Restaurants in Lakewood

More than four decades ago, Corey D. Konicki's grandparents signed the deed for their first restaurant, Angie's Pizza. Over the years, their descendants carried on their culinary tradition of kneading and embellishing pies with only the freshest ingredients — and today, at New Era Grill & Pizzeria, the philosophy and recipes live on. The eatery's menu encompasses the full gamut of Italian eats, but according to a reviewer for the Sun News the mac 'n' cheese reigns supreme. The reviewer applauds the dense, scrumptious pasta for its flavorful trio of cheeses and creamy noodles, which chefs even stuff into the house-made crust of mac 'n' cheese pizzas and into their own mouths. Diners reap the fruits of the chefs' ingenuity in the softly lit dining room, surrounded by exposed brick, cozy booths and a TV.:m]]

Behind a glass partition, cooks at El Guero decorate tortillas, bowls of rice, and salads with barbacoa, carnitas, and other meats according to each customer's instructions. Scoops of black beans, shredded cheese, corn, and red chili sauce transform mild-mannered tortillas into hearty burritos right before the eyes of their future owners. Crispy corn or sweet potato chips deliver sides of fresh guacamole and pico de gallo to round out meals. Inside the dining area, bright orange and green walls complement the abstract paintings and glass artwork, warming up the industrial style exposed ductwork, cement floors, stainless steel fixtures, and conveyer belts made entirely of soft taco shells.

Luxe’s eclectic mix of Mediterranean small plates, elegantly presented shareable appetizers, pizzas, and hearty burgers mirrors the varied design elements of the dining room, which sets baroque crystal chandeliers against an industrial metal ceiling. This classic and contemporary interplay carries over into rich, detailed carpets underfoot and a vintage safe whose lock spins in time to the beats of house DJ Brick Barnes every Thursday through Sunday. On Wednesday evenings, live jazz filters onto the outdoor patio, a serene space decorated with manicured shrubbery, a stone bar, and massive umbrellas designed to block dive-bombing herrings. Serving Sunday brunch and dinner, the restaurant also hosts special events throughout the month and opens its doors for private events and catering orders.