Cloverleaf Tavern is printing Knicks logos and players, including New Brunswick native Jalen Brunson, on its Guinness foam. Photo: Courtesy of Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell, NJ
Dining news:
- As the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs face off in Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Texas this Saturday, June 13, the spotlight may be on New York—but with New Jersey natives helping lead the Knicks, the Garden State has its own special stake in the series. Fans don’t need to cross the Hudson to feel it, as Garden State sports bars are hosting enthusiastic crowds and serving up specials. At the Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell, they’re printing Knicks logos and players onto the Guinness foam. Other go-to game-night spots in North Jersey include Black Bear Bar & Grill in Hoboken, Redd’s Restaurant in Carlstadt, the Shannon Rose in Clifton and Ramsey, and the Office Tavern Grill in Ridgewood, Summit and Morristown. In Central Jersey, there’s Tap & Growler Bar & Grill in Sayreville, Jack’s Goal Line Stand in Long Branch, Leggett’s Sand Bar in Manasquan and Marina Grille in Belmar.
- Six New Jersey makers earned national recognition in the 2026 Good Food Awards: Evermore Coffee Roasters in Burlington City, High Ground Elixir in Convent Station, Mill Creek Apiary in Medford, Spotted Horse Provisions in Turnersville, the Naked Botanical in Mendham and the Old Millpond Farm in Washington.
Closings:
Mr. Pasta, North Arlington
A beloved Italian deli is shuttering this month after serving the Bergen County community for over five decades. “It has been our privilege to get to know so many of our customers and to watch generations of families grow over the years,” the owners wrote in a post on social media. They encourage customers to stock up on their favorite items and redeem existing gift certificates before their final day of operations on Saturday, June 20.
Lefkes Estiatorio, Englewood Cliffs
Early this morning, firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire at Lefkes, an upscale Greek restaurant that opened in 2018, according to News 12 New Jersey. The fire caused enough damage to force a temporary closure.
Zendiggi Kebab House, Closter
This family-run Persian and Middle Eastern restaurant has closed its doors after 15 years in business, following an unresolved dispute with property management. Prior to the shutdown, the Closter community had rallied behind the family, raising $20,000 via a GoFundMe campaign. The team is currently scouting a new location, according to the Bergen Record.
Johnny Pepperoni, Hoboken
The restaurant group led by Hoboken restaurateur John Avoletta announced that Johnny Pepperoni will close its doors at the end of June after 15 years in business. The team is partnering with Livingston-raised chef Cliff Crooks to renovate the space and transform it into a new dining concept, slated to open this fall, according to Hoboken Girl. Avoletta is also behind Hoboken favorites City Bistro and Viv & Jules.
Brio Italian Grille, Cherry Hill Township
This casual-dining restaurant chain, specializing in Tuscan-inspired pastas, flatbreads and steaks, is preparing to close its final New Jersey outpost. Locations in Marlton and Freehold closed earlier this year. The Cherry Hill site is set to be replaced by a new Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian steakhouse chain.
Openings:
Ju-Ichi Japanese Restaurant, Montclair
This family-owned restaurant group celebrated the opening of its newest location in Montclair this month. The team behind the restaurant also operates Ju-Ichi in Morristown, as well as two other sister restaurants, called Tadashi, in State College, Pennsylvania. Known for its authentic Japanese ramen, Ju-Ichi’s signature broth is simmered for 24 hours to develop its rich flavor, according to Montclair Girl. In addition to ramen, the menu features sushi, sashimi, specialty rolls, udon and a variety of chef-driven specialities.
Java & Gelato, Asbury Park
This Staten Island-based truck came to New Jersey to open its first brick-and-mortar shop this month. Its titular items can be enjoyed via indoor or outdoor seating.
Alfalfa, Edgewater
Founded by a group of friends from Hoboken, this fast-casual chain known for its fresh salads, wraps, breakfast burritos and gluten-free donuts opened its first Bergen County location in Edgewater this month. The brand also operates locations in Hoboken and Princeton, along with two California outposts in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Alfalfa partners with nonprofit organizations, including the JDJ Charitable Foundation, which provides scholarships to high school students affected by cancer. For every chocolate-sprinkle donut sold, $1 is donated to support the foundation’s mission.
MilkShake Factory, Somerville
The newest New Jersey location of MilkShake Factory is set to celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, June 20. The shop will serve hand-spun milkshakes from housemade ice cream, gourmet sundaes and small-batch artisan chocolates. This opening will mark MilkShake Factory’s fourth Jersey location (the others are in Ridgewood, Florham Park and Jersey City), with a fifth also coming soon to Middletown.
Elizabeth’s Italian, Old Bridge
From the hospitality group behind 618 and Mezcal, this new restaurant will open in Old Bridge on Wednesday, June 24. Guests can expect a menu of handmade pastas, fresh seafood, steaks and craft cocktails served in a contemporary Italian setting. The restaurant offers patio dining on a first-come, first-serve basis. Weekly specials will include live music and $10 spritzes every Wednesday, as well as a happy hour on Sundays featuring half-off drinks and appetizers at the bar.
