Pasta Grill by Enzo: The Best Restaurant in Town

At Centenary, the dining hall may get repetitive and students are always looking for something new to try. With Main Street four blocks from campus, students have access to great restaurants, such as Sweet Bites Delights, Marley’s Gotham Grill, Davilla’s, and Pandan Room. 

But what about visiting families looking to take their student out for a nice meal? Main Street has great options, but there is much more to Hackettstown. While locals frequent chain restaurants and fast food, specifically Applebee’s and Wendy’s, this small New Jersey town is also home to some amazing local restaurants. 

Just five minutes from campus on Route 57, across the street from Mansfield’s three major shopping plazas, is Pasta Grill by Enzo. The restaurant is often called a wide range of names used interchangeably by Hackettstownians. Whether you call it “Enzo’s Pasta Grill,” or just “Enzo’s,” you can call it “home.”

Pasta Grill is not just an Italian restaurant. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by attentive staff who remember their regulars. The decor is classic with sophisticated grace, accompanied by a comfortable and casual atmosphere.

My family and I have ordered dinner from Enzo’s at least twice a month for years, either through take-out or a sit-down meal. I always order the same penne vodka, but my dad, grandma, and brother love to try the other dishes, from the Tuscan tortellini to the butternut squash ravioli to the classic bolognese. Even their meatball parm or cheesesteak subs are juicy and warm, if you’re looking for something simple. 

The menu also includes personal pizzas and build-your-own burgers. The wide variety of delectable dishes may make it difficult to decide on an entree. But no choice will disappoint, especially paired with a fresh Caesar salad and ice cold sodas served in charming handled mason jars.

Enzo’s also includes a vegan and gluten-free menu and is always happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and needs. 

While my family contemplates their orders, I enjoy the fresh baked bread dipped in olive oil with red pepper flakes and oregano. My order is always the same: the penne vodka. 

I’m very particular about my penne. I’ve tried penne vodka from dozens of restaurants, and store brands, and I’ve found that Enzo’s is my favorite. With portions that feed for several nights, the penne comes out piping hot and smothered in homemade vodka sauce, rich and perfectly flavored. 

As a side note, their fettuccine alfredo is also creamy and properly seasoned, and pairs perfectly with a side of grilled shrimp. I often order the fettuccine for take-out when I’m sharing a meal with my cousin.

After a filling dinner, if you're still in the mood for dessert, every option is the right one. The tiramisu is a traditional favorite, the perfect pairing of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone filling. The cheesecake is rich without being too heavy or overly sweet, with the perfect graham cracker crust to filling ratio. My absolute favorite, however, is the flourless chocolate cake. While on its own, it’s dense and thick, you can order it warmed up with a side of vanilla ice cream and thank me later. It tastes just like a chocolate lava cake. 

One of the best parts of the restaurant experience is their app. When you get to the restaurant, you can check in through the app. Eight check-ins, and you get a half-priced appetizer! At the end of the meal, you give your phone number to the waitress, and you can earn points towards rewards. 

Every $200 you spend, you get a $10 bonus. You can expect to pay $20-30/person when you visit, so the rewards can add up fast. You also receive double points on Tuesdays, a $12 off coupon on your birthday, two free glasses of house wine on your wedding anniversary, and a free dessert on the anniversary of the day you signed up for the app, with at least a month to redeem. 

With the $10 off reward, I can buy my favorite pasta dish for $7.25, and I have lunch or dinner for at least three days. 

It may sound like a cliche, but Pasta Grill by Enzo really does treat you like family from the moment you walk in. The staff remembers the regulars and their orders and always makes an effort to say hello, even if you’re not seated in their section. 

The restaurant is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, parties, or just a nice dinner out with the family. And as we head into spring and, hopefully, the weather gets nicer, you can also enjoy a meal outside under their gazebo.

Next time you’re looking for a nice, family Italian restaurant, look no further than Pasta Grill by Enzo. And, on February 14, consider ordering a heart-shaped personal pizza, even if you don't have a Valentine. 

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