You ever walk into a place and just know? The smell hits you first. It's that heavy, salty, steam-filled air that screams "Jewish deli." If you’re anywhere near Springfield Avenue, you've probably seen the sign for Goodman's Deli & Restaurant Berkeley Heights NJ. It’s tucked into a strip mall next to a Stop & Shop, which is about as Jersey as it gets. But don't let the suburban exterior fool you. This isn't just another sandwich shop. It’s a literal time capsule that’s been floating around the state since the 1940s.
Honestly, finding a "real" deli in Central Jersey is getting harder. Most places just slice some Boar's Head and call it a day. Goodman’s is different. They’re curing, steaming, and hand-slicing meats like their lives depend on it. Whether you're a local regular or someone who just drove forty minutes because you saw a photo of their pastrami on Reddit, there’s a specific ritual to eating here.
The 1943 Connection and the Chicago Twist
The story of Goodman's Deli & Restaurant Berkeley Heights NJ doesn't actually start in Berkeley Heights. It starts in Elizabeth, on Elmora Avenue, back in 1943. For decades, it was the landmark for the Jewish community there. It eventually moved to its current spot in 1999, but the real shift happened around 2010.
That’s when Don Parkin took over.
Don isn't a lifelong New Jersey deli guy. He’s a Chicago native who spent years in the software business. Seems like a weird pivot, right? It was. He bought the place because he missed the authentic delis of his childhood. He actually used David Sax’s book Save the Deli as a sort of North Star. He didn't just want to keep the name; he wanted to bring back the "soul" of the food.
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That’s why you’ll see some "audacious" stuff on the menu that doesn't strictly fit the Kosher-style mold. He brought Chicago with him. You can get a genuine Vienna beef Chicago dog—neon-green relish and all—right alongside your matzo ball soup. It’s a weird combo on paper, but in the dining room, it totally works.
What to Actually Order (The Hits and the Misses)
Let's get real about the food. You're here for the meat. If you aren't ordering the pastrami or corned beef, you're kinda missing the point. They steam it until it’s basically butter.
The Pastrami Experience
The pastrami at Goodman’s is served hot. Always. You can get it "all the way," which means Russian dressing and coleslaw piled on top. Some purists hate that. They think the meat should stand alone with just a smear of spicy brown mustard. I say do whatever makes you happy, but definitely try it on the seeded rye.
The "Mensch" and Other Curiosities
They have a sandwich called the Mensch. It’s brisket on grilled rye with melted brie and fig preserves. It sounds like something from a hipster cafe in Brooklyn, but it’s actually one of the best things on the menu. The sweetness of the fig cuts through the heavy fat of the brisket in a way that’s honestly pretty genius.
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- Matzo Ball Soup: The balls are huge. They’re the "floater" variety, not those dense "sinkers" that sit in your stomach like a rock.
- Potato Latkes: These are thick. They come three to an order with applesauce or sour cream. Get them crispy.
- The Gobbler 2.0: It’s Thanksgiving on a plate—roasted turkey over cranberry sauce on grilled challah, topped with kishke and gravy. It’s aggressive. It’s delicious.
It’s Not Just a Deli, It’s a Diner (Sort Of)
The vibe inside is a bit of a hybrid. It has that classic Jewish deli energy, but the menu is massive, like a Jersey diner. They serve breakfast all day. You want Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese at 3:00 PM? They’ve got you.
The seating is tight. You’re going to be close to your neighbors. You might hear the guy at the next table complaining about his lawn or the lady behind you talking about her grandkids. That’s part of the charm. It’s a community hub.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s not a "cheap" lunch. People complain about the prices sometimes. Sandwiches can push $20. But look at the size of them. These things are monsters. You’re basically getting two meals, unless you’re having a very high-calorie day.
The Logistics You Need to Know
If you’re planning a trip to Goodman's Deli & Restaurant Berkeley Heights NJ, don't just wing it.
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They are closed on Mondays. Don’t be the person who pulls on a locked door at noon on a Monday. Most days they open early (around 8:00 AM) and close mid-afternoon or early evening, depending on the day of the week.
Parking is usually fine since it’s in the Berkeley Shopping Center. If you’re doing a big family gathering, their catering is actually where they shine. They do these "Sloppy Joes"—not the ground beef kind, but the North Jersey deli kind. We’re talking triple-decker rye bread with three or four types of meat, Swiss, and Russian dressing, cut into wedges. It’s a staple for any local party.
Real Talk: Is It Worth the Hype?
Look, no place is perfect. Some days the service can be a little slow if they’re slammed with takeout orders. Sometimes the "lean" cut of corned beef still has a bit of fat (which, honestly, is where the flavor is anyway).
But in a world of pre-packaged, soulless fast food, Goodman's feels human. It’s a place where the owner is actually there, where the recipes have a history, and where the pickles are always snappy.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check their Facebook or website for any holiday hour changes—they get crazy busy during Jewish holidays like Passover or Hanukkah.
- If it’s your first time, stick to the Pastrami on Rye or the Reuben to get a baseline for their quality.
- Don't skip the dessert. Grab a cherry or blueberry cheese knish for the car ride home. You’ll thank yourself later.