Maria's in Scotch Plains

[ansky4]

Small, hidden gem in town. Best eggplant parm, homemade sauces, pasta, pizza and specials on the board. Entrance is around the back on Park Avenue and worth finding. Very casual, family atmosphere. Would hate to lose Maria's due to economy. Eat in, take out or use local delivery service. Tell them you found them on Chowhound and enjoy!

[LEOFONT]

No Rosie......I meant Maria's in Scotch Plains

[Rosie Saferstein]

I meant Maria's in Scotch Plains. When I called they were open.

[ambrose]

Yes, I phoned last night and they are open. Leofont, what makes you think Maria's is closed?

[LEOFONT]

I passed by the Wednesday before last at 6PM and they were closed.....like dark, closed

[LEOFONT]

I guess I was mislead

[coldbeer]

I take it back...it's now a happy thread.

[dlin2007]

This was a scary thread until this point! I grew up in SP and moved away in 2000. Maria's was always our favorite place to go after soccer, for a special occasion, or just when passing by. I think the last time I went was in 2007 when driving through NJ on the GSP. How long has Mike been the owner? I feel like the pizza guy there during my childhood was named Mike.

[LEOFONT]

SAVING YOU A TRIP...........MARIA'S IN SCOTCH PLAINS..........CLOSED......

[coldbeer]

Possibly the saddest thread ever.

[Rosie Saferstein]

They were open when I called tonight.

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Marie's Pizza
376 Dover Rd, Toms River, NJ 08757

[potter]

Pizza is very thin crust with delicious cheese and excellent sauce. And ginourmous slices! Manicotti was also great last week as was chicken parmesan the week before.

As for directions, it's literally hidden - although it is across the street from the Stage House in the center of Scotch Plains main drag/ business district, the only access is through the back parking lot - behind the bakery and meat market - Maria's is across from the Scotch Plains Library.

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Maria's Restaurant
381 Park Ave Ste 5, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

[bocomo]

Agreed on all counts -- Maria's really is a local gem. I know Mike, the hardworking owner, is struggling right now, and he really deserves the business. His portions are more than generous, the prices very reasonable and the food very, very solid. As for parking, there's a big lot just behind Maria's and John's Meat Market -- between the rear of that strip of Park Avenue shops and the Scotch Plains Public Library. From Park Avenue, turn onto Bartle Avenue and the lot is right there. Parking is never a problem.

[jnk]

I'll try it today. Thanks for the info.

[jnk]

Around the back on Park Ave.? If you don't have the address, what landmark on Park Ave. is it near?

[ansky4]

Same side of the street as John's Meat Market and Pro Cleaners, across the street from Stage Tavern. Sorry, don't have exact address.

[ambrose]

On-line info says it's at 381 Park Ave and to enter from the parking lot.