Casa Vasca

Basque food isn’t something you stumble on every day in North Jersey. Casa Vasca brings a slice of that tradition to Newark without the transatlantic flight. The place sits at 141 Elm St, a short walk from Military Park, where the lunch crowd spills out after work and solo diners grab a quick bite before the train.

They keep the menu tight but cover all the bases—local specialties, a wine list that leans Iberian, and a beer selection that plays well with the pintxos. Coffee and dessert round out the day, so you can linger over espresso or dive straight into a slice of something sweet. If you’re catching a game, the sports screens are usually on, but the vibe stays relaxed enough for conversation.

Need to sort out timing or a table? Ring them at (973) 465-1350. Evening slots fill up fast, especially when the weather turns, so calling ahead saves a wait.

The stretch of Elm between Broad and Halsey has seen a quiet revival lately, with cafes and small eateries popping up between the older storefronts. Casa Vasca fits right in—no fuss, just solid food and a drink list that doesn’t quit. For directions, pull up the map here: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c2539b87e9ec15:0x641ac5fabde066d6. Parking’s street-level, so meter rules apply, but most people find a spot within a block or two.