Special pork chop tonight is a "Wow". Bourbon peach sauce with risotto Also worth trying is their New Jersey State of Mind cocktail, seems like a Last Word riff with gin, Aperol, Maraschino, and lemon juice. read more

Espo's - Spectacular lamb chop special - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

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I came back here and had the same appetizer as my two prior visits, the Hotsy totsy shrimp. It was not as good as my prior visits here. It felt like the shrimp needed a little more crunch. The sauce was tasty like in the past. For my entrée, I had the classic cheesesteak, which was offered on Thursday night. It was shaved ribeye steak with White American cheese, caramelized onions, and cherry pepper relish on a pizza roll. It also came with a side of fries. There were a ton of fries, and they were cooked nicely with a good amount of parmesan. The cheesesteak as a whole was solid. The roll was the key as it was soft and went well with the toppings. I just wanted more filling present. Everything was tasty but needed a bit more. I also tried cacio e pepe, and it was good, more peppery than I would have thought, but still solid. I also tried their pork chop special. They were nicely grilled with just enough flavoring. The pistachio tartufo was once again ordered, but this time there was Nutella present. I did not mind this as it actually paired nicely with the tartufo as a whole. read more

Decent chicken Parmesan sandwich, comes with fries or salad. The Caesar was very tasty. The steak and egg sandwich was delicious and filling, served with fresh hot potatoes. Our server was was friendly and checked in several times. They also have a huge cozy covered outdoor patio. read more

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Espo's is a neighborhood joint that was recommended to me. It has a great atmosphere that can be enjoyed inside where there's a great bar, or outside where it's more spacious with an intimate setting. The menu rundown was given by our waitress and it all sounded like some legit Italian food. I settled on the cacio e pepe. It was a large portion. I've never had cacio e pepe exactly like this as the pasta was different than usual and so was the sauce but I really enjoyed it. The cheese and pepper were strong how I like it. With it being more on the saucier side it meant I had something to finish off with the complimentary bread! read more

Espo's - Cacio e Pepe - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

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The food was amazing service great. Get there early as parking is limited. And yes we will be back

A hidden gem in a little neighborhood this place is a great find . Homemade Italian cuisine with great service. Great specials and drinks as well . A bit pricey but well worth every dollar as you will leave full and happy. The key lime pie martini tastes like a fresh pie .penne vodka is perfectly cooked. The cheese in hot chicken sauce is a large appetizer. Great steak smothered in cheese and amazing meat sauces . Save room for dessert. The tartufo is so tasty read more

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Cocktails were so so. Where's George! Linguini with clam sauce no good. It's pasta with a dab of clam mush on top, it's all olive oil, no clam juice, no white wine, no garlic, no lemon, no red pepper just olive oil and clam mush. I've been going there since I was a kid 40 years ago when it was real home Italian cooking and you were served a heaping pound of pasta as a meal. Calamari? 12-15 pieces that's it. Seems to be the way good food is headed at many establishments. read more

Great food! I'm sorry to say that the last time I was at Espo's was in the 1970s, at my sister's high school graduation dinner. So sorry to Espo's for not coming back sooner. The parking stinks. Street parking only, and if you can't parallel park, you're out of luck. LOL. Even so, Espo's is as great as ever! Food, service, atmosphere, etc, can't be beat! We went for lunch, and the menu said sandwiches. Our server said they could serve dinner as well. Awesome! I got the chicken parm, my friend got the linguine with clam sauce. I loved that there was no shucking of clams. Vodka sauce was great.. The best thing was the homemade ricotta! Served with crostini, topped with shaved garlic crisps. We took it home, but it melted in our car. Oh well. Our bad. Excellent meal, superb service. Next time we dine here, we'll sit at the outside dining area. It's beautiful. read more

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Reservations are strongly recommended. Was very busy at 4:30 on a Saturday. We sat outdoors as inside was busy and it was a lovely space. They did have heaters Service was great, but food did come out slow but again it was very busy We loved the Calamari, short rib ravioli special Good not amazing: clams casino, chicken Murphy Food was enough to feed two people easily. So huge portions. If you're in the area would check it out. Also, they have plenty of TVs for games read more

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Long time local favorite!! Great food, service, and atmosphere. I've never had a less than awesome experience there

Can I leave 0 stars? The positive reviews must all be employees and friends. Is George gone? And Lisa too? No one smiles drinks are a joke, food is not the same. Disappointing and so sad. Did not recognize a single person and place was mostly empty. Will not be back. read more

We're from Florida but we were in Jersey to see friends. Went to Espo's for dinner last night. I was a little disappointed that they were out of the pappardelle bolognese, but opted for the special Sunday Gravy after seeing it at someone else's table. I upgraded to the cavatelli pasta. It was amazing! Be sure to go on a Sunday because I understand they have the Sunday Gravy there every Sunday. read more

We were visiting from out of town and found this great local spot with excellent service and delicious pasta. The restaurant is small and cozy, with a welcoming vibe, attentive staff, and a cool bar that adds to the atmosphere. We will definitely come back next time we're in town. read more

Our neighborhood's local Italian eatery and it did not disappoint! Went in on a Sunday evening for my wedding anniversary. Had their staple Sunday Gravy which was phenomenal. So delicious and hearty. Everything tasted super fresh. Wife went with the traditional chicken parm which she loved. We will be back. If you're looking for a laid back Italian meal, this is where it's at. Service was top-notch. Restaurant is super chill and laidback. Great for a date night or a group! read more

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A local gem. The steak is so delicious but pricey. I sit and the bar and it's a lot of fun. This place is always packed. The real deal Italian food! read more

Espo's - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

The food, ambience and service is always amazing and this time was no different. I got the chicken parm with vodka sauce and a side of linguine and it was fantastic! The sangria is also phenomenal and I will be back again! read more

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Espo's is an old world, quaint, Italian restaurant that Is definitely worth a visit! The place is always packed so be prepared to wait. The chicken Parmesan dinner is one of the best in NJ! It is pounded very thin and loaded with mozzarella cheese. The red sauce is just how my grandma made it flavorful and delicious! I love to dip their semolina bread in the sauce! The only complaint is I wish they had a better dessert menu. I highly recommend Espo's in Raritan! read more

We are occasional visitors to Espo's. We always looked forward to the chicken and veal parm. Last night it was only OK. Veal a bit tough and dry. Sauce not up to the normal standard. A special note to be aware of is the mark up on bottles of wine. In general it is 100% markup. A bit much for the Raritan neighborhood. Not a big deal but the bread they serve is less than high quality and mostly stale. Overall the Espo's experience seems to be headed towards an overpriced dining experience for the Raritan neighborhood. read more

came to this restaurant because my daughter and I were starving. These pumpkin raviolis are absolutely divine. The food is absolutely delicious. read more

Espo's - WOW! came here to eat because me daughter and i were starving on our drive home the food is delicious!!!! - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

Disappointed...clams oreganato dry and tasteless, same with clam casino. Hotsytotsy shrimp came out cold, husband's stuffed peppers were delicious...bread mediocre for an Italian restaurant, service friendly but rushed.. unfortunately,no desire to return read more

Excellent food, good service. Came there on a Thursday with a group of 6, no reservations. There's a bar to wait at or wait in the front porch. The place was crowded, but we got a table in about 25 minutes. Waiter with personality guided us through the menu and made recommendations. Bread and butter came to the table to start. Then we shared apps. Hotsy Totsy shrimp- flavorful, nice texture. Same with the meatballs, not dense at all, nice and moist, good red sauce with them. Loved the soft ricotta with crostini. We were there on cheesesteak nighr, so we got the classic to share. It was excellent. Crusty bread on the outside, molten cheese and chopped steak inside. For entrees with got Chicken Murphy, roasted on the bone, with scalloped potatoes and hot cherry peppers. Same for the Pork Chops Murphy. Meat perfectly cooked, nice and tender, flavorful brown sauce, peppers nice and spicy. There was also a beef braciole, well seasoned and tender. Overall great meal and will come back. For sure go there on a Thursday, cheesesteak special night. Must try. read more

In town for work and picked Espo's largely because it was near work. I enjoyed my side salad with house white basaltic dressing. For dinner I had a special, Papaprelle Bolognese. The pasta was a highlight, tender and just seemed special. The bolognese was good but I would have appreciated a sharper or at least a larger quantity of cheese on top to cut the intense meaty flavor. Service was unobtrusive. Prices match the norm for the area which is to say pretty expensive compared to PA or western NY etc . read more

First of all this is our go to restaurant. From beginning to end the experience and service is phenomenal. They do not take reservations which is good first come first service deal. But the wait is definitely worth it. It makes you feel you're in an old school Italian restaurant and the food does not lie! We had the hotsy totsy shrimp which we love. Me and my wife shared the raviolis espo and chicken savoy and let me tell you the left overs never made it to the fridge. Everything on the menu is a must try! Head over to espos and prepare to be stuffed!!!!!! read more

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I went here today and got the Espo's classic cheesesteak without cheese because I don't like cheese and i5 was so good.

First time and won't be our last. We tried the cheese steaks and they were the best we've in the area. Beautiful place and great food!

The lunch sandwich was good. Service was done by an overwhelmed team. You pay expensive prices and the service should be paired up to what you pay. Also $4 for a burnt espresso because probably a cheap coffee and $12 for .75 San Pellegrino water. read more

Decent Italian food, I'm not sure why they charge NYC prices. I live in the area and tried the place twice. First time the linguine with clams was not great and the pasta was overcooked. Eggplant parm was very mushy. Vodka sauce is good, go with the chicken parm/vodka. Staff didn't have a single smile for us the entire time we ate and we struggled to get a second drink once the food arrived. They do brunch so we gave Espo's another chance. They hype up the cheesesteaks and fries on social media, but the sandwich was only okay, and the fries were served cold and without seasoning. They have a loyal following as it seems the place is always busy, maybe we caught them on two bad days? read more

Best eggplant parm ever and that was to-go, I can only imagine fresh out of the kitchen is even better

Great food- hadn't been there in years after moving. It's actually even better now that it used to be - and it was one of our favs. Service was attentive - ambiance - somehow they fit more tables in but I wouldn't say it was too tight. Will go back read more

Too tight, too crowded, and too loud. Our server had to shout the specials over the noise. Chicken parm was just ok - the cutlets were a little dry. The bread was good. read more

Staff, food and ambience was great. Our waitress was a perfect 10, she made appetizer recommendations and it was just as described. Everything was delicious. I can't wait to go back read more

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Been here a couple times, and I usually get the pork chop Murphy, which I enjoyed very much, we went last week, and I read some reviews about the chicken parm , to be honest with you I was disappointed, the sauce almost had a burnt taste to it, I come from a very Italian family and know what overdone sauce taste like, that chicken cutlet was extremely thick and not thin the way it should be, my wife had the shrimp scampi over linguine which she said she'd enjoy, we will give this place another shot, I guess we'll just stick with the pork chop Murphy going forward read more

Espo's is a neighborhood staple, and there's a reason why. After a recent fire, the inside is more elevated, while keeping its deep rooted Italian charm. The wait staff is quick and kind, just as you'd want and expect. Now the good part - the food! We started off with a house and Caesar salad. Tad over dressed but great croutons. We also had the escarole soup with charred bread, chunks of sausage, and amazing flavor. HIGHLY recommend. For entrees, we got the chicken parmigiana and the shrimp vodka rigatoni (bucatini is my favorite so they swapped out the noodle for me which was amazing). Both fantastic, delicious, and elevated flavors...and more than enough for two meals. Great spot. Great food. Great staff. Will definitely be back. read more

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The wait is not fun, but the food was so worth it. Portions are generous, drinks are ok. Service is ok. The food though.. have to try it at least once. Small place, felt a bit crowded but again worth it at least once. read more

Great food with generous portions, and the staff is always attentive. We've dined at Espos many times and have always enjoyed the experience. However, during our last visit, we noticed Fox News playing on the TV by the bar. While it's understandable to have a TV on for background or entertainment, 24-hour news channels--especially those with a clear partisan slant--aren't ideal in a dining setting. It can make the atmosphere feel more divisive or tense, even unintentionally. Restaurants should be a place where everyone feels welcome and comfortable, regardless of their political views. We'd strongly encourage choosing more neutral programming--or something light and inoffensive, like sports or food-related shows--that helps maintain the great, inclusive vibe Espos is known for. read more

Food and service are the best. Love, love this restaurant. Their vodka sauce is out of this world.

Oh well, Pink Cadillac! How bad can it be?. Our waiter Mark was spot on and made some terrific recommendations for the main entree. A Lamb Ragu with Orecchiette. Wow fresh, flavorful and lots of Lamb . Our second entree was the Calcio e Pepe with Bucatini. Again another 5 star dish. A nice glass of Chianti Reserva which went perfectly with our meal. An awesome Caesar Salad for starts and end of night Espresso Macchiato. On our way out, my wife and I met owner, Nick, and he confirmed it is his Pink Cadillac in front of the restaurant! read more

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Delicious Italian hidden in Raritan! They have full bar and a brunch menu. We had the vodka rigatoni and cheesesteak sandwich, the homemade sauce and the steak was super tender read more

First time there since the change in ownership. Very disappointed in the starters: salad and bread. Tried the Hotsytotsy shrimp, excellent. The steak parm also excellent. Going back to the salad and bread. In the past the salad was fresh lettuce with home made chunky blue cheese dressing fresh tomatoes some onions and a hot pepper,the bread was warm crusty Italian with poppy seeds. The starters are a big part of the reason I go to a good restaurant. Very disappointed read more

Never would've expected a restaurant in the middle of a block of houses but there it was! It reminded me of Laico's in Jersey City. Very unexpected. First impression they had a bunch of outside seating (covered and with heatlamps). Nice to have on crisp nights. From entryway is covered and helps muffle any noise from nearby houses. We walked in 6:30 ish on a Sat night and it was packed. Bar seating is available and also on a first come first serve basis. We did not expect to be seated quickly but 10 mins and we had a table. Service was fast and furious. Drinks, bread, and order taken within the 1st 10 mins of being seated. I ordered the chicken parm and my husband had the steak special (Marsala style). The chicken parm was delicious, huge order that came with a side of pasta. Steak was weird for my husband. I think he heard steak and went with it not realizing it was a saucy and cheesy steak and not what he's used to. Steak was cooked to his liking but I think he was overwhelmed with the the toppings. Now he knows! I ordered cacio y Pepe to go (bucatini) which was delicious! My husband said the bar's liquor options were impressive for such a small estate. Def a spot I'd love to come back to on another night. read more

Espo's - Steak - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

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