Urban Farms in Franklin Lakes isn’t just one of Bergen County’s prettiest enclaves—it’s a rising star on the local food map. Tucked between tree-lined streets and charming parks, the Urban Farms neighborhood delivers a surprising variety of places to eat, from cozy cafés to elevated bistros and even a few best-kept secrets only locals know. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely brunch, an upscale dinner, or the perfect pastry with your morning coffee, here’s your guide to the must-try food spots in Urban Farms.
Café Culture: Dreamy Mornings and Sunny Afternoons
Start your food adventure along Franklin Lake Road, where the heart of Urban Farms beats with the comforting scent of fresh coffee and baked goods.
- Market Basket Café on Franklin Lake Road
- *Vibe:* Casual, cheery, bustling with locals.
- *Why go:* Freshly brewed coffee and a pastry case full of morning temptations. Their house-made muffins (try the blueberry-lemon) and flaky croissants are irresistible.
- *Don’t Miss:* Egg sandwiches and lunch-ready paninis. The café’s outdoor patio is a neighborhood gem on sunny days.
- *Price range:* $
- Juice Life (near the Urban Farms Shopping Center)
- *Vibe:* Sleek, health-forward, always friendly.
- *Why go:* Smoothie bowls, fresh-pressed juices, and avocado toast for wellness warriors.
- *Don’t Miss:* Their açaí bowl, a local favorite post-gym treat.
- *Price range:* $$
Restaurant Standouts: Elevated & Eclectic
While Urban Farms isn’t flooded with chain eateries, it’s home to several standout restaurants—the kind that locals celebrate as “our place.”
- The Market Basket (Franklin Lake Road at Ewing Avenue)
- *Vibe:* Classic gourmet deli meets cozy sit-down bistro.
- *Why go:* For over 50 years, this is where Urban Farms residents gather for takeout dinners, special-occasion cakes, and weekday salads. Deli classics (from homemade soups to stacked sandwiches) meet hearty entrées and Mediterranean-inspired plates.
- *Don’t Miss:* The chicken pot pie and the lobster salad roll.
- *Price range:* $$-$$$
- Asa’ki Asian Bistro (Urban Farms Shopping Center)
- *Vibe:* Chic, contemporary, perfect for date nights or family dinners.
- *Why go:* Sushi that impresses even New York transplants, plus a full menu of Japanese and Pan-Asian favorites. The sushi bar, with its parade of colorful rolls, is a visual feast.
- *Don’t Miss:* The spicy tuna tartare and their crispy tempura appetizers.
- *Price range:* $$
- Porter House Steakhouse (just outside Urban Farms, at High Mountain Road & Franklin Lake Road)
- *Vibe:* Upscale, timeless, with a classic “clubby” steakhouse feel.
- *Why go:* Porter House has long been the place for celebration dinners, business lunches, and decadent date nights. Their dry-aged steaks and craft cocktails keep locals coming back.
- *Don’t Miss:* The cowboy ribeye and truffle fries.
- *Price range:* $$$
Sweet Treats and Hidden Bakery Gems
No visit to Urban Farms is complete without a treat—or a loaf of something delicious to take home.
- The Market Basket Bakery
- *Vibe:* Heavenly aroma, display cases stacked with everything from flaky Danish pastries to elaborate specialty cakes.
- *Why go:* Custom cakes for every celebration, buttery rugelach, and the flakiest fruit tarts in town.
- *Don’t Miss:* Their famous mini black & white cookies and strawberry shortcake.
- *Price range:* $
- Bagel Nosh (near Urban Farms Shopping Center)
- *Vibe:* Old-school, always bustling, beloved by bagel purists.
- *Why go:* Bagels made fresh daily (crisp outside, chewy inside) with a schmear of scallion cream cheese or the classic lox and tomato. Grab a dozen for the road—they freeze well, but seldom make it that far.
- *Don’t Miss:* Everything bagels and cinnamon raisin with honey walnut cream cheese.
- *Price range:* $
Food Trucks & Seasonal Pop-Ups
While Urban Farms isn’t overrun with food trucks every day, keep an eye out during town events and the busy spring-summer weekends at local parks.
- *Local favorites:* Taco trucks and ice cream vans often pop up at Parsons Pond Park or near Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve trailheads, especially when weather is warm and families flock outdoors. If you spot *The Empanada Lady* food truck, grab one (or three): her beef and spicy chicken turnovers are legendary.
Local Food Traditions & Events
Urban Farms is anchored around its Market Basket brand events and impromptu neighborhood food happenings:
- *Market Basket’s Holiday Feasts:* Think Thanksgiving turkey dinners, Christmas prime ribs, and brisket for Passover—all prepared with artisan flair, hot and ready for pickup.
- *Franklin Lakes Farmers Market:* Held nearby (Ewing Avenue at Franklin Lake Road), this market draws locals for artesian breads, farm-fresh produce, and gourmet cheese tastings every Saturday from spring through fall.
Where Foodies Gather: Food Destinations & Clusters
Most food stops cluster along Franklin Lake Road (especially near the intersection with Ewing Avenue and the Urban Farms Shopping Center). Here, you can park once and amble between the café, bakery, Asian bistro, and deli market—all while soaking in the neighborhood’s leafy ambiance and friendly vibe.
Insider Tips & Hidden Gems
- *Off-menu magic at Market Basket:* Locals know you can request “secret” sandwich combos or custom pasta salads—just chat up the counter staff.
- *Bakery late-afternoon deals:* Drop by the bakery after 4pm for specials on pastries and bread. The cheese Danish (often half-price) makes for an unbeatable snack.
- *Bagel Nosh’s breakfast rush:* Skip the peak times (7:30-8:30am on weekends) for the freshest bagels without the wait.
Why Urban Farms Tastes So Good
What makes the Urban Farms food scene so special isn’t just the quality—it’s the genuine pride locals take in their favorites. Many businesses are family-run or decades-old; menus reflect a respect for tradition, with creative twists that feel fresh but never fussy. Whether you’re an early riser hunting for the flakiest croissant, a sushi devotee, or simply hunting the perfect place for your next meal, Urban Farms promises a feast for all senses.
Discover it for yourself—one bite at a time!