Pops Trattoria – Audubon, NJ

Where French Technique Meets Italian Soul

Audubon’s beloved dining spot at 34 West Merchant Street has entered a delicious new chapter. Formerly known as Café le Jardin, the space has been reimagined as Pops Trattoria, a warm, family-style Italian restaurant that opened in May 2025. Owned and operated by Richard and Christina Cusack, the husband-and-wife team behind the acclaimed French bistro, the restaurant honors Richard’s father—affectionately nicknamed “Pop”—and celebrates the comforting flavors of Italian-American home cooking.

About the Restaurant
Pops Trattoria takes everything that made Café le Jardin a local favorite—exceptional quality, refined technique, and heartfelt hospitality—and applies it to a new menu steeped in nostalgia and tradition. Chef Richard Cusack, trained in classic French cuisine and inspired by his South Philadelphia roots, brings authenticity and depth to Italian-American staples like chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, and hearty family-style entrées.

A Family Dining Experience, New Jersey Style
The restaurant embraces a cozy, welcoming atmosphere designed for gathering over comfort food. Pops Trattoria is a BYOB, encouraging guests to bring their favorite wine or beer to pair with rich pastas, slow-cooked sauces, and house-made desserts. In addition to dine-in service, the restaurant also offers takeout specials and family-sized meals, perfect for enjoying at home.

Location and Hours
📍 Address: 34 W Merchant Street, Audubon, NJ 08106
📞 Phone: (856) 617-4800
🕓 Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday, with the last seating at 8:30 p.m.

Pops Trattoria continues the legacy of excellence established by Café le Jardin—only now, the flavors have shifted from Provence to Palermo. With its combination of craftsmanship, comfort, and heartfelt local charm, Pops Trattoria is quickly becoming one of South Jersey’s standout Italian dining destinations.

For more great places to eat and drink across the Garden State, explore New Jersey’s top breweries and restaurants here.