Star Tavern, Orange, NJ

Since no one really reads these posts, this may not be as elaborate as the last few. I haven't done this for quite awhile...not sure why though because I've spent plenty of money on going out to eat. Maybe nothing has really jazzed me to write? Maybe it's the economy? Either way, after a long hiatus, I'm back to gab about the Star Tavern in Orange.

The outside of the building boasts that they have the best pizza in New Jersey. That's quite the claim considering that between NY and NJ, we have the best pizza on the planet, period. And I don't really consider Chicago pizzas pizza. It ain't pizza if you have to use a fork and knife, and some pan to bake it in. Anyway, I digress. The smell from the parking lot was very enticing, which made up for the fact that there was a security guard to watch the parking lot. It doesn't look like a bad neighborhood, but apparently it warrants a security guard. At a pizza joint.

The inside ain't nothin' special and neither is the wait staff. Every single person we encountered at this place didn't smile, and our waitress was borderline rude. I argued that the tip should be 10% and not the usual 20% that I always slap down. No sense of humor and not a bit of politeness. That being said, I figured the food should more than make up for what the restaurant lacks in aesthetics and service. For the most part, thankfully, it did.

Between the five of us, we ordered two entree salads as appetizers, and a total of four pizzas. Our friends liked the Chinese Mandarin Salad and the Antipasta salad looked like it had been pre-refrigerated with slices of salami and pepperoni slapped on it. It wasn't appealing whatsoever, but I do love the combination of salami, provolone, pepperoni, lettuce and oil and vinegar. So flavor-wise it was okay, definitely not the best antipasta salad I've had.

The pizzas were a whole 'nother story. I have to admit, now that I think about it, for the price, you don't get much pizza. It's pretty much full price but the crust is super thin (which is awesome) and the size is a little smaller than a regular pie. The slices are smaller...kinda like ordering a medium size pie rather than a large. We ordered regular cheese, white spinach, and mushroom and onion on a regular. You know what? The best of the bunch was the regular. I realized that this is the perfect representation of the entire place. Regular.

Nothing spectacular, no fancy decor, and certainly no friendly service. But, the pizza was super tasty and no one could complain. By the end, and $100 later, we were full and satisfied. The bill included two pitchers of Sierra Nevada, four pies, two salads, and a soda. Would I go back? Sure, but next time it'll be a plain ol' pizza and lower expectations for a place made for regulars.

Ambiance: **
Service: **
Food: ****
Overall: ***