Must-Try Italian Eats and Coffee Spots in New York/New Jersey Area

As part of my sports coverage, I love scouting the best spots to eat and drink before and after games and events, to fuel my adventures across the New York and New Jersey areas.

From Italian food to coffee, here are three wonderful spots in New York City and Morris County, New Jersey, that I came across on my recent trips while doing my thing.

Graziella’s — 232 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, N.Y., (718)-789-5663 — Mon-Sun: 11a.m.-11p.m.

After covering a Women’s basketball game at nearby St. Joseph’s University’s Hill Center, I had thoughts of delicious Italian food dancing through my head. That is when I wound up at Graziella’s after the contest, which the Bears won.

Carefully nestled in the Fort Green/Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, Graziella’s has been open since 2004, serving up pizza crafted in a wood-burning oven, and other spectacular Italian dishes, with some recipes coming from the owner’s, Vito Randazzo, Sicilian mother, Graziella, of course.

Graziella’s was converted from an empty garage space into a beautiful open-air restaurant with a fantastic ambiance, complemented by its staff, as the hostess could not have been more pleasant and helpful, as well as the wait staff.

I ordered the Fried Burrata–Panko breaded Burrata, fried and topped with spicy Vodka sauce, sans prosciutto. Plus, the Butternut Squash Soup since there was a bit of an autumn chill in the air outside.

The Burrata was grand, as the inside of the fried concoction was creamy and tasty, with the breaded part providing a slight delicious crunch, with the spicy kick of the sauce enhancing the entire dish’s flavor.

The Butternut Squash Soup was smooth, hardy, and flavorful, warming my soul for that long trip back to Chatham, N.J., where I live.

Additionally, Graziella’s offers the Pizza Margherita Pie–red. classic pizza with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh basil, and the Mike’s Hot Honey Pepperoni–asiago cheese, smoked mozzarella, fontina and fresh mozzarella, double pepperoni topped with Mike’s Hot Honey, encrusted in seven pepper sesame seed spice mix (Nanami / Schichimi Togarashi).

Morris Pizzeria — 161 South Street, Morristown N.J., (973) 267-4375 — Open Monday through Thursday: 11:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday:11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; closed on Sunday.

Family-owned and -operated since 1990, Morris Pizzeria is the pizza joint for a great, quick slice of the Italian favorite on the run, or for when you have the time to savor one or more of its tasty options. And get this: it is still affordable at $2.90 per slice and $3.50 for a square, as food prices continue to rise soar across the Garden State.

Nevertheless, we, my girlfriend, Maggie, and I, enjoyed the White Pizza–a slice made with creamy ricotta cheese topped with mozzarella cheese, with a side of marinara sauce. Of course, it was splendid and gratifying. But I was still hungry, so I devoured a regular Napolitan Slice (round), too. It had all the makings of a wonderful offering: great sauce, stringy mootz, and a crispy crust with a little droop to it.

I had my eye on the Veggie–a combination of green peppers, mushrooms, and onions. But I guess, next time, amicos.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Madison — 14 Lincoln Pl, Madison, N.J. (across from the train station).

Founded in 1989 on Hawaii’s Big Island, the Bad Ass Coffee’s franchise brings its inspiration to provide coffee lovers with American-grown Hawaiian java right to the rest of the caffeinated states.

Additionally, Bad Ass Coffee’s rough-and-tumble name pays homage to the stubborn donkeys that carried coffee beans down steep mountains in Kona.

Donned in donkey-inspired decor–adorable donkey photos and artwork, surfboards, and blue and wooden brown colors throughout–Bad Ass Coffee Madison captures the mood to help you enjoy a quality cup of java anytime of the day, just like I do.

I had an iced, black cup of brew, with a three Splendas. A litter bitter, it featured a deep, rich, dark taste, but it was not too strong, leaving a satisfying yet refreshing feeling on my tastebuds.

Also, you may order an espresso, an Iced Hazelnut Hula with oat milk, food, and do not forget to grab some Bad Ass Coffee drip! Plus, sip a Dirty Pumpkin Chai drink while still in season.

Meanwhile, enjoy a Maple Wave Latte or Banana Bread Latte.

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Thank you for stopping by and reading my stories and articles. I hope to see again real soon.

— Jerry Del Priore