PASSAIC COUNTY, N.J. -- January is National Soup Month, making it the perfect time to dip a spoon into a bowl of soothing soul-warming goodness. Lucky for Passaic County residents, there's no shortage of where to go for a cup of comfort.
Here's a few standouts:
Chicken Noodle, Bagel Express, Hawthorne: Owner Frank Scola says his homemade all white meat chicken noodle is a perennial favorite but a close second is Beef Barley made with thick chunks of beef. His eatery's Facebook page also shows a tasty looking chili, making this a "hot" place to go when it's cold outside. Slurp It Up: 210 Diamond Bridge Ave., (973) 423-2055, www.mybagelexpress.com/.
Tomato Rice, The Fine Grind, Little Falls: Sure, you think you're just going to come for the coffee, but the food's so good, you'll most likely want to stay longer, especially when you pair the housemade gluten-free tomato rice with a grilled cheese. Owner Rhonda Mallek said the "Soup and Sammie" are always a popular order. Slurp It Up: 101 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, (973) 837-0199, www.thefinegrindcoffeebar.com/.
Chicken Vegetable, My Sister's Gourmet Deli & Bake Shoppe, Woodland Park: Carrots, celery, potatoes and chicken mingle together with a house-made broth making the chicken vegetable a home run among customers. Coming in a close second: the Cheesy Chicken Tortilla. Slurp It Up: 150 Rifle Camp Rd., (973) 684-7500.
Italian Wedding, Highlander Deli, West Milford: Thumann's soups are on the menu at this deli where fresh ingredients are a guarantee. Slurp It Up: 717 Otterhole Rd., (973) 874-0909.
French Onion, 3 Roads Deli, Hewitt: A house-made soup is always on the menu with French Onion the hands-down top choice (chicken noodle also ranks up there). If you're lucky, you'll be at the deli when cheddar bacon potato is being offered; the other day it was sold out before the afternoon. Slurp It Up: 1893 Union Valley Rd.,(973) 506-6455.
Got a favorite we missed? Feel free to send in your suggestions.
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