Alcohol: None
Take out: Yes
- Author: Anthony
- Published: Feb 27th, 2011
- Category: American, Burgers, Fast food, Food, Review, Specialty chain, Visit
Take out: Yes
Review
Among the specialty chains in New Jersey, Five Guys delivers the best burger for the money. The beef is fresh. The burgers are thick and juicy, and can be delicious (when they are not overcooked by the teenager manning the griddle). Five Guys’ simple menu features two sizes of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bacon burgers, and bacon cheeseburgers. All toppings are free. Try the jalapenos and hot sauce on a cheeseburger. Thick cut fries cooked in peanut oil are outstanding.
The Union Five Guys is the closest to EthnicNJ.com. There are multiple locations of this DC-based chain throughout New Jersey. Kudos to the chain for providing a link to nutritional information. (You might not want to look at the calorie counts if you really love these burgers.)
Links
Take out: Yes
Review
We noticed the Galloping Hill Grill on our way to Ristorante da Benito across the “Five Points” intersection in Union. It looked like a roadside burger joint on one end of a catering hall (The Galloping Hill Inn) parking lot. After a little research, I learned that the Grill is known far and wide for its hot dogs, and has even anchored an annual New Jersey Hot Dog tour.
We returned to Five Points just to try the hot dogs. Nicely grilled German-style beef and pork dogs (Grote and Weigel) served on a large, football-shaped roll. My favorite: a double Hot Works with sauerkraut, mustard and their excellent hot relish, washed down with cold birch beer. The broader menu with some diner staples includes burgers, wraps and fries – try the waffle fries.
Order at the window and sit at a table on the porch, or grab a table inside. The catering hall parking lot makes it easy to park, unless there’s a large event at the Hall. On our last visit, there was a classic car show in the lot with many models that looked right at home next to this grill that’s been serving Jersey dogs for over 80 years.
Links
Photo: www.dabenito.com
Review
We tried Ristorante da Benito for the first time not long after a family trip to Tuscany and were struck by how well da Benito’s food compared to some of the food we had in Italy. Start with a soup - L’Orzo e Funghi (toasted barley shiitake mushroom soup) is excellent. Try the homemade pasta, like Fettuccine con Ragu di Vitello (fettuccine with veal ragu), or a meat entree, like Agnello (Rack of lamb with chestnut reduction, portobello, onion & potato), or have both if you’re really hungry and want to eat like a true Italian. The pasta portions are reasonable and everything is fresh.
Da Benito’s is an upscale restaurant with a Tuscan feel. The service is a little stiff and formal, but efficient. Oenophiles will appreciate the extensive wine list. On our first visit, we were the only table seated in the well-stocked wine room.
Links
