These Woodbridge Small Businesses Have Patch Readers Raving

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Let's hear it for our local small businesses! Last week, we asked Patch readers across New Jersey to nominate their favorite local businesses.

So where's the best cup of coffee, haircut, tire change, slice of pizza and pork roll, egg 'n cheese in Woodbridge? Find out, direct from locals:

Brooklyn Pizza 'A taste of Brooklyn in Fords' 877 King Georges Rd, Fords, NJ 08863 "During the start of COVID, Brooklyn Pizza would have customers call and explain they were short on money, but would like to order food for their family," said customer James. "Countless times the owner would send the family their food and tell them, 'Don't worry about it; we're a neighbor, we help each other out.' In addition, they sent free dinners to our brave healthcare workers. I'm sure they were down on sales as was everyone else, but to have a local business actually care about their customers is a rare instinct."

Nora's Deli 381 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001 "Super friendly staff, excellent food," says customer Lisa.

Ray and Dana's Auto Repair in Colonia (Inman's Auto Care) 286 Inman Avenue, Colonia, NJ 07067

"It is such a joy to have Ray and Dana's in my neighborhood," says customer Jan Horodyski. "These are mechanics with integrity and as a single woman it is such a relief to know I will not be taken advantage of when I bring my car in. Everyone in the shop is friendly and helpful. They send complete reports to my phone including pictures to give me details on needed repairs. They use a color coding system so I can prioritize which repairs to complete within my budget at the time. There have been times when I was told it was not worth putting money into a car to fix when they could have just taken my money. I highly recommend Ray and Dana's."

San Remo Pizza in Woodbridge 87 Main St, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

"San Remo is a fixture on Main Street in Woodbridge. When so many things were off limits, it was nice to have one place where we could have something so simple and so familiar to provide a little stability and comfort," said customers Ginger and Paul Tornambe. "We made use of home delivery and later, pick up. It was great to have a little bit of normal in the midst of chaos. Thank you, San Remo, for the service and the friendly smiles. We have been regular customers for years and now our children and grandchildren go there, too. They feel like friends, always."

"Food is always good! Weathered through 2020. Hard working. Clean restaurant. Friendly people," agrees customer Victoria De Windt-Smith.

Moby Dicks in Sewaren. Bar and restaurant serving American pub food. Live music. Locals' secret. 351 West Ave, Sewaren, NJ 07077

"Good food, customer service," was all customer Ed would say.

Floral Expressions of Woodbridge 91 Main Street, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095 "The owner Jim Olgren can make any kind of arrangement with flowers. All a customer has to do is show him a picture; he has an amazing talent."

Charlie's of Woodbridge. Deli & bagels. 535 Amboy Ave, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095 "Best breakfast sandwich: Pork roll, egg and cheese on a bagel," says customer Edward Peterson.

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy 458 Amboy Ave, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095

"Excellent customer service, great prices, extremely nice people!" shares customer Linda Favor

"Harry, Amy and everyone who works there make this pharmacy a personal experience. I appreciate knowing that when I go to pick up prescriptions, or anything else, they know me. Harry is frequently out from behind the counter assisting customers in selecting items to meet their specific needs from the variety of OTC items carried in his store. He has personally assisted me in selecting items to treat poison ivy (discussed usage as well) and lotion for treating skin affected by chemotherapy. They care about their customers, and it shows," said customer Kelly.

Pino’s Pizzeria and Restaurant They moved! 280 Woodbridge Avenue, Woodbridge NJ 07095

"A wonderful place to eat. Excellent food, service, friendliness and decorated beautifully," said customer Judy Height.

"The staff is courteous, efficient, friendly, and safe during these trying times," agreed customer Francine Roland.

Neves Jewelers of Woodbridge Engagement rings, bridal jewelry, diamond jewelry & more 103 Main St, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095

"Excellent service," says customer Michele Girard.

A & G Italian Deli in Fords. Fine foods and specialty Italian foods. 35 Lafayette Rd, Fords, NJ 08863 "They have very fresh food, very friendly, will make anything you want if available and great specials. We have to support our local businesses!" says customer Carol Pena.

Rocco's Pizza in Avenel 57 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001 "Great food, super owners!" says customer Sean Mulvey

Introcaso dry cleaners. They also do sewing and alterations. 494 Avenel St, Avenel, NJ 07001 "Best customer service!" says customer Rosario.

Vintage Vinyl in Fords 51 Lafayette Rd, Fords, NJ 08863

"Serving music lovers throughout the pandemic as best they could, whether in-store or online," said customer David Wilson.

2nd Rule Coffee A traveling pop-up coffee cafe in Fords and Iselin, but she travels the state and also serves at weddings, grand openings, corporate events and functions.

"Such a hardworking and creative business during this quarantine (mobile coffee counter) and also operated safely out of her home window when not booked. Carol Sohn, the owner makes some kick-ass coffee and despite all the challenges, has flourished this last year!" said customer David.

"We met her at a holiday event and she was a pleasure to speak with and her coffee was amazingly tasty!" said customer Kevin Kraemer.

"Always thinking about ways to introduce, educate and bring new coffee to the customers. i.e Lavender Latte?! Amazing," says another customer.

"Amazing coffee and wonderful service!" agrees customer Gloria Janf.

"2nd Rule makes the best craft coffee," said customer Sarah Yoon. "She has so much attention to details, the roast of the coffee, the sweetener and organic milk. She also offers many options and comes up with new flavors. She is so warm and welcoming and when you receive the cup of coffee it tastes like it is made with passion and care. The coffee cart is styled so well, too."

Fords Jeweler 449 New Brunswick Ave, Fords, NJ 08863 "Prices are wonderful, staff is knowledgeable and there is variety," says customer Irene Szaloczi

The Made Man Barbershop in Fords 457 New Brunswick Ave, Fords, NJ 08863 "Service is great along with the customer service. Best barbershop in New Jersey."

HO-RO Trucking Company in Port Reading 400 Markley St, Port Reading, NJ 07064

"A terrific trucking company to work for. We haul for US Gypsum and Wakefern among others. They go above and beyond for their employees and their main concern is their employees. We are treated like family," says employee Ginny Bonicker.

El Ranchito Mexican restaurant in Woodbridge. 51 Main St, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

"Outstanding and welcoming staff. The food and service are always consistently awesome," said customer John.

"Outstanding service, delicious food and warm staff," agrees Laura.

Jimmy the Barbershop 466 New Brunswick Ave, Fords, NJ 08863 (this place has a cult-like following)

"Best haircut in Woodbridge (and surrounding areas)," said customer Orlando. "Customer service is incredible and the atmosphere of the barbershop alone creates a relaxing vibe unlike other barbershops that can make you feel uncomfortable with loud music and a lot of people, etc."

"Not only does he do a great job with my son’s hair, but also is very professional, patient and keeps everyone safe by masking up! He’s my family’s 'go to' barber!" says Diana Espinosa.

"Extremely philanthropic and held numerous fundraisers to support the community during COVID. He donated all proceeds from the day he was allowed to re-open to a local charity providing food to those in need," said customer Shawn Hickson. "He also had a school supply drive to provide the necessities to local students in need. All around great guy and great company that gives back to his local community."

"Jimmy is not only an amazing barber, but an even better person in the community. He deserves all the best for everything he’s done for our township," said Rob.

"More then your normal barbershop," says customer Rich Kromphold.

Says customer RJ: "Jimmy the Barbershop is truly a special place. It is a barbershop like no other. The moment you step through the doors, you are immediately invited by the smells of peppermint, bergamot, or any other fresh spa-like essential oil they choose for the day. From the decor, to the clean music my whole family can enjoy, to the conversation, you immediately feel like home. So much so, I’ve caught myself locking the door behind me as I enter or leave! They truly pride themselves in making you feel as comfortable as possible. Jimmy is the owner and sole barber currently cutting hair, and he is like no other barber. He jokes and put 'advice - free' on his menu, but he really does give the best advice. He makes you feel like the service you booked for is an hour or so that is just for you. That this is YOUR time. That this is a place to disconnect from the busy, hectic world around you. He was even featured on News 12 for only one of the MANY instances he has given back to his community. Gov. Murphy even personally called him to thank him for his selflessness in dedicating time, money, and supplies back to his community. I have never experienced any other shop like this one."

"I’ve joked with Jimmy recently about wanting to live in a corner of his shop," said customer Gerilee Rosado. "It’s so peaceful and open and rad; I love the ambiance he sets with the tunes and decor. He’s always hosting a drive for his community every time I visit. He cuts my soon-to-be two-year old's hair and I’m a fan of how comfortable my son is under Jimmy’s care. This is a business owner who cares about his community and his customers."

"I personally do not get haircuts here, but I accompany my boyfriend who does and even as I wait it is a pleasant experience. The environment is welcoming and absolutely relaxing. The aromas in the air and the sound of Lo-Fi/jazz makes you think that you were at a coffee shop/spa. The talent that Jimmy shows from haircut to haircut is bar none," said Erika Garcia.

Like what you're reading? Sign up to get daily Patch emails and stay in the know on local Woodbridge news: https://patch.com/subscribe