JERSEY CITY, NJ — New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill chose one of New Jersey's most unusual restaurants, 15 Fox Place, to celebrate an anniversary last weekend.
15 Fox Place — an Italian restaurant on Jersey City's west side — was carved out of a family's old house. Over the years, the Budinich family decorated it with tchotchkes to make it feel as if guests were enjoying Sunday dinner with their Italian grandma — and they serve six courses or more.
"Loved having you @govsherrillnj celebrating your anniversary," the restaurant posted last Sunday.
"How long does a governor have to wait for a res?" asked one commenter, referencing the fact that people have reported waiting a year or longer to eat there.
The governor's staff declined to respond last week to questions from Patch about the visit. But the restaurant, which opens only from Thursday through Sunday nights, is hard to get into these days. Their outgoing message is a woman's voice saying, "Unfortunately, I'm not taking any reservations right now from 2026. I'm still trying to get people in from 2025."
The message still invites callers to leave their phone number — twice, please — to join the wait list.
'Hardest To Get Into'
15 Fox Place has been profiled in a variety of magazines over the last few years, increasing the demand. "Is this New Jersey's most unique restaurant?" asked New Jersey Magazine last November, while a food influencer called it "The Hardest Restaurant To Get Into In New Jersey" and said she paid $105 for her visit. Patrons have left reviews calling the dining experience "unforgettable."
"Eat family style with a group and be astonished by a six-course meal which changes every day," says VisitHudson.org. "In between courses, walk around the restaurant whose hominess will bring to mind the cozy atmosphere of your grandmother's house."
The restaurant was founded in the year 1999 by Richard and Kathryn Budinich, with help from son Marc. Kathryn died in 2018, but Richard and Marc carry on.
So how can you get in onto the wait list and dine like a governor? Call 201-333-1476.
The eatery is open from Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 to 11 p.m. The address is, of course, 15 Fox Place.
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