"Walking into Customshop feels like strolling into a New York City restaurant, but instead, it’s in the heart of Elizabeth. The much-appreciated dark lighting, splashes of brick, and the familiar staff that has been around for a good while make it so. Chef Andres Kaifer combines ingenuity with seriously simple ingredients — the squash gnocchi in a herby, tomato-ey lamb sauce, or the tender duck with a sweet-and-sour cherry demiglace. While Customshop has certainly been a tried-and-true spot for a special occasion over the past 15 years, it’s arguably a really ideal go-to spot as well, for splitting a generously-sized pasta or sipping on a mezcal and coffee-washed Campari cocktail or a bright matcha gin drink at the bar for first-date vibes." - Kayleigh Ruller
