Balkan Cafe & Grill

- 293 Grand St, Paterson, NJ 07501

Discover the Taste of the Balkans at Balkan Cafe & Grill in Paterson, NJ

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents seeking a true taste of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, **Balkan Cafe & Grill** in Paterson offers an authentic and welcoming culinary experience. Situated on Grand Street, this local establishment specializes in the hearty, flavorful, and time-honored dishes of the Balkan region, with a strong focus on traditional Macedonian cuisine. It is a place where every meal feels like a warm invitation, often described by patrons as a spot where "you’re having lunch with all the locals," indicating its genuine neighborhood charm and strong community ties.

The restaurant’s menu is extensive, showcasing the very best of Balkan **Comfort food**, including iconic grilled meats, savory baked goods, and fresh, vibrant salads. Signature items like **Kebapi** (skinless sausages), **Pastrmajlija** (a traditional baked dough pie), and the refreshing **Shopska Salad** are favorites among both long-time patrons and newcomers to the cuisine. The welcoming environment and delicious, authentic flavors are what set Balkan Cafe & Grill apart as a must-visit local gem in Passaic County.

While the atmosphere is relaxed, perhaps even rustic in its authenticity, the passion for the food and the desire to share a piece of the Balkan tradition is evident in every dish. It's a culinary journey that transports diners straight to the region, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate robust flavors and generous portions. The owner’s welcoming nature, as noted in customer reviews, further solidifies its reputation as a local favorite.

Location and Accessibility

Balkan Cafe & Grill is conveniently located at **293 Grand St, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA**. This prime location on Grand Street places it right in a bustling part of Paterson, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors from North Jersey. The Grand Street area is known for its diverse culinary scene, and the Balkan Cafe & Grill proudly adds its unique flavor to the mix.

The location is straightforward to reach, making it an excellent destination for a dedicated dining outing or simply a quick stop. To accommodate the needs of all New Jersey locals, the restaurant offers flexible **Service options**, including **Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery**. This ensures that the authentic flavors of the Balkans are available whether you want to enjoy them in the cozy cafe atmosphere or in the comfort of your own home.

Services Offered

Balkan Cafe & Grill is structured to provide a flexible and accommodating dining experience for its diverse clientele. The services offered reflect a commitment to traditional hospitality and modern convenience.

• **Dining Service:** Available for **Lunch**, offering a comprehensive menu of Balkan specialties.
• **Planning & Reservations:** The restaurant **Accepts reservations**, a useful feature for groups or ensuring seating during peak times.
• **Food & Beverage:** Specializes in authentic Balkan **Comfort food** and also serves quality **Coffee**.
• **Off-Premise Options:** Provides both **Delivery** and **Takeout** services to cater to busy schedules across the New Jersey area.
• **Children's Welcome:** The restaurant is noted as being **Good for kids**, making it a family-friendly destination.
• **Payment Methods:** Facilitates easy transactions by accepting modern payment types, specifically **Debit cards** and **NFC mobile payments**.

Features / Highlights

The true draw of Balkan Cafe & Grill is its dedication to authentic, flavorful Macedonian and Balkan cuisine, offering dishes rarely found in other New Jersey eateries. Key highlights that make this restaurant a must-try include:

• **Authentic Balkan Dishes:** Features a rich menu of traditional items, including the impressive 19-inch **Pastrmajlija** (a baked dough pie with meat), the savory pastry **Burek**, and the classic grilled ground beef dish, **Pleskavica**.
• **Exceptional Grilled Meats:** The **Entrées** list is a carnivore's delight, with items like **Kebapi**, **Raznici**, and the ultimate feast, the **Balkan Mixed Grill** platter. The grilling is a hallmark of Balkan cooking, known for its smoky, tender results.
• **Fresh, Traditional Salads:** The menu includes regional specialties like **Shopska Salad** (a fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions topped with feta cheese) and **Taratur Salad**, providing fresh, lighter contrasts to the hearty meats.
• **Hearty Baked Goods:** The inclusion of items like **Furnarinki (Traditional Pita Bread)**, **Calzone**, and various pizzas, alongside the traditional **Burek**, means there is a satisfying baked option for every preference.
• **Local Vibe:** The restaurant is praised for its authentic atmosphere, with one reviewer noting that dining here means "you know you’re in the right place" due to the presence of all the **locals**, highlighting its status as a genuine community hub.
• **Welcoming Ownership:** The warmth and hospitality of the proprietor are highlighted by customers, which contributes significantly to a positive and memorable dining experience.

Contact Information

For New Jersey locals planning a visit, reserving a table, or placing an order for pickup or delivery, please use the contact information provided below:

Address:

293 Grand St, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA

Phone:

General Phone: (973) 341-9341

Mobile Phone: +1 973-341-9341

What is Worth Choosing

Balkan Cafe & Grill is worth choosing for New Jersey diners because it offers a rare and authentic culinary experience that is highly cherished by its local community. It is a genuine piece of the Balkan region right here in Paterson, making it a valuable destination for those seeking cultural and culinary diversity. The food is not simply "European-inspired," but rather based on the deeply flavorful, traditional **Comfort food** of Macedonia and the surrounding area.

The top reason to choose Balkan Cafe & Grill is to indulge in their signature baked items and exceptional grilled meats. Patrons rave about the **kebabs** and the distinctive dough pie, **Pastrmajlija**, which are the true stars of the menu. For a group or a hearty meal, the **Balkan Mixed Grill** offers an expansive tasting of the best meats the grill has to offer. While some of the heartier dishes are recommended for the full cultural experience, the **Shopska Salad** provides a beloved traditional, light, and tangy counterpoint that has earned its own dedicated following.

Finally, the sense of community and warmth from the staff, notably the owner, transforms a simple meal into a "magical lunch," as one reviewer put it. This combination of authentic, high-quality traditional food, a broad and varied menu (including pizza and pasta for those who prefer more familiar fare), and a welcoming environment makes Balkan Cafe & Grill a truly special and recommended choice for any New Jersey local seeking a hearty, memorable meal on Grand Street.

Balkan Cafe & Grill

293 Grand St, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA