5 New Restaurants To Try That Opened In North Jersey Just Last Month

NORTH JERSEY — As North Jersey thaws out, foodies' thoughts may turn to outdoor dining or at least weekend drives to try new food. Patch has covered countless restaurant openings, including last month. Here are five new eateries we covered in February in the area.

Àbákẹ́ Books & Café

A vibrant coffee and book shop has replaced a dry cleaners on a corner of Jersey City's tree-lined Heights neighborhood. Owner Jacquees Peace Thomas held a grand opening Feb. 19 for Àbákẹ́ Books & Café, which has ample room to read, work, and sip. Besides selling coffee drinks and baked goods, the spot is a bookstore that amplifies marginalized voices. "It took a year to do it, but five years to understand that it was part of my purpose," said Thomas, in an interview at her shop. Read more about Àbákẹ́ Books & Café here.

(Do you know of a restaurant opening in North Jersey? Do Tell. Email Patch here.)

Habit Burger And Grill

Habit Burger and Grill, a chain with dozens of locations on the East and West Coast, opened its new Englewood location just two days after last month's blizzard. The chain is known for its "Charburgers" cooked on the grill, and fresh, made-to-order fare. The fast-casual restaurant will focus on burgers, signature sandwiches, salads, and sides. "Habit uses an open flame to sear bold, smoky flavor into its Charburgers and marinated chicken, a commitment to quality that’s earned national recognition," a spokesperson noted. Read more about the Englewood store here.

Dr. Falafel

A new Middle Eastern restaurant, Dr. Falafel, opened in downtown Westfield recently, replacing the former Chutzpah Kitchen. The eatery offers a take on the classic Middle Eastern fried-chickpea dish, shawarma, salads, gyros, pita, hummus, and more. Read more about Dr. Falafel here.

Po' Boy Riche

Just in time for Mardi Gras last month, a co-owner of the popular Ani Ramen group of restaurants debuted a new eatery in a growing Jersey City neighborhood. Israel Jiles — who grew up in New Orleans — brought Creole food to the city's Bergen-Lafayette section, near Liberty State Park.

The restaurant features classic po' boy sandwiches with fried seafood or meat (oysters, shrimp, catfish, chicken), as well as jambalaya, shrimp, grits, and salads. Weekends bring "Bayou Brunch," including Hummingbird French Toast (which has banana cream cheese and caramelized pineapple), and a scrambled eggs po' boy. Read more about it here.

Honorable Mention: Hobby's Deli

This restaurant is not definitely new. In fact, the Jewish deli opened in Newark a century ago. It was recently honored, hence last month's Patch story. That's longevity! Might as well add it to your list to visit. Read about it here.

Do you know of a restaurant coming to Bergen County? Let Patch know so we can write about it.

READ ABOUT JANUARY'S NEW EATERIES: 5 Restaurants That Opened In North Jersey Last Month