Wyckoff, New Jersey has rich history and an enticing food scene. Hometown of Hollywood starlet Tara Reid, The Jonas Brothers and the former coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Go RU)! Greg Schiano. Let’s get down to the food!
Spice up your palate at local Indian restaurant, Benares, which has been ranked among the best new dining spots in Bergen County by NJ Monthly magazine. Pick up a bagel sandwich from any of Wyckoff’s bagel shops, or bring home brunch from Goldberg’s Bagels (named Best of Bergen County since 2011). For a more intimate setting, try the lunch special from Sakura, or plan a date night at Wyckoff Thai; a charming, cozy spot serving up classic Thai favorites. A foodie perk of Wyckoff is that several of its restaurants are BYOB so you can enjoy your favorite libation as you dine!
Pizzeria Mandara
This southern Italian style restaurant brings Italian hospitality to Wyckoff. Their classic slice of pizza can hold its own, and when you’re looking for a heartier feast, begin your meal with the “Polpettine” appetizer; delicious meatballs simmered in their homemade tomato sauce, served with warm, toasted Italian bread and fresh ricotta.
Their signature Mandara pasta is a real winner with a cream sauce that I can’t get enough of. For a lighter bite, turn to their salads, and in particular, the pollo caldo (warm chicken) which is served with shiitake mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes over arugula. This dish is fitting for the month of March, as the owner explained the pollo caldo salad is her “homage to women,” and March is Women’s History Month. Pizzeria Mandara also offers whole wheat and gluten free crust options to fit any dietary needs.
Mangia bene! (“Eat well!” in Italian).
The Barn Original
When your cravings call for burgers or ribs, travel no farther than The Barn. These days, farmhouse style is where it’s at, and in Wyckoff, NJ you can dine in a 240 year old dairy barn, that once operated as a speakeasy. Become a part of Wyckoff history and carve your name into the long wooden bar while you sip a cold one. Then, gaze at the rustic memorabilia that adorn the walls and high beamed ceiling while waiting for your flavorful feast. My personal recommendation? Go for the juicy bison burger or honey-glazed fried chicken.
T.S. Ma
While it is probably easy to find a typical Chinese take-out place in the majority of NJ towns, most cannot lay claim to a sit-down Chinese restaurant. T.S. Ma offers options to those with dietary restrictions. The vegetable wonton soup always hits the spot. Many of their dishes can be prepared gluten free upon request, including Egg Drop Soup, Mei Fun Noodles, garlic sauce, beef with broccoli, and the popular General Tso’s Chicken. T.S. Ma is BYOB.
Pick Your Own, on the Farm!
Sitting on 30 acres of thriving farmland, Wyckoff is home to Bergen County’s beloved Abma’s Farm. Known for their year round indoor market with homemade baked goods and wine tasting (adults only), you can visit the farm seasonally to “pick-your-own”! Coming up this spring in March, fill your basket with cheerful Dutch tulips. Later through the month of June, stroll the fields to pick-your-own strawberries! And in the midst of barbeque season, come on down for some farm fresh tomatoes. If you strive to reduce your carbon footprint or prefer organic produce, here’s my insider’s tip: all of their fruits and vegetables are grown from non-GMO seeds.
The next time you find yourself in the area or looking for a pleasurable diversion, see what’s up in Wyckoff. As the weather warms, more locals can be found walking, jogging, or riding in the beautiful James A. McFaul Environmental Center. With benches scattered throughout, this park is a peaceful reserve on 81 acres of protected land with nature exhibits. The swan pond is not to be missed. To find out what is going on around town, and to get the latest foodie tips on where to eat in Wyckoff, NJ check out @whatsupwyckoff.
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