New Jersey Digest

If you’re in town for the World Cup and looking for real-deal pastrami, you won’t have to go into New York to get it.

Garfield’s Pastrami Grill Bistro first made waves in 2021 for serving some of the area’s best hand-carved pastrami. Since then, it’s maintained a steady flow of regulars seven days a week—along with diners from across the Tri-State who make the trip to see what the hype is all about.

The East Village-style pastrami draws comparisons to Katz’s—or better depending on who you ask. It’s also a fraction of the price. A 25-year Katz’s alum commands the cutting board, assuring an identical quality and consistency to the legendary Jewish deli.

The classic order is pastrami on rye with mustard—but don’t overlook the Reuben or a pastrami-topped burger. It goes well beyond smoked meat, too. Hand-sliced brisket and corned beef are nearly just as popular—plus knish, latkes, and fries.
In true NYC fashion, skilled workers slice pounds of pastrami by hand right in front of you, sliding samples over the counter as you wait. A fridge full of Dr. Brown’s and gallon jugs of half sour and dill pickles completes the experience.

Pastrami Grill is Polish-owned, serving the same handmade pierogi, kielbasa, and more you’ll find next door at sister deli Bratek—giving you twice the reason to make the drive.

What we ate:
🥩Pastrami on rye ($16.95)
🥔Latkes
🧅Pierogi
🍔Pastrami burger
🍽️Brisket, corned beef, and pastrami samples (free while you wait)

Pastrami Grill Bistro is located at 📍83 River Drive, Garfield, NJ.

This Montclair hidden gem should be on your radar.

Chef James DeSisto’s Laboratorio Kitchen has been quietly dishing out seasonal cooking on Bloomfield Avenue for over a decade. The formula is simple: great ingredients, simple preparation.

What we tried:
🍗Saucy chicken parm
🥕Sweet roasted carrots
🧅Caramelized onion crostini
🍝Orecchiette with burrata
🌊Linguine with clams
🍟Steak frites
☕Tiramisu
🎂Cheesecake

Montclair’s dining scene has changed a lot over the years, but Laboratorio Kitchen has been here all along. Have you been?

is located at 📍615 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ

Check out DeSito’s Maplewood restaurant: .lk