Holsten’s
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A Timeless Culinary Experience
Nestled in Bloomfield, New Jersey, at 1063 Broad St, Holsten’s Ice Cream Parlor is where culinary history comes alive. With an illustrious heritage spanning 83 years, this establishment has become a cherished part of the community’s identity. Established in 1939 as Strubbe’s Ice Cream Parlor, it has since undergone name changes and changes in ownership, yet its unwavering dedication to providing delectable homemade fare remains intact. As you step through the doors of Holsten’s, you are transported back in time to the enchanting ambiance of the 1950s. The atmosphere, characterized by glass candy display cases, inviting red vinyl booths, and a vintage ice cream counter with classic barstools, is a testament to its commitment to preserving a bygone era.
Holsten’s offers a diverse array of delectable treats that cater to all generations. From milkshakes to classic cheeseburgers and onion rings reminiscent of Tony Soprano’s era, the menu is a journey through nostalgic childhood favorites. The continuity of family tradition is a cornerstone of Holsten’s enduring appeal. Co-owners Christopher Carley and Ronald Stark, who have been with Holsten’s since their youth, carry forward the legacy passed down from generation to generation. Rudi Stark, a partner from 1964 to 1999, trained as a pastry chef in Germany and crafted some of Holsten’s original confections. This establishment prides itself on preserving its historic charm, evident in the preservation of the original wooden and glass candy display cases since 1939. Holsten’s has remained a haven for those seeking the essence of small-town familiarity – exceptional homemade food, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a staff dedicated to creating memories centered around life’s simple pleasures.
A Memorable Moment
The final episode of the acclaimed series “The Sopranos” left an indelible mark on television history. Whether viewers loved or loathed the enigmatic cut-to-black ending, it remains etched in their memories to this day. That iconic closing scene, now synonymous with the show’s legacy, was filmed at none other than Holsten’s Ice Cream Parlor, an establishment perfectly suited to capture the quintessential New Jersey atmosphere as the Essex County-based crime drama reached its conclusion.
In those pivotal last moments of the hit HBO series, the enigmatic Tony Soprano, portrayed by the late and unforgettable James Gandolfini, found himself seated in one of the classic vinyl booths. In a touch of serendipity, he ordered a plate of the renowned onion rings. It was an ordinary act in an extraordinary setting, encapsulating the essence of the character and the series. When James Gandolfini tragically passed away in 2013, it was the start of a poignant chapter in Holsten’s story. In tribute to the beloved actor, owner Ron Stark took a poignant step by placing a reserved sign at the very booth where Gandolfini had sat during the series finale. Little did he know that this simple gesture would evolve into something much more significant.
Discover Holsten’s Menu
With an array of over 20 delightful ice cream flavors and a comprehensive menu of delectable dishes, Holsten’s offers an extensive culinary experience to cater to diverse tastes. Located in Bloomfield, NJ, this establishment is a culinary haven where flavor and variety meet. Take a moment to peruse the full menu and don’t miss out on the weekly specials that add an extra layer of excitement to your dining experience.
Payment Options at Holsten’s
A wide range of payment methods are readily accepted to enhance the dining experience. Flexibility and convenience are paramount, ensuring that settling bills is a seamless and hassle-free process. Credit cards, including major providers such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are among the preferred modes of payment. The ease and security associated with credit card transactions make them a popular choice for patrons. Simply present your card, and staff will assist in swiftly completing the payment process. For those who prefer the convenience of debit cards, these cards are gladly accepted as well. Debit cards offer a direct and efficient way to settle bills, allowing access to funds with ease.
Additionally, the modern era of digital payments is embraced through the welcoming of NFC (Near Field Communication) mobile payments. Using a smartphone or other mobile devices equipped with NFC capabilities, patrons can make payments quickly and securely. This technology offers a contactless and efficient payment option for a seamless dining experience. The commitment to accommodating a variety of payment preferences reflects the dedication to ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of visitors during their visit. Whether patrons opt for traditional credit and debit card payments or embrace the convenience of NFC mobile payments, the aim is to make the dining experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
Convenient Delivery Options Available
At Holsten’s, convenience is the top priority. To cater to valued patrons, delivery services are seamlessly facilitated through two renowned platforms, Doordash and Trycaviar. Through Doordash, access to a wide network of dedicated drivers ensures orders arrive promptly and in impeccable condition. The Doordash platform allows for effortless menu exploration from your chosen location, with orders easily placed. Once confirmed, drivers efficiently collect orders from the restaurant and deliver them directly to your desired destination. It’s a stress-free means to relish preferred dishes without departing from the comfort zone.
For another hassle-free option, Trycaviar provides a dependable delivery service that delivers delectable offerings right to your door. On the Trycaviar platform, patrons can peruse the menu, select desired items, and effortlessly place orders. Following order placement, dedicated Trycaviar drivers ensure swift preparation and delivery, maintaining the quality and flavors expected from this establishment. Both Doordash and Trycaviar guarantee a seamless and effective delivery experience, enabling patrons to enjoy culinary delights within the preferred setting. Whether seeking a quick meal at home, a delightful office lunch, or a convenient way to savor these dishes, these delivery choices are tailored to meet requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holsten's a real place?
Holsten’s is a restaurant located at 1063 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. This establishment is renowned for its delicious homemade ice cream, freshly churned daily. In addition to ice cream, the restaurant offers a variety of candies, including chocolates, taffy, and gummies. Beyond sweets, this establishment also serves a diverse selection of dinner options such as sandwiches, french fries, milkshakes, and various other dishes.
How can I find out if Holsten's restaurant is near me?
You can determine the proximity of the restaurant to your location by simply accessing Google Maps. By entering the name or address into the search bar, the application will provide you with detailed information regarding its distance from your current location, estimated travel time, and even various route options to help you plan your visit efficiently.
What are the opening hours of Holsten's restaurant?
The restaurant operates from 11 AM to 10 PM every day of the week, except for Sundays when it opens at 12 PM and closes at 10 PM.
Customer Reviews at Holsten’s
What a fantastic place!
September 21, 2023
What a fantastic place! The quality of food and the attentive staff make this spot stand out. The staff truly understand the significance of this place for Sopranos fans and go the extra mile to ensure a memorable experience. Highly recommended!
It's famous for being the last scene in the Sopranos series
September 17, 2023
Whether it’s breakfast or lunch, this place has been a favorite since 1958. It’s famous for being the last scene in the Sopranos series, but it offers so much more. We had a cheeseburger platter and a club sandwich, both of which were excellent and reasonably priced. The service was top-notch. Don’t forget to try their homemade candies and ice creams – they’re a treat. Not much has changed here in decades, making it a unique and must-visit spot, especially if you’re a Sopranos fan.
the food is fantastic!
September 14, 2023
We came here to experience the Soprano mystique, and it didn’t disappoint. The BLT I had might just be the best I’ve ever eaten. And the vanilla ice cream was simply heavenly. Besides the Sopranos connection, the food is fantastic!
The ice cream and milkshake were both delicious.
September 12, 2023
Visiting as part of the Sopranos Tour is worth it alone. Sitting in the same seat as Tony and recreating that iconic final scene (without the danger!) is cool. But beyond that, the items we ordered were excellent. The ice cream and milkshake were both delicious.
Thanks, Holsten's!
September 9, 2023
Holsten’s is worth its long-held reputation! It’s a classy soda joint with a unique charm. I tried the cherry soda, made traditionally with syrup and soda, and it was probably the best soda I’ve ever had. The French Ice Cream Soda, essentially a root beer float, was also a winner. The presentation was picturesque, and the waitress provided A+ customer service. My brother had a cheeseburger and a regular milkshake, and he was thoroughly satisfied. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to friends and family. Thanks, Holsten’s!
Come Visit Holsten’s