Local Vibes

Local Vibes

Local Vibes

I don’t think there are enough superlatives to describe one of my most favorite comfort dishes in the world.

Biscuits and gravy are as comforting to me, as a big bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese.

I can list several other comfort food items, but biscuits and gravy take me back several decades to a place that was warm and welcoming.

My first taste of buttery biscuits and savory sausage gravy did not take place in New Jersey or in New York, where I grew up.

It was in Dallas Texas.

I was visiting my dad who moved from New York to Texas for a new job. He took me out to a local Southern breakfast place, whose name escapes me, after all it was back in the 80’s.

Before I even looked at the menu, I saw a waitress walk past our table with a platter of these fluffy biscuits smothered in a white sausage gravy. Her tray also contained a couple of small side bowls filled with the white gravy.

The aroma was heavenly. I just had to find out for myself if they tasted as good as they smelled.

I opened the menu, read the description, and ordered a nice hefty helping of this homey dish.

The funny thing is, I had never heard of this great Southern staple until I headed down South.

When our plates arrived at the table, I immediately dug in.

I cannot describe how incredibly flavorful this creation was. The feeling I got after my first forkful, was like being wrapped in a warm blanket and being sung to sleep by angels.

The first time I ever ate biscuits and gravy, up North was at a Denny’s Restaurant. Not as good as what I ate down South, but tasty enough to order during several more visits.

Let’s travel through the Garden State to find out where we can get a plate full of biscuits and gravy.

  • Blair Mountain Biscuit Co. - 700 S Black Horse Pike, Blackwood, NJ 08012

    If there’s anything I learned from South Jersey foodies, it’s that Blair Mountain is absolutely one of the best places in the State to get huge, buttery, flakey biscuits served several ways, including my favorite way, covered in sausage gravy. They have herb gravy if you prefer. Ted, the owner, and biscuit genius, also offers catering.

  • Nancy's Country Kitchen - 910 W White Horse Pike, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215

    The photos of the sausage gravy instantly makes my mouth water. You can’t have Country in your restaurant’s name unless you serve homemade biscuits. Nancy’s also serves up Country Fried Steak, smothered in their homemade sausage gravy. Good Lord, I am grateful and so very hungry right now.

    Nancy's Country Kitchen

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  • Amy's Omelette House - 302 Cuthbert Blvd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

    I have been to Amy’s Omelette House in Long Branch many times. They have very good biscuits and gravy. The problem for me is, deciding  which omelette or egg dish to choose to go along with my biscuits and gravy.

    The menu is ridiculous! So many choices, one looking better than the next. The portion sizes are insane. If you’re hungry and need a hearty breakfast or brunch, go to Amy’s – located in Long Branch, Burlington, and Cherry Hill. It’s great down home cooking.

  • The Buttered Biscuit - 700 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720

    Every time I show up at The Buttered Biscuit, there’s always a wait. Do you know why? Because this place is one of the best places to get fresh biscuits, muffins, scones, and a fantastic breakfast, brunch, or lunch in the state. High quality food, great service, and incredible Southern Style Biscuits and Gravy. Not sure if it’s on the menu all the time, but damn, it should be.

    This is a small storefront cafe that seats just under 40 people. Please, if you’re ever in Bradley Beach, treat yourself to the food at this remarkable eatery.

     

  • Colbie's Southern Kissed Chicken - 1643 NJ-38 West, Mt Holly, NJ 08060

    This place is co-owned by, Ryan Howard, aka, “The Big Piece”,  a former professional baseball first baseman. Howard spent his entire Major League Baseball career playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, from 2004 to 2016. He is known for being the fastest player in baseball history to reach 100 home runs and 200 home runs Plus he has a championship ring from the 2008 World Series.

    I’ve heard the chicken biscuit smothered in sausage gravy is worth the drive from Monmouth or Ocean County.

     

  • Sandy's Cozy Corner - 414 NJ-70, Lakehurst, NJ 08733

    I love this place. You’d swear your mother or grandmother was in the kitchen making you a hearty meal. This place is homey and cozy, as the name reflects. Dino C. said it best in his review: “Sandys is my absolute favorite place to have breakfast!! Service is always fantastic. The food comes out, fresh and hot and is absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection! I have been coming here for years, and have never been disappointed! A+!”

    Sandy’s Country Gravy Over Homemade Biscuits, with a couple of eggs and home fries is quite possibly my perfect breakfast.

     

  • Cafe Alyce - 641 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07306

    If you’re heading to Cafe Alyce for breakfast or brunch, be aware that it is not your typical breakfast menu. Sure, you can get a well known classic or 2, but the menu takes you around the world for breakfast items not served at your local diner. They have:

    Shakshuka Grits – Two Poached Eggs in a slightly Spiced Rich Tomato Sauce over Creamy Delta Grind Grits & your Choice of Bread

    Bulgogi Beef Breakfast Bowl – Bulgogi Beef served with House-Made Hash Browns topped with Poached Eggs, Green Onions & Sesame Seeds.

    The reason I may be heading to Cafe Alyce is for the Biscuits & Gravy –  Two Buttery, Flakey, Warm House Made Biscuits, split and covered with your choice House-Made Pork Sausage Gravy or Creamy Mushroom Gravy topped with Two Poached Eggs.

  • Benny's Luncheonette - 11-04 Saddle River Rd, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

    Benny’s is a down to Earth eatery serving hearty plates of breakfast classics, sandwiches & burgers. Bergen magazine readers chose Benny’s Luncheonette as having the best breakfast in Bergen County. I’ll bet the biscuits and Southern sausage gravy had something to do with that. It’s all made from scratch and the proof is in your first bite.

     

     

  • Bistro by Clementine's - 300 Main St, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717

    Bruce and I had dinner here recently with our friends, Michelle & Mike. It had to be one of the best meals I’ve had in the last year. I recently heard that Clementine’s serves breakfast, and that their Biscuits & Sausage Gravy are to die for.  For me, it’s all about  homemade southern style biscuits, topped w/ creamy sausage gravy. 

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