Bacon-wrapped brisket stuffed jalapeños from 3 Men and a Baby Back

As 2013 winds to a close, we’d prefer to not reminisce. Much changed while much stayed the same in this post Shake Shack dining landscape. But now we’re moving our sights ahead to next year. A quick look at a few upcoming restaurants in Bergen County (and nearby):

Mighty Quinn’s BBQ in Clifton
Official word just came down last week that the Smorgasburg-spawn BBQ joint is heading across the Hudson River. Long lines and waits (and hopefully brisket and ribs!) are definitely in our futures

Orama in Edgewater
We get asked about this one all the time. Not much is known about the new restaurant from Nisi’s (Englewood) John Piliouras. That includes an opening date: the spot was expected to open mid-2013.

POC American Fusion Buffet & Sushi in Hackensack
POC, Port of Call Restaurant, POC Sushi Buffet… whatever you choose to call this upscale all-you-can-eat joint hailing from Florida, hopefully owners and restaurant vets Kevin Z (Nobu, Sushi Samba) and Benjamin Huselton (Oak Room) will be bringing their “A” game.

Novu in Wayne
Fine dining restaurant from former River Palm Terrace  chef Tony Dumani. Their December opening has been delayed to January.

Lan Garden in Ridgefield
Construction has been ongoing for the dim sum and seafood restaurant that is replacing the long-closed and much revered China 46.

Sofia in Englewood
Bronx restaurateur Eddy Sujak (Tosca Cafe, Giovanni) is gut-renovating the longtime Smoke Chophouse space in favor of a “country Italian steakhouse”. Smoking will continue, but in an outdoor/hybrid lounge.

Stickey’s BBQ in Hillsdale
Owner and pitmaster Larry Hage is making his way back to Bergen County with his Texas-style BBQ. The menu and space are under construction and should be opening sometime in January of February.

Roots Steakhouse in Ridgewood
This NJ-chain that is replacing Blend nightclub in Ridgewood has been under construction since mid-year. A concrete opening window has not been announced.