Top 5 NJ Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Honest Review
So, you are wanting to experience what New Jersey truly has on its menu? Think again, because it’s way more than just diners and pizza. I mean, while those spots certainly are holding a certain charm, you would probably miss a whole bunch of awesome spots that give the Garden State its delicious and interesting flavor. I figured, why not give my take on a few favorites? These suggestions reflect years of eating around the state. So, these aren’t ranked, that is too difficult, honestly! But each provides a distinctive reason that I consider it super worth a stop.
1. Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn: Canal-Side Charm
If you like something beautiful, with great food, you ought to go to Lambertville Station. Right next to the D&R Canal, this restaurant actually presents this certain romantic, comfortable atmosphere. It has historical significance, too; it was once a real train station! These days, it has this inn and restaurant. So, you can make an entire weekend trip from the entire area. It can get really busy at times though. The outdoor seating really does provide some great views, just like your enjoying lunch while ducks waddle by.
Now, that brings me to the grub! What should you try? The seafood is really outstanding, it’s almost like those fresh catches with super skilled preparation. Likewise, they certainly offer a stellar brunch on Sundays, offering choices that appeal to both those with sweet or savory tastebuds. By the way, don’t sleep on just enjoying some cocktails at their bar; their bartenders make some killer concoctions. So, expect it could cost more than the typical spot; you’re sort of paying that particular premium for great location and all the history.
2. Donkey’s Place: The “Proper” Cheesesteak
You know, forget Pat’s and Geno’s for this moment; you are in the mood for a totally honest cheesesteak, it really does make that trek to Camden, where Donkey’s Place resides. It is this hole-in-the-wall bar. It provides this cheesesteak served on a poppy seed roll alongside heaps of thinly sliced steak and gooey cheese, usually with grilled onions and peppers on top. Anyway, so the origin is that? It’s apparently created to be just a easier-to-manage sandwich for workers. This makes eating fast so it doesn’t slow them down at lunch.
What does make Donkey’s, you know, sort of special? Number one, that particular poppy seed roll does make for that wonderful flavor as well as textural contrast. You will also find it, arguably, is juicer than your normal cheesesteak because of their cooking process. I suggest also to try some of their horseradish sauce if you really enjoy a punch. Just be ready to wait since this joint might get pretty busy, but trust me, it’s like super worth it! Pro tip, too; while Camden may seem a bit dicey, Donkey’s Place happens to be really near the waterfront entertainment complex, to include the Adventure Aquarium and BB&T Pavilion, and offers lots of safety.
3. White Horse Tavern: Historic Eats
So, picture yourself enjoying some food and sipping cocktails with such a past that stretches back to the 1700s? Because White Horse Tavern in Galloway seems to offer it. That may just make this the oldest operating tavern in the entire USA! So, that certainly is a bragging right, alright? Many old buildings happen to get that certain charm to it and this location appears to ooze with such character; beams that’s old and fireplaces that’s comfy offer such a background for dining.
They definitely have a pretty varied menu, so they focus, like, that particularly ‘tavern fare’ with such an update on such a modern flair. I would totally recommend some of their seafood meals (particularly if they feature it); being nearly the shore, you could find its nearly guaranteed to stay pretty fresh. Do check what certain seasonal specials you get as well. If the weather’s cooperating, I actually like it out on the patio! Just a spot is pretty atmospheric to chill after the food that’s amazing with history that’s all.
4. Battello: Hoboken’s Waterfront Italian
Picture it: New York City view across some water with fantastic Italian food? Okay, look at Battello on Hoboken’s waterfront! The atmosphere that they give there’s definitely trendy, as well as slightly upscale, turning this to that perfect option for a night to stay a bit fancy. Arguably, if its a special occasion (a date and even impressing the clients with good food) then just go to Battello. Of course the location gets much credit – since the waterfront, it lets you catch your breathtaking view that’s Manhattan. Try to take in one of the evening visits that will showcase skyline’s gorgeous display once your sun sinks. I like that, so it offers such floor to ceilings and you stay surrounded around style.
Arguably the pasta dish is so very perfect for this and any meat just is amazing as you try all the different options they display for sure. If someone will decide which items it could go for, it must get the the shellfish! And the wine listing happens to be, and they probably can match a bottle for you and this could very much turn into any meal they present. Just bear it and Battello must also become that destination, so booking that table soon before turning here really often is very great so you never end sitting and waiting and wasting that time.
5. Cape May Brewery: Craft Brews by the Shore
Maybe, some spots in southmost jersey, find the spot which showcases passion which we want more. This’s the location that they stay for to present. If they could try a different craft, it just gets good, with just the environment that would get a beer tasting so why not find the Cape May Brewery? At that moment they will still do the brewing at every step. In particular, you might sample it since the taste you love there it will get more.
Most locations provide variety with the best taste that’s really the great one, as the whale and a simple beachside! Often, with any brewery that is great is offering various food truck there! And just plan ahead cause the tours get really more so for anyone wanting a first glimpse during operation the tour gets good since the spot offers all kind’s there to taste the beer . Make sure with this trip that is, try any bottles but make them all take a time soon before heading up there for a trip and see those brewery soon while on location there.