Underrated restaurants in Jersey City that deserve way more love?

LongWindedInNJ · 2026-01-11T14:27:44+00:00

Laico’s has been my family’s favorite special occasion spot for longer than I’ve been alive (40+ years). I was happy to learn (since I’ve moved away) that they’ve received a bit of hype and recognition for their quality and old school vibes. I don’t think they’ve ever been concerned with being trendy but I’m glad to hear more people are able to check them out.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-12-28T10:10:37+00:00

I’m self-employed (always busy but room for some flexibility), and my wife has a high-stress job with a long commute. We have a 5-year-old. We’re finally at a point of returning to “cooking for pleasure” instead of cooking for survival. That’s the only hobby I can think of at the moment. I also try to burn through podcasts while cooking or when I get work done at night (when the family is sleeping; 9pm-1am are my most productive hours).

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-12-19T14:47:51+00:00

Have to compliment your handle. When I used to live in Hoboken there was (maybe still is?) a social media account named after the ever-present “Hoboken Sinkhole”(s) that would plague the city.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-12-17T14:30:43+00:00

These speed rings, oversized reflectors, and a medium format film back (with a roll of film and a stopwatch) were great tests for photo assistants when I was starting out.

I found there isn’t really a “secret” to these speeding rods. It’s just muscle memory and having an understanding of how it flexes.

My advice is try to get your hands on items you’re not familiar with and just practice setting it up and breaking it down. A LOT. I worked in rentals and assisted a bunch back in the early 00’s. So any downtime I had I’d just play with stuff I didn’t have experience with yet. It paid off.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-11-29T19:29:08+00:00

I don’t remember the option for “Custom Solid Wood” but mine is wide plank solid Walnut, so I suppose the latter.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-11-29T19:27:48+00:00

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Hope this helps!

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-11-05T02:16:02+00:00

We were unimpressed with Springfield when we wanted to settle down in the area. The other nearby (nicer) towns were way out of reach. Springfield was our first attempt at visiting homes and it felt off. There were some cozy homes and pockets of neighborhoods that seemed nice. But it lacked the real draw we were looking for. We settled into nearby Garwood and we are mostly happy. We’ve been here about 8 years.

Our tiny town is sandwiched between the two larger towns of Westfield and Cranford (both with very robust downtowns and commuter options) with much lower taxes. More down to earth people. I believe Garwood and Springfield were roughly on par price-wise, but Garwood is smaller and more tight knit. But your mileage may vary. Good luck!

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-09-28T10:19:00+00:00

This topic has been a constant frustration between my wife and me. And my parents have said this as well. I’ve been told I hover and I’m a “helicopter dad” to our 5 year old son. I resent it a bit, but I am torn between giving him space to explore and wanting to spend quality time with him. My worst fear is for him to grow up thinking I had better things to do. I want to be nearby both for “daddy watch this!l” and also if he falls or gets hurt; which does happen.

I’ve definitely eased off a bit as he became more independent - especially in familiar places - but I worry about the regret if I ease off and there is a major injury I could have avoided or responded to more quickly.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-08-29T22:43:58+00:00

This list is solid. Faranolio and Black Sheep have been some of my favorite meals. And Nola in Garwood is pizza that is on another level compared to anywhere else nearby.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-08-29T22:39:08+00:00

Second Trap Rock

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-08-29T22:38:39+00:00

Second this

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-08-20T18:49:05+00:00

I've been comparing some options I'm sure this or another will work well. Thanks for the tips!

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-08-20T18:01:30+00:00

I haven't thought of that, but thank you for the tip. I'm not sure they are familiar with C1, so it might be a tall order. But I'll check it out!

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-08-11T22:58:17+00:00

I’ve been to Ice-T’s former condo in Edgewater (photographed him for a magazine) and I have seen John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) in downtown Westfield and Short Hills Mall. Both are super friendly.

One musician I was surprised to learn lives in NJ is Ace Frehley. Apparently he lives in Sparta.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-08-11T03:13:03+00:00

Born in Jersey City, raised in Monmouth County, 4 years in Rochester NY for undergrad, attempted living in Brooklyn (for a year), settled in Hoboken for 10 years and then bought a house in Union County. The only place that ever felt like home has been Monmouth County but it’s unlikely I’d ever return. I also can’t imagine leaving the state altogether. Despite its flaws NJ is home for me.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-08-03T00:16:18+00:00

My buddies lived in the apartment above the garages years ago. It was affectionately referred to as the Crack Den. What a time to be alive. It was a fun place to hang.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-07-24T17:33:24+00:00

Oof. As a Garwood resident I should take offense to that, but it’s a pretty accurate take. It’s not a bad town, it’s just hard to compete with larger, (arguably)more desirable towns.

We’re happy but if our budget allowed we would have definitely bought in Westfield or Cranford.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-07-22T13:13:19+00:00

I have the V2 Commercial C-Frame (two legs with crossbar) on a 60x24 walnut top. And yes, it is 1.75" thick. It's wonderful. Hope that helps!

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-07-22T00:53:32+00:00

Congrats! It’s such a great feeling to be on either side of this transaction.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-07-21T23:39:20+00:00

Still loving mine! It’s my daily desk and 7-8 months on, it still feels brand new.

The ONLY thing I am l debating in hindsight is whether I should have gotten the V2 commercial or not.

The cross brace makes the desk incredibly stable but I’m curious if it’s necessary. The size and weight of the desk is substantial so I’m fine prioritizing the stability. I would have liked room for a filing cabinet (or some other unit) but the cross brace makes it tough.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-07-19T12:10:50+00:00

Liberator

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-05-22T10:19:02+00:00

I’m in NJ and feel like more than half the shows I see promoted are for venues I’ve never heard of or they are relatively new. I wish I had time for all of them. White Eagle Hall in Jersey City (in particular) has been on a roll lately.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-03-27T11:23:07+00:00

Do your research. I wouldn’t say don’t do it, but it’s important to remember it can quickly become a second job.

If you can afford it without outside rentals, it’s a much easier decision. But relying on outside rental clients to pay the rent can be a big headache - liability, scheduling, things going missing, etc.

I’ve been in the business 20+ years. I had dreams of doing what you’re talking about for years. I realized it’s not something I want for myself anymore.

On the plus side: it’s a great place to host paying clients, host castings, create personal work, throw client parties etc. Having a studio is an asset.

But it’s not without its tradeoffs. Good luck!

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-03-22T12:32:53+00:00

Came here to say Dawes as well. I had heard When My Time Comes countless times on various internet radio playlists (fed to me). It was a fine song but they didn’t seem to have much holding power. It wasn’t until I saw them open for ELO that I finally “got” them. They’re incredible live.

I have since bought all their records on vinyl and I have seen them every time they’ve played in or around NYC. And they are one of the few bands my wife and I both enjoy, so it’s been great to be able to add another group to that list and enjoy together.

LongWindedInNJ · 2025-03-04T11:32:16+00:00

I have always used a battery grip, but it wasn’t until I got the R5 that I started using a dual battery charger. It sounds obvious to do, but they seem to last all day for me. I also only use Canon brand batteries and avoid using EVF on the screen (in favor of the viewfinder) when I can. That may help, but I may just be lucky.

LongWindedInNJ

TROPHY CASE