Early into the new year I received an email "2025 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards" and it was…read moretheir 'Best Deli in Bergen County' that caught my attention. "Bambino's?! New Milford?!" - as someone that hits an Italian deli every single weekend I had to make the trek to see what's what. I excitedly walked in first thing on a Saturday morning and my Spidey senses started to tingle that something was amiss. In this long narrow storefront a lot of shelf space was given to... various bags of chips. And there were at least two racks full of... bagged breadcrumbs?! Everything just felt 'off' from all the other Italian delis in surrounding towns so I just got two items (which set me back over $40) and I found it really odd that instead of a secure plastic container for the meatballs and sauce they were put in a foam takeout container instead. (Really?! For something this soggy?!) As for the (overpriced) items I picked up? The meatballs and sauce - very good. The breaded chicken cutlets - extremely disappointing. The two people behind the counter - incredibly friendly. No joke: I immediately took a ride over to Luigi's in Wood-Ridge to get all the other items that Bambino's didn't offer. I'm baffled how this joint 'won' when Bergen County has an abundance of much better places... Michael's Salumeria (Lyndhurst), Annamaria's (East Rutherford), Piccolo's (Ridgefield), Bartolomeo's (Englewood) and, of course, Luigi's - all come to mind. (Yelping for a lot of years, over 700 reviews and still less than 40 two-star review. I really try my best to avoid being a Negative Nelly but sometimes...)

Bambino's Deli in New Milford, NJ. Come try this epic classic deli from the bacon, egg & cheese…read more(one of the best l've ever had) to the vodka chicken parm sandwich. Everything is made to order at Bambino's and their bread is delivered fresh daily. All of the ingredients are premium-the sandwhiches are loaded! You can really taste the difference! Insta: @thehungrysw BACON, EGG and CHEESE FRANKIE'S ITALIAN COMBO- Ham, Capicola, Mortadella, Salami, Pepperoni, Sopressata, Sharp Provolone, Mozzarella, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Hot & Sweet Peppers, Oil & Vinegar. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD-Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Balsamic. CHICKEN PARM w/ VODKA SAUCE SUB

I like this place a lot, it's called, "Cosmo's Salumeria" in Hackensack, NJ and I've been wanting…read moreto try this place for at least a year because it was ranked in the top 25 by The Star Ledger. This day I said, "Today is the day and I'm getting a freaking sandwich from this joint.", so I rode my road bike here and it was a good 25 minute bike ride to get there. But when I finally got there it was surprisingly closed. I was confused because Yelp says they open at 8am and here I was there at 8:30 am and closed. I was super disappointed and was like ok today isn't the day I'm getting this sandwich but hey at least I got a nice workout getting here and back. Just when I was about to leave something told me to call and lo and behold Cosmo answered. He said they open at 9am and that he was making fresh mozzarella before they opened for the day. I told him on Yelp it says your open at 8 am and he said Yelp makes up their own hours but for me to wait and he'll make me the sandwich and it should be ready in 10 minutes. Awesome and he did do the selection #1 sandwich in 10 min and all before he was officially opened for me consisting of sopp, capp, salami, ham, fresh mozz, sharp provolone, sweet peppers and LTO. That was awesome customer service to me. So as I went inside to pay, he told me $10. In my mind,"I'm like seriously for this heavy sandwich I thought it would be at least $12. What a great deal" I thought. I paid and thanked him and rode my bike home burning off some calories before putting them back with this sandwich . It is a pretty good sandwich and for the price you would pay at a crappy Subway place. I can see why this place is popular and will be back for more sandwiches. Highly recommend as a good value sub place for the quality of ingredients you get at a great price. You're welcome and remember be nice to each other.

Incredible place for an Italian sandwich!…read more Super fresh and delicious. $10 worthy for sure. Call ahead so you don't have to wait. The shop is pretty small but it's a great option for a to-go lunch.

Ordered online, Quick and friendly service. Pizza wasn't…read moremind blowing but solid, would order again.

I stumbled over this place about five months ago when I was going to my regular spot River edge…read morepizza kitchen and after calling River Edge Pizza Kitchen numerous times and not getting an answer I stumbled on this place and placed an order for two pies and went to pick them up and everybody was friendly and the pies were one of the best that I've had in quite a while and would promote that place any chance I got the very friendly people and when they say half hour it's a half an hour not an hour and they just have a good product

The food and the customer service simply amazing. My one and only go to spot when I'm assigned in…read morethe area! God bless the God Father Sangwish!

Ted's North Delicatessen 314 Spring Valley Rd…read more Paramus, NJ 07652 The Godfather French Fries This locally owned deli is very high profile and serves quality food. These are a couple of the popular menu items I explored: The Godfather: This sandwich was packed with thinly sliced roast beef and smothered in hot gravy and melted mozzarella cheese. It may appear small in size, but it was very filling. The appearance of the left sandwich looks off due to the gravy oozing out of the hero. Do not let that deceive you because this sandwich is phenomenal! French Fries: These fries practically eat like a meal. They are piled high and deep inside a Chinese container box. The serving quantity was more than plentiful. The crinkle cuts are generously sprinkled with Ted's North secret signature seasoning. They are so tasty you won't need any dipping sauces to supplement the frites. I enjoy the seasoning so much that I wish I could purchase it separately, but it's not for sale. Due to its popularity, there is usually a line, but it moves pretty quickly. There is no indoor or outdoor seating, but there are benches and tables nearby at Van Saun Park. If you decide to dine here, Ted's North is open Monday through Saturday, so please plan accordingly. #tedsnorth #tedsnorthdelicatessen #tedsnorthdeli #thegodfather #frenchfries

Cash only local deli serving up very tasty subs. Portions are very large so the half is definitely…read moreenough for most people. Can get a full if you want to share or have another meal later.

This place makes the best sandwich around the area. The cold cuts and the veggies are always fresh…read moresince they make so many sandwiches a day. The service is friendly and courteous. The owner is always polite and welcoming. They have a sitting area and it's always clean. An excellent place to get a good lunch.

Our go-to for subs! Order online and you can skip the wait…read more The original Italian is amazing! I personally like the rosemary bread. The staff is friendly and service is quick. A great option if you're in need of a quick lunch.

Ordered tonight the Regular #7 on their App...Turkey and Provolone...and added several Special…read moreInstructions including extra tomatoes, scoop out the roll, add sweet peppers from the grill area, and cut the sandwich in thirds...and it arrived exactly as requested - THANK YOU! Highly recommend the River Edge, NJ location for your Jersey Mike's Subs...friendly and the person who made the sub cared and followed my requested items. THANK YOU AGAIN...will be back!

Barrel & Brew Craft Bar (Located in Brookchester Shopping…read moreCenter) 872 River Rd. New Milford, NJ 07746 $18.99 Lunch special: Hackensack Musket Haze Draft Beer Smash Cheeseburger Fries I encountered this deal from a leaflet that was placed on my front door, so I decided to stop by on a weekday afternoon. The lunch offer is valid Monday through Friday from 12 PM to 4 PM. Hackensack Musket Haze Draft Beef: There was a variety of ten different draft beers to select. I don't order from the tap often, so I wasn't familiar with the beers. Before making my decision, Server Marcos was kind enough to let me sample it to be sure I I would like it. The IPA was fantastic. It was served chilled with a bit of foam up top. There was a hint of citrus and it had a smooth taste. Unfortunately, free refills are not included with the lunch special. Smash Cheeseburger & Fries: This is a perfect lunch serving portion as it will definitely keep you full until supper time. The double patty was served on a potato roll with special sauce and toppings; it didn't disappoint. The proportion of fries could have been a bit larger, but it they were still tasty. There are several flat screen HDTVs for patrons that enjoy watching sports as they wine and dine. If you enjoy the nightlife or clubbing atmosphere, a silver disco ball is adorned at the center of the restaurant. There is a decently sized outdoor seating area, which includes one semi-circular booth. As a bonus, if you want to purchase any bottled or canned beverages to bring home, there is a liquor store conveniently attached to the pub. This was a great lunch deal and if you need a quick meal in the middle of the day, stop by Barrel and Brew today! #barrelandbrew #barrelandbrewcraftbar #barrelandbrewlunchspecial #barrelandbrewwineandspirits

$18 for FOUR shrimp. Not even jumbo size. just four shrimp in a takeout container. I genuinely…read morethought part of my order was missing, so I called, and was told that's the actual portion. For an "upscale casual" place, this isn't just overpriced but misleading. The food itself wasn't bad, but the portion completely killed the experience. If you're ordering from Barrel & Brew, just know what you're getting into. This felt more like a joke than a dish.

The pizza is good. Nice balance of crust, sauce and cheese. I will comeback. Clean facility,…read morecourteous staff, earned their tip.

Sopranos Pizza 368 River Rd…read more New Milford, NJ 07646 Vodka Chicken Parmesan Appearance 7.4/10 Taste 8/10 The chicken Parmesan was excellent; the cutlets were pounded thin. The vodka sauce mixed with the ziti was thick and creamy. The only drawback of this dining experience was the chef unintentionally served me tomato sauce in lieu of vodka sauce with the CP. Although it was unusual having this plate with two different sauces, both the parm and pasta were really good.

Been going here for the Fat Bubba. I also tried one with buffalo chicken and that was also amazing…read more I recommend ordering ahead online and keep in mind you'll have to wait in the line if you're picking up but it moves quick. Definitely recommend!! Worth the hype.

Ordered pick up. The BEC with home fries is just delish and really filling. Everything hits: good…read moreeggs, crispy bacon, and the home fries make it even better. Such a solid, comforting breakfast Next ill try on a hero the potatoes made me very happy

Food was really good. Steak cooked to perfection. Appetizers were also very good…read more Would go again. Plenty of parking behind restaurant.

When it comes to authentic food, I was very pleased to try this place…read more Good location, good service, good food. The pizza was very good. Service was quick but food was prepared with care. The server was attentive and polite. Will try this place again, for sure, if I am in the area.