Elizabeth’s New Italian Spot Has an Aperol Spritz Vending Machine

On a quiet Tuesday evening, a woman walked past the new restaurant on Elizabeth Avenue and stopped. She peered through the window, then nudged her companion. “Is that a vending machine for Aperol spritzes?” she asked. It was.

This is the moment Elizabeth’s, the city’s buzziest new Italian restaurant, greets its first guests. And yes, it really does have an Aperol Spritz vending machine. But that’s only part of the story.

What’s happening

Elizabeth’s opened its doors last week at 123 Elizabeth Avenue, in the space that once housed a long-running diner. The owners, a local family with roots in the neighborhood, wanted to create a place that feels both familiar and fresh. Think red-checkered tablecloths, a wood-fired oven, and a bar that pours negronis and pours them well.

The vending machine sits near the entrance, a gleaming metal box that dispenses chilled Aperol Spritzes at the push of a button. It’s a novelty, sure, but it’s also a statement: this isn’t your grandfather’s red-sauce joint.

The background

Elizabeth has seen a quiet food renaissance over the past few years. New spots have popped up alongside longtime favorites, drawing diners from Jersey City and beyond. But the city’s Italian dining scene has been largely unchanged, with old-school staples like Rizzo’s and Villa Capri holding court.

The owners of Elizabeth’s saw an opportunity. They wanted to honor tradition while making room for something unexpected. The vending machine—a custom piece imported from Italy—is their way of saying that tradition doesn’t have to be stiff. It can be fun, too.

What it means for Hudson County

For the families and commuters who call Elizabeth home, Elizabeth’s offers a new reason to stay local for a special night out. No more driving to Hoboken or Manhattan for a well-made pasta dish and a lively atmosphere. The prices are moderate—entrees in the $18 to $30 range—and the space seats about 80, including a small private dining room for birthday parties or anniversary dinners.

It’s also a boost for the neighborhood. Elizabeth Avenue has seen its share of vacancies, and a busy restaurant can draw foot traffic that benefits nearby shops and bakeries. For parents packing school lunches and grabbing a coffee on the way to work, a thriving block is a small but meaningful thing.

What people are saying

“We wanted to bring a little bit of Italy to Elizabeth,” co-owner Maria Rosa told me over the phone. “But not the stuffy kind of Italy. The kind where you sit outside and drink something cold and laugh with your friends.”

Early reviews have been positive. One diner described the meatballs as “the kind my grandmother would approve of.” Another called the vending machine “silly but so much fun.” The local food blogger Eat Jersey has already posted a reel of the machine dispensing a spritz in slow motion.

What comes next

Elizabeth’s is open Tuesday through Sunday, with brunch service planned for spring. Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners, especially as word spreads. The owners say they’re already planning for a summer outdoor patio, which would add another 30 seats and a few more Aperol Spritz machines. Or maybe not. But they’re listening.

For now, the vending machine is the talk of the block. And that’s not a bad thing. It gives people a reason to walk by, to look in, and maybe to sit down for a meal. In a city like Elizabeth, that’s a recipe worth celebrating.