Visiting Reservoir Tavern in Boonton, an essential North Jersey eatery

The Reservoir Tavern has been around since 1936.

The Bevacqua family has run the Res and is currently on its fourth generation of owner.

The Res is known for its pizza, Italian-American classics and a homey atmosphere.

I first came across Reservoir Tavern in Boonton when researching the oldest pizza places in North Jersey (the restaurant dates back to 1936). But my first proper meal here is thanks to you readers, who chose it as one of North Jersey’s 25 most essential restaurants , as I recently visited the "Res" for a massive lunch.

I was eager to try the pizza — so many of you commented that the Res makes your favorite pie. I did that and much more, including eating some dishes I’ve somehow never had before and discovering the Tavern’s “best kept secret” on the menu. Here's what