The Turtle Back Zoo is one of New Jersey’s best spots for animal lovers – a thriving, reasonably-priced zoo in the middle of the Essex County Zoological Society. Inside, you’ll be able to meet animals great and small, and kids will love learning about the unique wildlife we share the world with. But you’ll probably get hungry while you’re there – and at this zoo, you’ll have much better choices than the standard zoo chicken fingers. That’s because the Turtle Back Zoo shares the park with the best zoo restaurant in New Jersey, McLoone’s Boathouse. This small chain of upscale seafood restaurants offers a unique nautical theme with delicious food that will make a visit to this zoo memorable for both animal lovers and gourmets alike.

The Turtle Back Zoo is one of New Jersey's best family destinations, and the animals are waiting for a memorable visit!
Turtle Back Zoo/Facebook
The sloth enclosure is a popular spot to see the slow-moving animals in (relative) action.
Turtle Back Zoo/Facebook
For cuteness factor, you won't beat the red pandas! These gentle animals are always snacking on bamboo and playing in their enclosure.
Turtle Back Zoo/Facebook
The zoo has some larger animals too, and an up-close encounter with the giraffes is one of the most memorable events at the zoo.
Turtle Back Zoo/Facebook

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Not all the animals are in hiding during the cold months - many thrive in it, and their winter coats are impressive to see!
Turtle Back Zoo/Facebook
From the zoo, it's only a few minutes' walk across the bridge to McLoone's Boathouse, a charming restaurant located on the park grounds.
McLoone's Boathouse/Facebook
Inside, you'll find a nautical-themed casual restaurant serving some of the best fish and seafood in the area.
McLoone's Boathouse/Facebook
The pasta with clams and mussels is a great light meal, still tasting of the sea and paired with a lightly spicy sauce.
Patricia I/TripAdvisor
Of course, if you want something heavier, the landlubbers have you covered too. The steak at McLoone's is a hearty portion cooked to order and paired with the sides of your choice.
Ccari01/TripAdvisor

Have you been to the Turtle Back Zoo and its neighboring restaurant, McLoone’s Boathouse? Let us know about your visit to this unique zoo restaurant in New Jersey in the comments section. If you want to learn more, you can visit the zoo website and restaurant website for all the details. For another zoo you might have never heard of, check out this unique animal sanctuary!

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Featured Addresses
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA
McLoone's Boathouse, 9 Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA