RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Bar Bella • Holmdel
This rooftop bar opened at Bell Works in early May, offering outdoor seating and plenty of space to sip drinks with friends. Drinks include the zero-proof Mama Juice (pineapple, club soda, lime and mint), Bella Spritz (Aperol, champagne, club soda and orange) and La Paloma (Casamigos, club soda, grapefruit, lime and salt), as well as an extensive list of wines, craft beers and spirits. Bell Works has partnered with the Axelrod Performing Arts Center to bring guests live performances all summer, from bands such as The Doo Wop Project and Remember Jones. Open Wednesday, 1–10 pm; Thursday to Saturday, 4–10 pm.
Bar Bella, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel; 732-226-8818
Cookies from Epic Cookies in Somerville. Photo courtesy of Epic Cookies
Epic Cookies • Somerville
A specialty cookie spot opened in Somerville on May 15. Cookie varieties are announced every Monday at noon. Epic turns out cascades of cookies each week and close once they run out. Past flavors include S’mores, Neapolitan, Fruity Pebbles, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip. Staples like Chocolate Chip and Sugar are available every week, as well as a “candy cookie” and Chocolate Chip Cookie Donuts. Open daily at noon; closed Mondays.
Epic Cookies, 92 W Main St., Somerville; 908-300-8160
Nucky’s • Jersey City
A speakeasy has been added to Jersey City’s Hudson Hound, an Irish-American bar and restaurant that opened last fall. The speakeasy’s secret entrance is hidden behind the liquor wall. Guests are served on a first-come, first-served basis. An array of drinks and cocktails are available, including the Lady Lavender (gin with lavender syrup and lemon juice) and Espresso Martinis. Food can be ordered from Hudson Hound’s menu. Open Thursday to Sunday.
Nucky’s at Hudson Hound, 8 Erie St., Jersey City; 201-630-8559
Mi Flor Latin Cafe • Westwood
Veteran chef Eliu Salguero embraces his Guatemalan roots at his new cafe in Westwood, which opened in early May. The menu features handmade tortillas, house-made smoothies and shakes, coffee drinks, fresh pies and more. Dishes include Potato Empanadas, Camarones de Diabla and Pollo en Pipian, the national dish of Guatemala. Open Tuesday to Thursday, 7 am–9 pm; Friday to Saturday, 7 am–10 pm; and Sunday, 11 am–6 pm. BYO.
Mi Flor Latin Cafe, 57 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood; 201-497-3644