As the year comes to a close, one thing is clear: people in our area enjoy eating out and people keep opening places to placate them. The Greater Bergen County area has seen 150+ openings (View Openings List) in 2014 (and a certain food truck) ― catering to different tastes, levels of service and price points. And those are just the ones covered here at Boozy Burbs ― clearly this was just the tip of the iceberg… dont’ forget about our most anticipated restaurants for 2015.

Burgers are still ever the popular dish. The arrival of a west coast chain (Habit Burger in Fair Lawn), a second location for a burger heavyweight (Shake Shack) and some local spots filling the bill (Rony’s Rockin’ Grill in Bergenfield, Holy Cow Sliders in Bergenfield, Black Rebel Burger in Wood-Ridge, Bergen Burger in Rutherford) ― even one with a Peruvian twist (Red and White Burger in North Bergen).

Sandwich and sub shop chains seemed primed for an explosion. Joining the “better sandwich” gang from previous years (Shlotzsky’s, Potbelly) are a few that have opened multiple outlets (Jersey Mike’s Subs, Firehouse Subs, Jimmy John’s) and those yet to come (McAlister’s).

Pizza places popped up featuring high quality ingredients, high temp ovens and classic preparations (U Pie Company in Englewood, S. Egidio in Ridgewood, Porto by Antonio in North Bergen) ― plus the arrival of a fast casual chain (Blaze Pizza).

Fine dining restaurants had their share of openings. A new endeavor from a local celebrated chef (Picnic on the Square in Ridgewood), a local chef’s move from NYC (14 & Hudson in Piermont), a chef with a Gordon Ramsay pedigree (Novo) and one serving classic dishes from classic restaurants (Brasserie Brandman in Park Ridge).

BBQ fans got some new choices (Mighty Quinn’s in Clifton, Stickey’s BBQ in Hillsdale) as did steak eaters (Eric’s Steakhouse in Palisades Park, Allendale Steakhouse, Prime Steakhouse in Washington Township). Ethnic cuisines were big as always, with choices like Thai, Burmese (Inle Lake in Cliffside Park) and Vietnamese to go along with “Asian fusion” (Roku in Palisades Park) and three sit-down Chinese restaurants (Lan Sheng in Wallington, Joyce Chinese Cuisine in River Edge, Lan Garden in Ridgefield).

Let’s not forget the chains who made their first area appearances (Noodles & Company, Habit Burger), those expanding their footprints (Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza) and those just getting started with a first location and celebrity chef in tow (Mulberry Street Cafe). Even two buffets made entrances (Port of Call in Hackensack, Flaming Buffet in Hawthorne) as did a gastropub (Prohibition River in Nyack).

For baked goods ― both sweet and savory ― there were bakeries (Tous Les Jours in Closter, Ho-Ho-Kus Bakery, Benny’s Bakery and Ice Cream Shoppe in Fair Lawn, Dolce and Salato in Englewood, Isaura Bakery in Hawthorne, Pies & Quiches in Park Ridge) and the arrival of gourmet donuts (Glaze Donuts in New Milford) ― plus homemade ice cream (Ice Cream by Mike in Hackensack).