Silk Café Opens in Paterson, Bringing New Flavor and Fresh Energy to the Great Falls
Silk Café Opens in Paterson, Bringing New Flavor and Fresh Energy to the Great Falls
By Gabriella Dragone
Published August 2, 2025 at 2:08 PM
PATERSON, NJ - A historic culinary corner in Paterson turned the page Saturday as Mayor Andre Sayegh cut the ribbon on Silk Café, a new restaurant-style café at the site of the former Libby’s Lunch.
Once a beloved Texas Weiner stand and neighborhood staple since 1936, Libby’s Lunch stood steps from the Great Falls National Historical Park. After being shuttered and auctioned off in 2023, the site has undergone a complete transformation. Now, it’s poised to become the city’s next food destination.
“This is a proud moment for the City of Paterson,” Sayegh said. “Once again, we took an abandoned property and turned it into a new-wave café that’s all the rage right now. We anticipate visitors coming to see the falls and stopping by for a cup of coffee or something to eat. This helps move us closer to making Paterson a top-tier tourist destination.”
The reimagined space, now owned by Dr. Sal Washah — restaurateur and owner of Clifton’s Kanoon — was acquired through a public online auction hosted by Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Company. Washah purchased the property for $850,000 after bidding opened at $250,000 and quickly escalated.
Silk Café offers an expansive menu that includes all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside fresh bagels, specialty coffee, and in-house bakery items. The offerings range from omelets, pancakes, and sandwiches to Philly cheesesteaks, chicken shawarma, and platters of chicken, beef, and shrimp.
Prices are intentionally affordable, ranging from $2 to $12. “We want to make sure this place is affordable for everyone,” Washah said. “With our soft opening over the past two weeks, people are already raving about the food quality and prices.”
Washah emphasized that the vision for the café extends beyond business. “It is indeed business, but it’s also a family business. My kids will help run it, and we’re hiring local Paterson residents,” he said. “We’re bringing back Paterson history, creating jobs, and offering good food in a clean, welcoming space.”
The new eatery may eventually pay homage to Libby’s legacy, too. “We’re working on bringing the hot dog back — not just any hot dog, but something with real quality. I’m negotiating with a few chefs right now,” he said.
“We’ve been cleaning this area for the past eight months,” Washah added. “You’ll be able to sit and see the river, the falls — it’s a place to spend quality time with friends and family.”
City Council President Dr. Lilisa Mimms called the opening “a win for our city and residents.”
“It’s exciting to see a restaurant open in the city and see it packed, filled with great people, great food and love,” she said.
The café will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is located at 98 McBride Ave.
Article as it appears on TapInto Paterson: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/paterson/sections/food-and-drink/articles/silk-cafe-opens-in-paterson-bringing-new-flavor-and-fresh-energy-to-the-great-falls
Photo Credit: City of Paterson
