Gilberto's Cafeteria Introduce
## Gilberto's Cafeteria: An Overview of North Bergen's Historical Cuban Staple
For those living in or commuting through Hudson County, particularly in North Bergen, the name Gilberto's Cafeteria carries a weight of local tradition. This establishment is not just another restaurant; it is a true historical staple in the North Bergen Community, a beloved institution that has been proudly serving authentic, traditional Hispanic, and specifically Cuban, dishes for years. It represents a piece of the area's rich cultural fabric, offering a taste of home-cooked flavors to residents.
Gilberto's Cafeteria is celebrated for its cozy, casual, and authentic atmosphere. While the term “cafeteria” might suggest a certain style, this spot is truly a small, warm, and inviting local haunt. It specializes in honest, no-frills comfort food, making it an ideal destination for a quick, hearty meal whether you're starting your day with a satisfying breakfast, grabbing a midday lunch, or sitting down for dinner.
The dining experience is centered around authentic, time-honored cooking methods. The menu features a strong reliance on daily meals, meaning the offerings are frequently rotated (for example, "we serve pot roast and pork on Monday for this meal and beef next day"). This ensures a fresh rotation of classic dishes and encourages repeat visits to sample the different daily specials. Core offerings consistently include various meats, starches like tostones, beans and rice (such as Moro), and soups. For many local users in New Jersey, Gilberto’s Cafeteria is the first and last word in traditional Cuban fare.
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## Location and Accessibility for the Local User
Gilberto's Cafeteria is strategically located right on the bustling and well-known Bergenline Avenue, an arterial road in the heart of Hudson County's vibrant community. You can find this local gem at 7616 Bergenline Ave, North Bergen, NJ 07047, USA. Its position in Upper North Bergen makes it highly visible and easily reachable by both car and local public transit, catering to a wide customer base across the county.
Accessibility is a key priority for the establishment. Gilberto's Cafeteria ensures that it is welcoming to all members of the New Jersey community with dedicated Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible seating.
For those driving, the restaurant offers flexible parking solutions, which is a significant convenience in this busy area. Customers can find both Free street parking and Paid street parking options nearby, making a visit during any mealtime feasible. This commitment to accessibility and convenience enhances the overall experience for local patrons.
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## Services Offered
Gilberto's Cafeteria focuses on delivering an authentic dining experience through straightforward and accessible service options, catering to individuals and groups throughout the day.
The services provided include:
- Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the cozy and casual dining area with available Table service. It’s a comfortable setting, particularly Good for kids, and offers High chairs for the youngest patrons.
- Takeout: Conveniently order your traditional Cuban meal to enjoy at home or on the go.
- All-Day Dining: Available for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, ensuring you can satisfy your craving for Cuban comfort food any time of the day.
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## Key Features and Menu Highlights
Gilberto's Cafeteria is distinguished by its focus on traditional Cuban fare, fast service, and a welcoming, authentic atmosphere that resonates with the local New Jersey community.
Notable features and highlights include:
- Highlight: Fast Service: The establishment is specifically highlighted for its Fast service, ensuring quick turnaround times for both dine-in and takeout orders, which is ideal for quick bites.
- Highlight: Great Coffee: Renowned for having Great coffee, a crucial element of the authentic Cuban cafeteria experience, perfect for a morning boost or a post-meal treat.
- Authentic Comfort Food: Specializing in Comfort food and Small plates of traditional Hispanic dishes, including daily rotating meats, beans, rice, and fried starches like tostones.
- Daily Rotating Menu: The inclusion of varied daily meals (e.g., pot roast, pork, beef) alongside consistent menu items keeps the selection fresh and appeals to regulars.
- Casual and Cozy Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as Casual and Cozy, creating a warm and inviting "Hispanic spot" that is particularly popular with Groups and for Solo dining.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, though note the stated $10 card minimum for transactions.
- Affordable Price Point: The food is generally considered cheap, offering a very budget-friendly option for authentic cuisine in North Bergen.
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## Contact Information
To place an order for takeout, check the daily specials, or inquire about dining in, please use the following contact details for Gilberto's Cafeteria in North Bergen, NJ.
- Address: 7616 Bergenline Ave, North Bergen, NJ 07047, USA
- Phone: (201) 854-9876
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## What Makes Gilberto's Cafeteria Worth Choosing for NJ Locals
Gilberto's Cafeteria is a distinctive and essential dining experience for the New Jersey local, particularly in the North Bergen area, and it is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate with the community's desire for authenticity and value.
The foremost reason is the unparalleled cultural authenticity and local significance. This is not a chain or a high-concept restaurant; it is a historical staple that offers a genuine taste of traditional Cuban and Hispanic home-cooking. For many North Bergen residents, this cafeteria is a cultural touchstone, serving dishes that are cooked with tradition and soul. The menu's focus on rotating daily meals is a hallmark of authentic, small-scale dining, promising a fresh, hearty, and varied selection of meats, starches, and sides every time you visit. When you choose Gilberto's, you are choosing a piece of local history and culinary heritage.
Secondly, Gilberto’s provides exceptional value at an affordable price point, coupled with a very high degree of convenience. The food is consistently described as "cheap," making it an accessible option for individuals, families, and solo diners looking to eat well without breaking the bank. This affordability, combined with guaranteed Fast service, positions it as a perfect spot for quick bites and satisfying meals during busy workdays or on-the-go weekends. Furthermore, the commitment to accessibility, including the Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensures that the venue is welcoming to all patrons in the community.
However, potential patrons should approach Gilberto's with the correct expectations. Its charm lies in its "small and downscale" nature and focus on traditional, communal food. While there may occasionally be a slight language barrier (English/Spanish), this is often viewed as part of the authentic experience. Patrons seeking upscale dining or immense portions for extremely low prices may find the experience slightly different than expected, particularly concerning the meat-to-rice ratio in some value-focused takeout orders, as reflected in some feedback. Yet, for those who value authentic comfort food, a cozy atmosphere, a killer cup of Great coffee, and a reliable neighborhood spot that embraces its deep local roots, Gilberto's Cafeteria remains the definitive choice in North Bergen, NJ.
Gilberto's Cafeteria Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Gilberto's Cafeteria Photos










Gilberto's Cafeteria Location
Gilberto's Cafeteria
7616 Bergenline Ave, North Bergen, NJ 07047, USA
Gilberto's Cafeteria Reviews
pricecuban sandwichsoupfeelhamgemspanish foodsteak sandwichcheese steakdiner
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Gilberto’s is a historical staple in the North Bergen Community, proudly serving upper North Bergen with traditional hispanic dishes.The menu consists of daily meals (ex: “we serve pot roast and pork on monday for this meal and beef next day”) along side some everyday general options.This “cafeteria” really is so small and downscale, so dont expect complete upscale food, but you do have a warm cozy hispanic spot. There is a language barrier between English and Spanish but I personally didnt need to worry about it ymmvOptions include soups, some meats, some carb options (tostones, bean, rice) and some veggies.Food is cheap, but there is a $10 card minimum.
September 15 · Hansen VillatoroI order the meat and potatoesNo potatoes hardly no meat all riceI order pork Moro and yuca is all rice MoroIs not worth itI took take outIs better to cook your own foodIs cheaperThe empanas miniatureHardly no meatIs a waste of money for meThey take the moneyBut hardly no foodLast stop for me
June 20 · Daisy MasellaDelicious food and inexpensive. A local favorite.
December 30 · Vagabond ShutterbugAn absolute hole in the wall gem. My favorite is the medianoche but really all the sandwiches are good. Good service and nice area. I agree with these posts....its the biggest bang for the buck. For those that don't speak Spanish...well everything cant be perfect in life!
July 31 · Semper VeritasGreat food, but I usually order to pick up. If I don't tip, they give me attitude, why I need to tip now to pick up food.Second time and last. Never going back to this place, a colombian lady complained to me why I was giving her $1 dollar tip for pick up my food.Restaurants should not ask for tip for pick up food. Tips are getting out of control.
August 07 · Milton V
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