Blu's "Next Door" Neighbor

Can't wait to try this place, as we love Blu. The chef is certainly one of the most talented we've come across in NJ.
Short rant: I know they're a pain to update (see Blu's for reference), but I wish every restaurant had a web site for basic information (hours, menu, address/phone). There are plenty of companies that will update the info on an as-needed basis for small amounts of money and it seems worth it. We have friends who probably won't go to Next Door until I can show them a menu and prices. Not that they're right--I just think that's a pretty common attitude.

Can they please turn the lights on for those two restaurants? They look freaking dark inside and I would be afraid of not being able to see the food on my plate.

Blu's lighting isn't as dark once you're inside, but I agree that the front of the place needs better lighting because it's easy to miss if you haven't been there before. Friends of ours drove past it 3 times before I stepped out front to flag them down! I think they have a shade or some kind of film on the front window there. BUT THE FOOD IS SO GOOD.

We just came back from dinner, me, my husband, and two kids age 6 and 8. The experience was nice. Delicious food and pleasant atmosphere. We got there a little before 6 when it was empty, and we were able to choose any table we wanted. We chose to sit as far away from the front door as possible and good thing -- the small place filled with the cold winter air whenever the door opened. We were served quickly, but I thought that those who came later probably would have to wait, since there were only 2 servers for the whole place.

The food was delicious. Portions were smaller than what would be expected in a "comfort food" type of place, but ample. Potato chips instead of fries, a disappointment for my daughter who ordered the cheeseburger (which was huge! but tasted a bit bland). The mushroom-barley soup was delicious as was the sautéed spinach, but it's easy to make something taste good when it is slathered with oil. But olive oil is supposed to be good for you, right? I had the "Pulled Chicken Sandwich," absolutely delicious, but also dripping with fat. The hanger steak also was delicious, served with nothing but the mushrooms and caramelized onions as described on the menu. The warm chocolate cake with an artfully presented scoop of vanilla ice cream was delicious, and was a nice representation of comfort food made fancy.

Overall, we liked the place, and will definitely return. We were looking for an alternative to Raymond's, a place for the family to go for good comfortable food where the parents could have something more upscale while the kids (or the grown-ups) could have good usual favorites.

Went here for lunch this week... unfortunately, I wasn't too impressed. I have heard such wonderful things of Blu, but maybe Next Door still needs to work out the kinks. I would wait a couple more months before going back.

We've eaten at Next Door three times now, and it's really a delight. The food has been consistently fresh and well flavored (we've had the Asian salad with a fabulous spicy peanut-ginger dressing; meatloaf; hanger steak; poached pear; rice pudding--all of which was terrific).

The server we've had each time, Gillian, is efficient, professional, and so friendly--and has an amazing memory for what you liked from the previous visit! She really makes us feel at home there.

I recommend Next Door, and so far it hasn't been crowded, so it's a nice alternative to some better-known spots around town.

Walked in there last Friday night...it was half full, and lit up like a Mc Donald's. The menu seemed fine, but as we sat and absorbed the not so charming vibe, we noticed the annoying sound of talkradio coming out of an overhead speaker. As the server came to take our order, we asked if it would be possible to turn down the radio, or change the station to music. He said sorry, but no...and we said sorry, bye bye.
We adjourned to the reliable Greek Delight on Park St, and had a swell time.
I won't be going "Next Door" again any time soon.

I visited about a month ago for lunch and ordered the Chicken Livers with Caramelized Onions and Balsamic Vinegar. The livers were cooked to perfection, but I thought the dish lacked a little salt & pepper.

My entree was the Roasted Chicken with Potato Puree. I was served a breast and a leg with a little pan jus. There was nice caramelization and color on the chicken, but once again I felt it lacked seasoning and thought that the braest meat dried out a little bit as it is wont too when you are trying to get an aggresive sear on the meat.

However, the potato puree rocked and was seasoned to perfection.

Although my first experience wasn't perfect, I would definitely give this place a try again in a few months with hopes that it is hitting on all cylinders. My props to the owner for serving chicken livers. Many places shy away from serving any variety meats at all, because of squimish diners. I also appreciate that he is serving some flavor cuts of meat like Hanger Steak and Leg of Lamb.

The ONLY reason to go here is the food--which is a very good value.The reason I go out to eat is to be served warmly with no attitude and in pleasant surroundings.This place has neither.
The staff is just not nice.We ate here recently on a busy weekend evening and it was so cold that most diners wore their coats while eating and the waitstaff could not care less about trying to do something about it.We were served dessert without utensils.The kitchen ran out of half and half.
Overall they should have paid for us to eat here because it was so uncomfortable.
Again the attitude here is bigger than any other local restaurant.I know that I will take my business elsewhere.

The ONLY reason to go here is the food--which is a very good value.The reason I go out to eat is to be served warmly with no attitude and in pleasant surroundings.This place has neither.
The staff is just not nice.We ate here recently on a busy weekend evening and it was so cold that most diners wore their coats while eating and the waitstaff could not care less about trying to do something about it.We were served dessert without utensils.The kitchen ran out of half and half.
Overall they should have paid for us to eat here because it was so uncomfortable.
Again the attitude here is bigger than any other local restaurant.I know that I will take my business elsewhere.

The ONLY reason to go here is the food--which is a very good value.The reason I go out to eat is to be served warmly with no attitude and in pleasant surroundings.This place has neither.
The staff is just not nice.We ate here recently on a busy weekend evening and it was so cold that most diners wore their coats while eating and the waitstaff could not care less about trying to do something about it.We were served dessert without utensils.The kitchen ran out of half and half.
Overall they should have paid for us to eat here because it was so uncomfortable.
Again the attitude here is bigger than any other local restaurant.I know that I will take my business elsewhere.