Manolo's Restaurant
You'll savor the European sophistication of Manolo's. This quiet and upscale establishment is a nice change from casual eateries. Take a seat at the tables covered in white linens and expect to be spoiled by the attentive service. For an appetizer, try the Boquerones: vinaigrette made of fresh Spanish anchovies mixed with tomatoes and endive. Or ask for the fig almond tart served with Serrano ham and manchego cheese. If you're looking for a starter that's a little more exotic, order the poached octopus in garlic and olive oil. For lunch, the red snapper filet coated with peppercorn butter is a favorite. For dinner, try the grouper fillet, the monkfish with clams and shrimp, or the veal chop served in a sherry, caper and shiitake mushroom sauce. Grilled bread is served with the entrees and comes with two types of marinated tomatoes for a topping. Try the tiramisu or flan for dessert.
Manolo's Restaurant
91 Elizabeth Ave.
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
(908) 353-7674
manolosrestaurant.com
Front Street Smokehouse and Saloon
The Front Street Smokehouse and Saloon promises Memphis-style barbecue. When you order the Pig Out Platter, you'll get baby-back ribs smoked for six hours over a combination of cherry wood, charcoal and gas; pork shoulder; beef brisket; and sausage. The Italian sweet sausage, kicked up with fennel and smoked, is from a local butcher. The platter is covered in a sweet, warm barbecue sauce. If you're not in the mood for barbecue, try the huge grilled burgers. Sides include macaroni and cheese, red cabbage coleslaw, barbecue black beans and red potato salad.
The Front Street Smokehouse and Saloon
1 S. Front St.
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
(908) 354-1818
frontstreetsmokehouse.com
Valenca Bar and Liquor Store
The Valenca Bar and Liquor Store is a unique setting. You can be served in the restaurant, order takeout and buy your alcohol all in the same place. Portuguese food is the star here. Diners like the shrimp in garlic sauce, barbecue chicken and Chilean sea bass. Portions at the Valenca are large. The specialty is the steak on a stone. Order it and you'll get two large pieces of filet mignon that have been seasoned with salt, and a stainless steel platter with a hot lava rock. You then proceed to cook your steak to your liking. Most diners cover their steaks with garlic butter. Take care not to wear your best duds if you plan to cook the steak yourself, as the steak and butter do splatter.
The Valenca Bar and Liquor Store
665 Monroe Ave.
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
(908) 354-4024
