Treat Yourself To A Cheat Day
Reward your discipline and pile your plate as high as you want at these Bergen eateries.
If you’ve been sticking to your routine—choosing the salads, skipping the seconds, maybe even passing on dessert—consider this your well-earned plot twist. Every healthy streak deserves a little breathing room, and National Eat What You Want Day, May 11, is the perfect excuse to trade restraint for a plate piled high with all the things you’ve been craving.
Call it a cheat day, a treat day or just great timing: Many Bergen County restaurants and buffet spots have anything-goes menus, and they’re ready to serve you and your crew. From seafood feasts to meaty mains to desserts that practically wink at you from across the room, this is your moment to indulge a little, sample a lot and enjoy every bite without overthinking it. Here are places to enjoy, some are recent Readers’ Choice honorees and all are highly rated:
Brownstone Pancake Factory. Stop by this restaurant, which has two Bergen locations, if you’re craving an over-the-top dessert that’ll keep your sweet tooth satisfied for weeks. Cheesecake, red velvet cake and carrot cake, among others are on the menu, but those are tame when compared with selections like unicorn cotton candy shake or Fruity Pebbles brunch shake.
*860 River Rd., Edgewater; 717 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201.945.4800
Cast Iron Pot Original. Named Best Korean Restaurant in the 2025 Readers’ Choice contest, this eatery specializes in all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue. The selection of meats runs the gamut, from Korean bulgogi and pork to juicy chicken and seafood.
*41 Industrial Ave., Fairview, 201.941.1047
The Cornerstone. Weekend mornings are for good eating, and this Hillsdale restaurant does big brunches. The all-you-can-eat brunch buffet includes favorites like Belgian waffles, French toast, bacon and sausage as well as pastries, carving stations, salads and more.
*84 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201.666.8688
Dynasty Buffet. This all-you-can-eat restaurant has an array of Asian main dishes and signature entrées (prime rib, Peking duck and oysters, to name three) that will keep you coming back for more.
*383 Market St., Saddle Brook, 201.226.1388
Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet. Try the hibachi at this busy all-you-can-eat buffet, which also features plenty of sushi, seafood, poultry and desserts.
*53 Rte. 17, East Rutherford, 201.438.1115
Grand Buffet. Known for its filling dishes and friendly service, this restaurant draws many repeat customers. Diners will find all-you-can-eat Chinese fare as well as sushi, kid-friendly bites and dessert (they have a brand-new soft serve ice cream machine!).
*875 Rte. 17, Ramsey, 201.934.5033
Nirvana Indian Kitchen. A longtime Readers’ Choice honoree, this Indian restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on weekends. Select from all your favorites, from fresh curries to mouth-watering tandoori dishes.
*29 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201.818.2300
Royal Hibachi Grill Buffet. Steak, sushi, seafood, salad. You’ll satisfy all your cravings and more at this all-you-can-eat eatery.
*189 Rte. 46, Saddle Brook, 201.968.5886
Stack Creamery. Ever want an ice cream sandwich with everything in it? This sweet shop lets you make your own. You choose the cookies, the ice cream, the toppings and more—then the staff here will put it all together for one (or more) delicious dessert.
*287 Westwood Ave., Westwood, 201.722.4780
Where do you go for a big feast in Bergen County? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
