Written by Karen Pacifico
Photography by Donna Huffman

f the name of this new family owned restaurant sounds familiar, chances are you lived in Bergen County, NJ and traveled on Rt. 17 South in Lodi. Fans of the hit TV show, the Sopranos, were well aware that on occasion the stars and crew were busy filming inside a local club, known to fans as the Bada Bing Club. Whether you were a local or a fan of the show, the name has a catchy sound and so it might sound familiar to you.

BadaBings’ owners and staff invite you to enjoy pizza, paninis, hoagies, salads, pasta and more. They also have your little ones in mind and offer a very reasonable Children’s Menu for those ten and under. The majority of all their offerings are homemade from the salad dressings, which are made fresh daily, to the pasta, fries and desserts. Jack and Debby Hood and Chris and Lucy Ferry have owned BadaBings for four months and have created an inviting atmosphere for your dining pleasure. There’s a touch of bright and cheerful kelly green and each booth has a flat screen TV. There are larger screens in strategic spots, but you have the option of viewing within your booth. There are tables and bar seating where you can observe your chefs at work. Hooray for small family owned business! The food is prepared by people who care about the product they serve because it reflects on them.

Donna and I had a difficult time making our selections. Our server Kristen made some great suggestions and we were happy she did. Donna tried the Traditional Hoagie, which can be served hot or cold and is ‘filled with flavor.” Opting for hot, she thoroughly enjoyed the sandwich, which includes cappicola (a lean, but extremely flavorful air-dried pork shoulder), salami, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, oil and vinegar with special spices and served on an amorosa roll. Amorosa is the bakery of rolls for Philly cheese steaks in Philadelphia. Combine the roll with fresh ingredients and it’s a winner. This is the type of treat you’d expect to get in a good Italian deli (a Salumeria in Italy, which means, “cured meat shop”). Hoagies come with cole slaw or pasta salad or you may substitute BadaBings french fries for an additional charge. Other favorites include The Real Philly Cheesesteak, BadaBings Chicken Philly, Debbie’s Favorite Grouper Melt and Sweet Italian Sausage.

Another favorite is the New Yorker Panini: grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and fresh basil. Choose a plain or whole wheat panini, coleslaw or pasta salad. I tried and totally enjoyed a baked pasta dish of Eggplant Parmesan served with choice of pasta. All entrees are served with a house salad and bread. There are many traditional entrées that I’m sure you’ll enjoy, as well as the many pizza selections including everyone’s favorite, Bada Supreme. This restaurant is open seven days and they offer a special every night.

Come in and watch the Masters, the Heritage and NASCAR and enjoy something from their large selection of beer and wines.

You have choices with BadaBings. You can eat in, call for delivery or catering, order to go, or have curbside service. You don’t even need to leave your car, as they will come to the car, take your order and deliver curbside. How convenient for all. There’s a minimum charge for delivery depending upon your location. So if you live in University Park all the way to the bridge, call and ask for the required minimum order. Heather who is the Take out Manager welcomes your call and is only too happy to assist you with your order.

And, as the season warms up and you’re ready for some delicious ice cream, be sure to stop by the Olde Timers Ice Cream shop next door. You’ll be able to watch the ice cream being made and enjoy homemade waffle cones as well. It’s coming soon.

We wish them well in both these new ventures.
Ciao!

BadaBings
Panini, Pizza, Pasta
843-836-9999
Palmetto Court, 68 Bluffton Road (Route 46), Suite One
Fax 843-836-9800
Hours: Mon. Tues. Wed. 11-9
Thurs. Fri. Sat. 11-10
Sunday 12-9