Lisco’s goes for bigger and better at East Railroad site

By sandi carpello
Staff Writer

Lisco’s goes for bigger and
better at East Railroad site
By sandi carpello
Staff Writer


JERRY WOLKOWITZ Patty and John Lisco relax for a moment inside their cafe, which recently reopened in a new spot on Railroad Avenue in Jamesburg.JERRY WOLKOWITZ Patty and John Lisco relax for a moment inside their cafe, which recently reopened in a new spot on Railroad Avenue in Jamesburg.

JAMESBURG — Bearing a coffee pot in each hand, black cowboy boots and a big smile, West Virginia native Patty Lisco exudes southern hospitality.

Lisco, along with her husband John, reveals her southern charm with the newly expanded Lisco’s Country Cafe, relocated to 49 E. Railroad Ave.

"Country is comfortable. The idea of country is to be clean and neat," said Patty Lisco.

In terms of breakfast, country also means large: pancakes that take up the whole plate, and 7-inch-wide waffles.

Homemade chili, open-face turkey sandwiches, and biscuits and gravy are among the offerings on the lunch menu.

In terms of decor, muslin curtains, scarecrow dolls and a cache of unique wooden craft items hang on the walls, adding to the cafe’s country flair.

The husband and wife team opened the restaurant more than four years ago, renting a small location on West Railroad Avenue.

"We only had one bathroom," said Patty Lisco.

John Lisco, a former truck driver from Jersey City, said their newly purchased location, which previously housed Holman’s Pharmacy, sits 110 patrons, has four country-style decorated bathrooms, and both smoking and non-smoking sections.

John Lisco cooks all of the food himself, preparing grill items, "outrageously huge subs," three-egg omelets and daily soups.

"The 5-ounce hamburgers are very good and cooked the way you want. Real meat, not frozen patties," said Mary Kammerer of East Windsor, who described herself as a regular customer while dining there earlier this week.

Patty Lisco said all of the food at the Country Cafe is prepared with wholesome ingredients, very little butter and low sodium. Sugar-free syrup and sugar-free ice cream are also available, she said.

Patty Lisco, who prior to owning a restaurant operated a cleaning company in Jamesburg, said she loves talking to people and loves to make everyone feel at home.

"Running a restaurant is my dream," she said.

"Patty is a great host," said customer Eugene Tonkery, of Jamesburg, who is also a big fan of the offerings. "The baby back spare ribs are the best ribs in this area."

Lisco’s is open every day except Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast is served all day, and lunch is served from 11 a.m. until closing. Entrees cost an average of $5.