New Jersey is known for top-notch pizza, but most places offer the same standard dishes. That’s why East Coast Crust in Hawthorne strives to set itself apart from other Italian dining options. You’ll of course find classic Italian pizzeria menu favorites, but you’ll also find a few surprises as well.
In fact, even the interior doesn’t feel like your typical pizzeria. “It has a modern look with a wood-fired oven and a clean and cozy feel,” says owner John Centrella. (Who also owns Let’s Meat in River Vale.) East Coat Crust is designed to be casual, family friendly, and geared for takeout. There is currently seating for 28 guests inside the 1,500-square foot BYOB Italian eatery and trattoria; though John plans to add bench-style outdoor seating in the back by the end of the summer.
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A Pizzeria for Foodies
John describes the menu as “eclectic,” blending “typical Italian pizza restaurant items” with “more foodie items” too. For instance, they serve cilantro roasted red chili hot wings and roasted buffalo Brussels sprouts with gorgonzola cheese. “We’re trying to be a little different,” he says. As for the classics, East Coast Crust serves up wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and more. Click here to see the full menu.
However, pizza is unsurprisingly the star of the show. Their handcrafted wood-fired pizzas include unique pie toppings such as shrimp and filet mignon; in addition to roasted Brussels sprouts and roasted kalamata olives. East Coast Crust also serves Dry-aged burgers with meat sourced locally from Pat LaFrieda. Meanwhile, other menu highlights include fried chili lime shrimp and calamari as well as John’s personal favorites; the meatball Parmesan hero and the East Crust Pizza.
About the Owner
John has spent his life in the restaurant industry. His father opened his first restaurant in the 1960s, and John often worked with him. His family has run Presto’s, which has multiple locations in the area, and Sole’s Pizzeria in North Bergen. John currently owns both Let’s Meat and East Coast Crust.
You’ll find East Coast Crust at 124 Lincoln Ave in Hawthorne. To learn more, click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
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All Photos: © East Coast Crust