Prohibition

- 170 Center Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675

Welcome to a spotlight on one of Bergen County’s captivating dining destinations: Prohibition, an American restaurant nestled right in the heart of Westwood, New Jersey. This establishment has quickly become a local favorite by expertly blending the comfort of classic American bistro fare with an ultra-modern, slightly speakeasy-inspired vibe. For those in North Jersey looking for a spot that offers great food, a lively atmosphere, and a truly welcoming community feel, Prohibition is a must-visit.

The restaurant's operator, Maria Sausa, has been noted for her dedication to understanding and embodying the true culture of Westwood—a family-owned, regular community. This commitment shines through in the service and the overall experience, aiming to create something special for the town. The overall concept brings an old-world charm, hinting at the Prohibition era, but delivers it with a contemporary flourish, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for every guest.

Prohibition successfully carves out its niche in the competitive New Jersey dining scene by focusing on quality and a diverse menu that caters to a wide array of tastes. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or cocktails with friends, the American bistro theme is executed with flair, ensuring that the food is both familiar and excitingly new. The ambiance complements the menu, offering a comfortable yet chic backdrop for any occasion.

An interesting development for this local gem is the plan for expansion. The operator, Maria Sausa, has mentioned plans for a significant expansion, which, according to one customer's account, includes adding a second floor. This signals not only the restaurant's success but also its dedication to growing with the Westwood community and offering even more space and amenities for its patrons. This planned growth will further solidify Prohibition’s role as a key community fixture.

The menu at Prohibition is an exploration of contemporary American favorites, perfectly suited for the New Jersey palate. Diners can move from inventive small plates and "Al Fresco Bites" to satisfying main courses. Starters like the Parmesan Truffle Fries, with their decadent black truffle aioli, are a popular choice, as are the Crispy Chicken Wings featuring a delicious honey hat sauce and gorgonzola buttermilk dip.

The "Robust & Savory" section features hearty classics, including the highly recommended Steak Frites—a chargrilled skirt steak served with shoestring fries and horseradish creme—and the comforting Chicken & Waffles, which combines buttermilk fried chicken with a malted waffle, spicy honey, and pickled red onions. Even the "Bun Stuff" category elevates simple handhelds: the Prohibition Burger is an 8 oz Pat LaFrieda blend patty with red wine onion jam and white aged cheddar, and the Boo Boo Cheesesteak features chopped prime ribeye.

Prohibition also caters to lighter fare with the "Tangled Leaves" section, offering fresh, thoughtful salads like the Fennel & Orange Salad with avocado and citrus shallot vinaigrette, and the Roasted Beets salad paired with local goat cheese and candied pecans. The inclusion of dishes like the Garlic Lime Chicken Taco and Red Chili Steak Tips Taco under "Main Street Tacos" showcases the menu's ability to incorporate global flavors within its American framework.

Finally, no meal is complete without dessert. Prohibition offers delightful sweet endings such as the classic Vanilla Creme Brulee and the indulgent Cinnamon-Sugar Churros served with dulce de leche and chocolate ganache, making for a perfect final note to your dining experience.

Location and Accessibility

Prohibition is conveniently situated at a central and accessible address in Bergen County:

The location on Center Avenue places it well within the borough of Westwood, making it a great destination for locals and those traveling from other parts of North Jersey.

Accessibility is a clear priority, with numerous options available to ensure all guests can visit comfortably:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Services Offered

Prohibition provides a variety of service options to meet the needs of their community, from in-house dining to convenient take-home meals:

• Dine-in seating is available for enjoying the full restaurant experience.
• Outdoor seating for guests who prefer to enjoy their meal al fresco. Dogs are also allowed in the outdoor seating area.
• Curbside pickup is offered for quick and convenient collection of orders.
• Delivery and No-contact delivery services make it easy to enjoy Prohibition's menu at home.
• Takeout service for all orders to go.
• Accepts reservations, which is recommended for planning your visit, especially during peak hours.

Features / Highlights

Beyond the excellent food and versatile service options, Prohibition is characterized by a number of distinct features that contribute to its unique appeal:

• Women-Owned Business: Proudly identifies as a women-owned establishment, contributing to the local business community's diversity.
• Full Bar Service: Features a fully stocked bar onsite with a focus on high-quality offerings, including a carefully curated selection of alcohol and cocktails.
• Diverse Dining Times: Offers dining options for Brunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
• Welcoming & Inclusive Atmosphere: The establishment is described as family-friendly, good for kids, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a Transgender safespace.
• Themed Experience: The overall theme is a modern take on a classic American Bistro with an “old-world vibe” and “ultra-modern twist,” reminiscent of a speakeasy concept.
• Sports: The venue is a good spot for catching a game, as it is highlighted for sports viewing.
• Future Expansion Plans: The owner has expressed plans for a significant expansion, including adding a second floor, demonstrating the business's success and commitment to growth.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or placing an order, you can reach Prohibition using the following contact details:

Address: 170 Center Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675, USA

Phone: (201) 347-6411

What is Worth Choosing

Prohibition stands out as a top choice for a number of compelling reasons that resonate with the New Jersey dining community. First and foremost is the quality of the food. Customers consistently praise items like the Prohibition Burger and the Boo Boo Cheesesteak for their excellent flavor profiles and perfect execution. The Parmesan Truffle Fries are frequently highlighted as a must-try side.

Beyond the plate, the establishment is worth choosing for its genuinely friendly and professional service, which contributes greatly to the positive "vibe." As a women-owned business deeply committed to the Westwood community, Prohibition offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone—whether you're bringing the whole family, meeting friends, or just stopping by for a perfectly crafted drink like a "Perfect Martini." The option for outdoor seating where dogs are welcome adds to its community appeal.

While a small credit card fee has been noted by some customers, the general consensus is that the overall experience—combining a delicious, varied menu with a chic yet comfortable atmosphere and dedicated staff—makes Prohibition a fantastic local choice for any occasion, solidifying its place as a valued staple of the Westwood, NJ, dining scene. For North Jersey residents seeking a modern American bistro that feels like home, Prohibition is a choice that offers both quality and community spirit.

Prohibition

170 Center Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675, USA