Foodie Road Trips for Tasty Summer Drives

By Morris Gut 

Bronx Voice 

June 20, 2025

BRONX - The summer season has officially started. Time to plan some road trips with good food in mind. Here are some suggestions within a 20-mile radius of the Bronx…

ADRIATIC AT DUBROVNIK

Founded by Jerry Tomic some 12 years ago, Dubrovnik has evolved into a dynamic Michelin-recognized restaurant. Westchester’s first restaurant devoted to the cuisine of Croatia, a multi-level 85-seat establishment with a lovely seasonal outdoor patio, state of the art temperature-controlled wine cellar, al fresco wood fire rotisserie BBQ, and lush seasonal al fresco garden. Talented chefs man the kitchen and they will transport you to the beautiful Adriatic in flavorful style. Seafood is a specialty. Octopus Salad, Adriatic Cuttlefish Risotto, Whole Mediterranean Branzino, Seafood & Saffron Pasta, Roasted Cornish Hen. Happy hours: 3-6 pm. Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle. 914-637-3777 www.dubrovnikny.com

ROBUST ITALIAN OUT OF A DINER AT 
TRATTORIA VIVOLO!

Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across from Harrison's Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; Crostino di Polenta topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Grilled Lamb Chops; Braised Lamb Shanks; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Linguine alle Vongole. Fine wine list. Sparkling lights in the evenings. The outdoor patio is now open. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com

SOUTHERN COMFORT AT FREEBIRD KITCHEN & BAR!

Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts, Shrimp & Grits, Braised Short Ribs, and a great Pimento Cheeseburger. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly Southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. There is a seasonal rooftop lounge for drinks and dining. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Closed Mondays. Live music jams on Friday & Sunday evenings. Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com

LATIN SPIRITS AND CUISINE AT EL PRIMO

Dynamic host and co-owner Daniel Cahill along with partners Rory Dolan and Declan Rainsford have created a hotspot focusing on elevated Latin American cuisine. There’s a long sparkling Agave bar and curved banquets and high tops that lead to a semi-private dining room in the rear. Soft inviting colors throughout. Enjoy a curated Agave cocktail flight. Extraordinary flavors coming out of this kitchen include beautifully plated Mole Enchiladas, Al Pastor Tacos, Vegan Sabina Quesadilla, and Grilled Shrimp Tostada. New al fresco Tiki Bar. Open 7 days from noon to 2 a.m. Happy hours. El Primo, 166B Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-861-0400 www.elprimowp.com

DECADENT BURRATA BURGER AT BIA

One of the most exciting restaurant openings of the past year, Simi and Miranda Polozani and their team have been showing off their skills at flashy Bia American Kitchen & Bar at Chappaqua Crossing. Chef William Deluca’s global menu has been surprising all comers including us. Our recent indulgences here included their signature Burrata Burger with baby arugula, roasted peppers, crispy burrata and balsamic, a big bowl of Southwest Chicken Salad with Cajun chicken, mixed greens, corn, red onions, avocado, black beans, roasted peppers, tortilla chips, cheddar and boom boom dressing, and Harissa Steamed Mussels. Delicious and satisfying. I admit I was especially smitten with their classic Grand Marnier Souffle for dessert. Every spoonful fluffy, decadent and delightful. The artsy dramatically designed  220-seat space has two dining rooms, a party/catering area and sweeping contemporary bar and lounge. Bia, 480 North Bedford Road, at Chappaqua Crossing, Chappaqua. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m. 914-855-0123 www.biaamericankitchen.com

IRISH AMERICAN WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR & KITCHEN

Their Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich is a winner. Owner Shane Clifford and his staff have been drawing a fine crowd. Jack’s offers an enhanced Irish/American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen include decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Lamb Lollipops; Burrata Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Guinness braised Short Ribs; Woodfired Pizzas and big juicy Burgers. Check out their decadent Grilled Cheese Menu. The staff could not be more friendly. Open daily. Weekend brunch. TVs. Municipal parking; free evenings. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com

TECHNICOLOR LOVE AT JILL’S  

Partners Ro Flanagan, Shane Clifford and Chef Brendan Donohue, proprietors of popular Jack’s Bar & Kitchen, a popular Irish American tavern in Eastchester, have premiered Jill’s Bar & Restaurant in Mamaroneck, across from Harbor Island Park. Jill’s, a colorful ode to modern Ireland, serves a winning combination of gastropub favorites and modern-American and European specialties along with a good dose of hospitality. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner. 

There’s also Truffle Parm Fries, Chili Roasted Cauliflower, Lobster Cobb Salad, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ahi Tuna Bowl, and Surf & Turf Tacos.  

Jill’s,100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, off the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. Happy Hours. Weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com 

(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)