It’s always an ideal time to explore fresh opportunities and embark on exciting local adventures. Bergen County, a true gem of the Garden State, is brimming with must-do activities that should top your bucket list. From savoring a meal at one of its renowned restaurants to enjoying a comedy show at the Bergen PAC, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With notable landmarks like the George Washington Bridge and shopping at Garden State Plaza, Bergen County is a treasure trove of great people and things. As thousands pass through each day, commuting between New Jersey and New York City, this bustling county overflows with opportunities and activities. Read on to discover what should be on your ultimate Bergen County bucket list.
Things to Do
American Dream | 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Head over to the American Dream Mall, a massive retail and entertainment complex located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford. As the second-largest shopping mall in the United States, with over 450 stores — It’s a big deal and excellent for a day filled with continual recreation.
Read More: 20 Facts You Didn’t Know About Bergen County, New Jersey
Bergen Performing Arts Center | 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Get tickets for a show at The Bergen PAC in Englewood, a 1926-founded venue that has grown to be a major hub for live entertainment, including comedians, motivational speakers, and musical artists.
Bookends | 211 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Visit Bookends bookstore in Ridgewood to pick up a new book and analyze its vast selection of reads in every genre. This longstanding shop in town has something for every book lover.
Humdingers | 64 East Midland Avenue, Paramus
Channel your inner Jeter at Humdingers in Paramus, where you can swing in the batting cages or enjoy a variety of activities, including bowling, a laser maze, and an arcade.
iFly | 211 Route 4, Paramus
Experience indoor skydiving at iFly in Paramus, where thrill-seekers of all ages can take part. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this adventure is perfect for everyone looking to feel the exhilaration of skydiving indoors.
IPIC Theaters | 2023 Hudson Street, Fort Lee
Head to IPIC in Fort Lee, a dine-in cinema offering an ultra-comfortable movie experience. At IPIC, one can enjoy films like never before with a chef-driven menu and signature cocktails delivered right to your seat.
Palisades Interstate Park | Alpine
Visit the Palisades Interstate Park. The Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey stretches approximately twelve miles and half a mile in width, encompassing 2,500 acres of natural Hudson River shoreline, uplands, and cliffs, all just minutes from Midtown Manhattan. The park offers stunning views of the Hudson River, picnic areas, a playground for families, and a serene path along the water. The riverfront walkway is accessible for all fitness levels, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery regardless of their pace.
Ramapo Valley Country Reservation | 608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah
Spend a day at Ramapo Valley Country Reservation in Mahwah, the largest park in the county. The trail spans about 7.3 miles from start to finish, making it an excellent, pet-friendly destination for a day of outdoor fun.
Monster Mini Golf Paramus | 49 East Midland Avenue, Paramus
Check out the glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Monster Mini Golf in Paramus. This one-of-a-kind minigolf experience is fun for all ages and takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Van Saun County Park + Zoo | 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus
Explore Van Saun County Park and Zoo in Paramus. This park features a walking trail that circles its perimeter, making it an ideal spot for a walk or picnic on a sunny day. Beyond its trails, Van Saun County Park boasts a full zoo with hundreds of animals to watch. Another option is to take a train ride through the zoo, where one will get an exclusive view of the animals while the conductor leads the way.
Westfield Garden State Plaza | 1 Garden State Plaza Parkway, Paramus
Spend a day at Pinstripes at The Garden State Plaza Mall, where once can find a range of entertainment options, including bowling, bocce, and other engaging activities.
Attend a paint-and-sip event at Pinot’s Palette for a creative + enjoyable experience.
Put your golf skills to the test at Darlington Golf Course in Mahwah with a challenging 18-hole outdoor course, or enjoy an indoor golf experience at 9-Degree Golf in Fort Lee.
Eats You Can’t-Miss + Top Spots to Try
Asahi Sushi | 506 Livingston Street, Norwood
Go for an all-you-can-eat sushi spree at Asahi Sushi in Norwood. Remember this BG pro-tip: You’ll want to come prepared to indulge because these rolls are dangerously delicious.
Black Magic Bake House | 19 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Grab a box of the highly sought-after sweet treats from Black Magic Bake House in Ridgewood.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood | 1 Garden State Plaza Boulevard A8A, Paramus
Eat fresh seafood at Eddie V’s in Paramus, where the beautifully decorated interior sets the perfect ambiance for a night out.
Elia Mediterranean Restaurant | 240 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford
View this post on Instagram
Snap some IG-worthy cocktails at Elia in East Rutherford, an expansive and modern Mediterranean restaurant.
Felina Rooftop Restaurant | 18 Prospect Street, Ridgewood
Take in the beautiful views at Felina Rooftop Restaurant, an upscale spot serving Italian classics and delicious pizzas.
Fino | 114 West Allendale Avenue, Allendale
Dive into a pasta dish at Fino in Allendale—try the Rigatoni Fino for a standout pasta dish.
Giovanna’s Cafe | 19 East Main Street, Ramsey
For a cozy breakfast experience, head to Giovanna’s in Ramsey—its quaint vibes are like stepping into Luke’s Diner from Gilmore Girls.
It’s Greek to Me | 1611 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee
Indulge in Greek dishes at Greek to Me in Fort Lee, where the classic Greek salad is a must-try.
Bianco Nero Gelato | 18 E Palisade Avenue, Englewood
Want to feel like you’ve been transported to Italy? Head over to Bianco Nero Gelato in Englewood for the creamiest gelato experience around.
B&W Bakery | 614 Main St, Hackensack
View this post on Instagram
Pick up freshly made pastries at Larté in Ramsey or the Bergen County famous B&W Bakery in Hackensack—got to get the renowned coffee cake.
Maggie’s Southern Kitchen | 1368 Teaneck Road, Teaneck
If you love soul food, Maggies Southern Kitchen in Teaneck should be at the top of your list.
Miller’s Bakery | 716 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park + 5 Washington Street, Tenafly
Dive into a box of sweet treats like brownies, cupcakes, + more at Miller’s Bakery. With two locations in Bergen County—one in Cliffside Park and one in Tenafly—you’re guaranteed a delicious experience every time.
Mr. Wok + Sushi | 1 Highwood Avenue, Tenafly
Mr. Wok in Tenafly has a menu filled with classic Chinese dishes, from sesame chicken to moo shu shrimp—make sure to grab a fortune cookie on the way out!
Nirvana Indian Kitchen | 29 W Allendale Avenue, Allendale
Grab some cozy Indian food at the Nirvana Indian Kitchen in Allendale.
ORA FreeStyle Italian | 304 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
Treat yourself to a meal at ORA, an upscale eatery specializing in Italian cuisine, or enjoy a classic dinner at Houston’s—don’t miss the spinach and artichoke dip—iykyk.
Pa De | 264 Old River Road, Edgewater
Dig into Thai cuisine at Pa De, a low-key spot nestled in Edgewater.
Palermo Cafe & Bakery | 389 Liberty Street, Little Ferry
Order your next special occasion cake from Palermo’s in Little Ferry—it won’t disappoint.
Piccolo’s Gastronomia Italiana | 484 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield
Piccolo’s Deli in Ridgefield embodies the charm of a true old-school Italian deli by making everything fresh.
P.J. Finnegan’s | 274 Fairview Avenue, Westwood
View this post on Instagram
Enjoy a plate of fish and chips with a side of Guinness at P.J. Finnegan’s in Westwood.
State Line Diner | 375 NJ-17, Mahwah
Cure your hangover with a classic diner meal, like pancakes and eggs or a giant burger.
The Mindful Cafe | 183 East Main Street, Ramsey
Head to The Mindful Cafe in Ramsey for a healthy bite in a cool atmosphere.
The Pit | 33 NJ-5, Edgewater
Savor some BBQ ribs from The Pit in Edgewater. BG pro-tip: Ask for a chocolate chip cookie on the way out… they’re amazing.
The Re-Up Bar | 343 Main Street Apartment B, Hackensack
Head over to The Re-Up Bar in Hackensack for a smoothie when you need a healthy vibe.
The River Palm Terrace | 1416 River Road, Edgewater
River Palm’s popularity in Bergen County is unsurprising—and we at BG are fully behind it. With mouthwatering steaks, sushi, + exceptional service, River Palm never fails to deliver a satisfying experience.
True Food Kitchen | 390 Hackensack Avenue State 186, Hackensack
Grab a bite at True Food Kitchen in Riverside Square Mall, a popular spot that has many gluten-free options to choose from as well.
Van Dyk’s | 145 Ackerman Avenue, Ridgewood
Satisfy your ice cream cravings at Van Dyk’s in Ridgewood, a charming spot noted for its unique flavors. While you can’t go wrong with any option, BG highly recommends the Peanut Butter or Vegan Strawberry Oreo. If you’re looking for more options, check out Kilwins Ice Cream in Ridgewood or Cliffside Park.
Willow + Whisk | 319 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff
Plan your next brunch at Willow and Whisk in Wyckoff—reservations are a must on weekends.
081 Cafe | 604 North Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus
S. Egidio Pizze Salumi Espresso | 17 North Broad Street, Ridgewood
Amici’s Restaurant | 28 West Pleasant Avenue, Maywood
Enjoy wood-fired pizza at 081 Cafe in Ho-Ho-Kus, S. Edgio in Ridgewood, and Amici’s in Maywood.
Get Your Shop On
Apricot Lane Boutique | 158 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Hit up Apricot Lane in Ridgewood for the coziest sweaters and new jeans.
Closter Commons | 19 Vervalen Street, Closter
Browse around Closter Commons for a new wardrobe with options like Ruby and Jenna, Lululemon, and Mixology.
Engle Shop | 32 North Dean Street, Englewood
Engle Shop in Englewood is always a winner for a stylish outfit. BG pro-tip: check out the fabulous dresses for wedding guest looks.
Hazel Boutique | 74 East Main Street, Ramsey
View this post on Instagram
Stop by Hazel Boutique for one of their classic sweatshirts—yes, this is where Alix Earle worked.
LOOA Boutique | 733 1/2 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park
LOOA Boutique in Cliffside Park offers great staple pieces for a timeless wardrobe.
Madison Luxe Boutique |16 East Madison Avenue, Dumont
Madison Luxe is a hidden gem boutique in Dumont, and the sweaters are BG’s favorite.
MINT Designer Boutique | 15 West Railroad Avenue, Tenafly
Shop stylishly in Tenafly at MINT Designer Boutique, the go-to place for designer consignment gems like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
Vero Uomo | 26 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood
Vero Uomo in Englewood is a great spot for stylish men’s suits.
Sipping in the Area?
Allendale Bar + Grill | 67 West Allendale Avenue, Allendale
Allendale Bar and Grill + Mahwah Bar and Grill are popular spots in upper Bergen County for casual drinks and “fire” wings.
Bar Boutique | 110 East Main Street, Ramsey
View this post on Instagram
If you’re craving some chic drinks, Bar Boutique in Ramsey is an upscale spot known for its standout espresso martinis. Just be aware that it’s often packed on weekends.
City Perch Kitchen + Bar | 2023 Hudson Street, Fort Lee
City Perch in Fort Lee is a great spot for drinks, and when the door is open, one can enjoy a refreshing breeze of fresh air.
Midland Brew House | 374 North Midland Avenue, Saddle Brook
Midland Brew House is a popular spot in Saddle Brook where people go to grab drinks and catch a game.
Miller’s Ale House | 270 Route 4, Paramus
Miller’s Ale House, conveniently situated on Route 4, is a popular drinking destination in Bergen County. It’s the ideal location to watch all the football action on Sunday with plenty of TVs available.
Pier 115 | 115 River Road, Edgewater
View this post on Instagram
Pier 115 in Edgewater is a fantastic spot for drinks and views right on the Hudson River. They also serve some great dishes, and BG loves the atmosphere there.
Rustica | 565 Gorge Road, Cliffside Park
Rustica in Cliffside Park is a hidden gem with a cool, stylish interior, perfect for drinks and Instagram pics.
Sedona Taphouse | 1 Towne Centre, 679 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park
Sedona Taphouse in Cliffside is a popular spot among locals, known for its wide variety of beers on tap.
The Craftsman | 1609 Maple Avenue, Fair Lawn
The Craftsman in Fair Lawn is the ideal spot to grab drinks with friends. Its inviting atmosphere and standout cocktails keep locals coming back week after week.
The Cornerstone | 84 Broadway, Hillsdale
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for good music and a lively atmosphere, check out The Cornerstone, a popular bar in Hillsdale.
101 Pub | 101 Queen Anne Road, Bogota
101 Pub in Bogota has a cozy bar feel where the atmosphere makes you feel right at home.
Festivals + Events
Disclaimer: This list is constantly evolving as new events and festivals pop up in the area all the time. Stay tuned for the latest updates and additions.
Bergen County Hall Harvest Festival | 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
September 20th – September 22nd
Experience a weekend of fall vibes at Overpeck County Park with food, music, hayrides, and all things pumpkin spice-related.
Bergen County Winter Wonderland | 216 East Forest Avenue, Paramus
TBD
Bergen County’s top winter event features ice skating, a kids’ ice rink, a heated hospitality tent, a carousel and train rides, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden.
Pumpkin Fest | 150 E Palisade Avenue, Englewood
October 26th
This event features pumpkin carving, balloon animals, and face painting, and it’s free to all.
Latin Food Festival | TBD
TBD
Experience Latin flavors at the Food Fest Fiesta! Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant and savory world of Latin cuisine, with live music and dance adding to the excitement.
See More: 252 Events in Hoboken + Jersey City This Weekend | October 24-27, 2024
Saint Rocco’s Italian Festival | 110 Main St Fort Lee, NJ
August 7th – August 11th
Saint Rocco’s is an annual Italian feast in Fort Lee that draws both locals and visitors year after year. With delicious food like pizzas and sausage and peppers + live music, it’s always a fantastic way to wrap up the summer.
New Sushi Restaurant, Butterfish, Opens in Rutherford
A new sushi restaurant in Rutherford was designed with the local community in mind. Owner Sherif Salib wanted Butterfish, located at 15 Franklin Place in Rutherford, to provide world-class sushi in his hometown. After a multi-year journey to get the space, the team, and the concept just right, Butterfish Sushi is now open to patrons and in its soft-opening stages. The new spot will host its grand opening on Friday, December 6th. Read on to learn more about Butterfish, a trendy new sushi spot in Bergen County, New Jersey.
About the Owner
Sherif Salib, a local to the Rutherford area with 10 years of restaurant experience, owns Butterfish Sushi. Sherif partnered with Chef Jeffry Undiarto, who has experience working in the two-star-Michelin restaurant n/naka in Los Angeles.
In 2014, Sherif took a break from the restaurant industry. “I had my own restaurant and worked as general manager over a 10-year history of hospitality. I needed a break.” Long hours, nights, and weekends created burnout. He then mentions, “this opportunity to partner with the chef [Jeffry Undiarto]...and he is remarkable. He’s dedicated to the craft and keeps perfecting every day. This man will keep trying over and over again until he finally perfects it. He's not afraid of trial and error.” Sherif also mentions that he enjoys working with Jeffrey as the two have an understanding that people's palettes are constantly changing. “For me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a true professional.”
Read More: All About The Kosher Nosh, a Longstanding Jewish Deli in Glen Rock
Creating more culinary options closer to home was one of the main reasons Sherif wanted to open Butterfish. “We have a lot of options in Rutherford, a lot of them are very Italian. We don't have a huge variety like Montclair or Hoboken… We decided it would be a good change of pace to help the town broaden its strokes.” Sherif also wanted to give something to his neighbors to enjoy.
What makes Butterfish Sushi so special is the freshness of the food. This establishment has small storage in the kitchen. This is purposefully done as fresh fish arrives daily to Butterfish from Japan, Boston, + more. Sherif stated that Butterfish’s goal is to keep “refining our craft and getting an idea of the palette of the local New Jersey clients and customers, and making sure we do the best we can, to serve the community that we're in.”
Butterfish strives to be the best sushi spot in New Jersey by taking care of daily tasks such as keeping up with fresh food shipments and maintaining quality control standards set by the owners for fresh food and top-tier service. Jojo, the General Manager, also spoke on behalf of Butterfish to say every day is about evolving, and the establishment is trying to set the bar higher each day.
When asked if Sherif had any advice for those looking to open a business, he said, “You have to go at your own pace, don't let others or the world dictate your timeline.” Sherif also mentioned a few local businesses he admires within the area such as Clifton Thai, Mamoun’s Falafel, + Al-Basha Restaurant.
Butterfish Sushi had its soft launch on Friday, November 15th. The establishment will have its official opening on Friday, December 6th.
The Space
Located on Franklin Place in Rutherford, Butterfish came to life after three years in the making, one of those years being under construction. The restaurant has been completely transformed from a former dentist’s office to a chic space with an entirely custom interior design. The lighting of the establishment creates an intimate dining experience. On the right side, orange booths and chairs on the right side are custom-made for the space. The wall designs and art are also custom-made for this specific restaurant. The other side of the restaurant features similar seating options, more custom wall art designs, + a black marble wall.
Menu Options
Butterfish Sushi is open for dinner reservations and has all fresh a la carte options in addition to Omakase tasting options in different price ranges. The Premium includes the most options of sushi available, followed by The Signature, The Offer, + The Lite. Packages include edamame + tuna as appetizers, and a series of sushi + handrolls, depending on the Omakase package. There are also five-course and six-course options of signature handrolls available.
See More: Trós Greek Street Food, Formerly Plaka Souvlaki, Opens New Location in Jersey City
Sorbet + ice cream options are available for dessert. Traditional flavors include chocolate + vanilla. If looking to be more adventurous, try the Caramel Apple Pie or the Lemon Basil Sorbet. Diners can also take a look at Buterfish’s Instagram to see various dishes available.
Butterfish is a BYOB establishment and a series of mocktails is available for patrons. The restaurant has an option for diners to bring in small flight-style bottles of alcohol, for a $2 credit off the mocktail pricing.
Follow @thebergencountygirl on Instagram for more local news.
