Consistently great food with weekly specials Tuesday - Thursday and Friday - Sunday. Very friendly staff. The owner Nick stops by the tables to ensure everything is to your satisfaction. He builds the menu himself - a graduate of Johnson & Wales.
MONAPER75
Great little spot. A little tight indoor seating. The outside seating is cute, but it was a little too cold when we went. Laid back, good menu with great specials. Full bar and cocktail menu. Large portions ?
Vegetarian options: Could ask to hold meat sauces. Other vegetarian options available.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Josoph La Rochelle
Our waiter was rude
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Bennet Gaming
Nasty waiter welcome ( tall guy with glasses) spoiled the meal.
Karen Diaz
We were so excited to celebrate a birthday and we were fine with the hour wait. We waited on the benches as people checked in for a table. We saw people who came after us getting seated first. I hate to think that it was maybe because we were a hispanic couple. I kept asking how many people were ahead and he told me we were next. A family of 3 was seated and then proceeded to ask if we were fine with the bar. We didn’t wait over an hour wait for bar stools. Overall very disappointed because we were so excited to eat here. Do not recommend if you’re a poc.
Anthony DiFabio
To the lady that provided a one star review below for not having vegan options and disgruntled about Veal being on the menu in the year 2024 made the top of my list for the year as the most entitled, inconsiderate and oblivious patron.
Let me start off by saying I’ve never defended a bad review for someone else’s business in my life but my great experiences at Espo’s over the years that Nick and his crew consistently deliver gave me no other option. J Being disappointed to see veal on the menu in 2024? Interesting, but if you’re going to an Italian restaurant that’s been serving its community for over 50 years, expecting a completely modernized menu may be a bit off-base. Were you blindfolded when you walked in, or did you think an old-school spot like Espo’s was going to have a section dedicated to coconut burgers, low-sodium vegan delights, and maybe a tofu parm special?
Sure, it’s great to be health-conscious and considerate of modern dietary preferences, but instead of spending time critiquing a restaurant’s authentic menu, why not check it beforehand? If you’re hoping for a gluten-free, no-vegan-vegan-burger experience, maybe Espo’s isn’t the place for that. It’s like walking into a Volkswagen dealership and being upset they don’t sell pogo sticks.
Glad to hear the eggplant was great, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere hit the mark, though! Seems like Espo’s did what they’ve always done—deliver a classic, quality Italian experience, which is exactly why people keep coming back after all these years.
I truly hope this self proclaimed food critic gets to read this but I’m sure shes busy blasting a day care for not having Axe throwing in place of story time once in a while. Mindfulness is at an all-time low!
If you haven’t been to Espo’s, you should make it a priority.
How Ya Doin !! Place is one of the best I have eaten at and my wife and i are foodies love dining out from NY as far as Italy,Spain, Greece and South Africa. We are lucky to have Espos in our neighborhood. The food is excellent and specials always Banging!! Nick the owner great guy and his staff is awesome !! Chris
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
peter c
Unfortunately I don't live in the area however, whenever I find myself in the area I always make a stop at Espo's. Sadly it's not often enough. I was there this past Saturday night sat outside in a very nice setting that they created. You always have to look at the specials that they're offering as well as the staples on the menu. This place always makes me venture outside my comfort zone with some of the creative specials appetizers and main course. However this time I went with a staple that I grew up with that I never had here. I tried Espo's Braciole and wow , I didn't know what I was missing. I've only had it out in two other very well established Italian restaurants one in Arthur Ave Bronx and other in North Jersey. Espo's by far and away is the best I've ever tasted It rivals my mom's and it's probably better too lol.... Pretty much you're not going to go wrong here and whatever you try is going to be top notch. ? ‼️
First time here. As soon as we turned the corner and made our way down the street I saw a pink Cadillac parked right in front of this place in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I told my family "this is it"! Never here before but I knew immediately this was going to be great. What a meal! Nothing better at any price. Mouth watering menu. Stuff my mother used to make. We won't be going anywhere else for Italian. Great steak and chops too. Can't wait to go back! These people know how to make a great restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Danielle Giovannitti
This may be the best Italian food in the entire tri-state. This is coming from someone who has frequented Italian restaurants in Northern NJ, Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Westchester, and New Haven. Amazing service, an atmosphere that transports you to Goodfellas, and FABULOUS food with huge portions and piping hot. Amazing. They are also Gluten Free friendly.
Tucked away in a charming corner, this cozy Italian restaurant is a true gem.
The menu is a celebration of Italian flavors. The standout, without a doubt, is the in house special, steak parmesan. Cooked to perfection, the steak is tender, juicy, and generously coated in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce, then topped with a blanket of melted cheese. It’s a dish that’s nothing short of phenomenal. Equally delicious is the chicken parmesan for those who prefer the classic alternative.
Start your meal with the ricotta dip appetizer, a must-try that’s creamy, smooth, and served with warm, crostini. The Caesar salad is another highlight, with crisp romaine, a tangy dressing, and just the right amount of Parmesan. And don’t miss out on the host totsy shrimp.
The drink menu is equally impressive, offering a selection of fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails that perfectly complement the meal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out, this restaurant promises an exceptional experience that will leave you eager to return. Keep in mind that the space is on the smaller side and there is no reservation so plan accordingly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Clams Casino, Chicken Parm
John Lewis
Total let down. My favorite restaurant just disappointed me. Saturday night, braved the driving rain. Sat and chatted with a fellow veteran after presenting for my wife and me for a table. Waited outside in the vestibule for 15 minutes. Party of 3 came and got seated before us. Sorry Espo's, I nor my family and my friends will not be back. That was contempt at it's worst. Total disgust.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Lor d
First time visiting this hidden gem. Tucked away on a residential street this restaurant is cozy and comfortable with friendly service and excellent food. Stopped in for a drink and tried their clams which were fresh and absolutely delicious. We also tried the long hots and potatoes as an appetizer which was very good. Very nice menu and they also have a Sunday brunch with a good selection of delicious choices. Nice tables with comfortable seating in a lovely classic decor setting. They have a nice bar with seating as well as drink specials. Food was wonderful and everything was made fresh with quality ingredients. We will be back to try their wonderful pasta dishes. Loved it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lore
First time visiting this hidden gem. Tucked away on a residential street this restaurant is cozy and comfortable with friendly service and excellent food. Stopped in for a drink and tried their clams which were fresh and absolutely delicious. We also tried the long hots and potatoes as an appetizer which was very good. Very nice menu and they also have a Sunday brunch with a good selection of delicious choices. Nice tables with comfortable seating in a lovely classic decor setting. They have a nice bar with seating as well as drink specials. Food was wonderful and everything was made fresh with quality ingredients. We will be back to try their wonderful pasta dishes. Loved it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brenda Reeser
Simply the best vodka chicken Parmesan I have ever had, it was pricy (for us) but well worth it. Large portions and the Caesar salad was crisp and fresh. I also enjoyed a glass of their white wine sangria. We went for an early Sunday supper and had no problem parking right across the street but as we left they were starting to get pretty busy. Our server Theresa was excellent, checking back on us enough but not too much.
Consistently great food with weekly specials Tuesday - Thursday and Friday - Sunday. Very friendly staff. The owner Nick stops by the tables to ensure everything is to your satisfaction. He builds the menu himself - a graduate of Johnson & Wales.
Great little spot. A little tight indoor seating. The outside seating is cute, but it was a little too cold when we went. Laid back, good menu with great specials. Full bar and cocktail menu. Large portions ?
Vegetarian options: Could ask to hold meat sauces. Other vegetarian options available.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Our waiter was rude
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Nasty waiter welcome ( tall guy with glasses) spoiled the meal.
We were so excited to celebrate a birthday and we were fine with the hour wait. We waited on the benches as people checked in for a table. We saw people who came after us getting seated first. I hate to think that it was maybe because we were a hispanic couple. I kept asking how many people were ahead and he told me we were next. A family of 3 was seated and then proceeded to ask if we were fine with the bar. We didn’t wait over an hour wait for bar stools. Overall very disappointed because we were so excited to eat here. Do not recommend if you’re a poc.
To the lady that provided a one star review below for not having vegan options and disgruntled about Veal being on the menu in the year 2024 made the top of my list for the year as the most entitled, inconsiderate and oblivious patron.
Let me start off by saying I’ve never defended a bad review for someone else’s business in my life but my great experiences at Espo’s over the years that Nick and his crew consistently deliver gave me no other option.
J
Being disappointed to see veal on the menu in 2024? Interesting, but if you’re going to an Italian restaurant that’s been serving its community for over 50 years, expecting a completely modernized menu may be a bit off-base. Were you blindfolded when you walked in, or did you think an old-school spot like Espo’s was going to have a section dedicated to coconut burgers, low-sodium vegan delights, and maybe a tofu parm special?
Sure, it’s great to be health-conscious and considerate of modern dietary preferences, but instead of spending time critiquing a restaurant’s authentic menu, why not check it beforehand? If you’re hoping for a gluten-free, no-vegan-vegan-burger experience, maybe Espo’s isn’t the place for that. It’s like walking into a Volkswagen dealership and being upset they don’t sell pogo sticks.
Glad to hear the eggplant was great, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere hit the mark, though! Seems like Espo’s did what they’ve always done—deliver a classic, quality Italian experience, which is exactly why people keep coming back after all these years.
I truly hope this self proclaimed food critic gets to read this but I’m sure shes busy blasting a day care for not having Axe throwing in place of story time once in a while. Mindfulness is at an all-time low!
If you haven’t been to Espo’s, you should make it a priority.
Dinner (Steak Parm - pork chops
with Vinegar peppers - Chicken Savoy - Hotsy Totsy Shrimp)
Friday Lunch (Espo’s Classic CheeseSteak with Cherry pepper relish and shaved ribeye is the best I’ve ever had and ranked top 5 in the state.
Sunday Brunch (Eggs in Purgatory- Long Hots and Potatoes - Bloody Mary)
Catering [Stuffed Peppers - Shrimp oreganatta -
Rigatoni - Garlic Shrimp -Veal).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
How Ya Doin !! Place is one of the best I have eaten at and my wife and i are foodies love dining out from NY as far as Italy,Spain, Greece and South Africa. We are lucky to have Espos in our neighborhood. The food is excellent and specials always Banging!! Nick the owner great guy and his staff is awesome !! Chris
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unfortunately I don't live in the area however, whenever I find myself in the area I always make a stop at Espo's. Sadly it's not often enough.
I was there this past Saturday night sat outside in a very nice setting that they created.
You always have to look at the specials that they're offering as well as the staples on the menu.
This place always makes me venture outside my comfort zone with some of the creative specials appetizers and main course.
However this time I went with a staple that I grew up with that I never had here. I tried Espo's Braciole and wow , I didn't know what I was missing.
I've only had it out in two other very well established Italian restaurants one in Arthur Ave Bronx and other in North Jersey. Espo's by far and away is the best I've ever tasted It rivals my mom's and it's probably better too lol....
Pretty much you're not going to go wrong here and whatever you try is going to be top notch. ? ‼️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Dinner Salad, Veal Parm, Ravioli Espo's, Vodka Rigatoni with Chicken, Chicken Savoy, Calamari, Sunday Gravy Sunday Only, Fried Calamari, Chicken Parm, Ravioli, Pork Chops Murphy
First time here. As soon as we turned the corner and made our way down the street I saw a pink Cadillac parked right in front of this place in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I told my family "this is it"! Never here before but I knew immediately this was going to be great. What a meal! Nothing better at any price. Mouth watering menu. Stuff my mother used to make. We won't be going anywhere else for Italian. Great steak and chops too. Can't wait to go back! These people know how to make a great restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This may be the best Italian food in the entire tri-state. This is coming from someone who has frequented Italian restaurants in Northern NJ, Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Westchester, and New Haven. Amazing service, an atmosphere that transports you to Goodfellas, and FABULOUS food with huge portions and piping hot. Amazing. They are also Gluten Free friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Tucked away in a charming corner, this cozy Italian restaurant is a true gem.
The menu is a celebration of Italian flavors. The standout, without a doubt, is the in house special, steak parmesan. Cooked to perfection, the steak is tender, juicy, and generously coated in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce, then topped with a blanket of melted cheese. It’s a dish that’s nothing short of phenomenal. Equally delicious is the chicken parmesan for those who prefer the classic alternative.
Start your meal with the ricotta dip appetizer, a must-try that’s creamy, smooth, and served with warm, crostini. The Caesar salad is another highlight, with crisp romaine, a tangy dressing, and just the right amount of Parmesan. And don’t miss out on the host totsy shrimp.
The drink menu is equally impressive, offering a selection of fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails that perfectly complement the meal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out, this restaurant promises an exceptional experience that will leave you eager to return. Keep in mind that the space is on the smaller side and there is no reservation so plan accordingly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Clams Casino, Chicken Parm
Total let down. My favorite restaurant just disappointed me. Saturday night, braved the driving rain. Sat and chatted with a fellow veteran after presenting for my wife and me for a table. Waited outside in the vestibule for 15 minutes. Party of 3 came and got seated before us. Sorry Espo's, I nor my family and my friends will not be back. That was contempt at it's worst. Total disgust.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
First time visiting this hidden gem. Tucked away on a residential street this restaurant is cozy and comfortable with friendly service and excellent food. Stopped in for a drink and tried their clams which were fresh and absolutely delicious. We also tried the long hots and potatoes as an appetizer which was very good. Very nice menu and they also have a Sunday brunch with a good selection of delicious choices. Nice tables with comfortable seating in a lovely classic decor setting. They have a nice bar with seating as well as drink specials. Food was wonderful and everything was made fresh with quality ingredients. We will be back to try their wonderful pasta dishes. Loved it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time visiting this hidden gem. Tucked away on a residential street this restaurant is cozy and comfortable with friendly service and excellent food. Stopped in for a drink and tried their clams which were fresh and absolutely delicious. We also tried the long hots and potatoes as an appetizer which was very good. Very nice menu and they also have a Sunday brunch with a good selection of delicious choices. Nice tables with comfortable seating in a lovely classic decor setting. They have a nice bar with seating as well as drink specials. Food was wonderful and everything was made fresh with quality ingredients. We will be back to try their wonderful pasta dishes. Loved it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Simply the best vodka chicken Parmesan I have ever had, it was pricy (for us) but well worth it. Large portions and the Caesar salad was crisp and fresh. I also enjoyed a glass of their white wine sangria. We went for an early Sunday supper and had no problem parking right across the street but as we left they were starting to get pretty busy. Our server Theresa was excellent, checking back on us enough but not too much.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parm
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