Blue Café in Basking Ridge

STYLE

Bustling breakfast and lunch spot in charming downtown Basking Ridge, with great food, a lively vibe and eye-catching decor (like butterfly wallpaper throughout and a giant set of keys hanging in the entryway).

THE SCOOP

Opened in 2019 by Barbara and Chris Chutnik, the café has become a popular spot for locals and even some non-locals. Sir Paul McCartney (yes, that one) and his wife, Nancy Shevell (who grew up in Edison), popped in for a bite to eat while they were in New Jersey a couple of months ago.

THE MENU

A mix of Polish/European classics, as well as American lunch staples like salads, burgers and sandwiches, fill the menu of delectable dishes. Breakfast foods are a must: Try the Warsaw Skillet (two sunnyside up eggs, local Pulaski kielbasa, sautéed onion, grape tomato, chives, breakfast potatoes, French baguette), a three-egg omelet (which comes with your choice of three fillings from a long list of veggies, cheeses and meats), or the ricotta-lemon pancakes. The Blue Café Plate is delicious and the perfect choice for diners who want to taste a little bit of everything; it offers a sampling of potato and cheese pierogies, potato pancakes, grilled Pulaski kielbasa, sautéed onion and sauerkraut salad. Another must? The hot chocolate, piled high with whipped cream, which my wide-eyed, 4-year-old dining companion dubbed “the best hot chocolate in the world.”

HEADS UP

Weekends get busy, especially during prime brunch time, and the restaurant doesn’t take reservations. Outside seating is available when the weather is warm.