The Best of Backroads 2022 • Time

A look back at the year that was…

is doing that ying thing again; and once more it was time to gather the various two-wheel scribes and moto-philosophers who help gather the magazine each month and scour over the places we had been, things we discovered, and adventures we had ridden into and out of… But we won’t bring up Ecuador this time around.

The year did bring these pages far and wide and after the now legendary long weekend gathering at the infamous honkytonk we call Monkey with a Gun, the results were tallied quickly. Hey, we ain’t Arizona, okay; and as is our custom we will start the new year of 2023 in typical fashion with the Best of Backroads 2022. Ready for a quick ride back? We knew you were.

The Great All-American Diner Run 2022

Since the beginning of time, having meals with good friends and, in this case, riding buddies is always a wonderful thing. Add in some excellent roads, a happy location, and serious food and you have all the makings of the Great All American Diner Run. These were our top three for 2022.

SECOND RUNNER UP • GYP’S TAVERN 25 US-206, BRANCHVILLE, NJ 07826 • 973-948-5013

Gyp’s Tavern has become a regular hang for us and it is not unexpected to see our bikes there on a late weekday afternoon playing our poor excuse for pool.

Gyp’s place is an historic tavern that has been around and mostly unchanged for years. Pretty much has the same vibe today as when the Bambino was a steady patron.

What looks like a true northwest Jersey Road House along Route 206, it backs up to the delightful Kittatinny Lake with one of the nicest sunsets in the state.

The weekend sees gaggles of motorcycles park outside and the allure is understandable. An Adirondack chair or table along the lake cannot be beat. They have a seriously good kitchen. Shira swears by their Chicken BLT, and the Burgers are the best. In fact, we have never had anything bad here. The roads leading to and from Gyp’s are spectacular and if you are looking for a dynamite and easy-going lakeside tavern on an afternoon’s ride then Gyp’s is the place.

FIRST RUNNER UP • THE RED WOLFE INN 130 COUNTY ROAD 519, BELVIDERE, NJ 07823 • 908-475-4772

We Have been huge fans of The Red Wolfe Inn for many years, and this tiny restaurant, along County Road 519 right outside Belvidere, has been drawing patrons for many years before that.

Owned by the Waltz family, this restaurant has a homey feel, a most excellent staff and serves up a wide variety of entrées, and the best steaks in the state, and that is a bold and true statement.

In addition to the steaks you will nd seafood, ribs, chicken, and daily specials that really are just that.

Like most Great All American Diner Runs, The Red Wolfe is located in a part of New Jersey that is crisscrossed with fantastic roads. Follow along through wonderful Warren County and make a dinner run to Red Wolfe Inn – you will understand how it has been a favorite of ours for years.

1st Place Great All American Diner Run 2022 Corner Piazza

1 ELDRED-YULAN ROAD, ELDRED, NY 12732 • 845-557-3321

We take the Best of Backroads seriously, and choosing s seasonal pizza place found on a crossroads along Sullivan County, New York, was a decision that many ingredients were mixed, spread, and baked during the yearly MWAG soiree’.

Out of twelve great eateries, we kept returning to this little outdoor Italian pizza joint with a distinct love of the New York Mets. Although many will point ngers and say we were biased… well, that did not come into play one bit – but it didn’t hurt either.

In addition to using the freshest ingredients and serving up the best pizza we have ever found on the road, Lou Monteleone and brother Frank, have turned the crossroads of New York Route 55 and 32 into a super riding destination – whether heading up to a concert at Bethel Woods or just passing through to points unknown – the Corner Piazza pies are hearty, avorful and delicious – and all created and baked to order. Nothing sitting around here kids.

This spring when the owers bloom and the trees turn green ride up through Sullivan County, New York and make it a point to stop by Corner Piazza for a bite.

Say hi to the brothers and… Let’s Go Mets!