SHARE

Pick A Pumpkin: Bergen County Restaurants Serve Up Gourds Galore

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. --  Pumpkins aren't just for carving. Every Fall, a host of Bergen County eateries zest up their menus with this seasonal gourd. What follows is a list of where to find everything from muffins to cocktails.

Pumpkin cheesecake cupcake are a seasonal special at Mr. Cupcakes in Hackensack and Oradell.

Pumpkin cheesecake cupcake are a seasonal special at Mr. Cupcakes in Hackensack and Oradell.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Muchnick
Pumpkin martini from Franco's Metro Restaurant in Fort Lee.

Pumpkin martini from Franco's Metro Restaurant in Fort Lee.

Photo Credit: Franco's Metro Restaurant & Bar Facebook
Pumpkin Streusel Pancakes at Benny's Luncheonette in Fair Lawn are a weekend special.

Pumpkin Streusel Pancakes at Benny's Luncheonette in Fair Lawn are a weekend special.

Photo Credit: Benny's Luncheonette Facebook
Sip the best of the season with The Shannon Rose's pumpkin martini served at its Ramsey location.

Sip the best of the season with The Shannon Rose's pumpkin martini served at its Ramsey location.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Muchnick

  • Benny's Luncheonette, Fair Lawn: Come Saturday or Sunday, there's nothing sweeter than Pumpkin Streusel Pancakes -- a weekend special. Need something sooner? There's pumpkin ice cream at the bakery. Taste Fall: 11-04 Saddle River Rd., (201) 791-0730.
  • Franco's Metro Restaurant & Bar, Fort Lee: Indulge in Franco's Pumpkintini made with fresh pumpkin puree created in house, Stoli Vanilla, RumChata' and Amaretto di Saronno. It's served with a dash of cinnamon and a little mint leaf for garnish. Taste Fall: 1475 Bergen Blvd., (201) 461-6651.
  • Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, Ho-Ho-Kus: Come for Sunday brunch and enjoy pumpkin spice crumb cake at the restaurant's popular buffet. Taste Fall: 1 Franklin Turnpike, (201) 445-4115.
  • Midland Brew House, Saddle Brook: Say "Cheers" to pumpkin brews such as Pumpkin Cider,  Brooklyn Pumpkin and Schlasly Pumpkin. Taste Fall: 374 N Midland Ave, (201) 797-0070.
  • Mr. Cupcakes, Hackensack, Oradell: Sweeten your day with a pumpkin cheesecake cupcake -- yellow cake with pumpkin pie filling baked inside with pumpkin cream cheese icing. Taste Fall: Shops at Riverside, Hackensack, (201) 342-2293; 385 Kinderkamack Rod, Oradell, (201) 483-8897.
  • Park West Tavern, Ridgewood: A special at the moment: a roasted mini pumpkin with shrimp risotto, green peas and pecorino cheese. The eatery also has a Harvest martini with pumpkin spice in it and an Oktoberfest beer on tap. Taste Fall: 30 Oak St, (201) 445-5400
  • Stray Cat Brew, Maywood: You'll be able to satisfy your pumpkin fix with either pumpkin frozen white hot chocolate, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, pumpkin macchiatos and more. Taste Fall: 108 W. Pleasant Ave., (201) 682-6306.
  • The Barn, Closter: Save room for dessert. Pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin cheese pie (half cheese, half pumpkin), and pumpkin tea breads are on the menu, offering a taste of the season. Taste Fall: 570 Piermont Rd., (201) 768-1438.
  • The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Ramsey: Eat pumpkin and do good. From Thursday, Oct. 20 to Wednesday, Nov. 2, the Irish pub will donate a dollar from every item sold from its pumpkin-inspired menu directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The menu selection includes Spiced Pumpkin Soup (creamy pumpkin soup seasoned with fall spices, herbs and apples), Pumpkin & Mascarpone Ravioli (pecan cream sauce and fresh sage), Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie with Oreo crust and Fireball Whisky caramel sauce and a Pumpkin Martini (Skyy vanilla vodka, Hiram Walker pumpkin liqueur, Fulton’s Harvest pumpkin liqueur, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg). 
  • In other pumpkin news: To raise additional funds for St. Jude's, The Shannon Rose is hosting its third annual Punkin’ Chunkin’ competition on Friday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. Participants are challenged to launch their pumpkin as far as possible within a designated area known as the “Chunkin Patch” for a chance to win prizes while raising funds for a worthy cause. Taste Fall: 1200 NJ-17, Ramsey, (201) 962-7602, www.theshannonrose.com/.

Have a favorite spot we missed? Let us know on our Facebook page and fill us in on other pumpkin spots.

to follow Daily Voice Bergenfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE