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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Hawthorne

Date spots for food

A dinner that feels like a genuine date rather than just another night out for food.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
F1RST Restaurant image 1
F1RST Restaurant image 2
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American restaurant

Two dining rooms offer distinct warm, inviting decor with dim lighting and modern design. Atmosphere shifts from calm and elegant to lively with larger groups, maintaining a family-friendly vibe without pretension. Owner interaction adds a personal touch uncommon in similar restaurants.

Food comes out seasoned perfectly and tastes consistently delicious. Every meal offers a fantastic dining experience whether alone or with others.

Dinner offers melt in your mouth pork chops and crab cakes with bacon that stand out. The menu invites discovery even after many visits, making it a solid choice for date nights.

People are saying

"The calamari and artichokes were perfectly crispy and flavorful."

"The pork chop entree here is fantastic and tender."

"The food here is extraordinary and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must for dining at this restaurant.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, which provides some savings.

3

The total cost was $75 per person for a five-course meal.

02
Blackjack Mulligan's Public House image 1

Casual town pub with plenty of TVs showing big games and a lively young crowd especially late at night. Indoor and outdoor seating create a welcoming atmosphere that shifts from family-friendly early to a sports-focused bar vibe later. Regular live music and a friendly bar area add to the energetic, neighborhood feel.

Food features classic pub dishes like fish and chips, Irish nachos, garlic shrimp, and burgers that are well-cooked and tasty. Portions come large and prices stay reasonable.

Shared plates like shepherd's pie spark playful moments, especially when the last rib disappears. The spot suits couples looking for a casual, engaging meal together.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the food; it had good portions and flavor."

"The bar's drinks were always good and well made."

"I tried the Slow & Low Deep Fried BBQ Ribs; they were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

On weekends, there is a DJ after 9pm.

2

Wednesday's trivia night starts at 8pm.

3

Karaoke happens on Thursday nights with a two-drink minimum.

03
Justin's Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with a mom-and-pop atmosphere and nostalgic 80s vibe featuring tight seating and BYOB policy with stemware provided. Warm and intimate setting offers a family-oriented culture that feels like home. Tables sit close together, creating a relaxing yet compact space.

Food stands out for its authenticity and delicious flavors. Portions are generous and consistently excellent.

Frequent visits show this spot works well for dinner dates and group gatherings. The grilled salmon stands out as a solid choice, though the pasta fagioli soup leans heavily on garlic and lacks beans.

People are saying

"The Dinner Spots here are incredible and delicious."

"I thought the food was delicious and amazing."

"The Italian food here is amazing and authentic for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant allows guests to bring their own wine (BYOB).

3

A prix fixe menu is available for under $30 if ordered before 6pm on weekdays.

04
D'Carbon Hawthorne image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with three full-service bars and a lounge area offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Live music, singing, dancing, and karaoke create a lively vibe throughout the venue. Decor features beautiful, authentic touches that enhance the overall experience.

Peruvian food stands out with consistently excellent quality and fantastic flavors. Service matches the food with great attention and the overall vibe adds to the dining experience.

Staff make occasions special with personalized celebrations like birthdays. Couples enjoy the warm atmosphere and come back for dishes like calamari.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and great."

"The atmosphere here is lively with great music and dancing."

"The service here is attentive and polite, making it a great spot for dates."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with a lively atmosphere.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on Thursdays with discounted drinks.

3

Valet parking is available, but street parking is limited.

05
Las Maravillas Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with colorful murals and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Live Mariachi band and karaoke add lively energy, especially in the outdoor patio area. Strong margaritas and authentic dishes like enchiladas verdes and mole poblano stand out.

Authentic Mexican food tastes fresh and is prepared fresh. The outside dining area features a live band, adding to the atmosphere, and the margaritas stand out among the drinks.

Offers a cozy atmosphere that works well for first dates. The authentic Mexican dishes impress even those who usually avoid this cuisine.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food here."

"The food here is delicious and always good."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10pm.

2

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Free parking is available for restaurant patrons.

06
Ossy's Cafe image 1
Northern Italian restaurant

Northern Italian restaurant offers a quiet and cozy atmosphere with a nostalgic and authentic vibe. Family-owned for decades, it feels warm and inviting, blending casual and elegant styles. Regulars appreciate the classic Italian cuisine and friendly environment.

Food shows clear passion with old school Italian cuisine and great portions. Service complements the meals, sometimes going beyond by helping with small needs.

Offers a cozy atmosphere suited for anniversaries and special evenings. Works well for a first date with its intimate setting.

People are saying

"The staff's warm welcome made the food experience feel like home."

"The dinner spots here have amazing, attentive service."

"The owner and his son made me feel at home."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available nearby.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

3

The specials menu features unique dishes that change regularly.

07
Tim's Po-Boys and Wings image 1
Poโ€™ boys restaurant

Small, cozy space with New Orleans style decor and a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Quiet atmosphere with great background music enhances the personal feel. Known for authentic Cajun flavors and generous portions, it attracts those craving Southern-style seafood.

Food comes out quickly and is always fresh and cooked to order. The menu offers dishes that capture the flavors of New Orleans with consistently delicious results.

Shrimp po' boy stands out with its fantastic flavor and authentic taste. Onion fingers add a crispy, savory touch that complements the meal well.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and great."

"The gumbo here is authentic with the right amount of heat."

"The shrimp po boy here is amazing, perfect for sharing."

Good to know

1

The place closes at 7:30 PM, not 8 PM as initially thought.

2

The regular size of the wings is 6 for $10.

3

Portions are large, often leaving leftovers for lunch.

08
Yella's image 1
American restaurant

Retro shake shop style blends with 60's dance music creating a cozy, welcoming vibe. Walls display family photographs adding a personal touch. Seating is ample and the atmosphere stays lively with a stylish, clean decor.

Food here is consistently delicious and fresh, with standout items like the classic cheeseburger and hand-spun milkshakes showing clear care in preparation. The menu offers tasty dishes that satisfy both hunger and taste buds.

Sandwiches and burgers stand out with loaded fries and onion rings as sides. The spot feels clean and nice, making it comfortable for couples.

People are saying

"The staff here put so much care into every sandwich."

"The food here is really good and delicious."

"I think the fries here are the best fries I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Yella's offers a variety of sandwiches, hot subs, and hand-spun shakes.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and comfortable seating.

3

Catering services are available for corporate meetings and parties.

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Hawthorne, New Jersey

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