Italian Salad Italian Salad

A refreshing mix of crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and onions, topped with Parmesan and classic Italian dressing.

Chit Chat Diner

Chit Chat Diner

515 Essex StNJ 076011215, 07052, Hackensack, United States

Diners • American • Catering • Breakfast


"This is far more like fine dining than Diner would suggest. This weekend we were here 3 times. Dinner Friday, Breakfast and Dinner Sunday. We were hosting out of town guests and brought 3 different groups to Chit Chat...foodies, children, fussy eaters and those with allergies and big appetites ALL VERY SATISFIED. The food is spectacular here. Fresh, delicious, generous portions. Whether you 're coming for breakfast (which I 've done multiple times), a working lunch or a relaxed dinner the Menu and Specials do it all. There 's not only something for everyone, it 's always consistent, delicious, hot and there will be leftovers. Our son loves the fig and gouda burger. I 've recently tried their chicken and waffles and their fried chicken is absolutely delicious (the individual bottle of syrup a sweet touch)... but so is their gyro platter, with THE BEST Greek fries EVER. They often have a roasted chicken that 's exceptional too. Their French onion, Chicken Noodles, Creamy Mushroom and Matzoh Ball soups are DELICIOUS. This weekend was the first time I gave their bar a try. My Mai Tai was perfect (and strong), my cousin 's jalapeño margaritas was sweet, spicy, salty and sour delicious. Saving the best for last. Service. These servers work their tails off. They 're attentive, fast, efficient, and terribly friendly. On Friday, we got there an hour before 2 others from our group. Our server paced accordingly. He never rushed us and he gushed with appreciation when our tip was tripled to accommodate for a table that could have turned over twice in the time that we were there. Bussing tables is an art, one part attentive to snag dishes as they empty without being too pesky. Their reach is always right, careful and comes with a thank you. I 've never had a bad server. I 've never had a mistake with an order. Sunday night we were a big group everyone got what they ordered, same time and fast. The hosts have a tough job since there 's usually a bit of a wait... they 're friendly and fast. And, the owner is hyper vigilant and exacting... making sure everything is right, perfect. And, that 's the recipe for a place where you keep wanting to return. It 's a bit busy, the decor... but eclectic and fun. Think, Alice in Wonderland fell into fine dining. The view. Hopefully you get a window seat on a clear day!! Yes, go try it! Vegetarian options: This is my go to with vegetarian friends. Vegans even. There 's always a couple options on Specials. And, the regular menu has plenty to choose from... you 're not just stuck looking at salad. Dietary restrictions: We had 2 guests one with allergies, one elderly with specific needs. They 're CAREFUL about allergies, checked each time the question was asked. My elderly Aunt raved about how perfectly they prepared to her specifications. Kid friendliness: Kids love this place, the vibrant colors, the activities left at the table, the view. The food options!!"

Tony Spavone's

Tony Spavone's

266 W Lake St, Bloomingdale, IL 60108, United States

Soup • Vegan • Pasta • Italian


"We haven’t been here in at least 15 years. Figured we were due. Very disappointed. We didn’t want the busy weekend fair with the singing. Just a quiet dinner. The inside decor looked about the same, dated, and in need of some repairs/touch-ups, but we weren’t concerned about that. Service was good/average. No issues there. But the foodis where it was a disappointment. We ordered two entrees, the house Braciole, and chicken Vesuvio. We had two different soups with our meals which were just ‘ok’ compared to other places in the area. The garlic dinner rolls were good too. The chicken Vesuvio was a decent portion (thigh, breast, leg, and wing) along with a few potato wedges, but the flavor was very disappointing, and I consider myself a Vesuvio fanatic. I have had much better at less ‘authentic’ locations. The braciole was the worst of all. While the portion was good, the rolled up meat was extremely questionable?? Coming from an Italian household and knowing different regions use various fillings/pastes between the steak, I was really disappointed. First off the steak?? I felt the “steak” used was almost a chicken breast?? Or it was a minced steak patty?? We were literally afraid to ask our server what mystery meat was used!! The filling had pine nuts and raisins, which was a first for us. Again, we understand different regions use various fillings, but this combo and meat used was not what we were used to or expected. I mean I was expecting a thinly pounded skirt steak, smothered with garlic, cheese, and breadcrumbs, and just rolled up and thrown into some sauce not at all what we received. Sorry Tony, but your establishment WAS a hit years ago for us, but we will not be coming back."