Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
28 BBQ, Bound Brook
"Oh my goodness'' were the first words in my 2007 Eat with Pete review of
28 BBQ; a copy still hangs on the wall of this small Portuguese churrasqueira. Spits of chicken and ribs slowly turn over fire, and the steady stream of customers attests to the restaurant's popularity. A whole chicken (see photo) with rice and your choice of fries, beans or salad costs $16; a half order ($9.50) is more than enough for one person. A half order of ribs is $11. 28 BBQ is the equal of any Portuguese BBQ joint in Newark's Ironbound, with one big difference: Parking is much easier.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
San Pedro Tierra Mexican, Bellmawr
At
San Pedro Tierra Mexican, tacos are $2.50, quesadillas from $3-$3.50, tortas $6.50-$7, and the salsas are maybe the most distinctive at any taqueria in New Jersey. It's a funky little taco joint; what it lacks in atmosphere it more than makes up in quality. The salsa rojo (left) and salsa verde (right) are mildly spicy and majorly addictive.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Al Raouche, Paterson
Funny moment at
Al Raouche while I was waiting for my order: A family walks into the restaurant, dad spots the "cash only'' sign, tells owner they'll come back another time. His daughter, who couldn't have been more than 12, says, wait, I have money; she runs to the car, returns, and they sit down and eat. Sandwiches here are inexpensive and indescribably good: $3.75 for falafel, $4 for chicken kabob, and $5 for a shish kabob (lamb) sandwich that might have been the best sandwich I ate on this entire mission. Al Raouche is within walking distance of the Corrado's complex of stores in Clifton.