson Av @ Old Hook; 23/15/$33; 201-664-4761; Happy Hour noon-6 and 9pm-close every day; Huge menu, endless variety; Great guacamole; Many margaritas to choose from; Friendly service; Large portions; Festive, laid back & fun atmosphere.
WOODCLIFF LAKE
Blue Moon Mexican Café: Mexican; Woodcliff Lake; 42 Kinderkamack @ Prospect; 24/18/$35; 201-782-9500; Hip, Americanized versions of the Mexican classics; High energy and lively; Upscale Mexican serviced in a laid back environment- almost a club feel; Excellent margaritas; Mouthwatering appetizers including Guacamole; Unique main courses; Happy hour 4-7pm, M-F.
WYCKOFF
Blue Moon Mexican Café: Mexican; Wyckoff; 327 Franklin @ Godwin; 24/18/$35; 201-891-1331; Hip, Americanized versions of the Mexican classics; High energy and lively; Upscale Mexican serviced in a laid back environment- almost a club feel; BYO at this location; Mouthwatering appetizers including Guacamole; Unique main courses;