Franklin Lakes’ Sicomac neighborhood isn’t just a peaceful, tree-lined enclave—it has quietly developed one of Bergen County’s most dynamic and eclectic food scenes. Whether you’re craving a cozy café, artisan bakery, hearty Italian, or an inventive food truck bite, Sicomac delivers with local flavor and warmth. Join me as I take you street by street through the tastiest stops in our neighborhood.
Sicomac Road: The Heart of Neighborhood Eats
If Sicomac has a “main street,” it’s Sicomac Road itself. This pleasant thoroughfare is where you’ll find a cross-section of Sicomac’s food culture, from family favorites to new culinary arrivals.
- Market Basket (813 Franklin Lake Road, at the Sicomac/Franklin Lake intersection)
- *Cuisine*: Gourmet marketplace and café
- *Price range*: $-$$$
- *Why go?* No food tour of Sicomac is complete without a stop at Market Basket, a landmark in the community for over 50 years. Beyond its famous takeout counter—think top-tier chicken pot pie, fresh salads, sandwiches, and daily-made soups—you’ll find a lively bakery section, cheese deli, and stunning prepared foods. Whether picnicking at nearby Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve or entertaining at home, locals rely on Market Basket for high-quality, locally-sourced eats.
- The Sicomac Grill (978 Sicomac Road)
- *Cuisine*: Classic American/Diner
- *Price range*: $
- *Why go?* Unpretentious and always bustling, Sicomac Grill is the go-to for hearty breakfasts and casual weekday lunches. Their omelets are fluffy perfection, while weekend specials like banana-walnut pancakes and corned beef hash draw a loyal morning crowd. Lunchtime is all about their melt-in-your-mouth cheeseburgers and classic deli sandwiches. It’s the kind of place where everyone really does know your name.
Dutch Lane Delights: Bakeries and Sweet Treats
Wander off Sicomac Road down Dutch Lane and you’ll strike gold if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
- Butterflake Bakery (448 Sicomac Ave, just off Dutch Lane)
- *Cuisine*: Jewish and Eastern European-style bakery
- *Price range*: $
- *Why go?* Renowned for challah, chocolate babka, and airy danishes, Butterflake Bakery is a haven for pastry lovers. Don’t leave without picking up their famous seven-layer cake or rainbow cookies—residents swear they’re the best in Bergen County. A hot tip: Butterflake’s honey cakes make the perfect hostess gift during the holidays or Rosh Hashanah.
- Hazelwood Café (corner of Dutch Lane and Colonial Road)
- *Cuisine*: European-style café
- *Price range*: $
- *Why go?* A relative newcomer, Hazelwood Café charms with its cozy interior, La Marzocco espresso machine, and rotating bakery case of croissants, cinnamon buns, and delicate tarts. It’s a favorite for those in search of an afternoon pick-me-up or a quiet nook to read, and their lavender latte is a neighborhood legend in the making.
Hidden Gems & International Tastes
Sicomac’s food scene quietly celebrates global flavors, often tucked away in unassuming strip malls or at local events:
- Trattoria La Rosa (1011 Sicomac Road)
- *Cuisine*: Italian trattoria
- *Price range*: $$-$$$
- *Why go?* Rustling with convivial family chatter and the warm aroma of garlic and tomatoes, La Rosa is the place for wood-fired pizzas, pillowy gnocchi, and veal saltimbocca as good as Nonna’s. Their antipasto platter is a must, piled high with imported meats and cheeses. For date night or celebrating a milestone, the candlelit dining room simply glows.
- Casa de Arepa Food Truck (parks near Sicomac Park on weekends)
- *Cuisine*: Venezuelan street food
- *Price range*: $
- *Why go?* Don’t be fooled by its unassuming exterior! Casa de Arepa has built a cult following with its crispy-yet-tender cornmeal arepas stuffed with everything from shredded beef to fresh avocado and cotija cheese. Coupled with passionfruit juice or plantain chips, this is the ultimate quick, craveable meal—especially after a dog walk at Sicomac Park.
Local Traditions: Community Eats and Seasonal Events
Sicomac isn’t just about bricks-and-mortar dining. Food is woven into the social fabric of the neighborhood, especially in warmer months:
- Sicomac Farmers Market (summer Sundays, Woodside Ave and Sicomac Rd)
- *Why go?* Open June through September, the Farmers Market is a bounty of local produce, fresh-cut flowers, and—most importantly for foodies—artisanal breads, jams, and gourmet food trucks. Don’t miss Outta This World Falafel, which draws lines for its pillowy pita wraps and lemon-mint lemonade.
- Annual Sicomac Block Party & Chili Cook-Off
- *Date*: Every September, rotating between Sicomac Rd and Cedar Hill Avenue
- *What’s special?* Part street fair, part friendly food competition, the chili cook-off is a beloved local tradition and great way to sample inventive home-cooked eats. Many local eateries sponsor booths, offering up mini-samples of their signature dishes—don’t miss the sweet corn fritters and cider donuts!
Tips for Foodies: Making the Most of Sicomac’s Food Scene
- Come hungry and bring friends! Many Sicomac restaurants are family-owned and serve generous portions.
- Reservations aren’t always required except for La Rosa on weekends—always call ahead for dinner.
- Explore seasonal specials—local businesses often change menus with the harvest.
- Parking is plentiful but can get tight during peak brunch and farmers market hours. Embrace a stroll through the beautiful residential streets!
Final Thoughts: Sicomac’s Table
What makes Sicomac’s dining scene truly special isn’t just the flavors (though those are pretty remarkable!). It’s the sense of community—owners who remember your regular order, friendly neighbors swapping dessert tips at the bakery, and the joy of discovering that new favorite dish just around the corner. Whether you’re a longtime local or a curious visitor, Sicomac welcomes you to the table with open arms…and plenty of great food.
Hungry yet? I’ll save you a seat at the Sicomac Grill.