Mexicali Live
Quickly becoming one of the most popular places to enjoy dinner and live music, Mexicali Live, located in Bergen County, N.J., attracts locals and tourists alike with a broad range of live music and a solid menu featuring well-prepared dishes. There is live music every night. However, the magic is in the mix; the different musical genres are well represented through the week. The Mexicali menu is smart, creative and delicious. Appetizers include some classics with creative touches such as the fried calamari served with a lime aioli and tomatillo orange salsa and the vegetarian quesadillas that come with a pumpkin seed cilantro pesto, as well as a variety of uncommon items like the mushroom chimichangas. Tasty, inspired salads, a selection of burgers, burritos and sandwiches, and a couple of specialty dishes, including barbecued pulled pork and chicken, round out the menu. There are some surprises in the side order section, such as plantains and a corn torte, and the Cuban black bean soup is a must-try. There is a children's menu, and on Wednesdays there are half-price dinners.
Mexicali Live
1409 Queen Anne Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 833-0011
mexicalilive.com
Ivy Inn Restaurant
This historic Bergen County establishment has a reputation for fine cuisine that reaches far and wide. Thursday through Saturday evenings, live classical jazz accents the lush elegance of the atmosphere, which has earned it a ranking in the top 10 most romantic restaurants, as well as the delectable appetizers and entrees that the Ivy Inn Restaurant specializes in. Appetizers include vegetable risotto with white truffle oil, sautéed escargot, beautiful salads and inspired soups. The dinner menu includes pasta dishes as well as a variety of elegantly done entrees, including a roast rack of lamb, which comes with an herbed mustard crust and is served with Chianti-glazed asparagus and a potato-onion quiche. There is a children's menu, and reservations are appreciated.
Ivy Inn
268 Terrace Ave.
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
(201) 393-7690
ivyinn.com
Steakhouse 85
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, evening diners at Steakhouse 85 enjoy live jazz served up by skilled musicians, the perfect complement to the warm elegance of the surroundings in which diners enjoy spectacular and creative renditions of American steakhouse classics. While certainly steaks and the like make up a good portion of the menu, delicious angus is not the only thing on the Steakhouse 85 menu. The menu also includes delectable seafood dishes like pan-roasted salmon with wild mushroom and white bean ragout, and other specialties such as the roasted chicken breast, which is served with bruised artichoke hearts. The appetizers are creative and interesting, with offerings such as chipotle orange scallops, Santa Rosa style mussels and a grilled pear salad. The desserts are wonderful, with the options including tiramisu, a chocolate bourbon pecan torte and a roasted peach crème brulee. Reservations are the best way to guarantee seating.
Steakhouse 85
85 Church St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 247-8585
steakhouse85.com
