‘Rockaway’ Articles at Sweetnicks

I have exactly four cupcake shops to review for you. That means two things. One, I’m really behind. And two, if you like cupcakes, you should continue to hang out here.

Today? Ava’s Cupcake Shoppe & Cafe in Rockaway Borough.

The first time we went there was a few weeks ago for a mid-day can’t-believe-summer-is-almost-over pick-me-up. Which is one of the very best kind of mid-day pick-me-ups one can have, don’t you think?

Located on a side street off the small downtown section, there is ample parking right in front of the store, on the street, or in a nearby parking lot. The inside of the store is cheery and bright with a retro, 1950s style vibe to it.

There are several tables and chairs for you to sit and enjoy your sweet treat, although there was quite a bit of grab-and-go foot traffic while we were there.

The cupcakes are $3.00 each, and if you buy five, the six one is free. I think it’s about average for cupcake pricing. Let’s face it, folks, cupcakes are not really a huge bargain, but in the terms of splurge snacks, it’s right there with your Mocha Frappuccino. Oh wait. That might be just me.

There are a number of cupcake places within a five mile radius, and several are higher priced than Ava’s. I think only one is lower. Ava’s perk of the sixth cupcake free is a nice bonus.

Wanna know another fun bonus? Ava’s delivers. I think we need a moment of silence. Only cupcake shop in the area to stake that claim and I can think of nothing more fun at the moment than a cupcake delivery, can you?

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For the last few Fridays during Lent (you know, that time when we’re not supposed to be eating meat), we’ve gone the pizza route. A new tradition seems like the best way to combat the fact that I sometimes forget it’s No Meat Friday. And a perfect way to add another pizza review to our ongoing quest for finding the best pizza in New Jersey.

M&S Pizza has two locations. Both in Rockaway. About a mile apart from each other. On the same street. I don’t get it either, but imagine maybe there’s a fun story behind the “why” of it. In the meantime, although we’ve lived in the area for nearly 10 years now, this was our first visit to either of the M&S locations.

I love old school. I love things that remind me of being 16 years old again. Well, some things anyway. Sixteen was not exactly the rosiest of years. Just ask my mom. But M&S is old school in a charming way. Which is a good thing, because if you don’t appreciate its charming, old school ways, you’d walk in and think the restaurant is very dated. See? It’s all in your perspective.

That picture would be Nick’s perspective. The very familiar, very hard red booths. The little pads of paper that they use to take your order. And my favorite? The honor system. You place your order. Sit down. They bring it to you. And you settle up when you’re done. I love that, in this day and age, there are businesses that still believe in the honor system. And trust it. And are old school.

Now the pizza. Speaking of school… remember pizza day when you were a kid? Remember what the pizza tasted like? This is that pizza. The same exact taste. The same kind. The familiarity of back then. This is not OMG pizza. This is not the best pizza in New Jersey. But this is the pizza you grew up with. And that, my friends, is in a class all by itself.

No massive air bubbles that I love. Not an overwhelming amount of charred little bits along the crust. No thin and crispy crust. It’s more on the doughy side. But it’s packed with cheese. Behold the cheesiness.

It’s standard. Familiar. Tasty. Serves its purpose. Will I get a craving for it any time soon? No. Will we stop back in? Sure.

A few details:

Coke establishment
Very friendly staff and plenty of seating
They take credit cards
Decent size menu of standard fare
Busy on the weekends, but enough staff to meet the demand
Very reasonably priced. Four slices, a salad and two drinks was $13.50

M&S Pizza II
456 US Highway 46
Rockaway, NJ 07866
(973) 361-9137

PS – I hear their Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a must-try.

Miss our other pizza reviews?

Luigi’s in Succasunna
Reservoir Tavern in Boonton
Margherita’s Pizza & Cafe in Hoboken
Star Tavern in Orange
Grimaldi’s in Hoboken
Annabella’s Pizzeria in Parsippany
Fenicci’s Restaurant & Tavern in Hershey, PA
M&S II Pizza in Rockaway, NJ

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Review: Ava’s Cupcake Shoppe & Cafe, Rockaway, NJ

M&S Pizza: The Best Pizza in New Jersey?