Running and Laughing through the Garden State
Recently I ordered takeout from the Sparta Classic Diner in Sparta, New Jersey. The same people own the Sparta Classic Diner as the Orangetown Classic Diner in Orangetown, NY (seriously a must go), Northvale Classic Diner and the Tenafly Classic Diner. All of these “classic diners” have been good and I had high hopes for the Sparta Classic Diner.
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Recently I got take out at the Court House Diner in Cape May Court House). It’s somewhat confusing, but Cape May Court House is a town in New Jersey just north of Cape May. This wasn’t just any take out though; it took strategic planning. My husband and I flew down to the Wildwood Airport then rode our bikes up to Cape May House Court House (roughly 9 miles). Planning this specific trip was why I decided to start biking. I honestly didn’t know if I could ride the 18 miles round trip!
Over the past month, I started biking for a specific event. A triathlon of some sort, but not that triathlon you’re thinking. After flying and walking to a diner, my husband and I had the crazy idea of flying then biking to a diner. With the pandemic, taxis and Ubers are no longer something I want to do, so biking seemed like a safer and fun thing to do.
Last weekend, I was in the area and decided to order take out from the Vincentown Diner. I’ve been to and reviewed the Vincentown Diner dozens of times since moving to New Jersey (not an exaggeration, I’ve been well above 30). Anyway, since the Vincentown Diner reopened for take out, I decided to stop by.
It’s been two months since I went to my last New Jersey diner. Truthfully, I’ve worried how many can withstand the pandemic, as the majority are small businesses. Anyway, recently I had the opportunity to order takeout from the Villas Diner and Pizzeria. I didn’t know the Villas Diner and Pizzeria existed until a random search in the area yielded it.
Right now, nowhere in New Jersey is allowing you to eat in. The Villas Diner and Pizzeria had picnic tables outside you could sit at. Plus, they offered curbside takeout and delivery. When picking up the curbside, everything was handled safely. The employees at the Villas Diner and Pizzeria were wearing masks, the inside appeared clean, and the picnic tables were also clean. It was a beautiful, but slightly windy day. Luckily none of the food blew away.
One of the few times I didn’t order coffee at a diner. I wasn’t sure they had curbside coffee to go (I didn’t ask).
How many diners are also pizzerias? Not many. In fact, I cannot recall another New Jersey diner that doubles as a pizzeria. So naturally, even though the Villas Diner menu has everything from salads, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, pizza was a must. I decided to order the “white pizza,” which had oil and garlic mozzarella cheese.
Since New Jersey is known as the pizza state, I wasn’t sure what to expect with a diner pizza. I will say, the Villas Diner and Pizzeria pizza was one of the best pizzas I’ve had in the state. It was honestly surprising. It was perfectly cooked with plenty of dough in the crust.
The woman who took my order over the phone was friendly and the food was ready when I arrived. In all, it was great service and I have no complaints.
For the Villas Diner and Pizzeria pizza and water, the cost was $15. Not bad for an entire pizza.
I was happy with the Villas Diner and Pizzeria. While I’m not able to go to many new diners right now, I’m happy I’m able to support a local diner. If you’re in the area of Cape May and Villas, I highly suggest ordering from the Villas Diner and Pizzeria. (Even if you’re in Cape May for a race!)
Atmosphere: A
Coffee: —
Food: A
Price: $10-20
Service: A
Questions for you:
Where is your favorite pizza from?
Have you been able to support a local business?