More at stake than just trying to get laid...

September 25, 2011 4:53 PM

I need restaurant recommendations for a really promising first date in North Central Jersey.

Somewhere between Chatham and New Brunswick, but closer to Chatham. Preferably casual, but something not-too-formal is fine. Western or Latin cuisine, ambiance and liquor license seem to be the rest of the shared preferences. Thank you in advance.

posted by Finder to Food & Drink (6 answers total)

If you're willing to go a little further north to West Orange, there's the Highlawn Pavilion. Jacket formal in my experience, though not necessarily tie. Good food, nice ambiance, views of Manhattan, and most of all - you can actually have a conversation.
posted by IndigoJones at 6:04 PM on September 25, 2011

Response by poster: Yes, thank you - I know the place. I'm thinking something a little less wedding-ish though.
posted by Finder at 6:12 PM on September 25, 2011

Best answer: I grew up around there, and my favorite place to go for a special, but not fancy dinner, was Ferarros. Their Westfield location just had a fire and is temporarily closed, but they're serving their full menu at Brix 67 in Summit. So that's where I'd go. It's amazing Italian food, the staff (whom I believe are at the temporary location) have always been fantastic, and it's intimate without feeling stuffy or high-pressure.

Have fun!
posted by decathecting at 6:23 PM on September 25, 2011

Best answer: I've had Uproot on my "to try" list for a while. It might be a little fancier than you're looking for, but it's pretty much equidistant from New Brunswick and Chatham, so if nothing else it might work for a later, less casual date!
posted by katie at 6:37 PM on September 25, 2011

If you're up for trying Ethiopian food, I've always had good food and good service at Makedas.
posted by TEA at 6:14 AM on September 26, 2011

Best answer: Chatham - David's Rumba Cafe. BYOB, no liquor license.

Morristown - Cha Cha Cha Cuban Bistro. Also BYOB, but they will make sangria out of a bottle of wine you bring.
posted by de void at 9:51 AM on September 26, 2011