CARTERET, NJ – Restaurateur Sarbjit “Sam” Badwal has been a proud Carteret resident for more than 15 years, but until recently, he had yet to open a restaurant in his hometown.
He’s more than making up for that, however, with two imaginative eateries:
- Lab X, a fusion of international food, focusing on Mediterranean and Indian cuisine; innovative cocktails, and hookah flavors within a fiery nightspot fueled by live DJs and entertainers at 265 Washington Ave.
- LVLZ, a hibachi restaurant under construction on the rooftop and ground floor of The Botanic at 36 Washington Ave., which will include a rooftop bar and dining.
“We chose to open two restaurants in Carteret — rather than just one — because each concept plays a unique role in supporting the Borough’s long-term vision for growth, entertainment, and community engagement,” Badwal said. “Carteret is in the middle of an exciting transformation, especially with the Performing Arts Center attracting more visitors, new residents, and vibrant nightlife. We saw an opportunity not just to open a restaurant, but to help build a full ecosystem of dining and entertainment experiences that complement what the town is already investing in.
“Our goal is to be a partner to the Borough,” he continued, “to bring foot traffic, create jobs, support local vendors, and offer amenities that help Carteret compete with surrounding cities. Opening two venues allows us to invest deeper in the community and provide options that residents don’t currently have, while keeping people spending time and money here in town rather than going elsewhere. We believe Carteret deserves a full spectrum of dining and entertainment, and we’re excited to contribute to that vision.”
Having invested $2 million into Lab X, Badwals Enterprises also owns and operates Xperience, a highly acclaimed and popular nightspot in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township, and Taco Empreso, a fusion of Mexican with world flavors in Edison.
Angel Rivera is executive chef of all four restaurants. Rivera was raised in Woodbridge and currently lives in Perth Amboy.
“We’re both deeply connected to this area, which is why investing in Carteret and contributing to its growth feels natural and meaningful to us,” Rivera said.
Lab X is a unique community experience designed to be more than just another place to eat, Rivera said.
The interactive, energetic, and multicultural nightspot reflects the diversity of Carteret, said Mayor Daniel J. Reiman, who recently helped Lab X celebrate a grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Guests get to see, taste, and feel something different from rodizio skewers to creative cocktails and curated music,” Mayor Reiman said. “It’s a spectacular investment in our community. We’re proud to have Lab X here in Carteret and look forward to another successful business.”
Rivera added, “We want people to walk in and immediately know they’re somewhere special. Lab X gives Carteret a dining experience residents would typically travel to Jersey City or Manhattan for — but now it’s right here at home.”
The signature meal at Lab X is the Tandoori Mixed Grill, while the signature drink is called Liquid Love.
Both help to tell the nightspot’s story, Rivera said.
“Tandoori Mixed Grill symbolizes who we are as a brand — a culmination of different spices, cultures, and global influences coming together on one plate,” the executive chef said. “The dish brings bold tandoori flavors, layered marinades, and open-fire cooking techniques that represent the heart of our concept. What inspires it is the idea of unity through flavor. Lab X is built on multicultural creativity, and this dish captures that perfectly: vibrant spices, fresh ingredients, and proteins served sizzling hot, just the way our guests love. It’s flavorful, it’s aromatic, it’s fresh out of the fire — and it embodies everything Lab X stands for.
“Liquid Love was inspired by one of the very first cocktails we ever created at our original restaurant, Xperience — a lychee martini that quickly became one of our most popular drinks when we opened,” Rivera continued. “At Lab X, we wanted to evolve that idea and elevate it to match the experimental, refined nature of the concept. Liquid Love is essentially the next-level version of that original fan favorite. It carries the same lychee-forward flavor profile our guests loved, but with added layers of sophistication, premium spirits, and a more modern presentation. It represents both our history and our growth — taking something beloved and reimagining it in a way that reflects the creativity and identity of Lab X.”
Beyond the food, Lab X wants customers to enjoy a full aesthetic, design, and service experience, which is based on countless trips to top venues across the country, where Badwal and Rivera took best elements and brought them together in one thoughtfully curated space.
They didn’t just want great flavors but also an atmosphere that feels elevated, modern, and unlike anything else in the area, they said.
“From the lighting and textures to the energy and music, every detail was designed to create an immersive experience,” Badwal said.
“And when you combine that aesthetic with a level of service that’s warm, attentive, and consistent, you get something truly unique for this region,” Rivera added. “Lab X isn’t just a meal — it’s a place to feel inspired, welcomed, and excited to come back.”
Besides food and drinks, Lab X offers a full viewing experience that truly elevates dining on sports nights. A massive 12-by-24-foot LED video wall makes watching a football game feel like you’re right on the field.
Beyond sports, the screens share immersive scenic visuals.
“You feel like King Kong climbing through New York City,” Rivera said. “It’s an experience you simply can’t find anywhere else in the area. We wanted to go beyond a traditional restaurant and create a place where guests can enjoy entertainment on a grand scale — whether it’s sports, visuals, or special events. It’s part of what makes Lab X not just a meal, but a destination.”
Badwal added, “The town’s support allowed us to move through critical phases of the build-out much faster and stay ahead of schedule. A lot of local residents have told us how surprised they were at the pace. They saw demolition one week and suddenly, the structure was up and the sign was being installed. It really did feel like Lab X appeared overnight. That speed mattered. When the community is excited about a new restaurant, getting the doors open quickly helps keep that excitement and momentum alive. Grants gave us the ability to bring our concept to life sooner, create jobs sooner and deliver something the locals genuinely were looking forward to. It wasn’t just financial support — it was a boost that helped us meet the community’s anticipation in real time.
“Being part of the Carteret UEZ is worthwhile because it allows us to play a real role in the town’s growth and identity,” the restaurateur continued. “Carteret is quickly becoming a name people recognize in New Jersey, and being in the UEZ gives us the opportunity to be one of the businesses helping lead that momentum. It’s more than just an economic program — it’s a partnership with the Borough. We’re proud to be part of a community that’s investing in development, attracting new residents, and building a stronger local economy. The UEZ gives us tools and support that make it easier to grow, hire, and continue contributing to Carteret’s future. Being in the UEZ means we’re not just building a restaurant; we’re helping build the town’s reputation.”
Lab X is open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. To make a reservation, call 732-790-1550. For more information, cvisit labxnj.com/.
