New Jersey is home to hundreds of incredible restaurants and some of the best are just waiting for you to discover them. Locals may know about these under the radar gems, but we all deserve a delicious treat. These spots are particularly special because they’ve never been featured before on Only In New Jersey. Discover your new favorite restaurant!
1. Mr. Bill's - 453 Route 73 South, Winslow Township
In business for over 50 years, Mr. Bill's is a local icon. Diners flock here for good food and fair prices. Expect a menu of American favorites including burgers, crab cakes, chicken fingers and pastrami subs. The ice cream is a favorite and breakfast is served all day. Dine outside when the weather is warm.
2. Jack's Lobster Shack - 1040 River Road, Edgewater
This newer addition to the New Jersey dining scene is already expanding. Currently in Edgewater, a Montclair location will be opening soon. Jack's Lobster Shack is a casual seafood eatery that brings a taste of Maine to the Garden State. The lobsters are live on the premises and the food is as fresh as it gets.
3. Shea's Café - 195 S. New York Road (Rt. 9),
Galloway
Shea's Cafe serves the best breakfast around (try the cinnamon swirl pancakes) and offers an onsite bakery that brings in crowds. They serve breakfast and lunch seven days a week and you won't want to miss a meal here. Try the Fall River Clam Chowder on Fridays.
4. Malaga Restaurant - 511 Lalor Street, Hamilton
More than a restaurant, Malaga is a cultural experience. In addition to authentic Spanish cuisine, they offer live entertainment on the second Sunday of each month. The food is out of this world and the ambiance is warm and inviting. Try your choice of paella - they're all delicious and a vegetarian option is available.
5. Riviera Maya - 340 US Highway 206,
Branchville
Enjoy a menu of Mexican favorites, margaritas and mariachi music at this festive eatery. You'll love the flavorful food and vibrant interior. The atmosphere and service are outstanding. If you're craving Mexican fare while in Sussex County, this is the place to go. Be sure to try the fresh guacamole and feel free to bring the kids - the children's menu will appease even the pickiest of eaters.
6. Aunt Betty's Kitchen - 1016 Ye Greate Street, Greenwich
You'll feel right at home at Aunt Betty's Kitchen, located in historic Greenwich. Their motto is, "Comfort Food, Warmly Served" and that couldn't be more true. Visit just once and you'll start to feel like family. Open Tuesday - Saturday they also offer a selection of gift items available for purchase.
7. The Ryland Inn - 115 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse Station
This upscale eatery is also a popular wedding venue. Housed in a restored 200-year-old estate, everything about this building is enchanting. Grab a drink at The Duck Bar or outside at The Patio Bar. Then, enjoy a unique appetizer like Octopus Carpaccio.
8. Zeppelin Hall Biergarten - 88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City
Okay, this place isn't a secret; it's one of the best places in New Jersey to celebrate Oktoberfest. If you live within a 50-mile radius of Jersey City, you've likely heard of this biergarten and restaurant. If you haven't though, you'll want to visit. They serve up spectacular German and American cuisine and the Ring of Fire (a pretzel filled with BBQ favorites) cannot be missed.
9. Filomina Lakeview - 1738 Cooper Street, Deptford
This modern Italian eatery is housed in a historic space, right on the water. Enjoy the view from the patio when the weather gets warm. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, they also offer a spectacular brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The pepper bread is a great appetizer and you can also enjoy drinks at the full bar while you're here.
10. The Gables - 212 Centre Street, Beach Haven
A charming Long Beach Island inn, The Gables is also home to an exquisite eatery. A spectacular fine dining experience, dinner is served nightly during the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. They offer exceptional service and an ever-changing menu centered around the freshest ingredients possible. You can expect gourmet delights including fried duck egg bruschetta.
11. Little Tokyo - 207 Mountain Avenue, Hackettstown
Enjoy fresh sushi along with a variety of Japanese and Korean dishes at this inviting eatery. The interior is a beautifully decorated, tranquil space and the friendly staff will make you feel right at home. Watch your sushi being made and feel free to bring your own bottle of wine.
12. Library II - 306 Route 73, Voorhees
The exterior of this eatery is nice enough but the book-lined interior truly shines. This award-winning steakhouse is also known for its seafood and stupendous salad bar. Craft the salad of your dreams and then dine on some mouthwatering steak as your main course. A unique feature of this fine dining establishment is "the window." Chat with the chef and choose your trim or get some help selecting the perfect lobster tail. Visit during happy hour (M-F, 3:30-6:00) for great deals on drinks and select food items. The crab cake sandwich is just $5.95.
How many of these restaurants have you been to? What’s your favorite hidden gem restaurant in New Jersey? Share with me in the comments. If your favorite restaurant isn’t on this list, there’s a good chance it’s been featured before. For even more local favorites, check out this list of Neighborhood Restaurants In New Jersey .
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