Nancy’s TowneHouse – Rahway NJ

If you didn’t see the freestanding sign with its “Olde English” font alerting you that you were at the TowneHouse, you may think you were walking into corner office building, as the exterior of Nancy’s is easy to miss. But you’ll be remarking plenty when you open the door into the cozy subterranean dining room and bar, seeing tables covered with red checked tablecloths and laden with delicious Italian-American comfort foods.

Once you’ve made your way down the staircase seat yourself at the bar or ask for a table. Under the warm glow radiating from those classic wagon wheel lights you’ll feel like you’re sitting in someone’s rumpus room, or at least back in time.
Opened in 1944, this restaurant has been known as Nancy’s for almost 20 years, and she worked for the previous owners prior to purchasing it, learning the handed down recipes, including their famous thin crust pizza. Their meatballs are homemade and their sauces are made to order. Can’t decide between pizza or pasta? Have both on their Baked Ziti Pizza! Feeling adventurous? Try their chilled scungilli salad.

Mod Betty is a fan of their pizza, with its cracker-like crust, and fresh toppings. I’ve also learned during the research for this book to order a “half and half” pizza, to try both a plain slice and a topped one without having to order 2 pizzas. Purists may balk at the specialty pies Nancy’s offers, but if you like pineapple on your pizza who am I to judge? Enjoy!

Closed Mondays so plan accordingly

There’s a parking lot in the back and a huge Parking Garage across the street

They serve Wet Ticket beer, brewed just a few feet away!