One Place A Day

Brownstone Pancake Factory (Edgewater)

It's like every time I come here I forget. Not only do I forget what I got on the past, but I forget what this type of place is here. I get this energy that I do in diners where I'm gonna eat real good but even better, due to the marketing. But really, this is just a bit more upscale diner experience and that's completely fine, I LOVE diners. But yeah. Like the burgers and such are typically just not the highest quality. The sweets like the pancakes though (I mean look at the name), those are solid. But I shouldn't be getting those!!! But yeah pancakes are fire, the waffles, all that. I always get the gritz but never finish it. Typical.

Sushi Koshi

Sushiiiiiiii Koshiiiiiiii. Real good sushi. Not the best sushi I've had but for NJ sushi it's pretty up there. Awesome service. Awesome presentation (look at the boat!). And some nice appetizers too.

THE BLOSSOM

Looking for a wide selection of teas? Let me tell you, they got it, and they'll let you smell them all too. Huge wide selection of tea's which can be served in individual cups, teapots. Anything you'd like. And these are solid, strong, rich teas (or they can be). Really good. Also tried their bingsoo and it was so good! The black sesame with the red bean underneath it is delectable.

ChknBox

Fresh chicken. One can't deny that. Great sauces. Also can't deny that. But the flavor...wasn't really there. Again it was really fresh chicken. Hot, steamy, juicy. But that's not enough. Even with the sauces. The breading, or the chicken itself, something was missing that flavor. And I don't really know how to explain it but it's just plain, very fresh, breaded chicken. The fries too we're mediocre. Lovely service, the owner(?) was very kind. But yeah the fried chicken just was not like that Korean fried chicken.

IHOP (Totowa)

It's always a fun time to come here. During Ramadan they whip out the halal menu for the muzzies and it's pretty sweet. It seems to be something they do on a location-basis. I got some steak and eggs with hash browns plus these oreo cheesecake pancakes. The pancakes were better quality, the steak tips with the mushrooms and stuff was very decent. After my stomach hurted and I think that's the combination of all the foods lol. Worth it though.

Omusubi Gonbei おむすび権米

Onigiri that packs a punch. We also got the unagi here, with some miso soup. It was delicious and so dense. I wish it had more something that affected the rice, whether that be a sauce or some sort of eel / unagi sauce. The eel itself was so rich and the whole body of it was wonderful. Paired with a fresh, hot, miso soup, it was delicious.

KAISEN Hannosuke

Yuuuuuba bowl was yuuuuumy. I got the Yubu Unagi and Yubu Salmon. The unagi was good and had a solid, present flavor profile. But that salmon was something else. I think I just love the softness and sliminess (ew, I know sorry) of that salmon, mixed in with the sauce that they always add with salmon (some sort of spicy mayo or something). And it's just so delectable, so devourable. Each bowl packed a punch too. They were filled with their appropriate item be it unagi or salmon. Had a good ratio to rice.

Oishinbo

Cash only! And that's fine, and I think it's worth it. I've had taiyaki before but I think it's always been sweeter. This was rich, dense, and filling. This was also the last place my friend and I went to after like crawling around the other shops haha. We got a 6 pack (at $15! not bad) and we both got one of each: obanyaki, taiyaki, creamyaki. The creamyaki was my favorite because I like the creaminess of that texture, but also it was the one with the most flavor. The taiyaki was also pretty good, but less flavorful but more rich. The obanyaki was the least interesting. It wasn't bad, it was just a less good taiyaki lol. Lovely women cooking the food though. So nice.

Sam's Falafel Stand

Incredible people. My Egyptian brothers. Every time I come and introduce myself with some of my broken Arabic, "Min Sooreeyah?", they catch my Syrian ass right away hahaha. Lovely people, and incredible food. The falafel is thick and dense, it's a chickpea ball through and through. Paired with the hints of "hamrah" (hot sauce) and white sauce, with cabbage, tomatoes, and eggplant, it is a dense fulfilling meal (especially with that pita bread). So much love. So much culture. My favorite types of places.

Catalano Coffee Company

Coffee is good if you're looking for a solid basic latte with a flavor. I forget the cold brew, wasn't that significant. But it's solid iced lattes.

Sear House Grill

What an aesthetically romantic place. Passed by here so many times before trying it and it was pretty great. All the food was quality, nothing was bad. All had a taste and a flavor, but there just wasn't any amazement factor. Not to say it was bad because it wasn't. But it wasn't amazingggg. The aesthetics and the service are top but the food, it's great, just not amazing. Come here for the seafood.

V & J Pizza

Solid NJ pizza. Just look at it. It's a classic pizza and it tastes like one too. If you want pizza, come here. They got specialties which are good too but, come here for the pizza. The additional stuff like the mozzie sticks, wings, fries, all standard. Come here for the pizza.

Local's Cafe

We are soooooooooo healthy. LOL I mean it was really good. And this place was so cutely located in the town. It was on the corner so you could see the bay, which we went to after this. The salad was solid and so was our coffees. Would definitely come back.

Partners Coffee

I've come here a couple of times, mostly to do work and the others just to pick up the coffee and go. Coffee's been pretty good from what I remember. I like the inside, it's pretty comfy but can get packed. The true gem about this place is the outside. It's really nice in the spring and summer. I love sitting out there with my coffee, and to be honest just chilling. It's such a vibe.

I'Milky 沐白 - Long Island City

I remember this place being really cute. Service was great. And the bubble tea was pretty on point, and pretty sweet! Yummy.

Hug a Mug Coffeehouse & Ceramics Studio

I've never done ceramics here, I totally should try it out. Every time I've come here it's been to drink some coffee and work. And it's almost always solid. There's a great amount of space and the wifi is pretty great. I like the variety of coffee, especially their Japanese Iced Coffee, I always get this nowadays. It seems to be as strong as a cold brew (maybe) and I like it's bitter tough flavor. Lovely aesthetic of a ceramics studio + plants layered all around.

LIT CAFE

Cheery aesthetics. Best way to put it. It has this brownish dark yellowish hazelness to it that I like. It's a bit too tight to work there but doable. Most of all, pretty good drinks but expensive (we were in Montclair after all). Unique variety of drinks though that are appreciated.

Market Basket

Market Basket is a classic bougie grocery store near me. It includes a deli with a load of pre-packaged items. And, it's pretty good stuff. Nothing out-of-this-world, especially compared to my favorite delis. But good to sometimes great foods. They have some great wraps like their classic buffalo chicken wrap. But I also love their buffalo chicken boneless wing bites. Those are addictive.

Nice Place Coffee & Chocolate Library

What a guy. Ivan is not only (from what I can tell) super knowledgable on every single item in that store. But such a kind person. Seriously made me feel really welcomed to explore the store and all of the chocolates, as well as ask about any single one of them. Brilliant guy. Made me a solid drink, and gave me some solid reccs for the chocolates I bought which was one from Dubai, one from Vietnam, and one from Singapore. The diversity of their selection is by far, by far the most extensive chocolate selection I have ever seen. It was truly an honor to be guided and taught by Ivan while I was in there. Cannot wait to buy more from there (after my next pay check hahaha).

668 The Gig Shack

Super cute place here with t. We were going to wait until dinner but once we made the drive over to Montauk I was starving. A cafe wouldn't suffice. And we were about to go into this pancake house but they were closing so we just drove down the road to places that were still open and 668 was one of those. And great place. Despite it being a bit cold, what a great time. Great drinks, good vibes with the waiter, and some solid, great fresh food. I got the local catch in a sando and she got these mango fish tacos. Some solid food. We got slides that were placed upon this cabbage(?) and just so good. The fries I got with my sandwich were so crispy, yummy. I also got this delicious lobster soup. It was just all, really great. Lovely time.

Bikanervala Hicksville

Lovely, cute place. Reminded me of my own community back at home, with the kids running around. You go to the front, order what you want. We got the chholate batura, tandoori platter, and samosa chaat. The samosa chaat didn't come until later and we took that to go so that doesn't count (it was delicious btw!). The other too were also delicious BUT, I messed up. T doesn't really mess with cheese and the tandoori had the big cheese so I was sad. She had the other parts and she liked it, and she really liked the batura. I did too, that was my first time having that. The tandoori didn't get boring by the end but I was looking for more. We also got gulab jamun, which is similar to an Arab dessert (awama) and that was also amazing. Overall great vibes and I'd love to come again.

Sagtown Coffee

Really pretty place. Their drinks were good, but the place was what took the show. I really love the windows. It gives this place an open feel. It's just an interestingly architected place too. Going from the downstairs to the upstairs, the bar / cooking area is unique. It feels more of a place to eat and chill than a place to work.

Lucharitos

Phenomenal. Really really high quality food. T and I did a good job at only ordering what we were going to eat (except for those churro fries at the end ... I mean they were bombastic but holy moly). The tacos were fantastic. We got some mahi mahi and some mango coconut shrimp and they were both, so, so good. High quality, so fresh, so flavorful and juicy. We also got a burrito bowl that we devoured. Solid guacomole, cheese, beans, lettuce. It was so good. And can't forget about the teriyaki and bbq wings. As always, we also just cleaned that plate up (and our fingers) so quickly. Super, super solid.

Seoul Bistro

New Korean restaurant alert New Korean restaurant alert New Korean restaurant alert. You KNOW that I'm on it whenever a new Korean restaurant comes onto the scene. And this one, not in Palisades Park, not in Fort Lee, but in the basements of Montclair, this one is pretty damn good. Got the usual japchae. Pretty good. I've had better, but this one was still pretty good. It just didn't feel fresh or goopy enough, the way I like my japchae. The gimbap was solid, but also like average solid, nothing out of this world. But also that's gimbap you won't ever really have one that shakes your world. The soy garlic fried chicken was the best thing here. With the most juiciest white radishes I've ever had, I wish I only got fried chicken. It was incredible. The crunch was solid, the meat was hot and sizzling. I just wish they had a bit more sauce or some more sauce on the side to dip with. The beef bulgogi in the rice was pretty good but the rice was a bit clumped together. And the beef was flavorful but not enough. Overall, I cannot wait to go here again. PS : their barley tea was great. And the cinammon cold drink they brought out at the end—fantastic!

Mongo's Coffee Roastery & Lounge

I got a matcha americano. A first, for me. I love dirty matchas. This was not it, and I figured when she told me "just water, no milk" and I said "yes". It was just a moist matcha that you know, that's not a nice taste. And t's drink wasn't that good of a latte. Ya, not the best.

MOTW Coffee and Pastries

Strawberry matcha was pretty good. But it ran out so fast. And it's so thick at the bottom that I have to wait for it to melt together, the strawberry and the matcha to get to it. And it was good when it did but was quite annoying. The brown sugar shaken espresso didn't have much flavor.

GERMANO'S Premium Gelato & Coffee

Gelato ain't a joke. This is better than your average ice cream. From the richness of the flavors, to the solidity of it's cream, it has an overall quality over ice cream that beats it, pretty easily. It was a fad thing in high school but that was American gelato, probably not real gelato. Like I know anything about the makings of gelato or it's history. All I know is that this place hits, and it was a consortium of different, weird flavors that I want to try. And most of all, it tastes great!

smashy burger

Some solid burgs. Smaller and compact, but pack a punch. Juicy and just well-made burgers. Got both styles (forgot the different ones), and there was a difference (not too large). Both we're quality. I think that's what I appreciated: well-made quality burgers. As of late I haven't been having that quality of burgers. Either thick, juicy burgers that are too much meat, not much flavor. Or completely smashed burgers to smithereens that are almost non-existent. Not them. They give you a burger: one with the meat that has a flavor in each bite, well-quality sauce. I appreciate them dearly.

The Cheesecake Factory

It's such a solid choice. Would I choose it over a diner though? No, I wouldn't. I'm anticapitalist so of course not. But does that mean it's not solid? No I have to admit that every time I come here, I will be served the bread that is delectable. With one of the vastest arrays of food options, you WILL be able to find something here (unless you're indecisive which if so, good luck). Their pastas are bust, their burgers I haven't had in awhile but should be good. They're appetizers are better like their nachos with creamy spinach sauce or the crunchy avocado thingies. And good choice on the lighting!

Mikado Sushi

Team lunch was this place. What a quality place. Got the classic four item, so four of four different types of sushi, 16 pieces altogether. It's 16 for $16 which for this full dense quality sushi, felt like a freaking steal. Ofc each box got it's soy sauce, ginger and wasabi. And damn man I mean, this was not only good sushi, but for the price, and delivery? Really can't ask for better. Solid stuff.

Staci's Sandwich Joint

Family came home with this chicken ceasar sandwich. Really good quality. I'm a big fan, and, maybe one can say, connoisseur, of sandwiches. This was a rock solid one. Like the love that you'd get from a deli sandwich, this felt like it came from a similar place. The bread was of high quality. There was love here. The chicken and the innards of the sandwich were very good too. My only complaint was that it wasn't toasted enough. This was ofc due to having taken it home. I'd like to give it another shot at the place because it deserves to be so. The chicken and salad inside we're very good and the dressing was just awesome.

Cositas Café

Came in. Was in and out cause they were closing. I got a drink that I cannot remember what I got. It was warm though. But I do remember their pastry. It was this like guava thing, pink and green. It was so good! I scarved it up in like one bite.

Halo Roasters

Chilled here. Got some chai. Not too memorable. Wasn't bad but wasn't something that wow'd me per se. Great place to sit and chat though. Like the sort of wooden aesthetic. Has some other elements that clash with it, not badly really but yeah. It's not overwhelming at least.

Mr Bagel and Deli

Rainbow bagel with scallion cream cheese. Wish I had more cream cheese. And wish it was a bit more toasted. Other than that, solid bagel that I devoured.

Mumbai Maskaa

Haven't tried a new Indian restaurant in a minute. I see myself coming back to this one. All the curries we got we're pretty great. The samosa chaat was excellent. The mango lassi I'd say was the least best thing but it was still great. The naans were on point. They had everything. Lovely food on a snowy night.

Museum of the Moving Image

was a cool museum. i forget a museum has more than just its exhibits. the exhibits were the least interesting parts (like mission impossible or jim henson—jim better than mission impossible ofc). the historical bits were cool. the start of moving images, how we still dont really understand how they work. how it was a combination of multiple disciplines to bring them to fruition today. do i remember the bits and pieces of how the science works? nope! but we were dilly dallying and i took pics so i can always look later. the artifacts are cool, the information very cool. the video game cameo was cool because yes, that is a moving image! wish it had more space for dialogue on the experimental parts of moving image but cool to have a museum for this nonethless.

Blue Ridge Cafe

Good coffee. Had a 4 ounce or whatever large espresso. I do not recommend doing that on an empty stomach. All I had was that espresso and the carrot bread that we got. Was not smart lol, headache all day. That stuff was strong, and good. Also got this rose cardamom(?) matcha. Was good, too. Earthy matcha. Wish I had some more rose / cardamom(?) in there. But I'm also not a fan of the super sugary matcha. Give me the earth!

Electric Burrito

What a burrito. A bit too potatoey. But I liked it. The size of it was so solid, very great. It had pretty great flavor especially with the red sauce. But I wish it had more with just itself. But it had the mush of a burrito that I love. With the Jarritos, ain't nothing better.

Boonsong Thai

I love me in a home environment. Give me a early 2000s looking carpet with a jolly smiling old man and you can serve me anything. The thing is, they served great freaking food too! We did family style so we got a couple of different things: the drunken noodles, the Pad See Ew, the Pad Thai. Also got this coconut soupy thing. The coconut soup was the one I was most excited for but had the least flavor. Which is fine cause there was flavor everywhere else, like in the curry it was so yum yum delish.

modcup coffee co.

Am a fan. Like the Kyoto iced coffee I got. From my understanding it's as strong as a cold brew but it has a neater kick than any cold brew I've tasted. Really strong. T was not a fan of the lil baby sip she took. I like their comfy aesthetic. The first time I come it was comfier (if I'm remembering correctly). The second time we sat on the cinderblock couches and they were...not comfy. Fashion over function.

Cluck-U Chicken

Hehe funny art. I liked the embracement of the "chicken" and university aesthetic. Cute and reminiscent of chuckie cheese and such. The food? Solid. Lovely chicken. I like how they didn't put the fried chicken in a regular bun but in like one you'd put at home. Felt homey. Wasn't as good as a regular bun but I appreciated the home feel. I got honey bbq fries and chicken bites. We're solid, but a bit too much I couldn't finish. Solid cheese on the regular chicken sandwich I got.

Urbani Bistro

That was too much cheese. In one sitting, at least. For one person. I am one of the biggest lovers of cheese. Especially hot cheese in bread. My blood and history is made for that sort of food. But I should not have demolished it in one swoop. Regardless, with the drinks that I was brought, it made it all the more enjoyable. Incredible, absolutely pleasant experience with George (yes my server's name was George in the Georgian restaurant). Splendid server with incredible food. The french onion soup was good. Nothing fantabulous. But the Khachapuri, one of the best cheese in bread foods I've ever had.

Kafe Neo

Savory stuff is decent. It's not bad. Got this balsamic chicken crepe and you know, it's not bad! It's literally straight up decent. But where they shine is ofc in the sweets. The rocky road crepe, I mean cmon. They make some mean ass crepes, and that's why this is great. Come here for those.

Som Bo

Chicken was soft and not that tender. The greens and surrounding elements were not bad, but wasn't anything astounding. Typical. Needed that sauce, which was decently good.

Boom Burger

Great burgers really, great food. Cash only cash only though. They have ATMs inside so you're covered. It's so interesting because I ate a two-pattied cheeseburger, buncha fries, wings, fried pickle spears, and I truly felt fine after. It didn't feel like too much. I didn't feel like a greaseball. Was also pretty great quality. The first time I got a speciality burger I forget which one, but the second time I got the kiss of death, a very garlicy one. And it was solid. Those garlic parmesean fries were bomb. Wings were also great, buffalo and this garlic honey one. Solid solid solid.

Slapburger

Relatively recently new burger / chicken sandwich place. I think it's awesome. People don't seem to feel it's that awesome, but I do. I really love their chicken and mac cheese combo. I am just such a sucker for mac and cheese, fried chicken, and a sauce of some sort. So so so good. And I like their burgers, I think their chicken sandwiches more. And the C&C Cola we love.

Sukoon Cafe

Pop-up café that I first tried at PACC Conference 2025. Was such a nice drink to sip on while running on doing IT audio things. Really tasted the coffee, especially with it being quad shot, but having that nice syrupy flavor of an iced latte.

Il Cantinori

Lovely, lovely time. Work holiday party was here so we had our own private room. Service was perfect, they were so pleasant and kind. I ate wayyyyyy too much bread. Too much to the point where I couldn't finish my entree (so silly!). But also, my entree was not the best one. I thought I was getting chicken marsala but I misread it, it was chicken milanese, which was large and dry. Tasty, but dry. The filet mignon (that I tried from someone) had that nice cream sauce. Ya. But the two appetizers beforehand were great. Loved me those raviolis.

Anthony Franco's Pizza - Wayne

This is a pizzeria. Vinnis is a pizzeria. You feel it when you come in. The pizzas in the front. The vibes of the people sitting. The delivery drivers coming in and out. This is a pizzeria. I love the way Anthony Francos bakes its bread. It gets a very nice crust on it, especially the crust of the pizza. I eat the crust all the time with no ease, it's enjoyable. They have a sort of thick method of their triangle of the pie. And their specialities are always solid. Ugh I love their pizza!

The Truffleist

So is truffle a trend? We saw so many truffle-related markets and shops. It seems that this shop was a front for "The Truffleist" products (from what it seemed, which was a great marketing play). And it was pretty damn good! I'm a cheese fanatic so you put cheese in something and there's a 99% chance I'll demolish it. Starting with the truffle mac and cheese bites, these were so tasty! Of course expensive, given it's the winter markets, but it was very delicious. The truffle burrata cheese steak was also pretty solid. I demolished it super quick.

Winter Pie Shop

Very expensive. Unsurprising due to it being at the Union Square Winter Market. For two small pies (pumpkin and pecan), it was over $20. Oof. Thankfully, they were delicious. The pumpkin pie had this peachy glaze over it that was just really good. The breading, the crust, the pumpkin pie mush itself was delectable. The pecan pie was more sizable and it too was scrumptious. I loved the crunch and the mush combination, including the crust. It was honestly too heavy if anything. Super.

Cafe Rumi

Right near my office, it's a great place to escape for a second. I got the kesar chai and a cheese danish (my second time). The kesar chai tbh was not that good. But I think that's my fault for not putting any sugar. Like it's not that it was bad but it was just not much lol. The cheese danish was good though. I remember getting a rose cardamom drink my first time and it was really good. I must go again to say more. I just love the vibes!

Forum Coffee (Little Falls)

Got the cold brew. Tala got the sugary sweetum latte deluxe. Her's was better. Mine was cold brew with a twist, but cold brew. And also got a cortado for someone else that didn't want it and it was, basic. Yeah

Nour al Sham Shawarma

New shawarma new shawarma new shawarma. There are plenty of shawarma spots in paterson, and I've tried several. This is the newest to date. And it's not bad. But definitely not the best. Great service though, they gave me extra baba ghanoush. And the pricing for what you get is awesome. $11 for shawarma combo, meaning a shawarma sliced up with some solid french fries?! Color me sold, in this economy! The fries are really good. With whatever they put in it (seems the classic salt, pepper, and maybe fleh fleh) and they cook it, it comes out solid. Again though, the shawarma...it feels lacking in just like punch. It's the meat that lacks the most. The breading is good, average good shawarma. But it needs sauce because of the meat / chicken. The white sauce is good, but they also give you dibs ruman (pomegranate molasses), which is this sweetish gooeyish "sauce". And that's the first time I ever had that with shawarma and / or fries and it was solid! So that was cool.

Mr Waffles

It was good. Was not bad. The flavors were great, it hit that sweet spot. Was a nice waffle shape and feel. Maybe a bit too hard. But what you get for what you pay for doesn't match up. Felt it was too pricey for it's size. The strawberries and bananas were nice to the chocolate and pistachio. But again, felt it was too little for what you pay for. The pistachio shake though was solid and more matched what the cost was.

Jackie Smalls

Really lovely place. Very short drive for me, it's perfect for a spontaneous outing with friends, family. I came here once with my mom and it was so wholesome and adorable. Despite the crowd that Wayne can attract, you can mute them when with the right group. And the food helps with that. Offering a wide variety, you can get really yummy, filled wraps, or, my goto, shakshuka! I'm just in love with the tomatoe and egg. Slurp up the sauce with some bread, it's great. The coffee is solid, I used to take the beans home to use for my french press. The ambiance is pretty sweet. It's small and compact, but they use their space wisely. It's not like super white / bright but it is, but they do it right. With these light green and brown hints, it's a pretty aesthetic. And comfy!

Sharky's West

Super wings. What a mess of a sandwich of a philly cheesesteak...that was delicious LOL. After some work at the cafe, this is the place to be. Overall solid sports bar local hometown ambiance with great bar food. Again, those wings were super.

Pho Thai

Fresh shrimp spring rolls, melting crispy curry samosas, addictive edamame, juicy chicken wings, flavorful beef yellow curry, and a hearty pho. What more can you ask for? Oh yeah, of course a Vietnamese iced coffee to top it all off. We had a grand ol' time here. Seriously some of the best food we've had. Those sides we're just to die for. Edamame was more addictive than usual. Those spring rolls were packed with freshness and overall yumminess. Those crispy curry samosas, the way they melted in my mouth, I want them right now. If we went back, we'd order the same exact thing EXCEPT for the curry (and also naturally we'd HAVE to get new things since that's just like what we have to do). Don't get me wrong, the beef yellow curry was incredible. It was great. But, their main thing was the pho. And tasting some of t's, I knew which one was better. Regardless, incredible food overall. They got good problems going for them.

J Mart

some of the freshest fish ive ever had, ever. like seriously tho legit. jado and i got a set of nigori and a set of sashimi. the nigori tasted better but the sashimi felt more fresh and you felt the texture more. man was that food interesting. im such a raw fish guy now. i had this one sushi ball lookin thing (caviar i guess) and man was it just splendid. all of it was so good tho but wow, i just never had anything like that

One Trick Pony

Maple fig latte. She was yummy! And sweet. They have their own custom syrups which was nice to see. We got in at the right time, it got packed once we ordered. T got a blueberry latte. She was a darker more bitter one which I liked, and t did too! Overall, I approve.

Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center

This was really fun! I typically am conservative when it comes to any animal-related activity, due to the fact that I'm ignorant and am unsure / uneducated on whether or not the animals are being manipulated or not being taken care of in some way. But this seemed to check the boxes: they weren't displaced, we don't really disrupt but just observe, and the people on the boat that were speaking seemed really knowledgable. Again, I am ignorant, and could be totally wrong, but this seemed ethical to me. And it was a great time with the gals! We were able to walk around, look at the dolphins. It was a beautiful time in the sun. And I love water!

Soosanghan Pocha

food was spot fuckin on. our issue was that we ordered too much lmfao. got some apps like the corn cheese and bulgogi nachos and *mwah*, they were fantastic. i think we all collectively liked the nachos more but man that corn cheese hit. we also got sweet and spicy chicken and i think some other sort of beef or chicken dish. the chicken was better. the other was good too but we were too full tbh by the time we got to it lmfao. ive also been here another time with the karaoke and it was so much fun! plus the photo booth outside, this place is amazing.

Indian King Biryani House

Has become my top work food spot very quickly. Great size meal for lunch, plus it has a buncha other things I can order if I feel hungrier. Baseline though, the platter is just so solid. The white sauce, hot sauce, the freshness. You can't ask for anything better. Top cart right now. Shoutout to my one co-worker.

OK Café

Cute, tiny café that is present as you walk the streets of Astoria. Was looking for a place to sit and work while I wait for my brother to arrive at JFK. And this was perfect. The person running the place was super kind and friendly, showing me what they offer. I got this mushroom coffee that was poppin' and a biscuit with egg. Both really good! Dogged the biscuit, and downed that coffee.

Hen House

Went here once before and I didn't like it. This second time though, which I count as my first time, was awesome. Great food, really swell quality. Reminds me of the breakfasts at home in the way some of the things tasted. And the sauces, amazing.

Farida

Went with my co-workers for lunch. Was quite the aesthetic. Definitely felt outside of wall street and lived within it's own walls of isolated cultural vibes. Appreciated that. Also appreciated the food, ofc. It was a good bunch of us (~5 people) and so the portions felt smaller but, they were quality meats and the way they were delivered was great. Great meets with great sauces, what more can you ask for?

OG BURGER BOX

I went here twice. The first time it was solid. I got a hot dog and a burger. The chili is great, on the dog or standalone. I liked it quite a lot. And the burger...it's hit or miss right now. The first time I had it it was solid. On par with a five guys, if not better. But that second time it was burnt on the edges, you can feel the grease lathered all over it. Just not good. No like. Not good for tummy x 2.

La Mixteca

Some gooooood food. We went for Nour's birthday. Was a ball of a time. Nestled in the town of Butler, well I mean, not really nestled, but it's just there, is some really good Mexican food. With a wide array of options, I had a torta and the birria tacos. And the birria tacos was good but tbh not that flavorful. But that torta. That torta is to die for.

Jerusalem Falafel

Incredible falafel. Been having some really good falafel lately but this is at the top of that list. A good falafel sandwich isn't just about the sauces. It's about the other supplements to the falafel. Like tomatoes, cucumbers, that pickled purple / pink thing I always forget the name of. Those are as important as the falafel! To not make the falafel dry. Then comes the sauces, which it sure did have, especially a delicious riveting hot sauce. The falafel itself was solid, crispy, and warm. Seriously top notch, top notch.

TC's Little Taste of Saigon

Hearty, tasty broth. Really great broth with incredible flavor. Nestled in a house, this restaurant provides a real homey and cozey feel, which makes the pho even more apt. Also had some spring rolls that we demolished.

So Moon Nan Jip

this place was good. it was a good time. that JAP CHAE WAS BOMB. the galbi and the brisket were good, but felt it was low in quantity. i never had jap chae that came out steamin, so fresh and delicious with great additives. yummy! also had a kimchi pancake that was solid. and this place put me on soup.

Pompton Espresso Bar

Simple, quiet, coffee. One hot black house coffee and I'm good for several hours until I leave due to the overuse of the singular jazz track they keep on repeat. It's great coffee. It gets me in my mood. And tbh, I dig the music. It comes to create this quiet calm atmosphere that you don't find in many public places anymore, especially cafés. You have the occassional person with no headphones talking in meetings (yes, that's happened here), but overall you're in for a peaceful time. At the end of the day, just wear your headphones and you'll feel in your own world.

Tabare

Great place. Romantic, very cute vibes. Seating was outside and real tight. You could hear everything. Was only cash. These aren't necessarily bad things but aren't good. The main thing which is the food felt lower than what we expected. We also had a long, long day. Had a solid steak as well as a nice meat sandwich. But, neither were spectacular. Solid, great food. But wasn't anything spectacular.

Tony's Asian Fusion

Incredible sushi. If it's this good takeout, it must be even better in-person. Really good sushi I mean, some of the most carefully done I've seen in awhile. Those noodles with beef were also delectable. They were done really fresh. And it's impossible to hate on rangoons. High quality here.

Café Gelateria

the ice cream was great (or gelato?). the drink was great and the books were really cool to view - really great service too

V-YAN Hot Pot & BBQ

i got the spiciest hot pot. dont do it again man. it gets into your throat and u cough a lot. just do the mild. or just another one. but it's great flavor, and the meat is solid

Croton Point Park

yeah i mean really there was nothing wrong. we came on a sunday and it was nowhere near packed. so much space. even with it raining the day beforehand there were some dry patches here and there. we picnicked near a tree and yeah it was just, beautiful. we had our drinks, our speaker, our space - it was like we were in our own bubble. it was awesome. the trees were beautiful, we took so many pictures, there were more places to walk, they had big bathrooms. yeah i mean there really was nothing i could say that went wrong here. so perfect

Shawarma Serrano

i ordered the shawarma and i said “con papas fritas” (with french fries) and i thought they were gonna come on the side. but they were inside as yall can see lmfao. and that was great. that extra crunchy with the shawarma was great. but i wish it had more white sauce. because i had most of it at the end and it was SO fucking good.

koiKOKORO

i am obsessed with that shirt, as you can tell. this was great. although it seems they mainly do pick up orders, it was still such a nice place to sit and have a meal. we might've gotten one too much. we got these chicken wings, dumplings with these crispy deep fried rice balls. after we had two very good sushi rolls (that you gotta eat quick!), some beef bao buns, spicy crunchy edamame, miso soup (and wait!), a bibimbap bowl! that last one was the one that we shouldn't have gotten, cause we didn't even touch it LOL. everything else we ate and tried but the bowl we just couldn't even cause we were so full. t took it to go. the service was great, the place was filled with cultural items and just felt so homey. loved it.

Museo Moderno

truly a really cool museum. with a nice cafe that you can sit down at to start, after you have three floors. the exhibitions were wildly different while i was there. one about the manifesto verde, or green manifesto. another one about space and connecting space to ancient times. another one about the human mind that was kinda freaky. there were all really interesting exhibitions, albeit maybe not fully into most of the artworks. but some, like the “eduardo basualdo pupila” exhibit, that shit was freaky. and that was definitely interesting. really well built and structured museum though - great stuff

Aslam's Rasoi

best mango lassi ever. some of the best lamb ever. but no curry :/ no curry came with the meal which was a bummer but it was still excellent. the goat cheese naan was incredible. and again, best mango lassi ever.

Sey Coffee

solid ass coffee. got iced coffee, black. so fucking good. they gave me water on the side, but sparkling. bleh. the place was magnificent. such a vice. garage-like vibe but so peaceful, so communal. area was awesome. i loved it. man that iced coffee tasted so unique and good. gulped the fuck out of it

Halmaejib

man this was probably the best seafood i ever had. so solid. the makgeolli was so solid too. the broth was great, the scallion pancake was good too but the main greatest one was the octopus and meaty stuff. man they had amazing side sauces too YUM.

Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat Art Collection

now this place takes itself very seriously. not that it shouldnt, but it does. compared to museo moderno. so it seems that there was one floor closed today. there was the ground floor 1, ground floor 2. then upstairs floor 1, upstairs floor 2. upstairs floor 1 was closed, upstairs floor 2 wasnt but it seemed some sort of event was going on. the artist's paintings that were up there seemed to be from kids but i couldnt be certain. it just wasnt like anything important from what it seemed, compared to the ground floor stuffs. the ground floor stuffs is where it actually had the quality paintings. and it was extremely informative. each new category there would be new text accompanied with it. an english version you would be able to scan with a QR code. so it takes you on this “journey”, and really explains to you what was happening during the time period or what is happening in a certain category / artists. really cool stuff. and really beautiful collection. i really enjoyed a lot of the art pieces here

Sendero de los Arrayanes

easy trails that are comfortable and quite fun with the most incredible views

Southdown Coffee - Patchogue

I love windows. Not many cafés that I go to I sit next to the window. But here, I do. And I also like their coffee. And I also like their avocado toast. A lot. As well as their salad. As well as their maple french cruller. The food here is really good, and their coffee is solid. Love their seasonals, like their ginger turmeric latte. I added four shots of espresso to it and it's still great (as well as their maple spice latte).

Nyack Beach State Park

simple but lovely. went here on a cloudy day in the summer where the waves were crashing against the wall. and it was such a vibe. it was so nice. i think that was the perfect environment to just sit on the bench and talk. was really, really nice and beautiful. didnt do the hike or walk around but i bet that adds a lot to it.

Pompton Queen Diner

How long have I been coming here now? What, probably since I was like, literally a kid lol. I genuinely can't remember the first time I came here. It's been for as long as I can remember. And the quality is still there. Relative to other diners in the area, this is the top diner for me. Gives me a solid sandwich, with some stellar disco waffle fries, plus some neat coleslaw on the side, and we got the full deal (don't forget the diet soda!).

Qahwah House

I'm bad with names, especially because I don't come here often enough. But I really do love the coffee here. It's just a solid coffee that is unique, and that you truly won't find anywhere else. I know I also said the same about Thumbody, and it's true with there too. But here, the coffee is different not because of difference in the modern sense, but difference in the ethnic sense. Qahwah House displays a wide range of coffee from the Yemeni culture, something it can proudly say not other cafés really do in our areas. And boy are the Yemeni coffees (and teas) incredible. Whether it's the cardamom rich Adeni Chai, or light roast version of it, Rada'ey, Qahwah House offers several Yemeni coffees (and teas, again!) that are truly so tasty and rich. Their modern coffees and lattes are also great. Like I love their pistachio latte. They truly do it the best, tbh, but it is just so sweet lol. Their pastries are almost always really good but again, also really sweet haha. You'll notice a pattern where it's not that I don't love sweets—quite the opposite actually. But I just haven't been eating them too often. All in all, Qahwah House is a place one MUST go to when in NJ (or any other state where they have a location, like NY).

Yann Couvreur

great drink and sweets !

Thumbody

I've come here so many times. It was hard to choose the right picture. Has some of the most unique coffee I've ever had. Have you ever had several different "eggy" coffees? Neither have I, until I was recommended it here. Although I typically go for their cold brew or Vietnamese iced coffee (they'll even have spin-offs of that one too). With a solid set of pastries, and a legitimately cool aesthetic like no other (they legit have a mini record shop!), Thumbody comes out as one of the coolest cafes in the area. Definitely the most unique (like look at their mascot!).

Efi's Gyro

Seriously so so yummy. Extremely flavorful gyro. It's addictive to eat. The meat is great, the bread is great, the fries with it is also great, but that sauce is just out of this world. They also have a fries with that sauce and I'm telling you, I can scarf that down in an instant (the fries are also cooked really well). There are no words but to try this now.

SGD DUBU SO GONG DONG TOFU & KOREAN BBQ

So so good. I'm not a soup guy, and totally not a stew guy. But this place seemed like it was well known for it's soups / stews, and in general Korean culture is. So I said why not, it's the one area I have yet to explore in Korean food culture. And I'm so happy I got it. This was one of the most flavorful things I've ever eaten, Korean-wise. It just makes sense that stews are more flavorful than physical solids. Don't tell me how or why but that just makes sense in my head (also thinking of pho). I got the kimchi beef spicy tofu stew. It was spicy, so flavorful, and very hot / fresh, which is why it took me so long to eat it. By the time it chilled a bit I was full because we both also ordered this bibimbap dish with it (incredible combo for so much food). But it was too much. With the japchae appetizer, we were full (which by the way the japchae + bibimbap were also both incredible). Cannot wait to come here and get the stew again.

Black Magic Bakehouse

Got on line outside. It was packed on the inside. Most of the pastries were sold out. Thankfully we were able to get this warm crispy pastry with chocolate and peanuts and caramel. This is the type of pastry that makes you realize why pastries are from heaven. Just so good, the crisp on that dough was so good. I got a hot pumpkin spice latte and although it was good, too much foam, not enough latte. But was still great. Cute place, great bathroom!

Nom Wah Tea Parlor

the food was good. good quality. the spring roll i felt was very plain and basic in flavor, it needed stuff. the duck sauce helped but that felt like cheating. the bun was incredible. the dough was just so good. the house soup dumpling was very quality. but again, all the flavors werent anything insane. just good, solid food. and of course i fucked up those sesame balls. the bathroom was old as hell lol. not only is it super tiny but like the sink has two faucet heads one for hot water and one for cold. pretty cool though.

Al Hara Shawarma

Incredible. Some of the best, if not the best, shawarma I've had in the states. Located in Boonton (yup, not Paterson), you'll find yourself to a wonderful nook of Syrian identity nestled in this Boonton downtown. I went after being at Boonton Coffee Co. and my god, it was just so so good. The shawarma was so phenomenal. It's the type of thing where you don't know where the food went cause you scarf it so damn fast. The owner and people working are just the sweetest, most kind people. The fries as well we're just out of this world. I would love to eat here every day but I fear what would happen if that were to come true.

Parque Vicente López y Planes

beautiful park. absolutely beautiful. so cute to see the kids with their parents. the buildings dont fuck up the sunlight. great sunset. so great to read a book and relax. beautiful trees.

Playa San Martin

really cute beach with of course again, beautiful views of lago lacar and the mountains. really chill too, with kids and people playing wiht their dogs. so beautiful

The Beehive

i got the hot buttered cider. it was so good. i just was in a rush cause im going camping in like two hours. service was awesome. vibes were awesome. and the drink was phenom.

El Nuevo Hornito

Great pizza. Really great pizza. The faina was really interesting. Got a jamon y queso faina. That cuatro quesos was incredible. The meat was awesome too.

Captain Jack's On The Coast

Yummmmmmy. I've been maturing more and more when it comes to seafood. I really liked the shrimp sandwich I got here (definitely not the proper name). And there's nothing like eating seafood while looking out at sea (and the boats! boats!).

Caravan Uyghur Cuisine

Rich and flavorful. Nothing but flavor in every single plate. From the noodles to the meat, to the veggies, it was filled with flavor from end to end. The service was wonderful and so so kind. The aesthetic throughout from the platery to the wall paintings were just so interesting. Close to my office, I'd love to come again.

Court Square Diner

This is what diners are all about. Retro aesthetic, latest place open, safe shelter during the rain (or shine), and anything you can imagine is here. Quite a wide array of things to choose from but, I always had a limited set of things I wanted to get in my mind. Something something chicken, something something burger, with disco waffle fries, and get me a diet coke too, please. My cousin and I would come here not too often but not once in a blue moon, either. It was that thing that never changed, no matter what era we were in. Gave me that sense that everything is going to be alright.

Monsignor (Msgr.) McGolrick Park

Ah, so lovely. Those were some of the nicest flowers I've ever given timaf, period. Such a delightful farmers market. Such an insightful book vendor (#communism). And such a lovely place to just sit down, chill, and play. We picked up some fruit, flowers, and just sat. Drank some coffee. Closed her eyes for a second and to reopen them with my phone in her face. Trees, gorgeous. Lighting, it's all there. Go there. Right now. Even in the winter I bet it's a beaut.

Aleppo Sweets

Warm, familiar, home. Syrian breakfast but on a whole 'nother level. Randomly, we find a straight up Syrian restaurant here in Providence RI. Although it has "Sweets" in it's name, don't be fooled. For it does everything. Tbh I am not sure the exact distinctions between haleb (Aleppo) cuisine and the one I grew up with (since my family was from the outskirts of Damascus), but damn did it feel like home. But again, elevated. Everything tasted so damn GOOD. Just the quality of the khbiz (bread), the hummus, mahamareh. And oh man the fatayer. You know we took leftovers.

Boonton Coffee Company

Well well well. This is probably one of my most visited cafes. I am in love with Boonton. But over time, I've come less and less because of it's mainstreamification, cause it's always so busy! There's nowhere to sit. But it's coffee, it's food (when I get it), great. Above par cafe quality. I love sitting by that window on rainy days.

Druther's Coffee

Has really solid coffee. Never once did the coffee feel subpar or watered out. The coffee always comes out strong, even when they're in latte form. The flavor of the lattes too are strong and genuine, not the cheap feeling. They're baked goods are great, and have great seating. Love me the windows surrounding the place. Bathrooms are good, not great but good and well-kept.

Flower Barn Florist and Gift Shop

Beautiful flowers, amazing service. The owner really knows his stuff. And not because I know my stuff, but because he always be telling the truth about the world. Happy wife, happy life. As well as having a beautiful array of flowers. Some that I've never really seen before.

Hong Ban Jang

Ain't nothing winning my heart over this one. I have been here so many times, it's more than the fingers on my two hands. Everything is perfect here. The place. The service. The food. I actually forgot, they have one flaw: the bathroom. The bathroom is almost always in not the best condition. But that also does show the sort of "realness" that you get out of a place like Hong Ban Jang. Only Korean people come here. I'm almost always the only white person. The food is just so immaculate I mean, everything I've gotten has tasted splendid. The jajangmyeon, the japchae, the kimchi fried rice, the wings, the kimchi fried rice with squid, the gunandu, the tangsuyuk—I'm not lying I can go a lot longer. Really, the last thing I have yet to truly deep dive here is the jjamppong. I know some of y'all will call me a fake one for not giving that a true deep dive since that's one of the things they're mainly known for. But hate all you want, I'm enjoying their food!

Kravory Cafe

It's hard to complain about this one. Put bread with cheese and some other additive and you have a recipe for some very tasty dishes. The mhamara was great, but the cheese with soujouk (it was soujouk) I think was my favorite. Ofc, given it's name, the sweets were delicious but too much for me lol.

Sunn's

Such incredible korean food. I love Korean food, and not just for the flavor, but for the cultural aspects. Such as banchan. It reminds me of the Syrian breakfast that I have with my family in not only again, the flavor, but in the sharing aspect. It's so well done here. And don't even get me started on the taste, because it's of course there, all delicately spread out with such magnificent service.