Candlewyck Diner
179 Paterson Ave, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(201) 933-4446
Web Site: www.candlewyckdiner.com
See the complete photo gallery (50) on Flickr
Let’s do a bit of foodie word association. If I say “Jersey” the next word should be… Diner.
At a classic Jersey diner, you would expect to see folks like this.
And table scenes like this.
and food like… this.
And for 42 years, that’s exactly the kind of stuff that the Candlewyck Diner in East Rutherford served. That is, until the owners decided to give the place a total makeover, and raise the bar on Jersey Diner food.
For more great Jersey diner fare, click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below.
I had recently heard of the Candlewyck’s makeover when Barry Bonser, a New Jersey chef that I have been following for the last few years, pinged me on Twitter and let me know about his new digs. This intrigued me, because Barry is a very hard-core veteran NYC and NJ restaurant chef with a lot of creative talent. So what the hell was he doing at a diner?
Well apparently, making things like this modern interpretation of Surf ‘n Turf.
Or this Arctic Char with citrus beurre blanc and blue roasted potatoes.
Or brick-fired flatbreads and pizzas.
The fresh mozzarella on this margherita pie is made in-house.
Candlewyck doesn’t just have great pizza. They’ve got fresh pasta creations, like this cinnamon-laced braised oxtails over pappardele.
And if you’re in the mood for breakfast, try this Benedict with lump crab meat and Canadian Bacon.
Of course, the Candlewyck has all your old diner favorites as well. Check out this chef’s salad.
I caught this chicken salad over mixed greens coming out the pass.
Turkey Club Sandwich. My late-night diner usual. Nice fresh sliced turkey and crispy bacon.
Check out this cheesesteak.
Or this fully stacked bacon double cheeseburger with home-made BBQ sauce, sauteed onions on a brioche bun. And the home-made thick cut fries are no joke either.
Nice and medium rare.
That’s a wrap, baby.
Breakfast served at all hours.
Any diner worth its salt in New Jersey is going to have a serious pastry case. And the Candlewyck is no exception.
Yeah that was just the first half. What, you want close-ups?
Niiiiice.
I hope you saved room.
‘Cause it would be a shame.
