Priscilla’s Pantry in Basking Ridge: A Friendly Spot for Café Favorites

Grill options are on the menu at Priscilla’s Pantry. Courtesy of Priscilla’s Pantry

STYLE

Casual spot with counter service only, outdoor tables, and a small, newly opened indoor seating area. Staff is friendly, and regulars line up in the morning for freshly brewed coffee drinks and tasty pastries.

THE SCOOP

Priscilla’s moved from its former Basking Ridge location to its current digs just 10 days before the shutdown in March 2020, quickly pivoting to offer groceries and window ordering for meals. Now, owner Priscilla Vincent and her friendly team of six—who all wear many hats: cooking, working the counter, making coffee—are back to business, serving a bustling breakfast and lunch.

THE MENU

The “creative-casual” fare, as Vincent calls it, includes a core menu, plus daily rotating specials. Grill items like the crispy chicken sandwich are made to order, while salads, cold sammies and more can be grabbed from a refrigerated case to eat in or take to go. The pastries are top-notch; some are made in-house, while others come daily from Balthazar Bakery in Englewood or Rockland Bakery in Nanuet, New York. Don’t leave without tasting the crumb cake.

HEADS UP

Priscilla’s may not be open for dinner, but it offers a hearty rotating menu of family-style meals to go— ranging from barbecued chicken to enchiladas to boneless ribs with potatoes and veggies ($30-$40)—plus great flatbreads, soups and sides. Catering is also available.