Holsten's, Bloomfield, NJ

Although going to a funky restaurant with a cool atmosphere brought on by decor and hipsters can be somewhat satisfying, you always need an old standby. You know what I'm talking about because just about every one of us knows a place with awesome food but crappy decor. It almost makes you want them to change it but then again you don't want them to because it might bring about a whole different type of patronage. So then you're left telling yourself that you wouldn't change a thing!

Holsten's is that kind of place. They've been around for decades, and it's obvious that the last time they renovated or did any kind of decorating was in the 70's. Wood paneling is everywhere, as is the once-cool color palette. Every now and then you can see details of the old school Holsten's: the now defunct phone booth, the wood details...it screams 1945 and you want to scream back YES! I would love for the owners to restore the place back to its origins. I'm dying for a real old-school ice cream parlor so I can put on a pencil skirt, slingbacks, and red lipstick. Maybe that's another blog!

Holsten's is no frills and the quality is in its food, most notably, in its confections. Admittedly, I've never actually had anything else on their menu except the ice cream and chocolate milk (I'm a HUGE sucker for chocolate milk!). All I can say about the other food is that at least it looks good from what I can tell.

I love that they make just about everything from scratch...homemade ice cream, homemade chocolates and candy and cakes, oh my! And it all tastes divine. Order a sundae from the menu and they bring it to you in an old fashioned tall glass sundae dish piled high with ice cream and all the trimmings. Try the Duster Sundae...your choice of ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, malt powder and whipped cream...I like to swap the syrup out for hot fudge. The malt powder makes this a huge winner in my book. If the sundaes don't tickle your fancy, you can always build your own concoction, and don't worry, they have plenty of toppings to choose from. Have a glass of water to wash down the richness, or make it worse with a tall glass of chocolate milk. You're having ice cream, so why not indulge?

Holsten's is a big hit with kids and adults alike. I make the drive because it's worth it, and so should you!