10th Ave Burrito Co
817 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, NJ 07719
tenthaveburrito.com
12 Farms Restaurant
120 N Main St, Hightstown, NJ 08520
visits = 2019.05 most memorable = cheese board
120 N Main St, Hightstown, NJ 08520
visits = 2019.05 most memorable = cheese board
2 Senza (closed)
2 Bridge Avenue, The Galleria, Red Bank, NJ
2 Bridge Avenue, The Galleria, Red Bank, NJ
type = restaurant, Mediterranean / Northern Italian, upscale
visits = over most of their lifespan, 1990s-2000s
Read my post about it here.
507 Main At Shark River
507 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
507main.com yelp
type = restaurant, pizza
type = market, Mediterranean / Italian
visited once mid 2000s
A Little Bit Of Cuba Dos
2 E Main St Freehold, NJ 07728
alittlebitofcuba.com, foursquare, yelp
type = restaurant, Cuban
24 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450-3204
amanopizza.com
A Toute Heure
232 Centennial Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016
908-276-6600
atouteheure.com, plus, yelp
type = restaurant, French
average entree = $30
507main.com yelp
type = restaurant, pizza
A & S Salumeria
480 Route 33 West, Clarksburg, NJ 08510type = market, Mediterranean / Italian
visited once mid 2000s
A Little Bit Of Cuba Dos
2 E Main St Freehold, NJ 07728
alittlebitofcuba.com, foursquare, yelp
type = restaurant, Cuban
A Mano
amanopizza.com
232 Centennial Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016
908-276-6600
atouteheure.com, plus, yelp
type = restaurant, French
average entree = $30
3475 Route 9 N, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-761-2900
aanganfreehold.com
type = restaurant, Indian
Aby’s Restaurant
32 Main St, Matawan, NJ 07747
abysmexicanrestaurant.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/abys-restaurant-matawan
Acapulqueno Mexican Grill
571 Broadway Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-761-2900
aanganfreehold.com
type = restaurant, Indian
Aby’s Restaurant
32 Main St, Matawan, NJ 07747
abysmexicanrestaurant.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/abys-restaurant-matawan
Acapulqueno Mexican Grill
571 Broadway Long Branch, NJ 07740
Acropolis Cafe
506 Main St Belmar, NJ 07719732-556-0050
Ada's Gojjo
1301 Memorial Dr, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
https://adagojjo.com/
type = restaurant, Ethiopian and Dominican,
note: moved here from Long Branch
Ada's Gojjo
1301 Memorial Dr, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 [2018-]
home, home,
type = restaurant, Dominican & Ethiopian
visits =
2013.05.30?
Beef empanada really good flavor, not greasy. Chick empanada OK but not very flavorful. Malta Goya beverage nice flavor like a yeasty root beer too bad about the HFCS.
2014.09.04 Beef Empanada good flavor and texture (you don't even need the sauce), Beef Stew nice flavor dry but soft, Doro Wat Alitcha rich subtle flavor, Pernil with side of plantains soft nice crunch. As usual, everything good.
2016.04.28 Beef emp good as always, beef stew good flavors but a little mushy, Yesiga Tibs is like liver and onions but more interesting flavors. This places is starting to get more busy.
Review: Grubby neighborhood outside, simple and clean inside. Owner operators are always present but never push themselves on you. Most foods have rich subtle flavors, and some exquisite textures.
Aji Asian Grill Japanese Cuisine
82 Montgomery Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-728-9888
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, mostly Japanese but some Chinese, Thai
visits = 2016.11.03, 2017.03.16
review = good
status = visit again
Adam's Rib (closed)
19 Wrightstown Cookstown Rd, Cookstown, NJ 08511
609-286-2065
Aki Asian Restaurant (Aki Sushi)
akisushinj.com
436 New Jersey 36 Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
authenticity.operator = no, authenticity.clientele = no
overall rating = ok
Al's Luncheonette
300 Gordons Corner Rd, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
one visit 2018.10?
Albivi
866 Perrineville Road, Millstone Twp., NJ 08535
732-446-8211
albivi.com, yelp
type = restaurant, Italian, eat-in, takeout
visits = 200x, 201x
review = Best thin crust pizza in NJ, even better than Pete & Elda's. Other dishes are ok to good. Ambience is OK, service can vary but generally ok.
type = restaurant, Dominican & Ethiopian
visits =
2013.05.30?
Beef empanada really good flavor, not greasy. Chick empanada OK but not very flavorful. Malta Goya beverage nice flavor like a yeasty root beer too bad about the HFCS.
2014.09.04 Beef Empanada good flavor and texture (you don't even need the sauce), Beef Stew nice flavor dry but soft, Doro Wat Alitcha rich subtle flavor, Pernil with side of plantains soft nice crunch. As usual, everything good.
2016.04.28 Beef emp good as always, beef stew good flavors but a little mushy, Yesiga Tibs is like liver and onions but more interesting flavors. This places is starting to get more busy.
Review: Grubby neighborhood outside, simple and clean inside. Owner operators are always present but never push themselves on you. Most foods have rich subtle flavors, and some exquisite textures.
2017.06.30
2017.09.28
2018.03.23
2018.12.28
2019.02.22
2019.05.10
2019.10.24
2020.08.13
Doro wot, butternut squash, tikil home
Cubano fries
Yesiga tibs
2020.09.17 Beef Empanadas, soup of the day, Ada's Cheese Steak, Fried Chicken, Ye Siga Tibs
2021.03.25
Aji Asian Grill Japanese Cuisine
82 Montgomery Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-728-9888
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, mostly Japanese but some Chinese, Thai
visits = 2016.11.03, 2017.03.16
review = good
status = visit again
Adam's Rib (closed)
19 Wrightstown Cookstown Rd, Cookstown, NJ 08511
609-286-2065
Aki Asian Restaurant (Aki Sushi)
akisushinj.com
436 New Jersey 36 Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
authenticity.operator = no, authenticity.clientele = no
overall rating = ok
Al's Luncheonette
300 Gordons Corner Rd, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
one visit 2018.10?
Albivi
866 Perrineville Road, Millstone Twp., NJ 08535
732-446-8211
albivi.com, yelp
type = restaurant, Italian, eat-in, takeout
visits = 200x, 201x
review = Best thin crust pizza in NJ, even better than Pete & Elda's. Other dishes are ok to good. Ambience is OK, service can vary but generally ok.
~late 201x not so reliable anymore
Alice’s Kitchen
Sea Bright
http://www.yelp.com/biz/alices-kitchen-sea-bright
note: cash only!? has Irish breakfast?
note: used to be called Four Seasons Diner in the 80s/90s
4 S Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501
609-223-0335
home, plus, facebook, yelp,
type = restaurant, German
visits = 201x
2011.03.27 potato pancake (ok) veal schnitzel (good), wurst platter (good) carrot cake (good)
2013.05.09 potato pancake (not as we know it - small and dense), pate + wurst plate (good), Rouladen (good), apple strudel and ice cream (good)
review = food ok to good, service acceptable, ambience ok, price acceptable
Alycia's Bistro
52 W Main St, Freehold Township, NJ 07728
732-462-2305
home, yelp,
hours: closed M, BYOB
type = restaurant, American
reviews: mostly good
status: try? they have chicken waffle
732-988-2000
yelp
type = cafe
American Hero Deli {closed, now ?Joe's deli}
1650 Old York Road, Allentown, NJ 08501-2004
609-208-1200
homepage?, plus, yelp
note: various visits in the 200x-201x, it started really good - tasty food, reasonable price, and occasional home made foods and pies, but with a crabby owner (who we were ok with), gradually owner dissappeared, home baked goods dissappeared, employees grew less skilled + more uncaring, place grew shabbier, shelves got emptier, finally it got too sad to go, even though the food was still mostly ok. observed in 2016.07 that its under a new name, joe's?
Americana Diner
Shrewsbury
Americana Diner & Restaurant
US Highway 130 N, Hightstown, NJ 08520
609-448-4477
americanadiner.com,
type = diner, upscale
alcohol = yes
visits = 200x various, 2010.02.12
review =
The food is consistently good if a little pricey; overall value is good.
The menu has been slowly drifting away from diner towards more high end; so far they have been keeping a good balance.
Service is generally competent and with a good attitude, but like most places starts coming apart during peak times.
Another problem with peak times is this place (along with the adjacent lounge) becomes the local destination; the crowd and noise really dampen the the nice high-end diner vibe.
Unless you like that sort of thing, off-peak this really is the best dining experience in the area.
Angelina’s Italian Bistro
350 Mounts Corner Dr, Freehold Township, NJ 07728
732-414-6008
angelinasbistro.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/angelinas-italian-bistro-freehold-township-2
Arthur's Tavern
Morris Plains
Asian Food Markets (regional chain) [Middletown]
1281 Highway 35 North, Middletown, NJ 07748
732-957-1888
type = market, asian
Asian Food Markets (regional chain) [Piscataway]
1339 Centennial Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-645-3018
type = market, asian
Asian Food Markets (regional chain) [Plainsboro]
660 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536
609-799-1828
type = market, asian
visits = various mid to late 2000s
review = Good for dry and refrigerated goods and some veg; the fish market sometimes stinks up the place. The take-away counter was good when I had a translator.
Asian Halal Meat Kebab House
510 Rt. 130 South
Hightstown, NJ 08520
(609) 443-9555
kababandmeathouse.com
take-out only
http://www.yelp.com/biz/asian-halal-meat-and-kebab-house-hightstown
At the Table
Asbury Park
type = soul/southern
visits = once
2012.04.12 ok, but no need to hurry back
Avon Pavilion
600 Ocean Ave, Avon by the Sea, NJ 07717
732-775-1043
avonpavilion.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, American / Continental, entrees ~ $25
alcohol = BYOB
reviews = mixed, seems overpriced and is probably a tourist trap
B2 Bistro + Bar
141 Shrewsbury Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
visited 2015.11.05? was it something else?
Bagel World [Manalapan]
356 Rt. 9 North, Manalapan, NJ 07726
732-536-8144
njwebsite.net/bagelworld/
type = take-out, bagel
visits = various 200x
review =
Almost as good as Hot Bagel Bakery in Ocean Township, which is saying a lot. I find the bagels a little too soft, but if that's your preference you may like this shop more.
Baguette Delite
381 Old Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08817
732-626-5542
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Vietnamese
reviews = good, recommended: banh mi sandwiches, pho
status = never been, visit!
Bahia de Acapulco, Fonda
5 South St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-303-0017
homepage, facebook, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, Mexican
visits = 2014.x, 2014.04.24
2014.first.visit?
Caldos (dinner soup), pozole (corn) w chicken a little dry but the broth good, comes with 2 tostados. Taco lengua beef good flavors, a little dry but there's nice small salad and lime. Salsa verde good. Coffee good - cardamom?
Baklava Lady {2019.10-}
34 Main St, Englishtown, NJ 07726
https://www.thebaklavalady.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NaciyeTheBaklavaLady/
https://www.instagram.com/thebaklavalady/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-baklava-lady-englishtown
type = restaurant, Turkish, vegan, breakfast lunch? cafe?
status = try!!
9 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701
Boathouse Bar and Grill
1309 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-681-5221
boathousebarandgrill.com
type = restaurant, American?
Bobby's Burger Palace (national chain)
bobbysburgerpalace.com
type = American fast food?
tried several with mixed results - not trying anymore
Bobby's Burger Palace [Eatontown]
188 Route 35 South, Eatontown, NJ 07724
732-544-0200
Bobby's Burger Palace [Paramus]
610 Bergen Town Center, Paramus, NJ
201-368-7001
review = Ambience is nice fast food, like a Johnny Rockets but with no character. Everything tasted weird or bad, almost unbelievable for a place that seems successful, so would try again, but another location.
Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse
369 Stamets Road, Milford, NJ 08848
cowsoutside.com
type = market
Bombay Gardens (closed)
1020 New Jersey 18, East Brunswick, Middlesex, NJ 08816
732-613-9500
bombaygardens.com
visits = 2010.02.07, 2011.02.27
review = very good but closed late 2011, used to be our usual Indian place
note: closed as of late 2011/early 2012
Bon Appetit Cafe
Long Branch
Bonanza Steakhouse (national chain)
bonanzasteakhouses.com
There don't seem to be any in NJ any more.
Bonanza Steakhouse [Ocean Township] (closed)
review = nostalgia from the early 1980s. i fondly remember the long cafeteria line, where you would slide your plastic tray on the rails and order your steak. this is the place where i loved salad bar.
Bonefish Grill (national chain) [Middletown]
447 Rte 35 Red Bank, NJ 07748
Village Sq, 36 Beach Rd, Ste 9, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750
732-222-0729
booskerdoo.com plus yelp
type = cafe?
Boulevard Five 72
572 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ
908-709-1200
boulevardfive72.com
Boston Market (chain)
I remember when it started as Boston Chicken, and it was quite good. Even soon after they became Boston Market, it was still pretty good, but its been on the descent since then. Still decent American comfort food, but a little too pricey for fast food.
Brando's
Asbury Park
Seated near small but extremely loud bar, very high fan blowing down on us, move to adjacent quieter room. Service started OK, but attention drifted away to almost minimum as room filled up.
Bread good, 3 toppings.
Rigatoni Bolognese good, very al dente.
Gnocchi perfect little puffy clouds, 3 sauces.
OK, but no need to revisit.
Broad Street Dough (Freehold)
177 Elton Adelphia Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
Broad Street Dough (Oakhurst)
2005 NJ-35, Oakhurst, NJ 07755
Burger Bros
Keyport, NJ
Burlington County Farm Fair
609-784-8369
burlingtoncountyfarmfair.com,
type = fair
note: "Located at the new Burlington County Fairgrounds at 1990 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road; Springfield Township, NJ (corner of Route 206 & Jacksonville-Jobstown Road). Just 1/4 mile south of the Columbus Farmer's Market."
Buttered Biscuit
700 Main Street, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
732-807-4069
homepage?, facebook, plus, yelp,
status = visit again
review = Good, but plan around it being busy. Avoid any savory dishes (meat and eggs), they don't seem to know what they're doing. But what is a meal without the savory part? Its not worth fighting the line unless you only want carbs, which they do well.
Buy-Rite Liquors of Cranbury
they have several kegs on tap, and you can fill a container
otherwise gross, go to Bottle King down in East Windsor
Asbury Park
home, yelp,
type = cafe?
visits = once, ok
status = maybe revisit
Cheeburger Cheeburger (chain) [various locations]
home
quality seems to vary widely by location
so far only the one in Manalapan is consistently decent
Cheeburger Cheeburger (Hamilton) {closed}
549 U.S. 130 Hamilton Township, NJ 08691
609-585-8899
visits = tried once, like the Manalapan one more for food and service
note: passed by sometime 2016 summer, was going to give it a second chance, some relieved to see it closed.
Cheeburger Cheeburger (Manalapan)
732-780-8880
33 US Highway 9, Manalapan, NJ 07726
type = restaurant, American Chain
tags = hamburger; ice cream; shake;
visits =
201x.
2012.03.10 burger good - actually got MR, sweet potato fries taste good on the outside but a little mushy inside, vanilla shake had ok texture but little flavor, service ok, ambience is simulated culture by corporate committee, prices are ok, overall value is ok
Cheesecake Factory (chain) [various locations]
OK, but not a good value. Once you've been to Grand Lux Cafe (the higher end version of this), Cheesecake Factory will seem disappointing in comparison.
Cheesecake Factory [Freehold]
#3710 US Highway 9 (at Freehold Mall), Freehold, NJ 07728
type = restaurant American Chain
Chelsea's Creamery & Gourmet Desserts
334 Main Street, Matawan, NJ
type = bakery?
Cheng Chen Chinese Restaurant
659 Abbington Dr # 403, NJ 08520-5814
609-443-5330
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Cheng+Chen+Chinese+Restaurant&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Cheng+Chen+Chinese+Restaurant&hnear=Twin+Rivers,+NJ&cid=11115814228914522543
visit =
2011.01.02 take-out order:
5.65 pork dumplings, fried {very good}
3.15 chicken noodle soup, large {S no like}
2.55 egg drop soup, large {ok, a little snotty}
3.90 hot and sour soup, large {ok}
6.95 pork fried rice, large {}
8.95 chicken with broccoli, large {}
9.35 kung po chicken {ok}
40.50
review =
standard every-town-has-one chinese take-out, overall ok to good, 3/5
Chester Farmers Market
June 27th through October 10th, 10:00am to 3:00pm 908/879-1610
Chester Village Square parking lot, Perry Street Chester
Chez Catherine
431 North Avenue W Westfield, NJ 07090
908-654-4011
chezcatherine.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, french
average entree = prix-fixe $65
Chick-fil-A (fast food chain)
Good cheap chicken sandwich and waffle fries, too bad I usually think of going on a Sunday.
Chicken or the Egg
207 North Bay Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
609-492-3695
Chilango's Authentic Mexican
272 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732-1548
732-708-0505
home plus
type = Mexican
reviews = good
visits = never been
status = try!
note =
review = n/a
Chili's
type = restaurant American Chain
better than TGIF, maybe a little better than Ruby Tuesday.
Chocolate Dreams {closed}
Allentown
type = candy
visits =
review = amazing good turtles, especially the pecan was perfect mix of salty sweet. so sad.
Cholula
24 Wilson Ave, Englishtown, NJ 07726
732-786-0080
type = restaurant, Mexican
cholularestaurant.com, plus, yelp
Ciccone's Italian Deli
3135 Highway 9 North, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
732-679-5006
Circus Drive-In
732-449-2650
1861 State Route 35, Wall Township, NJ 07719-3510
http://circusdrivein.com/
visits = 2012.05.06 first time ever?
review = can't recall, i think it was ok, do visit again
status = revisit!
Citrico's Mediterranean Italian Grille
732-988-6565
812 Main St., Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
citricosnj.com
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=812+Main+St.,+Bradley+Beach,+NJ+07720&cid=14922460102765776420
CJ McLoone's Pub & Grille
560 Shrewsbury Ave., Tinton Falls, NJ 07701
Clairmont Diner {closed?}
609-443-8222
431 Route 130 N, East Windsor, NJ 08520
http://www.clairmontdiner.com/
type = American Diner
visits = 200x?
review = low end, seems like a cursed location, changed owners/names several times
Clancy's Tavern
732-988-4500
25 South Main Street, Neptune City, NJ 07753-5032
Clarksburg Inn
465 Stage Coach Road, Clarksburg, NJ 08510
609-259-2558
http://clarksburginn.net/
visits = lots 200x, 201x
review = used to be so quaint, then it burnt down, then re-opened in their banquet space. hasn't been the same since. we get 2 for 1 pizza on Wednesday night sometimes. used to have a nice breakfast buffet, which has closed and re-opened over the years. there was one Mother's Day were it was awesome, but they haven't repeated that since. the coffee cake was excellent, alone worth the trip.
2017.03.20 closed
Clementine's Cafe
306 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717
732-988-7979
clementinesavon.com
maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&cid=9565923253779908543
yelp.com/biz/clementines-cafe-avon-by-the-sea
type = restaurant, American New Orleans
visits = 2012.05.03?
Colts Neck Deli
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&cid=14728348287834800573
http://www.yelp.com/biz/colts-neck-general-store-colts-neck
type = deli / take-out
visits =
200x ?
2010.01.11 breakfast special: egg sandwich + small coffee, upgrade to medium for 0.25, good
status = visit again, try breakfast sandwich The Killer
Colts Neck Inn Steak Chop House
2-20 County Road 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Columbus Farmer's Market & Flea Market
type = Amish / market / take-out
http://www.columbusfarmersmarket.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/columbus-farmers-market-and-flea-market-columbus
Columns, The
601 Ocean Ave, Avon, NJ 07717
732-988-3213
columnsnj.net plus
Comfi (Belmar)
Comfi (Old Bridge)
https://www.facebook.com/Comfi.OldBridge/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/comfi-old-bridge-township
type = breakfast & lunch
Committed Pig
Manasquan
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-committed-pig-manasquan-2
(no western omelet, pancakes, french toast, eggs, pork roll)
Conchita's y Romeo's
74 South St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-303-9616
Connie’s Restaurant
63 Main St, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
home, yelp,
cash only
715 Main St, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-280-2266
http://www.connollystation.com/
type = pub
Cookie Cottage (closed)
3697A Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
609-631-8225
http://cookiecottage-nj.com/
http://web.archive.org/web/20111228040942/http://www.cookiecottage-nj.com/
Country Stop Kitchen (closed? changed owner?)
70 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, NJ 08527
732-833-0322
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Country+Stop+Diner&cid=8690652529851037241
yelp.com/biz/country-stop-kitchen-jackson
type = diner
visits =
200x various, maybe half-dozen times
2011.04.03 cream of turkey soup (good), cheeseburger (good), meatloaf sandwich (good), check under $20 !
Court Jester [Aberdeen]
never been
Court Jester [Freehold]
16 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-462-1040
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
Cous Cous Moroccan Cuisine
145 Barclay Shopping Ctr, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
856-427-9994
http://www.couscousnj.com/
Cracker Barrel (national chain)
crackerbarrel.com
type = restaurant, American
review = "simulated culture, like Disneyland"
Cracker Barrel [Hamilton]
609-581-5462
review = mixed results
Cranberry's Gourmet Cafe
10 Cedarbrook Dr, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-655-0134
http://www.cranberrysgourmet.com/
https://plus.google.com/104315124766079988471/
Cranbury Delights (closed)
64 N. Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-409-4466, 609-409-6777
type = bakery / Hungarian
home (gone), home (archived), yelp
www.cranburydelights.net
http://web.archive.org/web/20111219184659/http://www.cranburydelights.net/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cranbury-delights-cranbury
Cranbury Inn
21 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-655-5595
http://www.thecranburyinn.com/
Cranbury Pizza
63 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-409-9930
http://www.cranburypizza.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cranbury-NJ/Cranbury-Pizza/94974652136
status = never been
Cranbury Station
2625 U.S. 130 Cranbury, NJ 08512
https://plus.google.com/110200855330031032856/about?gl=US&hl=en-US
was a mediocre diner/cafe/bar
i think this place closed and became the Station Bar & Grill
same owners?
Cubacan
800 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park 732-774-3007
D. A. Barsch German Butcher Shop (closed?)
1548 Route 9, Toms River, NJ 08775
732-240-0422
http://www.dabarsch.com/
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&cid=10588294528008812406
http://www.yelp.com/biz/toms-river-german-butcher-toms-river
type = deli / German / market
D'Jais Oceanview Bar & Cafe
1801 Ocean Avenue, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-681-5055
http://www.djais.com/ (warning sound)
type = bar
Daily Gourmet
353 Sweetmans Ln, Millstone, NJ 08535
try!
Dairy Queen (chain)
http://www.dairyqueen.com/
fast food ice cream, and food at some locations
Dairy Queen (Belmar)
827 12th Avenue, Belmar, NJ 07719-2751
732-681-1262
Danish Cafe and Bakery
2 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-268-7365
http://www.thedanishcafe.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-danish-cafe-red-bank
status: haven't been in a while, revisit.
Danny’s Place
Wanamassa
yelp
11 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
review = been once, not impressed
status = prob never re-visit
Daphne's Diner
Route 130, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
type = diner?
status = never been, try!
Dauphin Grille
1401 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712-5612
732-774-3474
http://dauphingrille.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Asbury-Park-NJ/Dauphin-Grille/135183396514163
DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies [Robbinsville]
2350 Rt 33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
609-341-8480
delorenzostomatopies.com
https://plus.google.com/101273517110465591519/about?gl=us&hl=en
type = pizza
DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies [Trenton]
530 Hudson Street, Trenton, NJ 08611
609-695-9534
http://www.delorenzostomatopies.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/de-lorenzos-tomato-pies-trenton
type = pizza
Delvetto's Restaurant
3701 New Jersey 33, Neptune Township, NJ 07753
732-922-3775
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Delvetto's+Restaurant,+New+Jersey+33,+Neptune+Township,+NJ&hl=en&cid=2163670206560132222
http://www.yelp.com/biz/delvettos-restaurant-and-pizzeria-neptune
http://www.allmenus.com/nj/neptune/11830-delvettos-restaurant/menu/
type = pizza
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (regional chain)
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Newark)
224 Market St, Newark, NJ 07102
862-214-6100
dinosaurbarbque.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dinosaur-bar-b-que-newark
type = American / BBQ / Soul / Southern
DJ’s Delights
http://www.yelp.com/biz/djs-delights-asbury-park-2
Don Pepe's [Freehold]
Freehold
type = Peruvian
as of 2014.04 opening soon
Don Pepe's [Jamesburg]
Jamesburg
type = Peruvian
Don's Pizza King
811 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719-2705
732-681-6373
Donuts Time Cafe
1280 NJ-33, Hamilton Township, NJ 08690
https://www.yelp.com/biz/donuts-time-cafe-hamilton-township
Doris & Ed’s
348 Shore Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-1565
dorisandeds.com
Drew's Bayshore Bistro
28 E Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735
732-739-9219
bayshorebistro.com
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=28+E+Front+St+Keyport,+NJ+07735&hl=en&cid=18250278469550383510
yelp.com/biz/drews-bayshore-bistro-keyport
type = New Orleans
status = visited a while ago?
Due Mari
78 Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-296-1600
http://www.duemarinj.com/
type = Italian
Duk Soo Goong
475 Old Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08817
https://www.yelp.com/biz/duk-soo-goong-edison
visits =
2013.05? (the night we found out Edison Noodle House closed). Looks like hole in wall outside and in, but that can be a good thing. Staff seems a little wary. Almost no english spoken. No hot tea why? Overall good, would try again.
Dunkin' Donuts [chain]
They have a unique coffee flavor, which sometimes I avoid and sometimes I crave. Coffee is very consistent between locations, but the freshness and taste of the donuts and bagels varies by location.
Dunkin' Donuts [East Windsor]
1 Lake Dr, East Windsor, NJ 08520
609-448-7870
Consistently not good. Better to go west to the one on Route 130, or east to the one in Millstone. Also, the gas prices at the attached Shell station tend to be higher than the Hess across the street, so why would you even be here?
Dunkin' Donuts [Highland Park]
This location was a staple during Rutgers days, especially during odd hours.
Sometime in the 2000s they moved to a nearby building and the location became a pizza place.
Dusal's Pizza
340 Union Hill Rd, Englishtown, NJ 07726
732-536-4089
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dusals-pizza-englishtown
Dutchman's Brauhaus
Manahawkin
www.facebook.com/otto.dutchman
open? seasonal?
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/289/1246695/restaurant/South-Jersey/Ship-Bottom/The-Dutchmans-Brauhaus-Manahawkin
East Coast Cookery
3548 Route 66, Neptune, NJ 07753
East Japanese Restaurant
1405 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-837-1260
conveyor belt
Edie’s Luncheonette
Little Silver
http://www.yelp.com/biz/edies-luncheonette-little-silver
Edward's Steakhouse
239 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Efes Restaurant
32 Easton Ave New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-249-4100
efesgrill.us
type = restaurant, Mediterranean / Greek / Turkish
Einstein Bros Bagels (national chain)
haven't been in a while, remember it being at least as good as supermarket bagel
El Familiar
3 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728-2209
732-303-9400
http://www.elfamiliar.com/
https://plus.google.com/110211682555263483998/
review =
one visit in 200x? overall ok food and value, but not authentic
status =
no need to revisit
El Meson
44 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-308-9494
type = restaurant, Mexican
review =
i think we went once, not impressed enough to come back.
status =
no need to revisit
El Rancho
235 3rd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
plus yelp
Federici's Pizzeria (Freehold)
14 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-462-1312
federicis.com
Felicia's Kitchen
129 Markham Place, Little Silver, New Jersey 07739
Ferry House
32 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542-3202
609-924-2488
theferryhouse.com
Fiddleheads
27 E Railroad Ave, Jamesburg, NJ 08831
http://www.fiddleheadsjamesburg.com/
type = restaurant, dinner, brunch
Fins (regional chain)
Bradley Beach, Brick, Sea Girt
finsusa.com
Fireside Bar & Grill
133 South Main Street (Route 79), Marlboro, NJ 07746
type = restaurant, American?
Fish Urban Dining
601 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-8181
fishasburypark.com
https://www.facebook.com/FISHAsburyPark
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fish-urban-dining-asbury-park-2
type = restaurant, seafood
Five Guys (chain)
tried one near North Brunswick that wasn't that good, maybe try another location
fiveguys.com
Flaky Tart
145 1st Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716-1237
732-291-2555
home, plus, yelp,
type = bakery
visits = Really nice little bakery. The croissant is the best I've ever had - but be warned that quality varies a little. Sometimes its just a really good croissant, and sometimes I am transported to Paris.
Four Seasons Diner
823 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753
732-270-8778
fourseasonsdiner.com
Frank’s Deli & Restaurant
Asbury Park
http://www.yelp.com/biz/franks-deli-and-restaurant-asbury-park
Frog and The Peach, The
29 Dennis St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-846-3216
frogandpeach.com plus yelp
type = restaurant American Noveau
status = never been
Fromagerie
see David Burke Fromagerie (changed owner at some time?)
Fuddruckers (chain)
used to have a bunch of locations in central/northern NJ, used to be good. quality declined, most locations closed.
Fuddruckers (chain) [New Brunswick] (closed)
Fuji Japanese Restaurant
485 Georges Rd, #114, Dayton, NJ 08810
732-274-8830
http://www.fujidayton.com/
Full Moon Cafe
23 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-397-1096
http://www.yelp.com/biz/full-moon-lambertville
visits = 2010.07.?
2016.08.05 walked in, walked out, no staff present, lots of anxious unhappy people, lots of half eaten food on tables
Garlic Rose Bistro
28 North Ave W, Cranford, NJ 07016
908-276-5749
garlicrose.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, italian
Genie's Weenies
3351 Route 22 East, Branchburg, NJ 08876
908-255-4136
geniesweenies.net, plus, yelp,
type = grill
status = never been, try!
German-American Society
215 Uncle Pete's Road, Trenton, NJ 08691-3733
609-585-5200
gakclub.org
https://www.facebook.com/gakclub
visits = one time in 200x
review = awkward banquet hall seating
status = would like to go to any German restaurant, but it was weird
Gil & Bert's
69 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
type = takeout, ice cream
Grand Lux Cafe (chain) [various locations]
The higher end version of Cheesecake Factory, but not that much more expensive, so more of a value.
Grand Lux Cafe (chain) [Cherry Hill]
Grand Lux Cafe (chain) [Paramus]
Love the beignet
Green Cuisine
302 96th Street, Stone Harbor, NJ
609-368-6486
type = restaurant, American, vegetarian friendly
recco = Chowhound (try the hummus)
Ground Round (chain)
nostalgia from the early 1980s. all i can remember now is the peanut shells coating the floor. and it was dark. what location did i used to go to? it seems they are trying to reboot and open new locations.
Ground Round [East Windsor]
529 Rt 130 N, East Windsor, NJ 08520
609-448-0049
groundroundbowlnj.com
part of a bowling alley?
status = try!
Gum Ho Jung - exists? closed?
518 Old Post Road, Edison, NJ
732-650-1588
Gus's Restaurant
135 State Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726
732-294-0006
http://www.yelp.com/biz/guss-restaurant-manalapan
type = restaurant, diner;
visits = many over 200x-201x. Consistently good diner food, ambiance, and service. Avoid the predictable rush times.
Gusto Grill
1050 Rt 18 North, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816
732-651-2737
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, American
status: try?
Happy Apple Inn
29 Imlaystown Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
609-259-7889
200x-201x many visits
Harpoon Willy's
2655 River Rd Manasquan, NJ 08736
732-223-8880
harpoonwillys.com
type = restaurant, American?
Heavenly Havens Creamery
33 S Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501
https://www.yelp.com/biz/heavenly-havens-creamery-allentown
note: where Swal used to be
one visit 2016.08 not bad, but something not the same as Swal
Hickory Hog
2310 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant Boro, NJ 08742
732-714-7427
thehickoryhog.com, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
status = never been
reviews = OK
Highlawn Pavilion
1 Crest Dr. (Eagle Rock Ave.), West Orange, NJ 07052
973-731-3463
highlawn.com
type = restaurant, American?
Hillbilly Hall Tavern & Restaurant
203 Hopewell-Wertsville Rd., Hopewell, N.J. 08525
609-466-9856
Homestead Rest
294 N Church Rd, Sparta Township, NJ 07871
973-383-4914
homesteadrest.com
Honeysuckle Cafe
on the boardwalk?
Howard Johnson's [chain]
there was one on the Asbury boardwalk, it was there forever, but i can't remember the last time i was ever there
Holland American Bakery
246 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461
973-875-5258
home, facebook, tripadvisor, yelp,
type = bakery; Dutch
status: several visits, always good
Hooked Cafe
Belmar
https://www.yelp.com/biz/hooked-cafe-belmar
Huddy's Inn
30 State Route 34 N, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Hudson Café
Atlantic Highlands
Hummus Grill (closed)
343 Rt. 34, Matawan, NJ 07747
plus, yelp
theistanbulrestaurant.com
Italian Pantry Bistro
13 Eastman St, Cranford, NJ 07016
908-272-7790
theitalianpantrybistro.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, italian
Ivy League
5 E 3rd St, Howell, NJ 07731
732-370-2206
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = looks like sports bar
visits = never been
status = probably not
Jack in the Box (chain fast food) [not in NJ]
Forgettable fast food, but strangely addictive.
Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty
83 Channel Dr Pt Pleasant Bch, NJ 08742
732-899-6700
jackbakerslobstershanty.com
type = restaurant, seafood
Jameson’s
652 State Rte 35 N, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-775-4699
home, foursquare, plus, yelp
type = take-out with some seating? / American / BBQ / Southern
status = never been
reviews = good food but poor service, disorganized, seems to be more of a take-out place than a restaurant
Java Moon Cafe {CLOSED}
Jackson
note: This was the mothership, first to open last to close. They expanded out to Red Bank and somewhere on Route 9, and airport kiosks. In the beginning, the food was so fresh, creative, and good that it was like a vacation on a plate. Locations were poorly managed, quality kept slipping, reality ensued. At least the Jackson location seemed to be doing OK, not as good as its peak, but still worth an occasional visit. By the time we noticed it was closed, it seemed more inevitable than a surprise.
Looking back, I think I can see a hint of the downfall in their early menus, where there was overly aggressive marketing in the name of every mundane product - every darned thing had a moon word or pun in it. I think they overextended themselves by expanding further than their quality control could reach, and at some point they lost their way and never found it again.
JBJ Soul Kitchen
Red Bank
soup kitchen? could be weird
hours 5-7pm, so could be difficult
Jersey Shore BBQ
811 Belmar Plz, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-894-9009
jerseyshorebbq.com, yelp,
type = restaurant, Amercian / BBQ / BYOB
status = never been, try
reviews = good food just ok service
Jimmy G's Famous Hot Dogs
https://www.yelp.com/biz/jimmy-gs-famous-hot-dogs-hamilton
closed
Jina’s House Korean Restaurant
Highland Park
yelp,
type = restaurant, Korean
visits = 2017.03.02
review = only a few ban chan but all good and refilled!, small menu but so far everything good, ambience ok, service good
Kababery Grill
3211 New Jersey 27, Franklin Park, NJ 08823
732-305-7280
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Middle Eastern, Aghan
status: maybe try
Kentucky Fried Chicken / KFC (national fast food chain)
gross, but maybe i've just been going to bad locations. i would rather go to Popeye's if at all possible.
Keum Ho Garden
518 Old Post Rd, Unit 12, Edison, NJ 08817
732-287-5757
http://www.yelp.com/biz/keum-ho-garden-edison
Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away
1411 Kingsley St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-774-6666
home, yelp,
type = restaurant / bar, American
reviews = very mixed
status: maybe try... prob not
Kirker's Inn
237 Diamond Bridge Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506
973-427-7700
kirkers.com
type = restaurant, German
Klein's Fish Market
708 River Rd Belmar, NJ 07719
732-681-1177
kleinsfish.com
type = market / restaurant, seafood
Korean Barbeque
6902 Us Hwy 9, Howell, NJ 07731
732-987-5808
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, Korean
status = never been
reviews = seems ok, a bit non-traditional
Koy Turkish Grill
647A Rt 18 S, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-955-6449
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, Turkish
status = never been
reviews = mixed to good
Krakowiak
714 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
lavienj.com yelp
type = restaurant, French, Moroccan
note: still closed from Sandy as of 2013.02
Landing
311 Amwell Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
908-281-1288
home, yelp,
note: may have some german items
status = try
Langosta Lounge
1000 Ocean Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-3275
langostalounge.com
Le Cafe Creperie
139 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
856-334-5205
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, French
reviews = good
status: try!
Le Fandy
609 River Rd. (Haute St.), Fair Haven, NJ 07704
732-530-3338
type = restaurant, French
Le Peep (chain) [locations nationwide]
lepeep.com
Haven't been often enough or recent enough to have much of an opinion.
Lemon
?
visits =
2014.01.30? Hummus + bread very good, Pear + crab ok but strange, Lamb empanada good, Beet + lentil soup good, Pistachio + goat salad good
note: is this the place at the end of the strip mall near Perkins? probably a cursed location.
Lenora's Cafe
18 W Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Mexican ; breakfast, lunch, dinner
reviews = mostly good
status = try!
Lincroft Inn
700 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Little Kraut [closed]
Red Bank, NJ
type = restaurant, German
Little Mac's
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
https://foursquare.com/v/little-macs/4c0292c4310fc9b6ba9cc461
2014.04.06 bacon cheese fries, $10, not bad, next time skip the bacon it adds nothing
Local Smoke BBQ
719 Rte 35 Neptune City, NJ 07753
localsmokebbq.com, yelp,
type = take-out, American / BBQ
1213 Sycamore Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Miss Saigon
https://www.yelp.com/biz/miss-saigon-freehold-township
Molly Pitcher Inn
88 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Molto Bene Ristorante
17 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
https://moltobeneonline.com/
Mom's Kitchen
1129 5th Ave, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-775-4823
home, yelp,
visits =
200x, 201x many
2014.01?
Clams oreganato very good, Salad good, Pizza ok, Red velvet cake v good
2014.07.24 salad good - improved, mozzarella sticks ok, pizza good, lasagna flavorless and textureless. get no more red food here!
2016.0? first visit since new owner? / renovation?, feels different and awkward. renovation seems somewhat incomplete, as some unfinished bits sticking out. even though this place is more bar than restaurant, there is NO draft beer. staff seems new and untrained inexperienced. despite these small troubles we get what we want: family style salad and a pizza. thankfully the pizza seems to be the same. the strange antique bathroom survives intact.
2016.07.21 salad and pizza again, this time everything goes better, and there is draft beer again.
Moonstruck
517 Lake Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-988-0123
moonstrucknj.com
Morgan’s Island Grill
https://www.yelp.com/biz/morgans-island-grill-hightstown
Mosa Social
http://www.themosasocial.com/
1178 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747
Mosaica
2933 Vauxhall Road, Vauxhall, NJ 07088-1260
French & Moroccan
Mr. Shrimp
1600 New Jersey 71 #1, Belmar, NJ 07719
mrshrimp.com yelp
type = seafood, restaurant, market
reviews = good?
visits = once 2013.02
review = Doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside its open and bright and clean. The first thing you see is the market section, and a bit of open kitchen, which draws you in nicely. Service is good (but it wasn't crowded). The menu is large, with lots of different seafood options. Food was OK, with a few bright spots. Overall I found everything to be under salted. The clam chowder (New England) was just decent, but most places get it wrong. My crab cake was really bland, and didn't taste like much of anything. It didn't help that it was a bit small, and served in a huge open bun, making it seem even smaller. I tried a fried shrimp and it was very good. Fried clam was OK, fried scallop was very good - very few places seem able to do this without making it rubbery. Fries didn't taste like much of anything, even with lots of salt. My food was served with flavored tartar sauce, which in retrospect is like a pre-admission of something. Prices are pretty good, but for a little bit more you can get an overall better experience at Klein's, which is nearby.
status = no need to revisit any time soon; for this kind of food (and better atmosphere) just go to Klein's
Mug Rack
where? Jackson? near conselina
visits = once 2015.12.05
type = restaurant, breakfast/lunch
review = This place used to be a very greasy spoon diner, until Mug Rack moved here from somewhere else in Jackson, cleaned the place up a bit, and now its just a regular greasy spoon diner. Service is typical diner nonchalant but not mean. The place was busy, but everything moved right along, didn't have to wait long for anything. Food was OK to good. Sausage gravy and biscuit were very good - few places get both things right. Home fries and french fries taste OK, but a little too limp and not crispy. Sadly its a Pepsi shop, not Coke. Shake was ok, coffee was ok. Meal for two plus tip came to $30, seems a little high, but OK. Looking forward to returning and trying more things.
status = visit again
! i think this already closed and another diner is in its place
Mulligan’s Bar & Restaurant
203 Squankum Rd, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
732-938-6166
originalmulligans.com (warning), foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American-Irish / bar
visits = once (2013?)
review = more sports bar than restaurant, live music, had a bit of a nice roadhouse vibe, don't remember the food at all
Munch
632 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-775-0444
munchasbury.com
type = restaurant, American?
My Cousin Vinny's Too
Collingwood Auction & Flea Market, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
My Kitchen Witch
Monmouth Beach
2012-2013 closed because Sandy
2013.05.10 first re-visit since closure, breakfast
note: used to have a charming local feel. after the renovation it seemed to have lost that feel, and without that the food is not good enough to make it a destination anymore.
My Way Korean Restaurant
351 George St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-545-5757
https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-way-korean-restaurant-new-brunswick
http://www.mywaynj.com/
Nagle's Apothecary Cafe
43 Main Ave, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
7320-776-9797
type = restaurant, American? / ice-cream?
Nathan's [chain]
Kind of an OK hot dog place, for fast food. There aren't really any good locations left; the last good one I went to was in a Home Depot. Fries tend to be greasy and soggy, especially at rest stops.
Nauvoo Grill Club
121 Fair Haven Rd. (River Rd.), Fair Haven, NJ 07704
nauvoogrillclub.com
732-747-8777
Neptune City Diner (closed)
home, yelp,
! breakfast
New Jersey State Fair
37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ 07822
home,
note: held in August, lasts about a week
visits: several
Nikkos
Long Branch
Greek
Nina's Waffles and Sweets (closed)
15 White St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-530-1140
plus yelp
type = cafe?
No Joe's Cafe
51 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-530-4040
nojoescafe.com, yelp,
type = cafe?
Norah’s Irie
530 Springdale Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-443-4781
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Caribbean / Jamaican
visits = 2016.07.xx
review = OK neighborhood / ambiance, disturbingly empty inside - though we did arrive early by the time we left only one take out order the whole time. service and food good.
status = probably worth a revisit
North Beach Grill
49 Atlantic Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-229-5555
Old Heidelberg Inn
20 Boardwalk, Keansburg, NJ 07734
732-787-3131
https://www.yelp.com/biz/old-heidelberg-inn-keansburg
reviews = sounds like a German restaurant, but its a boardwalk bar & hot dog place. reviews are good, but seem mostly nostalgic/touristy
status = not destination, but visit if in area
Olivia's Trattoria & Artisan Pizza
4 Prospect Plz, Little Silver, NJ 07739
732-219-7766
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Italian
Old Mill at Tinton Falls
1205 Sycamore Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
this used to be part of that (sitting duck) regional chain before becoming an MJ's?
Old Queens Tavern
type = bar, restaurant ?
Oriental Pan Asian Restaurant
172 U.S. 9, Englishtown, NJ 07726
732-414-6318
http://www.orientalmarlboro.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-oriental-pan-asian-restaurant-marlboro
note: used to be a Vietnamese restaurant here
visits:
http://otherpeoplescooking.blogspot.com/2015/10/pan-asian-manalapan.html
Our House Restaurant
420 Adelphia Rd, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Outback Steakhouse (national chain)
outback.com
Quality and overall experience varies, but is usually OK. A little overpriced for what you get.
Outback Steakhouse [Middletown]
Hwy. 35 (Woodland Dr.), Middletown, NJ 07748
Over Easy Kitchen, Marlboro
breakfast & lunch
try!
Paco's Tacos
455 County Line Rd 520, Marlboro, NJ 07746
pacosnj.com, plus, yelp
type = restaurant, Mexican
ratings = bad
status = probably avoid
Pagano's Uva
Bradley Beach
Italian
never been, poor reviews
Papa John's Pizza (national chain)
https://www.papajohns.com/
what happened to All the Meats? Now its Ultimate Meats and The Meats
Papa John's Pizza [East Windsor]
East Windsor
https://www.papajohns.com/locations/usa/nj/hightstown/08520/400-rte-130/4010
2017.02 tried Ultimate Meats, not as good as All the Meats, next time try The Meats
Park Avenue Grille
600 Park Ave, Freehold, NJ 07728
breakfast & lunch
Peacock’s Country Store
2 Lindbergh Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551
609-466-6800
home, facebook,
2014.02.28 burnt down, article.
Peck Peck Chicken
250 Degraw Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Korean
https://www.yelp.com/biz/peck-peck-korean-style-chicken-teaneck-2
! Korean, chicken
Penang Malaysian Cuisine
505 Old Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08817
penangedison.com
Perfect Perk
602 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
732-775-5565
yelp
type = cafe?
Perkins [chain]
type = restaurant / diner, breakfast & lunch
Food like a diner, looks like a cheesy restaurant. Some places are significantly better than others. If in doubt, go to a diner instead.
Perkins [Colts Neck]
one of the better ones, gets crowded fast
Perkins [Freehold]
Perkins [Neptune Township] (closed)
The one I've been going to most of my life. The last time I went it still had the 1970's red theme; it may have since been ruined/remodeled.
Perkins [Hazlet]
It's a bit out of the way, but this is the best Perkins I've been to based on food quality, service, cleanliness.
Perkins [Wall Township]
2017.05.28 ok
Persian Tea Room
25 Mountainview Blvd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
908-580-0600
www.persiantearoomnj.com
Pete & Elda's Bar / Carmen's Pizzeria, Neptune City, NJ
2013.03.21 thin crust too dry, supports pizza better than a moister crust but at the cost of too much brittleness, also blander than usual - maybe just needed some salt, atmosphere lively as usual
Phil's 2 / real name posted on cert. inside
609-259-2833
173 Route 526, Allentown, NJ, US 08501
https://www.yelp.com/biz/phils-ii-sub-shop-allentown
Picket Fence & Garden Tea Room
103 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Picnic Garden BBQ Buffet
1763 Rt 27, Edison, NJ 08817
732-650-1000
https://www.yelp.com/biz/picnic-garden-edison
type = buffet, Korean ; BBQ
Pilsener Haus & Biergarten
1422 Grand St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-683-5465
http://pilsenerhaus.com/
type = bar / restaurant , German (somewhat)
Piramida Restaurant
5010 Route 33&34, Colingswood Circle, Wall, NJ 07727
732-256-9922
Pithari Taverna
Highland Park
Greek
PJ's
166 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-249-2919
home, yelp,
type = pizza, fast food take-out
visits = various from 1990s to 2010s
review = Typical local pizzeria, but noticeably better than most. I have a sentimental spot for it, but its not destination food.
Planet Of The Crepes (Freehold)
Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 U.S. 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
Planet Of The Crepes (Tinton Falls)
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, 1 Premium Outlet Blvd, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753
Plaza Tapatia
707 Main Street - Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-776–7826
home, yelp,
type = Mexican
review = mixed
status = never been, maybe try other places first
Ponderosa Steakhouse (national chain)
ponderosasteakhouses.com
Popeye's (fast food chain)
Used to be excellent when we went up north for it, but all the locations around here are lackluster. Red beans & rice used to be awesome, but too often now its a goopy pink paste with hard rice.
Pour House
640 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pour-house-tinton-falls
Prime 34
Aberdeen
Project Brunch
357 U.S. 9 South, Englishtown, NJ 07726
type = breakfast
status = not great reviews but try
Raven & the Peach
740 River Rd. (Fair Haven Rd.), Fair Haven, NJ 07704
732-747-4666
ravenandthepeach.net
type = restaurant, American?
Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe
17 White St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-219-0822
redbankchocolateshoppe.com plus yelp
type = market? candy?
Restaurant Nicholas
160 State Route 35, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Restaurant Plan B
705 Cookman Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
plus
Restaurante Tropico
38 Broad St, Keyport, NJ 07735
http://www.yelp.com/biz/restaurante-tropico-keyport
Riehl's Country Deli
Columbus
(inside Columbus Farmer's Market)
visits=
2014.03.01 Rice pudding taste ok but a little hard, egg custard excellent.
Rise N Shine Luncheonette
14 Main St, Eatontown, NJ 07724
http://riseandshinediner.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rise-n-shine-luncheonette-eatontown
River Thai Cuisine
50 Main Street, South River, NJ 08882-1225
riverthairestaurant.com
visits = Once (2013.02)
review = x
River's Edge Cafe
Oakhurst
https://www.yelp.com/biz/rivers-edge-cafe-oakhurst
Rivolis Grill & Chill
8 Ramtown Greenville Rd, Howell, NJ 07731
732-202-8927
Roadside Diner
Wall
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-roadside-diner-wall
Rod's Steakhouse
1 Convent Rd Morristown, NJ 07960
973-539-6666
Rook Coffee Roasters
60r Monmouth Rd, Oakhurst, NJ 07755
732-483-4402
rookcoffeeroasters.com plus yelp
type = cafe?
Roosevelt Deli (closed)
1 N Rochdale Ave, Roosevelt, NJ 08555
609-443-5111
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roosevelt-deli-roosevelt
type = deli
tags = cursed location
heard it was owned by one guy for 20+ years, known for good bread. owner died or retired, went through several different owners (Columbian, Vietnamese) over the years. now sitting empty for years (as of 2014)
Rosa's Kitchen
Flea market, 1350 New Jersey 33 Collingwood, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Royal Curry Indian Resturant
419 Rte 34, Market Place II, Matawan, NJ 07747
http://www.yelp.com/biz/royal-curry-indian-resturant-matawan
Rozmaryn Restaurant
925 N Olden Ave, Trenton, NJ 08638
609-656-1600
http://www.rozmarynrestaurant.com/
type = restaurant, Polish
Runa Peruvian Cuisine
Red Bank
#
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Peruvian
Russian Dream Restaurant
455 US Hwy 9 S, Marlboro, NJ 07726
Russian
Rutts Hut
Clifton
deep fried hot dogs
Sahara 34
Pine Valley Plaza, 1008 NJ-34, Matawan, NJ 07747
732-566-2225
home, yelp,
type = market & restaurant; Middle-Eastern & Mediterranean
note: stopped honoring Perks coupon without notifying site, just put up a paper note on the wall.
165 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-246-3020
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Middle-Eastern / Turkish
Salsa Latina
Matawan
Puerto Rican
visits =
2013.05? bread basket good and garlicy, café con leche good and dry, Empanada chicken good slightly dry but w a tasty salsa, Ropa con vieja good flavor, ok texture. Atmosphere good, friendly even if busy
Salt Creek Grille
4 Bingham Ave, Rumson, NJ 07760
San Marzano Trattoria
31 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-845-5440
https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-marzano-trattoria-freehold
http://www.sanmarzanofreehold.com/
Sand Bar Restaurant
201 Union Ln Brielle, NJ 08730
732-528-7750
sandbarrestaurant.com
type = restaurant, seafood
Schneider's
801 Main St, Avon by the Sea, NJ 07717
schneidersrestaurant.com
Sebastian's Schnitzelhaus
43 Fort Dix St, Wrightstown, NJ 08562
609-724-9609
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, German
visits = several
note:
Sunday Brunch 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Schnitzel Fest every third Sunday, 2:30PM to 5:00PM
status = always good, visit often as possible!
Shanghai Bun
952 State Rt 34, Matawan, NJ 07747
http://www.yelp.com/biz/shanghai-bun-matawan-3
! dumplings, scallion pancakes !
Ship Inn
61 Bridge St, Milford, NJ 08848
908-995-0188
home, facebook, yelp,
type = bar, restaurant, british?
visits:
Best Bitter
Shepherd's Pie
Mac And Cheese For Grown Ups
The Ship's Hot Apple Crumble
status: revisit, next time try Cornish Pasty or sampler
Shipwreck Grill
720 Ashley Ave Brielle, NJ 08730
732-292-9380
shipwreckgrill.com
type = restaurant, seafood?
Shirin Cafe
Manalapan
type = restaurant, Russian / Mid Eastern
104 Myrtle Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
https://www.yelp.com/biz/sitting-duck-restaurant-long-branch
Skylark
17 Wooding Ave., Edison, NJ 08817
732-777-7878
skylarkdiner.com
type = restaurant, diner?
Sophie's Bistro
700 Hamilton St. (Baier Ave.), Somerset, NJ 08873
732-545-7778
sophiesbistro.net plus yelp
type = restaurant, French
review = n/a
status = try!
Stage Left
5 Livingston Ave. (George St.), New Brunswick, NJ 08901
stageleft.com
732-828-4444
type = restaurant, American?
Stamna
Lincroft
home, yelp,
! tried to go to Sunday breakfast, supposedly opens at 9, wasn't open
Starving Artist At Day's
47 Olin St., Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
732-988-1007
Station Bar & Grill
2625 U.S. 130 Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-655-5550
http://stationbarandgrill.com/
https://plus.google.com/110200855330031032856/about?gl=US&hl=en-US
http://www.yelp.com/biz/station-bar-and-grill-cranbury-2
used to be Cranbury Station - same owners?
Steak and Ale (national chain)
Stella Marina
800 Ocean Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-775-7776
stellamarinarestaurant.com
type = restaurant, italian?
Stewart’s Drive-in [Howell]
2999 US Hwy 9, Howell, NJ 07731
732-363-7271
Stewart’s Kiosk
Raceway Mall, 3710 US 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
848-231-6868
https://www.yelp.com/biz/stewarts-kiosk-freehold
type = fast food, food court
visits = 2017.04.08
review = Food is ok, but a little pricey for fast food. The float is made with soft ice cream - don't bother. Ambiance doesn't feel like a Stewarts, of course how do you simulate drive-in at a mall, but there's no attempt at any aesthetic appeal. Awkwardly placed away from the main food court, you're just sitting in the flow of mall foot traffic.
Subway (chain)
You can usually find a cheaper or better local deli, but it will do in a pinch.
Sunrise Diner
129 N County Line Rd Unit 1, Jackson Township, NJ 08527
1215 Sunset Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-776-9732
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, breakfast/brunch
reviews = mixed
status = try
Swal (closed)
Allentown
visits=
2014.04.13 Peanut buttter vanilla boring, Peanut buttter delight good.
closed, became another ice cream place
Sweet Lew's Cafe
Freehold
type = cafe, American
reviews = ?
visits =
2013.01 coffee good, Texas french toast good though not very Texas sized, bacon and sausages good, hash ok
status = pretty good, try again
note = Busy place, be sure to arrive for breakfast no later than 9.
review =
2013.01; one visit in 2013.01. Doesn't look like much inside or out, but pleasant environment and staff, though tables are a little cramped. Tried a variety of breakfast foods, all good. Service strained as it got busy, but held together (i.e. coffees got refilled on time). This could become the new default breakfast place.
note: never went back, not sure why, it just never comes to mind.
Sweetpepper (closed)
608 Main St, Bradley Beach, New Jersey 07720
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-pepper-bradley-beach
note: on Facebook 2017.03 'moving to Atlantic Highlands', doesn't seem to have happened
Taco Bell (chain)
They use caulk guns to assemble the food - what more do you need to know?
Tally Ho
Route 33 Neptune
visited at least once
Taqueria La Valentina
Long Branch
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-la-valentina-long-branch
https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Valentina-Restaurant/404250449659589
Visits = 2014.08.19
Its in the back of a mexican grocery and general store, but it feels OK, adds to the charm. Not a lot of English spoken, authenticity factor is high. It made ordering a little difficult, but not impossible. Wanted mole, but they didn't have it today.
Tostados Pollo good
Banana Shake good light not thick
Chicken Chimichanga meat very dry and mild flavor
Carne Enchilada (maybe not the right name)
Caldos seafood good has a fish head
Overall everything light and mild in flavor
Taqueria Maria’s
51 Dayton Rd, Monroe Township, NJ 08831
732-521-1400
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restauarnt, Mexican
status = never been, try!
reviews = hole in wall little place, really good food
Taste Of Smoke BBQ
747 Toms River Rd, Jackson Mills, NJ 08527
732-276-6155
tasteofsmoke.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-of-Smoke-BBQ/160560060747741
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-smoke-bbq-jackson
type = food truck / American / BBQ / take-out
status = never been, not a restaurant?, try, strange hours
Taylor Sam's (Brick)
1563 NJ-88, Brick Township, NJ 08724
Taylor Sam's (Red Bank)
20 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
type = restaurant, breakfast & lunch
Temple Gourmet Chinese
Red Bank
91 Broad St Red Bank, NJ 07701
templegourmet.com
Terhune Orchards
Princeton
type = market
www.terhuneorchards.com
TeTe Peruvian Restaurant
304 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904
cateringbytete.com, plus, yelp,
Texas Roadhouse
1000 Route 9, Parlin, NJ 08859
732-721-0780
homepage, plus, yelp,
status = never been, try
reviews = good food, just ok service, crowded
Thai Shangri-La
2590 County Road 516, Old Bridge Township, NJ 08857
732-607-7600
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, Thai
visits =
2014.03.13 Chicken Puffs (excellent), Golden Triangle (too starchy), Masaman Curry (very good, very flavorful), ginger tea (ok)
review.2014 Good food, reasonable prices. Though in a strip mall, it has a nice ambiance and you quickly forget it. Service OK. Do not miss the Chicken Puffs. Didn't get to test their spice levels, must go back.
review 2018.02.23 They remodeled, dark ambience is now bright and open. Friday night, full; authenticity test = fail. Soup good, apps good, mains all soupy, veg hard. What is the point of immersing crispy duck in sauce? Overall OK, but there's better.
status = No re-visit anytime soon.
Thai Thai Cuisine
3843 County Rd 516, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
732-679-4455
http://www.menuthaithaicuisine.com/
Tijos Kreyol Kitchen To Go
Haitian
Asbury Park
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tijos-kreyol-kitchen-to-go-asbury-park
warning: few tables
Tiki Bar
Point Pleasant Beach
homepage[warning!music]
Toast
516 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-776-5900
toastasburypark.com
type = restaurant, breakfast / brunch
Tranquil Garden Tea Room
706 Lareine Ave, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
home, facebook, tripadvisor, yelp,
type = Tea
note: afternoon tea = $26, hours = ?, temporarily closed?, always call for reservations
status = never been
Trinity & the Pope
649 Mattison Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
type = restaurant, Cajun?
Tulip Tree Cafe
Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
type = restaurant, breakfast & lunch
Turning Point [regional chain?]
overall impression: overcrowded, overpriced, good at sweets, bad at savory, good coffee
Turning Point of Brick
Turning Point of Holmdel
Turning Point of Manalapan
Turning Point of Little Silver {1998-}
note: first one, probably visited early on
Turning Point of Long Branch
Turning Point of Princeton
Turning Point of Sea Girt
Turning Point of Westfield
Turnstile Coffee Roasters
1607 Hwy 71, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-894-9012
turnstilecoffee.com plus yelp
type = cafe?
Twin Light Taphouse
Atlantic Highlands
Twisted Tree Cafe
609 Cookman Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-775-2633
twistedtreecafe.com
type = cafe, vegan
Uncle Ralston’s
https://www.yelp.com/biz/uncle-ralstons-freehold
warning: seems to be mostly take out, with a few stools
reviews: mostly poor (the good ones seem fake)
Undici
11 W River Rd, Rumson, NJ 07760
732-842-3880
home, facebook, yelp,
type = restaurant, Italian
visits = 2016.06.16?
Union Landing Restaurant
622 Green Ave Brielle, NJ 08730
732-528-6665
unionlanding.com
type = restaurant, seafood
Urban Coalhouse
Red Bank, NJ
note: used to be Tommy's, long ago used to be 2Senza
Verjus
Maplewood, NJ
type = restaurant, French / New American
Vics
Bradley Beach
last visit early 2012, ok but kind of seedy
Vietnam Bistro
2221 Rt 9 N, Howell, NJ 07731
414-6664
Villa Polonia (closed)
1150 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08638
609-989-7001
type = restaurant, Polish?
Vincentown Diner
2357 US-206, Southampton Township, NJ 08088
609-267-3033
home, yelp,
type = diner, but more restaurant with diner style
visits = 201x multiple
status = almost always good at everything. could this be our new 2Senza? too bad its a little too far away.
Viva Bigotes (closed)
110A Brighton Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-272-1014
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Mexican
reviews = good
status =
Wawa [chain]
type = take out / market
The coffee is consistently good.
I usually love the unsweetened ice tea, but at some locations they get the mix wrong, and sometimes its even undrinkable.
Sandwiches and other foods tend to be just OK, the meatballs are often good, but sometimes you get varying amounts of sauce.
The best value are the hot dogs, cheap and tasty.
Avoid baked goods, the bagels are basically supermarket level. Hot foods are usually OK.
Also one of the few places that regularly carry Walker's shortbread in a small pack.
Waffle House (national chain) [none in NJ!]
nearest one is in Bethlehem, PA, or the one in Lancaster PA
Wendy's (national chain)
Chili and cheese dumped over a baked potato used to be my favorite thing here, that and a spicy chicken sandwich. Fries are usually mushy and not worth eating. Frosty (shake) is OK, but tends to be too thick for immediate consumption. Burgers are just OK.
West Lake Plum House
Pinecrest Plaza, 1016 State Rt 34 S, Matawan, NJ 07747
home, yelp,
note on name:
on Google called "West Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant"
on Yelp called "West Lake Plum House"
visits = 2017.06.02
Wharfside Patio Bar
101 Channel Dr Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-892-9100
wharfsidenj.com
type = restaurant, seafood
White Butterfly Cafe
200 N County Line Rd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527
http://www.whitebutterflynj.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/white-butterfly-cafe-jackson
type = gift shop & cafe?
can't find direct link to cafe only gift shop
White Mana
470 Tonnele Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07307
201-963-1441
type = restaurant or take-out?, American / hamburger
Woodchucks BBQ
3009 New Jersey 88 Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
732-714-1400
woodchucksbbq.com, yelp,
https://plus.google.com/107363391824835048922/about
type = restaurant or take-out?, American / BBQ
status = never been
Woody’s Ocean Grille
1202 Sycamore Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
2016.08.18
note: this location has been several restaurants
Yakitori 39
Teaneck
Japanese, maybe izakaya / authentic
https://www.chowhound.com/post/japanese-izakaya-nj-1047026
------------------------------
TYPE=
bakery = take out only, no seating, maybe outside
restaurant = table service
? = counter service, seat yourself, maybe bus yourself
why make this complicated, prob just use Yelp tags
------------------------------
misc notes, define these, move above to TYPE
buffet = self seating, cafeteria self service, self bussing
fast food = usually counter service, self seating, self bussing
bistro / cafe / diner / restaurant = host seating, table service
[ what is the difference ? define. ]
don't list hours - they can change too easily. refer to site. but note unusual hours
cursed locations
Alexis Diner
3130 State Route 10 # 20 Denville, NJ 07834-3354
973-361-8000
Alice’s Kitchen
Sea Bright
http://www.yelp.com/biz/alices-kitchen-sea-bright
note: cash only!? has Irish breakfast?
All Seasons Diner Restaurant
176 Wyckoff Road (at Laurel Pl.), Eatontown, NJ 07724note: used to be called Four Seasons Diner in the 80s/90s
visits = 19xx-201x
status: an old reliable diner, gets very crowded
Alps Bistro (closed)status: an old reliable diner, gets very crowded
4 S Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501
609-223-0335
home, plus, facebook, yelp,
type = restaurant, German
visits = 201x
2011.03.27 potato pancake (ok) veal schnitzel (good), wurst platter (good) carrot cake (good)
2013.05.09 potato pancake (not as we know it - small and dense), pate + wurst plate (good), Rouladen (good), apple strudel and ice cream (good)
review = food ok to good, service acceptable, ambience ok, price acceptable
note: opened 2010.07.06, replaced that tea place
note: closed 2013.09., owners moved to VT, some mexican place replaced it, then La Rouge 23.Alycia's Bistro
52 W Main St, Freehold Township, NJ 07728
732-462-2305
home, yelp,
hours: closed M, BYOB
type = restaurant, American
reviews: mostly good
status: try? they have chicken waffle
America's Cup Coffee Co
633 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712732-988-2000
yelp
type = cafe
American Hero Deli {closed, now ?Joe's deli}
1650 Old York Road, Allentown, NJ 08501-2004
609-208-1200
homepage?, plus, yelp
note: various visits in the 200x-201x, it started really good - tasty food, reasonable price, and occasional home made foods and pies, but with a crabby owner (who we were ok with), gradually owner dissappeared, home baked goods dissappeared, employees grew less skilled + more uncaring, place grew shabbier, shelves got emptier, finally it got too sad to go, even though the food was still mostly ok. observed in 2016.07 that its under a new name, joe's?
Americana Diner
Shrewsbury
Americana Diner & Restaurant
US Highway 130 N, Hightstown, NJ 08520
609-448-4477
americanadiner.com,
type = diner, upscale
alcohol = yes
visits = 200x various, 2010.02.12
review =
The food is consistently good if a little pricey; overall value is good.
The menu has been slowly drifting away from diner towards more high end; so far they have been keeping a good balance.
Service is generally competent and with a good attitude, but like most places starts coming apart during peak times.
Another problem with peak times is this place (along with the adjacent lounge) becomes the local destination; the crowd and noise really dampen the the nice high-end diner vibe.
Unless you like that sort of thing, off-peak this really is the best dining experience in the area.
Amici's
507 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719-2138
732-681-0236
Amravathi
Ste 8, 1008 New Jersey 34, Matawan, NJ 07747-3464
732-566-0600
type = restaurant, Indian
Amy's Omelette House
444 Ocean Blvd North, Long Branch, NJ 07740
type = restaurant, breakfast, diner / cafe?
visits = 20xx various
review = good
visits = 20xx various
review = good
note: this location used to be Mom's, before that it was Perkins
Ana Beall's Tea Room
415 Westfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090
908-264-4221
type = restaurant, tea
visits =
been there once, it felt like someone's house trying to be a tea place; nothing really memorable about it, but its been a few years
Andre’s Restaurant & Wine Boutique
188 Spring St, Newton, NJ 07860
973-300-4192
andresrestaurant.com
Angelina’s Italian Bistro
350 Mounts Corner Dr, Freehold Township, NJ 07728
732-414-6008
angelinasbistro.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/angelinas-italian-bistro-freehold-township-2
Anjelica's Restaurant
1070 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
732-842-2800
anjelicas.com
type = restaurant, Italian
reviews = mixed to poor
visits = none
status = skip
Anna’s Bella Dolce Cupcakery
2 N. Main St., Allentown, NJ 08501
609-208-3800
type = bakery
reviews =
visits = once
2012.12 try a few things, don't like any of them
review = dissapointing
status = been, maybe try again later
note: opened 2012.10.06
note: cursed location, its been several things over the past decade
Anna’s Italian Kitchen
1686 Highway 35 South, Middletown, NJ 07748
732-275-9142
type = Italian, high-end
http://www.annasitaliankitchen.com/
tags = expensive;Italian;
Lunch is by reservation only
Dinner Tues. - Thur.: 4 pm to 10 pm, Fri. & Sat.: 4 pm to 11 pm
Sun. : 1 PM to 10 PM. (reservations recommended)
visits = never
Apna Bazaar Cash & Carry
485 Georges Road, Dayton, NJ
732-274-9701
type = market, Indian
visits = never
status = try
Applebee's (national chain) [various locations]
applebees.com
American bistro and comfort food, cheap and plentiful. Below Chili's and TGIF in quality, but better than fast food.
Arby's (chain)
Fast food, specializing in roast beef? Haven't been too often, so unsure, but its fast food.
Fast food, specializing in roast beef? Haven't been too often, so unsure, but its fast food.
Arisu
167 Route 9 South, Englishtown, NJ 07726
732-536-7874
arisunj.com
type = restaurant, Japanese
Arthur's Steakhouse
644 Georges Road, North Brunswick Twp., NJ 08902-3374
732-828-1117
type = restaurant, steak
visits = several times from 90s through 2000s
review = an ok steak place, a little quirky but good value, if i remember correctly
status = re-visit, but no hurry
Arthur's Tavern
Morris Plains
1281 Highway 35 North, Middletown, NJ 07748
732-957-1888
type = market, asian
Asian Food Markets (regional chain) [Piscataway]
1339 Centennial Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-645-3018
type = market, asian
Asian Food Markets (regional chain) [Plainsboro]
660 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536
609-799-1828
type = market, asian
visits = various mid to late 2000s
review = Good for dry and refrigerated goods and some veg; the fish market sometimes stinks up the place. The take-away counter was good when I had a translator.
Asian Halal Meat Kebab House
510 Rt. 130 South
Hightstown, NJ 08520
(609) 443-9555
kababandmeathouse.com
take-out only
http://www.yelp.com/biz/asian-halal-meat-and-kebab-house-hightstown
At the Table
type = soul/southern
visits = once
2012.04.12 ok, but no need to hurry back
status = maybe try again some time
600 Ocean Ave, Avon by the Sea, NJ 07717
732-775-1043
avonpavilion.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, American / Continental, entrees ~ $25
alcohol = BYOB
reviews = mixed, seems overpriced and is probably a tourist trap
B2 Bistro + Bar
141 Shrewsbury Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
visited 2015.11.05? was it something else?
Bagel World [Manalapan]
356 Rt. 9 North, Manalapan, NJ 07726
732-536-8144
njwebsite.net/bagelworld/
type = take-out, bagel
visits = various 200x
review =
Almost as good as Hot Bagel Bakery in Ocean Township, which is saying a lot. I find the bagels a little too soft, but if that's your preference you may like this shop more.
Bagel World [Marlboro]
455 Route 520, Marlboro
732-972-3373
Baguette Delite
381 Old Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08817
732-626-5542
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Vietnamese
reviews = good, recommended: banh mi sandwiches, pho
status = never been, visit!
Bahia de Acapulco, Fonda
5 South St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-303-0017
homepage, facebook, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, Mexican
visits = 2014.x, 2014.04.24
2014.first.visit?
Caldos (dinner soup), pozole (corn) w chicken a little dry but the broth good, comes with 2 tostados. Taco lengua beef good flavors, a little dry but there's nice small salad and lime. Salsa verde good. Coffee good - cardamom?
review = very good
2014.04.24 caldos, tostitos carnito (pork)
Bahrs Landing
2 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-1245
bahrslanding.com
Baker's American Bar & Grille
801 Route 33 West, Monroe Township, NJ 08520
609-443-6600
tags = restaurant, bistro
visits =
2010.08.22 (cheeseburger, chicken parm, mozz sticks, bread pudding, brownie sundae, blue moon)
2010.09.18
2010.12.30 noisy bar, noisy karaoke
2011.08.28
review = One of the best places to eat in this area for a safe, mid-range experience. Can get overwhelmingly noisy during sports times.
34 Main St, Englishtown, NJ 07726
https://www.thebaklavalady.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NaciyeTheBaklavaLady/
https://www.instagram.com/thebaklavalady/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-baklava-lady-englishtown
type = restaurant, Turkish, vegan, breakfast lunch? cafe?
status = try!!
Bar Anticipation
703 16th Avenue, Lake Como, NJ 07719-3081
732-681-7422
bar-a.com
type = bar / restaurant, American
visits = never been
status = I've never been, but everyone I know has; I still don't know any reason to go.
note: often called "Bar A"
Barbara's Hungarian Restaurant
1400 Parkway Ave, Ewing, NJ 08628
609-882-5500
yelp
tags = restaurant, Hungarian
visits =
2010.? I had some excellent bean stew at the Hungarian-American festival in New Brunswick.
2010.? only table there, felt uncomfortable. there were a few takeout orders.
review = don't remember, i guess it was ok
status = try again sometime
703 16th Avenue, Lake Como, NJ 07719-3081
732-681-7422
bar-a.com
type = bar / restaurant, American
visits = never been
status = I've never been, but everyone I know has; I still don't know any reason to go.
note: often called "Bar A"
Barbara's Hungarian Restaurant
1400 Parkway Ave, Ewing, NJ 08628
609-882-5500
yelp
tags = restaurant, Hungarian
visits =
2010.? I had some excellent bean stew at the Hungarian-American festival in New Brunswick.
2010.? only table there, felt uncomfortable. there were a few takeout orders.
review = don't remember, i guess it was ok
status = try again sometime
Barnacle Bill's
1 1st St., Rumson, NJ 07760
732-747-8396
barnaclebillsrumson.com plus yelp
Barndoore
353 Sweetmans Ln, Millstone, New Jersey 08535
{became The Daily Gourmet?}
{probably cursed location}
Barrio Costero
610 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-5544
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Mexican
reviews = mostly good
status: one visit 2016?
review: Like a lot of new restaurants in Asbury Park, trying to feel like the city. Small portions, big prices. Incredibly fussy deconstructed reconstructed foods with more ingredients and adjectives than most people can taste at once - and yet its good! So, an experience worth a try, but not really a revisit.
Basil T's
183 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-842-5990
basilt.com
note: They ran some disgusting ads in the local free rag. I will never visit this place.
Battleview Orchards
91 Wemrock Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-462-0756
battlevieworchards.com
type = market
(April - Dec.) Open Daily 9am to 6pm
(Jan. - March) 9am to 5pm Closed Tues.
visits = various 200x, 201x
review = They sometimes have fresh donuts and cider (which are really good), but its so hard to predict availability I don't even bother visiting anymore.
Bay Ave Bakery & Cafe
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bay-ave-bakery-and-cafe-highlands
Bayroot
Shrewsbury
Lebanese
visited once
Bella Napoli
480 Route 33, Millstone Twp, NJ 08535-9422
609-259-2888
Belmar Cafe
707 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719-2703
732-681-5800
Bennigan's (global chain)
bennigans.com
type = restaurant, American
review = just another American bistro. i really miss the Monte Crisco
note: most locations closed in NJ
Bennigan's [Saddle Brook]
405 N. Midland Avenue, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
201-796-6465
bennigansnj.com facebook plus yelp
Berkeley Bar
1401 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712-5612
732-361-6773
Big Ed's BBQ
305 Route 34, Old Bridge, NJ 07747-9501
732-583-2626
bigedsbbq.com, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
visits =
2010.11.28
201? ok
230 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-897-0048
bistroole.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, Portuguese
Black Forest (closed)
42 South Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501
609-259-3197
blackforestallentownnj.com[dead] archive.org yelp
type = restaurant, German
review = this was our favorite place, for a while. so sad.
note: closed after flood, never re-opened.
Black Forest Acres, II
549 US Highway 130, East Windsor, NJ 08520
Black Forest Inn
249 US Highway 206 #B, Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-3344
blackforestinn.com plus yelp
type = restauarant, German
recco = reviews are mixed
visits = never
status = never been - try with caution
Black Trumpet
1505 Ocean Ave Spring Lake, NJ 07762
732-449-4700
theblacktrumpet.com
type = restaurant, seafood?
Blawenburg Market
391 Route 518, Skillman, NJ 08558
609-466-3905
theblawenburgmarket.com facebook plus yelp
type = restaurant?, catering
Blue Water Seafoodbarnaclebillsrumson.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, American
visits = not for a long time
status = do visit again
Barndoore
353 Sweetmans Ln, Millstone, New Jersey 08535
{became The Daily Gourmet?}
{probably cursed location}
Barrio Costero
610 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-5544
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Mexican
reviews = mostly good
status: one visit 2016?
review: Like a lot of new restaurants in Asbury Park, trying to feel like the city. Small portions, big prices. Incredibly fussy deconstructed reconstructed foods with more ingredients and adjectives than most people can taste at once - and yet its good! So, an experience worth a try, but not really a revisit.
Basil T's
183 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-842-5990
basilt.com
note: They ran some disgusting ads in the local free rag. I will never visit this place.
Battleview Orchards
91 Wemrock Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-462-0756
battlevieworchards.com
type = market
(April - Dec.) Open Daily 9am to 6pm
(Jan. - March) 9am to 5pm Closed Tues.
visits = various 200x, 201x
review = They sometimes have fresh donuts and cider (which are really good), but its so hard to predict availability I don't even bother visiting anymore.
Bay Ave Bakery & Cafe
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bay-ave-bakery-and-cafe-highlands
Bayroot
Shrewsbury
Lebanese
visited once
480 Route 33, Millstone Twp, NJ 08535-9422
609-259-2888
Belmar Cafe
707 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719-2703
732-681-5800
Bennigan's (global chain)
bennigans.com
type = restaurant, American
review = just another American bistro. i really miss the Monte Crisco
note: most locations closed in NJ
Bennigan's [Saddle Brook]
405 N. Midland Avenue, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
201-796-6465
bennigansnj.com facebook plus yelp
note: last Bennigan's in NJ? re-opened 2013.03.15?
Berkeley Bar
1401 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712-5612
732-361-6773
Bienvenue (closed)
7 E Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-936-0640
type = restaurant, French, classic
note: used to be called La Petit France
note: closed 2013.02?
note: closed 2013.02?
Big Ed's BBQ
305 Route 34, Old Bridge, NJ 07747-9501
732-583-2626
bigedsbbq.com, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
visits =
2010.11.28
201? ok
review.2014.04.24 = Several visits in 2010s. Impressive smells in the parking lot, OK food and just OK service, just about worth the cost. A little disappointing, though not sure why. Overrated.
Biggies Clam Bar (regional chain)
biggiesclambar.com
Biggies Clam Bar [Asbury Park] (closed)
Biggies Clam Bar [Carlstadt]
Biggies Clam Bar [Hoboken, Madison St.]
Biggies Clam Bar [Hoboken, Newark St.]
Bin 14
1314 Washington St # A, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5535
201-963-9463
bin14.com
type = restaurant, italian / wine bar
Bistro 55
55 State Rt 17 S, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662-4212
201-845-3737
bistro-55.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, American
Bistro OleBiggies Clam Bar (regional chain)
biggiesclambar.com
Biggies Clam Bar [Asbury Park] (closed)
Biggies Clam Bar [Carlstadt]
Biggies Clam Bar [Hoboken, Madison St.]
Biggies Clam Bar [Hoboken, Newark St.]
Bin 14
1314 Washington St # A, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5535
201-963-9463
bin14.com
type = restaurant, italian / wine bar
Bistro 55
55 State Rt 17 S, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662-4212
201-845-3737
bistro-55.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, American
230 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-897-0048
bistroole.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, Portuguese
Black Forest (closed)
42 South Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501
609-259-3197
blackforestallentownnj.com[dead] archive.org yelp
type = restaurant, German
review = this was our favorite place, for a while. so sad.
note: closed after flood, never re-opened.
Black Forest Acres, II
549 US Highway 130, East Windsor, NJ 08520
609-448-4885
Black Forest Inn
249 US Highway 206 #B, Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-3344
blackforestinn.com plus yelp
type = restauarant, German
recco = reviews are mixed
visits = never
status = never been - try with caution
1505 Ocean Ave Spring Lake, NJ 07762
732-449-4700
theblacktrumpet.com
type = restaurant, seafood?
Blawenburg Market
391 Route 518, Skillman, NJ 08558
609-466-3905
theblawenburgmarket.com facebook plus yelp
type = restaurant?, catering
Blitzburgers Grill & Cafe (closed) [North Brunswick]
Rt. 130 South & Renaissance Blvd. East, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
732-422-0700
type = restaurant, American
blitzburgers.com
visits = 200x
review = A decent burger place; service and food are mid-range (Friday's, Bennigan's, etc). The mozzarella sticks are excellent. Later visit, mozz sticks just ok. And then they closed; not surprised.
Blitzburgers Grill & Cafe [New Brunswick, Old Queens Tavern]
Blue Claw Crab Eatery
4494 Burlington Pike, Burlington, NJ 08016
609-387-3700
crabeatery.com
Blue Danube
538 Adeline Street, Trenton, NJ 08611
609-393-6133
type = restaurant, German/Hungarian
bluedanuberestaurant.net
Rt. 130 South & Renaissance Blvd. East, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
732-422-0700
type = restaurant, American
blitzburgers.com
visits = 200x
review = A decent burger place; service and food are mid-range (Friday's, Bennigan's, etc). The mozzarella sticks are excellent. Later visit, mozz sticks just ok. And then they closed; not surprised.
Blitzburgers Grill & Cafe [New Brunswick, Old Queens Tavern]
Blue Claw Crab Eatery
4494 Burlington Pike, Burlington, NJ 08016
609-387-3700
crabeatery.com
Blue Danube
538 Adeline Street, Trenton, NJ 08611
609-393-6133
type = restaurant, German/Hungarian
bluedanuberestaurant.net
http://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-danube-restaurant-trenton
Blue Marlin
714 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
732-988-7997
type = restaurant, Jamaican
home, yelp,
visits = One visit in early 2014.
2014.01.09 ambience is simple, almost corporate, not much character at all, service is friendly but inexperienced, table bread was ok, red snapper soup was bland and needed salt and there were no salt shakers on table, just silverware, conch fritters a little bland and grey but ok to chew on, ox tail was good, jerk pork was very good, jerk chicken was excellent, highly recommended if you like spicy food, jamaican blue mountain coffee was very good but took a long time from order
review = Overall good, a little overpriced, would visit again occasionally.
Blue Marlin
714 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
732-988-7997
type = restaurant, Jamaican
home, yelp,
visits = One visit in early 2014.
2014.01.09 ambience is simple, almost corporate, not much character at all, service is friendly but inexperienced, table bread was ok, red snapper soup was bland and needed salt and there were no salt shakers on table, just silverware, conch fritters a little bland and grey but ok to chew on, ox tail was good, jerk pork was very good, jerk chicken was excellent, highly recommended if you like spicy food, jamaican blue mountain coffee was very good but took a long time from order
review = Overall good, a little overpriced, would visit again occasionally.
Blue Rooster Bakery & Cafe {closed}
17 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-235-7539
type = restaurant, American / French ?
visits = 200x various
review = Haven't been for a few years, but I remember the ambiance was cute teahouse, but the service was a bit stiff. Mostly had breakfasts, which were good, didn't try much lunch or dinner.
note: long slow decline, closed sometime in 201x, used to have a very quaint and formal teahouse feel, with a really nice bakery up front. the owner?/hostess seemed very cold and judgmental, and the staff seemed to be in fear of her, and were similarly overly stiff and formal. but the ambiance was nice, and the food was good, and it felt like a mini-vacation to New England so it was still good, though expensive. over time the owner/operator was around less, the bakery options grew less and less, and even the self-service coffee station disappeared. at some point the food was awful, and then it closed.
Molto Bene moved down the street to here
Blue Swan Diner
Oakhurst
note: long slow decline, closed sometime in 201x, used to have a very quaint and formal teahouse feel, with a really nice bakery up front. the owner?/hostess seemed very cold and judgmental, and the staff seemed to be in fear of her, and were similarly overly stiff and formal. but the ambiance was nice, and the food was good, and it felt like a mini-vacation to New England so it was still good, though expensive. over time the owner/operator was around less, the bakery options grew less and less, and even the self-service coffee station disappeared. at some point the food was awful, and then it closed.
Molto Bene moved down the street to here
Blue Swan Diner
Oakhurst
9 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701
Boathouse Bar and Grill
1309 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-681-5221
boathousebarandgrill.com
type = restaurant, American?
Bobby's Burger Palace (national chain)
bobbysburgerpalace.com
type = American fast food?
tried several with mixed results - not trying anymore
Bobby's Burger Palace [Eatontown]
188 Route 35 South, Eatontown, NJ 07724
732-544-0200
Bobby's Burger Palace [Paramus]
610 Bergen Town Center, Paramus, NJ
201-368-7001
review = Ambience is nice fast food, like a Johnny Rockets but with no character. Everything tasted weird or bad, almost unbelievable for a place that seems successful, so would try again, but another location.
Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse
369 Stamets Road, Milford, NJ 08848
cowsoutside.com
type = market
Bombay Gardens (closed)
1020 New Jersey 18, East Brunswick, Middlesex, NJ 08816
732-613-9500
bombaygardens.com
visits = 2010.02.07, 2011.02.27
review = very good but closed late 2011, used to be our usual Indian place
note: closed as of late 2011/early 2012
Bon Appetit Cafe
Long Branch
bonanzasteakhouses.com
There don't seem to be any in NJ any more.
Bonanza Steakhouse [Ocean Township] (closed)
review = nostalgia from the early 1980s. i fondly remember the long cafeteria line, where you would slide your plastic tray on the rails and order your steak. this is the place where i loved salad bar.
Bonanza Steakhouse [Woodbridge] (closed)
review = I think there was one in the mall, that was always empty and sad, and i actually stopped in there in the 90s, but it was not good.
447 Rte 35 Red Bank, NJ 07748
732-530-4284
bonefishgrill.com/locator/details/middletown-new-jersey
Boom (closed)
811 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-749-3280
boom-burgers.com
yelp.com/biz/boom-belmar
Booskerdoo Fresh Roasted Coffee Co.bonefishgrill.com/locator/details/middletown-new-jersey
811 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-749-3280
boom-burgers.com
yelp.com/biz/boom-belmar
Village Sq, 36 Beach Rd, Ste 9, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750
732-222-0729
booskerdoo.com plus yelp
type = cafe?
Boulevard Five 72
572 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ
908-709-1200
boulevardfive72.com
Boston Market (chain)
I remember when it started as Boston Chicken, and it was quite good. Even soon after they became Boston Market, it was still pretty good, but its been on the descent since then. Still decent American comfort food, but a little too pricey for fast food.
Brandl
703 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-280-7501
brandlrestaurant.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brandl-belmar
type = restaurant, American
ratings = mixed + good, probably not a good value
Brando's
Asbury Park
Seated near small but extremely loud bar, very high fan blowing down on us, move to adjacent quieter room. Service started OK, but attention drifted away to almost minimum as room filled up.
Bread good, 3 toppings.
Rigatoni Bolognese good, very al dente.
Gnocchi perfect little puffy clouds, 3 sauces.
OK, but no need to revisit.
Brasas BBQ
542 Fischer Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753
brasasbbq.com,
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Brasas+BBQ&cid=6560360675922066772
type = Portuguese / BBQ
status = try!
status = try!
Brass Rail Bar & Grill
89 Freneau Avenue, Matawan, NJ 07747-3344
732-290-8400
type = restaurant, American
reviews = mixed
status = try?
reviews = mixed
status = try?
Breakfast Club
14 Bank St, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
732-751-1191
Breezes Cafe & Grill
567 Middlesex Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840
732-902-6220
http://breezesgrill.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/breezes-caf%C3%A9-and-grill-metuchen-3
! try jerk chicken or curry goat
Brennan's Steak House
Neptune
visits = once 2015.12
review = Surprisingly loud for a place that seems to serve an older clientele. I think everyone was shouting over the loud live piano music. Had prix fixe, good value overall, but maybe not indicative of how good they can make a steak.
14 Bank St, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
732-751-1191
home, yelp,
note: cash only
567 Middlesex Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840
732-902-6220
http://breezesgrill.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/breezes-caf%C3%A9-and-grill-metuchen-3
! try jerk chicken or curry goat
Brennan's Steak House
Neptune
visits = once 2015.12
review = Surprisingly loud for a place that seems to serve an older clientele. I think everyone was shouting over the loud live piano music. Had prix fixe, good value overall, but maybe not indicative of how good they can make a steak.
Brickwall Tavern
732-774-1264
522 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
brickwalltavern.com
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=brickwall+in+Asbury+Park&cid=11805303973219924097
status = never been
reviews = kind of ok pub
reviews = kind of ok pub
British Chip Shop
856-354-0204
146 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=The+British+Chip+Shop&cid=17962931460908158254
visits =
2011.12.11 English Breakfast excellent, Bacon Pancakes very good
2011.12.26 ?
2016.08.14 very mediocre service and food - really surprised.
2016.08.14 very mediocre service and food - really surprised.
review = good, but plan around it being crowded and having to wait. most recent visit was poor and not eager to return. recent reviews confirm they are probably in decline. sad, this used to be a destination.
Broad Street Dough (Freehold)
177 Elton Adelphia Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
Broad Street Dough (Oakhurst)
2005 NJ-35, Oakhurst, NJ 07755
Brooklyn Bagel And Deli
Twin Rivers Shopping Plaza, 659 Abbington Dr, East Windsor, NJ 08520
609-448-9090
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brooklyn-bagels-and-deli-east-windsor
review = weird, ok if you don't want to drive half an hour or more for the good stuff
Brunswick Grove
327 Milltown Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-254-0495
type = bar / restaurant, American
http://www.brunswickgrove.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brunswick-grove-east-brunswick
status = mixed reviews
Brunswick Grove
327 Milltown Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-254-0495
type = bar / restaurant, American
http://www.brunswickgrove.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brunswick-grove-east-brunswick
status = mixed reviews
Bucu
65 New Jersey 4, Paramus, NJ
201-843-4100
eatbucu.com
https://plus.google.com/107631362887798307665/
tags = restaurant, burger
visits =
2012.04.19
review =
i think we liked it, can't recall, prices are good, i think we would visit it again
status = try again
Buona Sera
732-530-5858
50 Maple Avenue
Red Bank, NJ 07701
review = went once, ridiculously formal service, food was good but expensive
Burger Bros
reviews = mostly good
visits = once for family dinner, i think. no specific memories. no one really wants to go back.
Burger King (national chain)
Fries are ok, but I think McDonald's are better, maybe on par with Wendy's.
Most sandwiches are better than McDonald's; they've mastered the beef flavor they put on their patties. The vegetables on the sandwiches tend to be a bit crisper, too.
Shakes are ok, but McDonald's are sometimes better.
Burlew's Seafood & Steak
609-784-8369
burlingtoncountyfarmfair.com,
type = fair
note: "Located at the new Burlington County Fairgrounds at 1990 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road; Springfield Township, NJ (corner of Route 206 & Jacksonville-Jobstown Road). Just 1/4 mile south of the Columbus Farmer's Market."
700 Main Street, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
732-807-4069
homepage?, facebook, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, breakfast / cafe
visits = 2013.01.13?, 2013.03.15status = visit again
review = Good, but plan around it being busy. Avoid any savory dishes (meat and eggs), they don't seem to know what they're doing. But what is a meal without the savory part? Its not worth fighting the line unless you only want carbs, which they do well.
Buy-Rite Liquors of Cranbury
they have several kegs on tap, and you can fill a container
otherwise gross, go to Bottle King down in East Windsor
Cabana Club
Asbury Park
Cabin Restaurant
984 State Hwy 33 N, Freehold, NJ 07728
thecabinrestaurant.net, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American / bar
reviews =
visits = 200x through 2011 various visits, 2011.11.27, 2013.02.07 jalapeno poppers (ok), burger (good), 2014.03.06
review = many visits from 2000s, 2010s. Consistently good American food in a roadhouse atmosphere. Quaint log cabin hunting lodge atmosphere, but not as insincere as chain bistros. Service and food can be just OK sometimes, but overall its a good value, unless it gets really busy; we won't go here at peak times. Centrally located, but not in a busy area, so it makes a great meeting place.
Is this pizza good thin-crust here? Had it but can't recall.
Cafe 28
note: was in Red Bank, moved to Ocean Township
visits =
200? = visited Red Bank location once
2017.06? =
Mohamara (Roasted Red Pepper Blended with Onion, Bread Crumbs, Mixed Nuts & Chili Pepper)
salad
Kofta Dawood Basha (Oven Style baked Kofta served in a tomato sauce with stuffed bell peppers)
Mousakka (Roasted Eggplant with Tomato Sauce & Pine nuts with Ground Beef)
Grilled Medley (Shish Kabob, Shish Tawook, & oven style kofta, Rack of Lamb)
Cafe 360
34 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
mycafe360.com
visits =
2010.11.30 turkey brie good, buffalo barely ok, fries ok, coffee ok.
Cafe Paris
439 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
732-603-9200
allmenus.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, french
average entree = $15
reviews = mixed
Café Volan
510 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-3399
cafevolan.com cafeonbangs.tumblr.com plus
type = cafe
Cairo Cakes
831 Parkway Avenue, Ewing, NJ 08618
cairocakes.com
California Cold Co.
Fashion Center, 520 U.S. 9 N Home, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
coffee
Camelot Auction Food Truck
43 Brickyard Road, Cranbury, NJ
type = food truck
note: open only during auction (Wed. night)
review = their standard stuff (burger, fries, etc.) is just OK, come early for chalkboard specials, usually good taste value and price, but they run out quickly
Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs
2230 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville
609-323-7253
captainpaulsdogs.com
https://www.yelp.com/biz/captain-pauls-firehouse-dogs-lawrenceville
is it closed?
Cat's (closed)
601 Main St, Loch Arbour, NJ 07711
note: we used to go here in the 80s. was the Cats theme like the play? there was something we always used to get there, some kind of orange glazed chicken or something overly sweet like that
Ce La Vi
16 Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Charlie Brown's Steakhouse (chain)
Kind of OK steak and American food place, with the nice feature of an OK salad bar. Quality could vary by location but was usually worth the money. Overexpanded a bit in the 2000s?, then closed a lot of locations, then started re-opening again. Only one visit since then, but quality seems worse.
Charlie Brown's Steakhouse (East Windsor)
type = restaurant American Chain
visits: several before it closed, it was usually OK to good, closed for awhile then re-opened
2013.08.07 first visit since re-open, overall poor to just OK experience. salad bar was OK, fries were little better than fast food, chicken sandwich was ok, meatloaf poor, side of broccoli served was brown and tasted weird. menu said it was supposed to be fresh broccoli, no sauce mentioned, so what was it? at least overall price was not high. probably do not re-visit
note: this place had lots of horse themed pictures, closed for a while, then re-opened with local photography themed pictures
Chat and NibbleAsbury Park
Cabin Restaurant
984 State Hwy 33 N, Freehold, NJ 07728
thecabinrestaurant.net, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American / bar
reviews =
visits = 200x through 2011 various visits, 2011.11.27, 2013.02.07 jalapeno poppers (ok), burger (good), 2014.03.06
review = many visits from 2000s, 2010s. Consistently good American food in a roadhouse atmosphere. Quaint log cabin hunting lodge atmosphere, but not as insincere as chain bistros. Service and food can be just OK sometimes, but overall its a good value, unless it gets really busy; we won't go here at peak times. Centrally located, but not in a busy area, so it makes a great meeting place.
Is this pizza good thin-crust here? Had it but can't recall.
Cafe 28
note: was in Red Bank, moved to Ocean Township
visits =
200? = visited Red Bank location once
2017.06? =
Mohamara (Roasted Red Pepper Blended with Onion, Bread Crumbs, Mixed Nuts & Chili Pepper)
salad
Kofta Dawood Basha (Oven Style baked Kofta served in a tomato sauce with stuffed bell peppers)
Mousakka (Roasted Eggplant with Tomato Sauce & Pine nuts with Ground Beef)
Grilled Medley (Shish Kabob, Shish Tawook, & oven style kofta, Rack of Lamb)
2017.11.30 =
Cafe 360
34 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
mycafe360.com
visits =
2010.11.30 turkey brie good, buffalo barely ok, fries ok, coffee ok.
review =
Feels uncertain, when you walk in, cramped but long and multi-level, and looks more like a coffee and ice-cream place than food. Food is OK, counter service.
Feels uncertain, when you walk in, cramped but long and multi-level, and looks more like a coffee and ice-cream place than food. Food is OK, counter service.
Cafe Colore
3333 US Highway 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-462-2233
cafecolorenj.com
visits = 2006.03.15
Cafe Espezia
349 U.S. 9, Manalapan, NJ 07726
cafespezia.com
439 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
732-603-9200
allmenus.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, french
average entree = $15
reviews = mixed
visits = never
status = probably should skip
510 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-3399
cafevolan.com cafeonbangs.tumblr.com plus
type = cafe
visits = never been
status = try!
Cairo Cakes
831 Parkway Avenue, Ewing, NJ 08618
cairocakes.com
California Cold Co.
Fashion Center, 520 U.S. 9 N Home, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
coffee
Camelot Auction Food Truck
43 Brickyard Road, Cranbury, NJ
type = food truck
note: open only during auction (Wed. night)
review = their standard stuff (burger, fries, etc.) is just OK, come early for chalkboard specials, usually good taste value and price, but they run out quickly
Campania {closed}
17-15 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
201-797-0908
campaniarestaurant.com
type = restaurant
note: was on Kitchen Nightmares, prob closed
Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs
2230 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville
609-323-7253
captainpaulsdogs.com
https://www.yelp.com/biz/captain-pauls-firehouse-dogs-lawrenceville
Caputo's Italian Pastry Shop
444 Ocean Blvd N # 11, Long Branch, NJ 07740-7587
caputosbakery.com
type = bakery
visits = 197x? - 20xx
review = Used to be awesome when they were on the beach, now its just barely OK.
Carl's Jr. (fast food chain) [not in NJ!]
but they are expanding, so maybe someday
Carl's Jr. (fast food chain) [not in NJ!]
but they are expanding, so maybe someday
Carlo's Gourmet Pizzeria Restaurant
356 Route 9, Manalapan, NJ 07726
732-972-1477
carlosgourmetpizza.com
Carlos O'Connors
31 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-530-6663
carlosoconnor.com
type = restaurant, Mexican-Americanized
visits = 200x various, 2010.02.28, 2012.12.27
review = fried tortilla chips and two salsas to start, black bean soup is too salty, mole sauce is bland and the salsas are just ok, portion size has been reduced over the years but this is a good thing - dishes are more balanced and less a big plate of mush
review = There doesn't seem to be anyone obviously in charge on the floor. Crew seems to be knowledgeable and customer driven, but the lack of a clearly defined overseer is a weakness. Despite a ton of knick-knacks it seems clean and well maintained, which is a good sign there is somebody here who cares and is paying attention.
review = fried tortilla chips and two salsas to start, black bean soup is too salty, mole sauce is bland and the salsas are just ok, portion size has been reduced over the years but this is a good thing - dishes are more balanced and less a big plate of mush
review = There doesn't seem to be anyone obviously in charge on the floor. Crew seems to be knowledgeable and customer driven, but the lack of a clearly defined overseer is a weakness. Despite a ton of knick-knacks it seems clean and well maintained, which is a good sign there is somebody here who cares and is paying attention.
review = Dark and quirky ambience. The food fails the authenticity test, but they make good Americanized versions.
Casa Solar
1104 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719-2728
732-556-1144
Cassville Tavern
732-928-1411
550 West Veterans Highway
Jackson, NJ 08527-3706
type = restaurant, American / bar
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cassville-tavern-jackson
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cassville-tavern/160063337356761
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cassville-Tavern/216993275000663
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cassville-Tavern/216993275000663
visits = once, good; go again
Cat's (closed)
601 Main St, Loch Arbour, NJ 07711
note: we used to go here in the 80s. was the Cats theme like the play? there was something we always used to get there, some kind of orange glazed chicken or something overly sweet like that
Ce La Vi
16 Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Chakra
West 144 Route 4 East, Paramus, NJ
type = restaurant, American Noveau
Chand Palace
1296 Centennial Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-465-1474
http://www.chandpalacerestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chand-palace-piscataway
vegetarian
Chand Palace
1296 Centennial Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-465-1474
http://www.chandpalacerestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chand-palace-piscataway
vegetarian
Chapter House
1454 Rt. 9 South, Howell, NJ 07731
732-462-0056
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?oe=utf-8&cid=11526518550671272378
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chapter-house-howell
Charlie Brown's Steakhouse (chain)
Kind of OK steak and American food place, with the nice feature of an OK salad bar. Quality could vary by location but was usually worth the money. Overexpanded a bit in the 2000s?, then closed a lot of locations, then started re-opening again. Only one visit since then, but quality seems worse.
Charlie Brown's Steakhouse (East Windsor)
type = restaurant American Chain
visits: several before it closed, it was usually OK to good, closed for awhile then re-opened
2013.08.07 first visit since re-open, overall poor to just OK experience. salad bar was OK, fries were little better than fast food, chicken sandwich was ok, meatloaf poor, side of broccoli served was brown and tasted weird. menu said it was supposed to be fresh broccoli, no sauce mentioned, so what was it? at least overall price was not high. probably do not re-visit
note: this place had lots of horse themed pictures, closed for a while, then re-opened with local photography themed pictures
Asbury Park
home, yelp,
type = cafe?
visits = once, ok
status = maybe revisit
Cheeburger Cheeburger (chain) [various locations]
home
quality seems to vary widely by location
so far only the one in Manalapan is consistently decent
Cheeburger Cheeburger (Hamilton) {closed}
549 U.S. 130 Hamilton Township, NJ 08691
609-585-8899
visits = tried once, like the Manalapan one more for food and service
note: passed by sometime 2016 summer, was going to give it a second chance, some relieved to see it closed.
Cheeburger Cheeburger (Manalapan)
732-780-8880
33 US Highway 9, Manalapan, NJ 07726
type = restaurant, American Chain
tags = hamburger; ice cream; shake;
visits =
201x.
2012.03.10 burger good - actually got MR, sweet potato fries taste good on the outside but a little mushy inside, vanilla shake had ok texture but little flavor, service ok, ambience is simulated culture by corporate committee, prices are ok, overall value is ok
Cheesecake Factory (chain) [various locations]
OK, but not a good value. Once you've been to Grand Lux Cafe (the higher end version of this), Cheesecake Factory will seem disappointing in comparison.
Cheesecake Factory [Freehold]
#3710 US Highway 9 (at Freehold Mall), Freehold, NJ 07728
type = restaurant American Chain
Chelsea's Creamery & Gourmet Desserts
334 Main Street, Matawan, NJ
type = bakery?
Cheng Chen Chinese Restaurant
659 Abbington Dr # 403, NJ 08520-5814
609-443-5330
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Cheng+Chen+Chinese+Restaurant&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Cheng+Chen+Chinese+Restaurant&hnear=Twin+Rivers,+NJ&cid=11115814228914522543
visit =
2011.01.02 take-out order:
5.65 pork dumplings, fried {very good}
3.15 chicken noodle soup, large {S no like}
2.55 egg drop soup, large {ok, a little snotty}
3.90 hot and sour soup, large {ok}
6.95 pork fried rice, large {}
8.95 chicken with broccoli, large {}
9.35 kung po chicken {ok}
40.50
review =
standard every-town-has-one chinese take-out, overall ok to good, 3/5
Chester Farmers Market
June 27th through October 10th, 10:00am to 3:00pm 908/879-1610
Chester Village Square parking lot, Perry Street Chester
Chez Catherine
431 North Avenue W Westfield, NJ 07090
908-654-4011
chezcatherine.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, french
average entree = prix-fixe $65
Chick-fil-A (fast food chain)
Good cheap chicken sandwich and waffle fries, too bad I usually think of going on a Sunday.
Chicken or the Egg
207 North Bay Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
609-492-3695
home,
type = breakfast
hours = check for seasonal hours
status = looks good but touristy, seasonal, too far away ; maybe try
status = looks good but touristy, seasonal, too far away ; maybe try
Chilango's Authentic Mexican
272 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732-1548
732-708-0505
home plus
type = Mexican
reviews = good
visits = never been
status = try!
note =
review = n/a
Chili's
type = restaurant American Chain
better than TGIF, maybe a little better than Ruby Tuesday.
Chocolate Dreams {closed}
Allentown
type = candy
visits =
review = amazing good turtles, especially the pecan was perfect mix of salty sweet. so sad.
Cholula
24 Wilson Ave, Englishtown, NJ 07726
732-786-0080
type = restaurant, Mexican
cholularestaurant.com, plus, yelp
ratings = poor service, good cheap food, authentic, unusual meats
status = ok but can get crowded and slow
Ciccone's Italian Deli
3135 Highway 9 North, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
732-679-5006
Circus Drive-In
732-449-2650
1861 State Route 35, Wall Township, NJ 07719-3510
http://circusdrivein.com/
visits = 2012.05.06 first time ever?
review = can't recall, i think it was ok, do visit again
status = revisit!
Citrico's Mediterranean Italian Grille
732-988-6565
812 Main St., Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
citricosnj.com
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=812+Main+St.,+Bradley+Beach,+NJ+07720&cid=14922460102765776420
City Streets Cafe
609-426-9400
510 Us Highway 130, East Windsor, NJ 08520
type = bar / restaurant American
visits = 200x various
review = It's a bar first, restaurant second. no need to re-visit
560 Shrewsbury Ave., Tinton Falls, NJ 07701
Clairmont Diner {closed?}
609-443-8222
431 Route 130 N, East Windsor, NJ 08520
http://www.clairmontdiner.com/
type = American Diner
visits = 200x?
review = low end, seems like a cursed location, changed owners/names several times
Clancy's Tavern
732-988-4500
25 South Main Street, Neptune City, NJ 07753-5032
Clarksburg Inn
465 Stage Coach Road, Clarksburg, NJ 08510
609-259-2558
http://clarksburginn.net/
visits = lots 200x, 201x
review = used to be so quaint, then it burnt down, then re-opened in their banquet space. hasn't been the same since. we get 2 for 1 pizza on Wednesday night sometimes. used to have a nice breakfast buffet, which has closed and re-opened over the years. there was one Mother's Day were it was awesome, but they haven't repeated that since. the coffee cake was excellent, alone worth the trip.
2017.03.20 closed
Clementine's Cafe
306 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717
732-988-7979
clementinesavon.com
maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&cid=9565923253779908543
yelp.com/biz/clementines-cafe-avon-by-the-sea
type = restaurant, American New Orleans
visits = 2012.05.03?
Colts Neck Deli
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&cid=14728348287834800573
http://www.yelp.com/biz/colts-neck-general-store-colts-neck
type = deli / take-out
visits =
200x ?
2010.01.11 breakfast special: egg sandwich + small coffee, upgrade to medium for 0.25, good
status = visit again, try breakfast sandwich The Killer
2-20 County Road 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Columbus Farmer's Market & Flea Market
type = Amish / market / take-out
http://www.columbusfarmersmarket.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/columbus-farmers-market-and-flea-market-columbus
601 Ocean Ave, Avon, NJ 07717
732-988-3213
columnsnj.net plus
Comfi (Belmar)
Comfi (Old Bridge)
https://www.facebook.com/Comfi.OldBridge/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/comfi-old-bridge-township
type = breakfast & lunch
Committed Pig
Manasquan
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-committed-pig-manasquan-2
(no western omelet, pancakes, french toast, eggs, pork roll)
tried once? not memorable.
74 South St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-303-9616
Connie’s Restaurant
63 Main St, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
home, yelp,
cash only
visits = 2017.09.03
Connolly Station715 Main St, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-280-2266
http://www.connollystation.com/
type = pub
Cookie Cottage (closed)
3697A Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
609-631-8225
http://cookiecottage-nj.com/
http://web.archive.org/web/20111228040942/http://www.cookiecottage-nj.com/
Country Stop Kitchen (closed? changed owner?)
70 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, NJ 08527
732-833-0322
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Country+Stop+Diner&cid=8690652529851037241
yelp.com/biz/country-stop-kitchen-jackson
type = diner
visits =
200x various, maybe half-dozen times
2011.04.03 cream of turkey soup (good), cheeseburger (good), meatloaf sandwich (good), check under $20 !
Court Jester [Aberdeen]
never been
Court Jester [Freehold]
16 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-462-1040
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
Cous Cous Moroccan Cuisine
145 Barclay Shopping Ctr, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
856-427-9994
http://www.couscousnj.com/
type = restaurant, middle-east
crackerbarrel.com
type = restaurant, American
review = "simulated culture, like Disneyland"
Cracker Barrel [Hamilton]
609-581-5462
review = mixed results
Cranberry's Gourmet Cafe
10 Cedarbrook Dr, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-655-0134
http://www.cranberrysgourmet.com/
https://plus.google.com/104315124766079988471/
Cranbury Delights (closed)
64 N. Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-409-4466, 609-409-6777
type = bakery / Hungarian
home (gone), home (archived), yelp
www.cranburydelights.net
http://web.archive.org/web/20111219184659/http://www.cranburydelights.net/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cranbury-delights-cranbury
Cranbury Inn
21 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-655-5595
http://www.thecranburyinn.com/
Cranbury Pizza
63 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-409-9930
http://www.cranburypizza.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cranbury-NJ/Cranbury-Pizza/94974652136
status = never been
Cranbury Station
2625 U.S. 130 Cranbury, NJ 08512
https://plus.google.com/110200855330031032856/about?gl=US&hl=en-US
was a mediocre diner/cafe/bar
i think this place closed and became the Station Bar & Grill
same owners?
Cross Mill Diner
1200 River Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701
732-730-8100
crossmilldiner.com
Crown Palace (Marlboro)
8 N Main Street, Marlboro NJ 07746
732-780-8882
crownpalacerestaurant.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/crown-palace-marlboro
Crown Palace (Middletown)
1285 State Route 35, Middletown, NJ 07748
732-615-9888
crownpalacerestaurant.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/crown-palace-middletown
800 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park 732-774-3007
D. A. Barsch German Butcher Shop (closed?)
1548 Route 9, Toms River, NJ 08775
732-240-0422
http://www.dabarsch.com/
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&cid=10588294528008812406
http://www.yelp.com/biz/toms-river-german-butcher-toms-river
type = deli / German / market
D'Jais Oceanview Bar & Cafe
1801 Ocean Avenue, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-681-5055
http://www.djais.com/ (warning sound)
type = bar
Daily Gourmet
353 Sweetmans Ln, Millstone, NJ 08535
try!
Dairy Queen (chain)
http://www.dairyqueen.com/
fast food ice cream, and food at some locations
Dairy Queen (Belmar)
827 12th Avenue, Belmar, NJ 07719-2751
732-681-1262
Danish Cafe and Bakery
2 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-268-7365
http://www.thedanishcafe.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-danish-cafe-red-bank
status: haven't been in a while, revisit.
Danny’s Place
Wanamassa
yelp
note: not open sunday
Danny's Steakhouse, Seafood, and Sushi Bar11 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
review = been once, not impressed
status = prob never re-visit
Daphne's Diner
Route 130, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
type = diner?
status = never been, try!
Dauphin Grille
1401 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712-5612
732-774-3474
http://dauphingrille.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Asbury-Park-NJ/Dauphin-Grille/135183396514163
David Burke Fromagerie
26 Ridge Road, Rumson, NJ 07760
http://www.fromagerierestaurant.com/
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&cid=4482819537113549633
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fromagerie-restaurant-rumson
DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies [Robbinsville]
2350 Rt 33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
609-341-8480
delorenzostomatopies.com
https://plus.google.com/101273517110465591519/about?gl=us&hl=en
type = pizza
DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies [Trenton]
530 Hudson Street, Trenton, NJ 08611
609-695-9534
http://www.delorenzostomatopies.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/de-lorenzos-tomato-pies-trenton
type = pizza
Delvetto's Restaurant
3701 New Jersey 33, Neptune Township, NJ 07753
732-922-3775
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Delvetto's+Restaurant,+New+Jersey+33,+Neptune+Township,+NJ&hl=en&cid=2163670206560132222
http://www.yelp.com/biz/delvettos-restaurant-and-pizzeria-neptune
http://www.allmenus.com/nj/neptune/11830-delvettos-restaurant/menu/
type = pizza
Denny's [chain]
somewhere between diner and fast food. most diners will beat most denny's in quality, if not in price. comparable to Perkins.
Denny's [Eatontown]
Went here after the one in Ocean Township closed.
Denny's [Ocean Township] (closed)
Use to go here a lot in the 1980's. The place to see and be seen when cutting high school. Its a Starbucks now.
Desi Food Galaxy (Somerset)
2021 Route 27, Somerset, NJ 08873
732-322-9421
http://www.desifoodgalaxy.com/
type = food court / Indian
status = try!
Dewilla's
1801 Main St, Lake Como, NJ 07719
732-749-3420
http://www.dewillas.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-Como-NJ/dewillas-the-place-to-eat/243784876502?v=info
Dinallo's
259 Johnson Avenue, River Edge, NJ 07661-1907
201-342-1233
dinallosrestaurant.com
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (regional chain)
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Newark)
224 Market St, Newark, NJ 07102
862-214-6100
dinosaurbarbque.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dinosaur-bar-b-que-newark
type = American / BBQ / Soul / Southern
DJ’s Delights
http://www.yelp.com/biz/djs-delights-asbury-park-2
Dockside
1400 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
732-933-9400
thedocksidenj.com
yelp.com/biz/the-dockside-sea-bright
Domino's [chain]
The first one I remember going to is the one in Ocean Township. It was poor compared to almost any local pizza place, but they had that 30 minute delivery thing. Sometime in the 2000s they got a lot better. Its not pizza, but it is a good fast food product.
Freehold
type = Peruvian
as of 2014.04 opening soon
Don Pepe's [Jamesburg]
Jamesburg
type = Peruvian
Don's Pizza King
811 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719-2705
732-681-6373
Donuts Time Cafe
1280 NJ-33, Hamilton Township, NJ 08690
https://www.yelp.com/biz/donuts-time-cafe-hamilton-township
try!
348 Shore Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-1565
dorisandeds.com
Drew's Bayshore Bistro
28 E Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735
732-739-9219
bayshorebistro.com
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=28+E+Front+St+Keyport,+NJ+07735&hl=en&cid=18250278469550383510
yelp.com/biz/drews-bayshore-bistro-keyport
type = New Orleans
status = visited a while ago?
Due Mari
78 Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-296-1600
http://www.duemarinj.com/
type = Italian
Duk Soo Goong
475 Old Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08817
https://www.yelp.com/biz/duk-soo-goong-edison
visits =
2013.05? (the night we found out Edison Noodle House closed). Looks like hole in wall outside and in, but that can be a good thing. Staff seems a little wary. Almost no english spoken. No hot tea why? Overall good, would try again.
Dunkin' Donuts [chain]
They have a unique coffee flavor, which sometimes I avoid and sometimes I crave. Coffee is very consistent between locations, but the freshness and taste of the donuts and bagels varies by location.
Dunkin' Donuts [East Windsor]
1 Lake Dr, East Windsor, NJ 08520
609-448-7870
Consistently not good. Better to go west to the one on Route 130, or east to the one in Millstone. Also, the gas prices at the attached Shell station tend to be higher than the Hess across the street, so why would you even be here?
Dunkin' Donuts [Highland Park]
This location was a staple during Rutgers days, especially during odd hours.
Sometime in the 2000s they moved to a nearby building and the location became a pizza place.
Dusal's Pizza
340 Union Hill Rd, Englishtown, NJ 07726
732-536-4089
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dusals-pizza-englishtown
Dutchman's Brauhaus
Manahawkin
www.facebook.com/otto.dutchman
open? seasonal?
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/289/1246695/restaurant/South-Jersey/Ship-Bottom/The-Dutchmans-Brauhaus-Manahawkin
East Coast Cookery
3548 Route 66, Neptune, NJ 07753
East Japanese Restaurant
1405 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-837-1260
conveyor belt
Edie’s Luncheonette
Little Silver
http://www.yelp.com/biz/edies-luncheonette-little-silver
239 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Efes Restaurant
32 Easton Ave New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-249-4100
efesgrill.us
type = restaurant, Mediterranean / Greek / Turkish
Einstein Bros Bagels (national chain)
haven't been in a while, remember it being at least as good as supermarket bagel
El Familiar
3 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728-2209
732-303-9400
http://www.elfamiliar.com/
https://plus.google.com/110211682555263483998/
review =
one visit in 200x? overall ok food and value, but not authentic
status =
no need to revisit
El Meson
44 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-308-9494
type = restaurant, Mexican
review =
i think we went once, not impressed enough to come back.
status =
no need to revisit
235 3rd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
plus yelp
type = restaurant, Mexican
alcohol = BYOB
authenticity.operator = yes, authenticity.clientele = no
review : menu looks kinda Taco Bell but food good, Mole very good flavor, chicken very good + moist
Elysian Café
1001 Washington St. (10th St.), Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-798-5898
elysiancafe.com
type = restaurant, French
Emery's Berry Farm
346 Long Swamp Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
609-758-8514
emerysfarm.com
type = market , pie , bakery
visits = 200x, 201x
review = awesome pies, best: blueberry
Escondido's Mexican Restaurant
301 Old Bridge Tpke, East Brunswick, New Jersey, 08816
732-254-7156
http://www.europeanhomemadeprovisions.com/
type = market, European
Evan's Restaurant
8 Cliffwood Ave, Matawan, NJ 07747
home, yelp,
status: try!
! breakfast; diner; Greek
Eventide Grille
1400 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
732-530-1414
http://eventidegrille.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/eventide-grille-sea-bright-2
status: haven't been in a while. try drunken clams
Famous Dave’s (chain)
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
status = never been
Famous Dave’s (Brick)
950 Cedarbridge Ave, Brick, NJ 08723
732-262-7485
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
status = never been
Famous Dave’s (New Brunswick)
23 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-296-9009
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
alcohol = BYOB
authenticity.operator = yes, authenticity.clientele = no
review : menu looks kinda Taco Bell but food good, Mole very good flavor, chicken very good + moist
Elysian Café
1001 Washington St. (10th St.), Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-798-5898
elysiancafe.com
type = restaurant, French
Emery's Berry Farm
346 Long Swamp Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
609-758-8514
emerysfarm.com
type = market , pie , bakery
visits = 200x, 201x
review = awesome pies, best: blueberry
Epernay
6 Park St. (Rte. 506), Montclair, NJ 07042
973-783-0447
epernaynj.com
type = restaurant, French
Escondido's Mexican Restaurant
402 W Main St Freehold, NJ 07728
732-577-0200
escondidos.com
https://plus.google.com/101277448429118097834/
type = restaurant, Mexican Americanized
review = OK, but typical Americanized gloop, no need to revisit.
status = do not revisit
European Homemade Provisions732-577-0200
escondidos.com
https://plus.google.com/101277448429118097834/
type = restaurant, Mexican Americanized
review = OK, but typical Americanized gloop, no need to revisit.
status = do not revisit
301 Old Bridge Tpke, East Brunswick, New Jersey, 08816
732-254-7156
http://www.europeanhomemadeprovisions.com/
type = market, European
Evan's Restaurant
8 Cliffwood Ave, Matawan, NJ 07747
home, yelp,
status: try!
! breakfast; diner; Greek
Eventide Grille
1400 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
732-530-1414
http://eventidegrille.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/eventide-grille-sea-bright-2
status: haven't been in a while. try drunken clams
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
status = never been
Famous Dave’s (Brick)
950 Cedarbridge Ave, Brick, NJ 08723
732-262-7485
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
status = never been
Famous Dave’s (New Brunswick)
23 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-296-9009
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
status = never been
reviews = mostly good but still a chain
Federici's Pizzeria (Freehold)
14 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-462-1312
federicis.com
Federico's Pizza (Belmar)
700 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719-2704
732-681-6936
federicospizza.com
129 Markham Place, Little Silver, New Jersey 07739
Ferry House
32 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542-3202
609-924-2488
theferryhouse.com
Fiddleheads
27 E Railroad Ave, Jamesburg, NJ 08831
http://www.fiddleheadsjamesburg.com/
type = restaurant, dinner, brunch
Fins (regional chain)
Bradley Beach, Brick, Sea Girt
finsusa.com
133 South Main Street (Route 79), Marlboro, NJ 07746
type = restaurant, American?
Fish Urban Dining
601 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-8181
fishasburypark.com
https://www.facebook.com/FISHAsburyPark
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fish-urban-dining-asbury-park-2
type = restaurant, seafood
Five Guys (chain)
tried one near North Brunswick that wasn't that good, maybe try another location
fiveguys.com
Flaky Tart
145 1st Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716-1237
732-291-2555
home, plus, yelp,
type = bakery
visits = Really nice little bakery. The croissant is the best I've ever had - but be warned that quality varies a little. Sometimes its just a really good croissant, and sometimes I am transported to Paris.
Four Seasons Diner
823 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753
732-270-8778
fourseasonsdiner.com
Frank’s Deli & Restaurant
Asbury Park
http://www.yelp.com/biz/franks-deli-and-restaurant-asbury-park
Freedman's Bakery
all locations gone now, i think. some treasured childhood memories, grew up to find i don't like this kind of bakery all that much, whatever.
Friendly's (national chain)
any diner could beat the food, but the desserts are good, especially any sundae with the peanut butter sauce
Fritzy's [closed]
2200 US Highway 9, Howell, NJ
732-845-1500
http://fritzysrestaurant.net/
type = restaurant, German
visits =
200x various
2009.12.27
2010.08.29
review =
Good German food, decent service, stuffy atmosphere, strip-mall ambiance, but precious because its one of the last German restaurants left in NJ. All the more sad now, because it closed in 2010.
29 Dennis St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-846-3216
frogandpeach.com plus yelp
type = restaurant American Noveau
status = never been
Fromagerie
see David Burke Fromagerie (changed owner at some time?)
Fuddruckers (chain)
used to have a bunch of locations in central/northern NJ, used to be good. quality declined, most locations closed.
Fuddruckers (chain) [New Brunswick] (closed)
note: closed in 2010? 2011? strange, because it was one of the better locations.
Fuji Japanese Restaurant
485 Georges Rd, #114, Dayton, NJ 08810
732-274-8830
http://www.fujidayton.com/
Full Moon Cafe
23 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-397-1096
http://www.yelp.com/biz/full-moon-lambertville
visits = 2010.07.?
2016.08.05 walked in, walked out, no staff present, lots of anxious unhappy people, lots of half eaten food on tables
Gaetano's
10 Wallace Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-741-1321
http://www.gaetanosredbank.com/
Garden Tea Room [closed]
4 South Main Street, Allentown, NJ 08501
609-208-1880
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-garden-tea-room-allentown
http://www.chow.com/restaurants/95568/garden-tea-room
type = restaurant, Tea
hours = W-S 11-4 U 12-4
visits = 200x various, 2006.04.02
review = Nice, but distressingly unprofessional.
status = closed 2010?
articles:
http://web.archive.org/web/20081011055454/http://examiner.gmnews.com/news/2004/1201/Business/071.html
http://web.archive.org/web/*/thegardentearoom.com
http://web.archive.org/web/20100701222406/http://www.thegardentearoom.com/
908-276-5749
garlicrose.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, italian
Genie's Weenies
3351 Route 22 East, Branchburg, NJ 08876
908-255-4136
geniesweenies.net, plus, yelp,
type = grill
status = never been, try!
German-American Society
215 Uncle Pete's Road, Trenton, NJ 08691-3733
609-585-5200
gakclub.org
https://www.facebook.com/gakclub
visits = one time in 200x
review = awkward banquet hall seating
status = would like to go to any German restaurant, but it was weird
Gil & Bert's
69 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
type = takeout, ice cream
Glory's Discount Market
584 Cedar Swamp Road, Jackson, NJ 08527
type = deli, market
glorysmarket.com
maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Glory's+food+market&cid=10110317468465685464
visits =
198x?, 200x, 2012.02.01
review =
interesting butcher selections (some home made)
coleslaw is ok but don't get again
prices are high, but not that high; selections are few but you find what you need
note =
note: the rice pudding is good, but we know where its from
note: i think one of my oldest memories is getting takeout (subs) from this place
The higher end version of Cheesecake Factory, but not that much more expensive, so more of a value.
Grand Lux Cafe (chain) [Cherry Hill]
Grand Lux Cafe (chain) [Paramus]
Love the beignet
Green Cuisine
302 96th Street, Stone Harbor, NJ
609-368-6486
type = restaurant, American, vegetarian friendly
recco = Chowhound (try the hummus)
nostalgia from the early 1980s. all i can remember now is the peanut shells coating the floor. and it was dark. what location did i used to go to? it seems they are trying to reboot and open new locations.
Ground Round [East Windsor]
529 Rt 130 N, East Windsor, NJ 08520
609-448-0049
groundroundbowlnj.com
part of a bowling alley?
status = try!
Gum Ho Jung - exists? closed?
518 Old Post Road, Edison, NJ
732-650-1588
135 State Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726
732-294-0006
http://www.yelp.com/biz/guss-restaurant-manalapan
type = restaurant, diner;
visits = many over 200x-201x. Consistently good diner food, ambiance, and service. Avoid the predictable rush times.
Gusto Grill
1050 Rt 18 North, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816
732-651-2737
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, American
status: try?
! American, a little pricey, reviews mostly good
Happy Apple Inn
29 Imlaystown Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
609-259-7889
200x-201x many visits
2655 River Rd Manasquan, NJ 08736
732-223-8880
harpoonwillys.com
type = restaurant, American?
Heavenly Havens Creamery
33 S Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501
https://www.yelp.com/biz/heavenly-havens-creamery-allentown
note: where Swal used to be
one visit 2016.08 not bad, but something not the same as Swal
Hickory Hog
2310 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant Boro, NJ 08742
732-714-7427
thehickoryhog.com, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American / BBQ
status = never been
reviews = OK
1 Crest Dr. (Eagle Rock Ave.), West Orange, NJ 07052
973-731-3463
highlawn.com
type = restaurant, American?
Hillbilly Hall Tavern & Restaurant
203 Hopewell-Wertsville Rd., Hopewell, N.J. 08525
609-466-9856
status = never been, try!
Homestead Rest
294 N Church Rd, Sparta Township, NJ 07871
973-383-4914
homesteadrest.com
on the boardwalk?
Howard Johnson's [chain]
there was one on the Asbury boardwalk, it was there forever, but i can't remember the last time i was ever there
Holland American Bakery
246 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461
973-875-5258
home, facebook, tripadvisor, yelp,
type = bakery; Dutch
status: several visits, always good
Hooked Cafe
Belmar
https://www.yelp.com/biz/hooked-cafe-belmar
30 State Route 34 N, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Hudson Café
Atlantic Highlands
343 Rt. 34, Matawan, NJ 07747
plus, yelp
type = restaurant, kosher / Middle-Eastern
Il Gabbiano
10 South Ave W, Cranford, NJ 07016
(908) 497-1990
cranfordbistro.com
type = restaurant, italian
In-and-Out Burger (chain) [not in NJ!]
but i can dream
Inbetween Cafe
Red Bank
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-inbetween-cafe-red-bank
Inkwell Coffee House
665 2nd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-483-0444
plus yelp
type = cafe
visits = Countless visits from 1980s to now. Dad used to go there when it was across the street on the opposite corner. If you're the right age, its the place to see and be seen, and to feel like you're doing something sketchy, while its all quite safe. If you're the wrong age, its a bit tired, overpriced, but still deeply nostalgic, no matter how much keeps changing. When you could no longer smoke inside it took away a good bit of the soul of the place, but there's still enough left to warrant the occasional visit.
Inlet Cafe
Highlands
http://www.inletcafe.com/
Irv's Deli & Restaurant
2040 State Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-775-4300
home, facebook, yelp,
type = restaurant, American, diner
visits = 2016, 2017.04.21
review = basic, good
Islander Carribean Restaurant, Asbury Park
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-islander-carribean-restaurant-asbury-park
reviews = few reviews but mostly good
warning: mostly takeout, limited seating
Istanbul Restaurant
1000 Aaron Rd, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902Il Gabbiano
10 South Ave W, Cranford, NJ 07016
(908) 497-1990
cranfordbistro.com
type = restaurant, italian
In-and-Out Burger (chain) [not in NJ!]
but i can dream
Red Bank
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-inbetween-cafe-red-bank
Inkwell Coffee House
665 2nd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-483-0444
plus yelp
type = cafe
visits = Countless visits from 1980s to now. Dad used to go there when it was across the street on the opposite corner. If you're the right age, its the place to see and be seen, and to feel like you're doing something sketchy, while its all quite safe. If you're the wrong age, its a bit tired, overpriced, but still deeply nostalgic, no matter how much keeps changing. When you could no longer smoke inside it took away a good bit of the soul of the place, but there's still enough left to warrant the occasional visit.
Inlet Cafe
Highlands
http://www.inletcafe.com/
Irv's Deli & Restaurant
2040 State Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-775-4300
home, facebook, yelp,
type = restaurant, American, diner
visits = 2016, 2017.04.21
review = basic, good
Islander Carribean Restaurant, Asbury Park
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-islander-carribean-restaurant-asbury-park
reviews = few reviews but mostly good
warning: mostly takeout, limited seating
theistanbulrestaurant.com
Italian Pantry Bistro
13 Eastman St, Cranford, NJ 07016
908-272-7790
theitalianpantrybistro.com plus yelp
type = restaurant, italian
5 E 3rd St, Howell, NJ 07731
732-370-2206
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = looks like sports bar
visits = never been
status = probably not
Jack in the Box (chain fast food) [not in NJ]
Forgettable fast food, but strangely addictive.
Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty
83 Channel Dr Pt Pleasant Bch, NJ 08742
732-899-6700
jackbakerslobstershanty.com
type = restaurant, seafood
Jameson’s
652 State Rte 35 N, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-775-4699
home, foursquare, plus, yelp
type = take-out with some seating? / American / BBQ / Southern
status = never been
reviews = good food but poor service, disorganized, seems to be more of a take-out place than a restaurant
Java Moon Cafe {CLOSED}
Jackson
note: This was the mothership, first to open last to close. They expanded out to Red Bank and somewhere on Route 9, and airport kiosks. In the beginning, the food was so fresh, creative, and good that it was like a vacation on a plate. Locations were poorly managed, quality kept slipping, reality ensued. At least the Jackson location seemed to be doing OK, not as good as its peak, but still worth an occasional visit. By the time we noticed it was closed, it seemed more inevitable than a surprise.
Looking back, I think I can see a hint of the downfall in their early menus, where there was overly aggressive marketing in the name of every mundane product - every darned thing had a moon word or pun in it. I think they overextended themselves by expanding further than their quality control could reach, and at some point they lost their way and never found it again.
JBJ Soul Kitchen
Red Bank
soup kitchen? could be weird
hours 5-7pm, so could be difficult
Jersey Shore BBQ
811 Belmar Plz, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-894-9009
jerseyshorebbq.com, yelp,
type = restaurant, Amercian / BBQ / BYOB
status = never been, try
reviews = good food just ok service
Jimmy G's Famous Hot Dogs
https://www.yelp.com/biz/jimmy-gs-famous-hot-dogs-hamilton
closed
Jina’s House Korean Restaurant
Highland Park
yelp,
type = restaurant, Korean
visits = 2017.03.02
review = only a few ban chan but all good and refilled!, small menu but so far everything good, ambience ok, service good
status = re-visit
3211 New Jersey 27, Franklin Park, NJ 08823
732-305-7280
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Middle Eastern, Aghan
status: maybe try
Kentucky Fried Chicken / KFC (national fast food chain)
gross, but maybe i've just been going to bad locations. i would rather go to Popeye's if at all possible.
Keum Ho Garden
518 Old Post Rd, Unit 12, Edison, NJ 08817
732-287-5757
http://www.yelp.com/biz/keum-ho-garden-edison
1411 Kingsley St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-774-6666
home, yelp,
type = restaurant / bar, American
reviews = very mixed
status: maybe try... prob not
Kirker's Inn
237 Diamond Bridge Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506
973-427-7700
kirkers.com
type = restaurant, German
Klein's Fish Market
708 River Rd Belmar, NJ 07719
732-681-1177
kleinsfish.com
type = market / restaurant, seafood
Korean Barbeque
6902 Us Hwy 9, Howell, NJ 07731
732-987-5808
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, Korean
status = never been
reviews = seems ok, a bit non-traditional
Koy Turkish Grill
647A Rt 18 S, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-955-6449
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, Turkish
status = never been
reviews = mixed to good
Krakowiak
42 Main St, South River, NJ 08882
732-238-0433
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Polish
hours: M T closed, W R 11-8, F S 11-9, U 11-8
Kunya Siam
Atlantic Highlands
Thai
Kusina Pilipina
3171 Rte 27 S, Franklin Park, NJ 08823
732-419-3389
type = restaurant, Filipino
Kuzu Turkish Cuisine [closed]
2775 U.S. 9, Howell, NJ 07731
732-577-8825
https://www.yelp.com/biz/kuzu-turkish-cuisine-howell-3
kuzuturkishcuisine.com
L'Affaire II Bake Shoppe
312 Rues Ln, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-390-1717
La Petit France
Red Bank
closed/became Bienvenue
La Rouge 23
4 South Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501
609-259-1084
note: location was briefly some mexican place, then The Alps, before that a tea room, and long ago an apothecary.
visits = 2016.07.xx
review = ok.
status = prob revisit.
La Vie732-238-0433
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Polish
hours: M T closed, W R 11-8, F S 11-9, U 11-8
note: pay to park in streets, meters take coins only
status: one visit, good. probably visit again.
Atlantic Highlands
Thai
Kusina Pilipina
3171 Rte 27 S, Franklin Park, NJ 08823
732-419-3389
type = restaurant, Filipino
Kuzu Turkish Cuisine [closed]
2775 U.S. 9, Howell, NJ 07731
732-577-8825
https://www.yelp.com/biz/kuzu-turkish-cuisine-howell-3
kuzuturkishcuisine.com
312 Rues Ln, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-390-1717
visits =
2014.04.19 not good
Red Bank
closed/became Bienvenue
La Rouge 23
4 South Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501
609-259-1084
note: location was briefly some mexican place, then The Alps, before that a tea room, and long ago an apothecary.
visits = 2016.07.xx
review = ok.
status = prob revisit.
714 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
lavienj.com yelp
type = restaurant, French, Moroccan
note: still closed from Sandy as of 2013.02
Landing
311 Amwell Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
908-281-1288
home, yelp,
note: may have some german items
status = try
1000 Ocean Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-3275
langostalounge.com
Le Cafe Creperie
139 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
856-334-5205
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, French
reviews = good
status: try!
Le Fandy
609 River Rd. (Haute St.), Fair Haven, NJ 07704
732-530-3338
type = restaurant, French
Le Peep (chain) [locations nationwide]
lepeep.com
Haven't been often enough or recent enough to have much of an opinion.
Lemon
?
visits =
2014.01.30? Hummus + bread very good, Pear + crab ok but strange, Lamb empanada good, Beet + lentil soup good, Pistachio + goat salad good
note: is this the place at the end of the strip mall near Perkins? probably a cursed location.
Lenora's Cafe
18 W Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Mexican ; breakfast, lunch, dinner
reviews = mostly good
status = try!
700 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Little Kraut [closed]
Red Bank, NJ
type = restaurant, German
Little Mac's
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
https://foursquare.com/v/little-macs/4c0292c4310fc9b6ba9cc461
2014.04.06 bacon cheese fries, $10, not bad, next time skip the bacon it adds nothing
Local Smoke BBQ
719 Rte 35 Neptune City, NJ 07753
localsmokebbq.com, yelp,
type = take-out, American / BBQ
status = try, maybe
reviews = seems to be more of a take-out place than a restaurant, though there are a few tables
LongHorn Steakhouse (chain)
Decent steak place, quality varies by location. Cheaper than Outback, if you don't mind country music.
LongHorn Steakhouse [Freehold]
Freehold
visits =
2014.03.03 app Wild West Shrimp good even without peppers or ranch sauce. Outlaw Ribeye "Pittsburgh rare" good.
Luchento’s Country Kitchen
Englishtown
Madame Claude Cafe
French (Bistro)Jersey City
364½ Fourth St. (Brunswick St.), Jersey City, NJ 07302
201-876-8800
madameclaudecafe.com
type = restaurant, French
Main Street Falafel
4 W Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-409-1234
https://www.yelp.com/biz/main-street-falafel-freehold
Maloney's Pub & Grill
119 Main St, Matawan, NJ 07747
732-583-4040
home, yelp,
type = bar, pub
reviews = mostly good
status = ?
Main Street Bistro
30 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-294-1112
Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant
58 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-640-0794
mamouns.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mamouns-falafel-restaurant-new-brunswick
type = restaurant, Middle-Eastern
Mariner’s Cove
Brielle
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mariners-cove-restaurant-brielle
Mark's Place
621 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-3210
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Jamaican
MaRu Restaurant
415 New Jersey 18 East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-698-1113
home, plus, yelp1, yelp2, (why are there two yelps?)
visits =
2014.02.06 beef bbq (good)
2014.04.18 banchan fresh and crisp, Soondooboo (good, needs more heat), beef + sweet potato noodle (very tasty), hot beef soup (really hot). soups are good but could use a little something in the stock, maybe a richer broth or more seasoning, maybe i just like salt
2014.05.29 roll too much mayo no flavor. Soondooboo soup good but broth a little thin not lot flavor. Beef soup (Haejangguk?) good broth good flavor. ban chan fresh.
Matisse Restaurant
1300 Ocean Ave Belmar, NJ 07719
732-681-7680
matissecatering.com
type = restaurant, seafood?
McDonald's (chain)
The pinnacle of the industrial age of food. The fries used to be consistently good, but that hasn't been true now for years (maybe since they had to go vegetarian on the oil?). The Big Mac used to be my favorite fast food sandwich, but now its mostly bread, limp lettuce, and some small gray discs. I'd rather just get a few cheeseburgers, the ratios are better. Shake used to be good, but a lot of the time the machine is broken, or isn't operating properly, and the product comes out water, or inconsistently flavored. Still better than most fast food shakes.
The coffee is surprisingly good, and cheap.
McGillicuddy's Lakeside Taphouse (closed)
601 Main St, Loch Arbour, NJ 07711
Meemom’s
Wall Township
visits = 2014.09.28, 2015.05 tried at 9am too crowded already, 2017.06.11
Memphis Pig Out
Atlantic Highlands
status = haven't been in years
used to have excellent strawberry pie dessert,
cluttered with pig tchachkes
Metropolitan Cafe
8 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
MJ's Pizza Bar & Grill (regional chain) [Tinton Falls]reviews = seems to be more of a take-out place than a restaurant, though there are a few tables
LongHorn Steakhouse (chain)
Decent steak place, quality varies by location. Cheaper than Outback, if you don't mind country music.
LongHorn Steakhouse [Freehold]
Freehold
visits =
2014.03.03 app Wild West Shrimp good even without peppers or ranch sauce. Outlaw Ribeye "Pittsburgh rare" good.
Luchento’s Country Kitchen
Englishtown
French (Bistro)Jersey City
364½ Fourth St. (Brunswick St.), Jersey City, NJ 07302
201-876-8800
madameclaudecafe.com
type = restaurant, French
Main Street Falafel
4 W Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-409-1234
https://www.yelp.com/biz/main-street-falafel-freehold
119 Main St, Matawan, NJ 07747
732-583-4040
home, yelp,
type = bar, pub
reviews = mostly good
status = ?
30 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-294-1112
Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant
58 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-640-0794
mamouns.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mamouns-falafel-restaurant-new-brunswick
type = restaurant, Middle-Eastern
Mariner’s Cove
Brielle
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mariners-cove-restaurant-brielle
note: i can't get anyone to go with me, might have to visit myself.
621 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-455-3210
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Jamaican
status = been once (May 2016), hole in wall but clean, good food, seems home made and authentic, worth a revisit.
415 New Jersey 18 East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-698-1113
home, plus, yelp1, yelp2, (why are there two yelps?)
visits =
2014.02.06 beef bbq (good)
2014.04.18 banchan fresh and crisp, Soondooboo (good, needs more heat), beef + sweet potato noodle (very tasty), hot beef soup (really hot). soups are good but could use a little something in the stock, maybe a richer broth or more seasoning, maybe i just like salt
2014.05.29 roll too much mayo no flavor. Soondooboo soup good but broth a little thin not lot flavor. Beef soup (Haejangguk?) good broth good flavor. ban chan fresh.
Matisse Restaurant
1300 Ocean Ave Belmar, NJ 07719
732-681-7680
matissecatering.com
type = restaurant, seafood?
McDonald's (chain)
The pinnacle of the industrial age of food. The fries used to be consistently good, but that hasn't been true now for years (maybe since they had to go vegetarian on the oil?). The Big Mac used to be my favorite fast food sandwich, but now its mostly bread, limp lettuce, and some small gray discs. I'd rather just get a few cheeseburgers, the ratios are better. Shake used to be good, but a lot of the time the machine is broken, or isn't operating properly, and the product comes out water, or inconsistently flavored. Still better than most fast food shakes.
The coffee is surprisingly good, and cheap.
McGillicuddy's Lakeside Taphouse (closed)
601 Main St, Loch Arbour, NJ 07711
Meemom’s
Wall Township
visits = 2014.09.28, 2015.05 tried at 9am too crowded already, 2017.06.11
Melting Pot (national chain)
Melting Pot (Red Bank)
Melting Pot (Red Bank)
2 Bridge Ave. (Front St.), The Galleria, Red Bank, NJ 07701
meltingpot.com
732-219-0090
type = restaurant, fondue
Memphis Pig Out
Atlantic Highlands
status = haven't been in years
used to have excellent strawberry pie dessert,
cluttered with pig tchachkes
Metropolitan Cafe
8 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
1213 Sycamore Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Miss Saigon
https://www.yelp.com/biz/miss-saigon-freehold-township
visited at least once, can't recall, guess we weren't impressed
Molly Pitcher Inn
88 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Molto Bene Ristorante
17 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
https://moltobeneonline.com/
1129 5th Ave, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-775-4823
home, yelp,
visits =
200x, 201x many
2014.01?
Clams oreganato very good, Salad good, Pizza ok, Red velvet cake v good
2014.07.24 salad good - improved, mozzarella sticks ok, pizza good, lasagna flavorless and textureless. get no more red food here!
2016.0? first visit since new owner? / renovation?, feels different and awkward. renovation seems somewhat incomplete, as some unfinished bits sticking out. even though this place is more bar than restaurant, there is NO draft beer. staff seems new and untrained inexperienced. despite these small troubles we get what we want: family style salad and a pizza. thankfully the pizza seems to be the same. the strange antique bathroom survives intact.
2016.07.21 salad and pizza again, this time everything goes better, and there is draft beer again.
Moonstruck
517 Lake Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-988-0123
moonstrucknj.com
Morgan’s Island Grill
https://www.yelp.com/biz/morgans-island-grill-hightstown
Mosa Social
http://www.themosasocial.com/
1178 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747
2933 Vauxhall Road, Vauxhall, NJ 07088-1260
French & Moroccan
Mr. Shrimp
1600 New Jersey 71 #1, Belmar, NJ 07719
mrshrimp.com yelp
type = seafood, restaurant, market
reviews = good?
visits = once 2013.02
review = Doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside its open and bright and clean. The first thing you see is the market section, and a bit of open kitchen, which draws you in nicely. Service is good (but it wasn't crowded). The menu is large, with lots of different seafood options. Food was OK, with a few bright spots. Overall I found everything to be under salted. The clam chowder (New England) was just decent, but most places get it wrong. My crab cake was really bland, and didn't taste like much of anything. It didn't help that it was a bit small, and served in a huge open bun, making it seem even smaller. I tried a fried shrimp and it was very good. Fried clam was OK, fried scallop was very good - very few places seem able to do this without making it rubbery. Fries didn't taste like much of anything, even with lots of salt. My food was served with flavored tartar sauce, which in retrospect is like a pre-admission of something. Prices are pretty good, but for a little bit more you can get an overall better experience at Klein's, which is nearby.
status = no need to revisit any time soon; for this kind of food (and better atmosphere) just go to Klein's
Mug Rack
where? Jackson? near conselina
visits = once 2015.12.05
type = restaurant, breakfast/lunch
review = This place used to be a very greasy spoon diner, until Mug Rack moved here from somewhere else in Jackson, cleaned the place up a bit, and now its just a regular greasy spoon diner. Service is typical diner nonchalant but not mean. The place was busy, but everything moved right along, didn't have to wait long for anything. Food was OK to good. Sausage gravy and biscuit were very good - few places get both things right. Home fries and french fries taste OK, but a little too limp and not crispy. Sadly its a Pepsi shop, not Coke. Shake was ok, coffee was ok. Meal for two plus tip came to $30, seems a little high, but OK. Looking forward to returning and trying more things.
status = visit again
! i think this already closed and another diner is in its place
Mulligan’s Bar & Restaurant
203 Squankum Rd, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
732-938-6166
originalmulligans.com (warning), foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, American-Irish / bar
visits = once (2013?)
review = more sports bar than restaurant, live music, had a bit of a nice roadhouse vibe, don't remember the food at all
Munch
632 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-775-0444
munchasbury.com
type = restaurant, American?
My Cousin Vinny's Too
Collingwood Auction & Flea Market, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
My Kitchen Witch
Monmouth Beach
2012-2013 closed because Sandy
2013.05.10 first re-visit since closure, breakfast
note: used to have a charming local feel. after the renovation it seemed to have lost that feel, and without that the food is not good enough to make it a destination anymore.
My Way Korean Restaurant
351 George St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-545-5757
https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-way-korean-restaurant-new-brunswick
http://www.mywaynj.com/
43 Main Ave, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
7320-776-9797
type = restaurant, American? / ice-cream?
Nathan's [chain]
Kind of an OK hot dog place, for fast food. There aren't really any good locations left; the last good one I went to was in a Home Depot. Fries tend to be greasy and soggy, especially at rest stops.
121 Fair Haven Rd. (River Rd.), Fair Haven, NJ 07704
nauvoogrillclub.com
732-747-8777
type = restaurant, ?
Neptune City Diner (closed)
home, yelp,
! breakfast
status = one visit 2017.01.01?
New Jersey State Fair
37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ 07822
home,
note: held in August, lasts about a week
visits: several
Long Branch
Greek
15 White St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-530-1140
plus yelp
type = cafe?
No Joe's Cafe
51 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-530-4040
nojoescafe.com, yelp,
type = cafe?
Noodle Fan (regional chain)
557 Englishtown Rd, Monroe Township, NJ 08831
732-446-2820
home, yelp,
type = Thai
reviews = mostly good but declining
status = never been, probably don't bother557 Englishtown Rd, Monroe Township, NJ 08831
732-446-2820
home, yelp,
type = Thai
reviews = mostly good but declining
Norah’s Irie
530 Springdale Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-443-4781
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Caribbean / Jamaican
visits = 2016.07.xx
review = OK neighborhood / ambiance, disturbingly empty inside - though we did arrive early by the time we left only one take out order the whole time. service and food good.
status = probably worth a revisit
49 Atlantic Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-229-5555
Old Heidelberg Inn
20 Boardwalk, Keansburg, NJ 07734
732-787-3131
https://www.yelp.com/biz/old-heidelberg-inn-keansburg
reviews = sounds like a German restaurant, but its a boardwalk bar & hot dog place. reviews are good, but seem mostly nostalgic/touristy
status = not destination, but visit if in area
Olivia's Trattoria & Artisan Pizza
4 Prospect Plz, Little Silver, NJ 07739
732-219-7766
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Italian
The Original Pancake House
1638 Schlosser St., Fort Lee, NJ 07024
201-585-0905
originalpancakehouse.com
type = restaurant, diner?
Old Mill at Tinton Falls
1205 Sycamore Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
this used to be part of that (sitting duck) regional chain before becoming an MJ's?
Old Queens Tavern
type = bar, restaurant ?
Oriental Pan Asian Restaurant
172 U.S. 9, Englishtown, NJ 07726
732-414-6318
http://www.orientalmarlboro.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-oriental-pan-asian-restaurant-marlboro
note: used to be a Vietnamese restaurant here
visits:
http://otherpeoplescooking.blogspot.com/2015/10/pan-asian-manalapan.html
Our House Restaurant
420 Adelphia Rd, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
outback.com
Quality and overall experience varies, but is usually OK. A little overpriced for what you get.
Hwy. 35 (Woodland Dr.), Middletown, NJ 07748
Over Easy Kitchen, Marlboro
breakfast & lunch
try!
Paco's Tacos
455 County Line Rd 520, Marlboro, NJ 07746
pacosnj.com, plus, yelp
type = restaurant, Mexican
ratings = bad
status = probably avoid
Bradley Beach
Italian
never been, poor reviews
Papa John's Pizza (national chain)
https://www.papajohns.com/
what happened to All the Meats? Now its Ultimate Meats and The Meats
Papa John's Pizza [East Windsor]
East Windsor
https://www.papajohns.com/locations/usa/nj/hightstown/08520/400-rte-130/4010
2017.02 tried Ultimate Meats, not as good as All the Meats, next time try The Meats
Park Avenue Grille
600 Park Ave, Freehold, NJ 07728
breakfast & lunch
2 Lindbergh Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551
609-466-6800
home, facebook,
2014.02.28 burnt down, article.
Peck Peck Chicken
250 Degraw Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Korean
https://www.yelp.com/biz/peck-peck-korean-style-chicken-teaneck-2
! Korean, chicken
505 Old Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08817
penangedison.com
Perfect Perk
602 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
732-775-5565
yelp
type = cafe?
Perkins [chain]
type = restaurant / diner, breakfast & lunch
Food like a diner, looks like a cheesy restaurant. Some places are significantly better than others. If in doubt, go to a diner instead.
Perkins [Colts Neck]
one of the better ones, gets crowded fast
Perkins [Freehold]
Perkins [Neptune Township] (closed)
The one I've been going to most of my life. The last time I went it still had the 1970's red theme; it may have since been ruined/remodeled.
Perkins [Hazlet]
It's a bit out of the way, but this is the best Perkins I've been to based on food quality, service, cleanliness.
Perkins [Wall Township]
2017.05.28 ok
Persian Tea Room
25 Mountainview Blvd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
908-580-0600
www.persiantearoomnj.com
status = never been, try!
2013.03.21 thin crust too dry, supports pizza better than a moister crust but at the cost of too much brittleness, also blander than usual - maybe just needed some salt, atmosphere lively as usual
Phil's 2 / real name posted on cert. inside
609-259-2833
173 Route 526, Allentown, NJ, US 08501
https://www.yelp.com/biz/phils-ii-sub-shop-allentown
103 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
856-795-5357
note: afternoon tea $22, hours limited, reserve
reviews: very mixed
visit: never been, try?
1763 Rt 27, Edison, NJ 08817
732-650-1000
https://www.yelp.com/biz/picnic-garden-edison
type = buffet, Korean ; BBQ
visits =
201?
2016.07.14 about the same, as expected.
status = worth visiting once or twice, or at long intervals. instead of $30 per person, you could pay $20 to have BBQ at a Korean restaurant, with the full banchan, and service, and probably better quality all around. the only thing you lose is variety and experimentation, so its still worth going for that.
1422 Grand St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-683-5465
http://pilsenerhaus.com/
type = bar / restaurant , German (somewhat)
Piramida Restaurant
5010 Route 33&34, Colingswood Circle, Wall, NJ 07727
732-256-9922
type = restaurant, Russian?
status: ?
Highland Park
Greek
PJ's
166 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-249-2919
home, yelp,
type = pizza, fast food take-out
visits = various from 1990s to 2010s
review = Typical local pizzeria, but noticeably better than most. I have a sentimental spot for it, but its not destination food.
Planet Of The Crepes (Freehold)
Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 U.S. 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
Planet Of The Crepes (Tinton Falls)
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, 1 Premium Outlet Blvd, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753
Plaza Tapatia
707 Main Street - Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-776–7826
home, yelp,
type = Mexican
review = mixed
status = never been, maybe try other places first
ponderosasteakhouses.com
note: alternate name of Bonanaza - where there ever any in NJ?
Popeye's (fast food chain)
Used to be excellent when we went up north for it, but all the locations around here are lackluster. Red beans & rice used to be awesome, but too often now its a goopy pink paste with hard rice.
640 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pour-house-tinton-falls
Prime 34
Aberdeen
Project Brunch
357 U.S. 9 South, Englishtown, NJ 07726
type = breakfast
status = not great reviews but try
Raven & the Peach
740 River Rd. (Fair Haven Rd.), Fair Haven, NJ 07704
732-747-4666
ravenandthepeach.net
type = restaurant, American?
Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe
17 White St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-219-0822
redbankchocolateshoppe.com plus yelp
type = market? candy?
Restaurant Nicholas
160 State Route 35, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Restaurant Plan B
705 Cookman Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
plus
Restaurante Tropico
38 Broad St, Keyport, NJ 07735
http://www.yelp.com/biz/restaurante-tropico-keyport
Columbus
(inside Columbus Farmer's Market)
visits=
2014.03.01 Rice pudding taste ok but a little hard, egg custard excellent.
Rise N Shine Luncheonette
14 Main St, Eatontown, NJ 07724
http://riseandshinediner.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rise-n-shine-luncheonette-eatontown
note: visited in 201x? greasy spoon?
50 Main Street, South River, NJ 08882-1225
riverthairestaurant.com
visits = Once (2013.02)
review = x
River's Edge Cafe
Oakhurst
https://www.yelp.com/biz/rivers-edge-cafe-oakhurst
8 Ramtown Greenville Rd, Howell, NJ 07731
732-202-8927
Roadside Diner
Wall
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-roadside-diner-wall
1 Convent Rd Morristown, NJ 07960
973-539-6666
Rook Coffee Roasters
60r Monmouth Rd, Oakhurst, NJ 07755
732-483-4402
rookcoffeeroasters.com plus yelp
type = cafe?
Roosevelt Deli (closed)
1 N Rochdale Ave, Roosevelt, NJ 08555
609-443-5111
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roosevelt-deli-roosevelt
type = deli
tags = cursed location
heard it was owned by one guy for 20+ years, known for good bread. owner died or retired, went through several different owners (Columbian, Vietnamese) over the years. now sitting empty for years (as of 2014)
Rosa's Kitchen
Flea market, 1350 New Jersey 33 Collingwood, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Royal Curry Indian Resturant
419 Rte 34, Market Place II, Matawan, NJ 07747
http://www.yelp.com/biz/royal-curry-indian-resturant-matawan
925 N Olden Ave, Trenton, NJ 08638
609-656-1600
http://www.rozmarynrestaurant.com/
type = restaurant, Polish
Runa Peruvian Cuisine
Red Bank
#
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Peruvian
455 US Hwy 9 S, Marlboro, NJ 07726
Russian
Rutts Hut
Clifton
deep fried hot dogs
Sahara 34
Pine Valley Plaza, 1008 NJ-34, Matawan, NJ 07747
732-566-2225
home, yelp,
type = market & restaurant; Middle-Eastern & Mediterranean
note: stopped honoring Perks coupon without notifying site, just put up a paper note on the wall.
visits = 2017.02.24
status: ok - good, prob revisit
Sahara Restaurant165 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-246-3020
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Middle-Eastern / Turkish
Salsa Latina
Matawan
Puerto Rican
visits =
2013.05? bread basket good and garlicy, café con leche good and dry, Empanada chicken good slightly dry but w a tasty salsa, Ropa con vieja good flavor, ok texture. Atmosphere good, friendly even if busy
4 Bingham Ave, Rumson, NJ 07760
San Marzano Trattoria
31 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-845-5440
https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-marzano-trattoria-freehold
http://www.sanmarzanofreehold.com/
201 Union Ln Brielle, NJ 08730
732-528-7750
sandbarrestaurant.com
type = restaurant, seafood
Schneider's
801 Main St, Avon by the Sea, NJ 07717
schneidersrestaurant.com
Sebastian's Schnitzelhaus
43 Fort Dix St, Wrightstown, NJ 08562
609-724-9609
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, German
visits = several
note:
Sunday Brunch 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Schnitzel Fest every third Sunday, 2:30PM to 5:00PM
status = always good, visit often as possible!
Shanghai Bun
952 State Rt 34, Matawan, NJ 07747
http://www.yelp.com/biz/shanghai-bun-matawan-3
! dumplings, scallion pancakes !
61 Bridge St, Milford, NJ 08848
908-995-0188
home, facebook, yelp,
type = bar, restaurant, british?
visits:
Best Bitter
Shepherd's Pie
Mac And Cheese For Grown Ups
The Ship's Hot Apple Crumble
status: revisit, next time try Cornish Pasty or sampler
720 Ashley Ave Brielle, NJ 08730
732-292-9380
shipwreckgrill.com
type = restaurant, seafood?
Shirin Cafe
Manalapan
type = restaurant, Russian / Mid Eastern
visits = once
status = re-visit?
Shloka of Freehold
24 South St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-333-0756
http://www.shlokafreehold.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/shloka-of-freehold-freehold
note: used to be called Ginger Indian Buffet, used to be Aangan on Route 9
visits = once
Shrimp Box
75 Inlet Dr Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-899-1637
theshrimpbox.com
type = restaurant, seafood
Shumi in Somerville
Japanese
https://www.chowhound.com/post/real-japanese-sushi-nj-1046588
http://www.nj.com/dining/2016/01/shumi_somerville_review_best_sushi_in_new_jersey.html
! maybe best sushi in NJ
Siam Smiles
1016 State Rt 34, Ste 4, Matawan, NJ 07747
http://www.yelp.com/biz/siam-smiles-matawan
! curry puffs, scallop curry, deep fried cheesecake !
one visit in 2016.02.25 ?
Siam Thai Restaurant
323 Rt 34, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
732-414-2746
type = restaurant, Thai
visits=
2014.05.24
nice atmosphere (dark woods, carvings), tiny but clean bathroom (unfortunately positioned right by the front area).
app Crab Rangoon excellent good texture creamy.
app Samosa ok not much flavor good texture.
app sauces taste like generic chinese duck sauce packet.
Sweet and sour shrimp soup good taste.
Server stacked dishes loudly and deliberately, but got better over the evening. Also hung out outside front door to smoke.
entree Bangkok duck very good texture good flavor.
entree Cinnamon duck good texture very good flavor.
Sigiri
52 Route 27, Edison NJ 08820
732-744-9667
sigirinyc.com, yelp,
type = restaurant, Sri-Lanka
status = try!
Simply Jerk
891 Cranbury S River Rd, South Brunswick Township, NJ 08831
732-641-2420
type = restaurant, Jamaican
https://www.facebook.com/SimplyJerkGrill
http://www.yelp.com/biz/simply-jerk-jamaican-grill-south-brunswick-township
status = waiting for it to open, try!
Siru [closed]
1165 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904
732-777-7812
http://www.yelp.com/biz/siru-highland-park
type = Korean
visits = once
review = it was ok, but not excited to return
Kimchi Jigae had ramen and hot dogs in it. Broth not rich and flavorful as other places we've been.
Sitting Duckstatus = re-visit?
Shloka of Freehold
24 South St, Freehold, NJ 07728
732-333-0756
http://www.shlokafreehold.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/shloka-of-freehold-freehold
note: used to be called Ginger Indian Buffet, used to be Aangan on Route 9
visits = once
75 Inlet Dr Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-899-1637
theshrimpbox.com
type = restaurant, seafood
Shumi in Somerville
Japanese
https://www.chowhound.com/post/real-japanese-sushi-nj-1046588
http://www.nj.com/dining/2016/01/shumi_somerville_review_best_sushi_in_new_jersey.html
! maybe best sushi in NJ
1016 State Rt 34, Ste 4, Matawan, NJ 07747
http://www.yelp.com/biz/siam-smiles-matawan
! curry puffs, scallop curry, deep fried cheesecake !
one visit in 2016.02.25 ?
323 Rt 34, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
732-414-2746
type = restaurant, Thai
visits=
2014.05.24
nice atmosphere (dark woods, carvings), tiny but clean bathroom (unfortunately positioned right by the front area).
app Crab Rangoon excellent good texture creamy.
app Samosa ok not much flavor good texture.
app sauces taste like generic chinese duck sauce packet.
Sweet and sour shrimp soup good taste.
Server stacked dishes loudly and deliberately, but got better over the evening. Also hung out outside front door to smoke.
entree Bangkok duck very good texture good flavor.
entree Cinnamon duck good texture very good flavor.
A little pricey but worth it. Overall experience good.
52 Route 27, Edison NJ 08820
732-744-9667
sigirinyc.com, yelp,
type = restaurant, Sri-Lanka
status = try!
Simply Jerk
891 Cranbury S River Rd, South Brunswick Township, NJ 08831
732-641-2420
type = restaurant, Jamaican
https://www.facebook.com/SimplyJerkGrill
http://www.yelp.com/biz/simply-jerk-jamaican-grill-south-brunswick-township
status = waiting for it to open, try!
Siru [closed]
1165 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904
732-777-7812
http://www.yelp.com/biz/siru-highland-park
type = Korean
visits = once
review = it was ok, but not excited to return
Kimchi Jigae had ramen and hot dogs in it. Broth not rich and flavorful as other places we've been.
104 Myrtle Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
https://www.yelp.com/biz/sitting-duck-restaurant-long-branch
Skylark
17 Wooding Ave., Edison, NJ 08817
732-777-7878
skylarkdiner.com
type = restaurant, diner?
700 Hamilton St. (Baier Ave.), Somerset, NJ 08873
732-545-7778
sophiesbistro.net plus yelp
type = restaurant, French
review = n/a
status = try!
Stage Left
5 Livingston Ave. (George St.), New Brunswick, NJ 08901
stageleft.com
732-828-4444
type = restaurant, American?
Stamna
Lincroft
home, yelp,
! tried to go to Sunday breakfast, supposedly opens at 9, wasn't open
Starving Artist At Day's
47 Olin St., Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
732-988-1007
Station Bar & Grill
2625 U.S. 130 Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-655-5550
http://stationbarandgrill.com/
https://plus.google.com/110200855330031032856/about?gl=US&hl=en-US
http://www.yelp.com/biz/station-bar-and-grill-cranbury-2
used to be Cranbury Station - same owners?
Steak and Ale (national chain)
Stella Marina
800 Ocean Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-775-7776
stellamarinarestaurant.com
type = restaurant, italian?
Stewart’s Drive-in (regional chain)
home,
roadside burger, with authentic retro culture! sadly most old locations are disappearing.
2999 US Hwy 9, Howell, NJ 07731
732-363-7271
Stewart’s Kiosk
Raceway Mall, 3710 US 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
848-231-6868
https://www.yelp.com/biz/stewarts-kiosk-freehold
type = fast food, food court
visits = 2017.04.08
review = Food is ok, but a little pricey for fast food. The float is made with soft ice cream - don't bother. Ambiance doesn't feel like a Stewarts, of course how do you simulate drive-in at a mall, but there's no attempt at any aesthetic appeal. Awkwardly placed away from the main food court, you're just sitting in the flow of mall foot traffic.
Subway (chain)
You can usually find a cheaper or better local deli, but it will do in a pinch.
Sunrise Diner
129 N County Line Rd Unit 1, Jackson Township, NJ 08527
Sunset Diner
3315 Sunset Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712
732-775-0080
https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunset-diner-ocean
visits = multiple
review = greasy spoon, grubby ambiance, good value, friendly
Sunset Landing Luncheonette3315 Sunset Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712
732-775-0080
https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunset-diner-ocean
visits = multiple
review = greasy spoon, grubby ambiance, good value, friendly
1215 Sunset Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-776-9732
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, breakfast/brunch
reviews = mixed
status = try
Surrender Cafe
691 Amboy Ave, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095
732-636-2300
surrendercafe.com
691 Amboy Ave, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095
732-636-2300
surrendercafe.com
type = restaurant, Puerto Rican
visits = 2013.08.22
status = been once, its located in an old Wawa, wasn't bad but can't remember, probably try again
visits = 2013.08.22
status = been once, its located in an old Wawa, wasn't bad but can't remember, probably try again
Swal (closed)
Allentown
visits=
2014.04.13 Peanut buttter vanilla boring, Peanut buttter delight good.
closed, became another ice cream place
Freehold
type = cafe, American
reviews = ?
visits =
2013.01 coffee good, Texas french toast good though not very Texas sized, bacon and sausages good, hash ok
status = pretty good, try again
note = Busy place, be sure to arrive for breakfast no later than 9.
review =
2013.01; one visit in 2013.01. Doesn't look like much inside or out, but pleasant environment and staff, though tables are a little cramped. Tried a variety of breakfast foods, all good. Service strained as it got busy, but held together (i.e. coffees got refilled on time). This could become the new default breakfast place.
note: never went back, not sure why, it just never comes to mind.
Sweetpepper (closed)
608 Main St, Bradley Beach, New Jersey 07720
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-pepper-bradley-beach
note: on Facebook 2017.03 'moving to Atlantic Highlands', doesn't seem to have happened
Taco Bell (chain)
They use caulk guns to assemble the food - what more do you need to know?
Tally Ho
Route 33 Neptune
visited at least once
Taqueria La Valentina
Long Branch
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-la-valentina-long-branch
https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Valentina-Restaurant/404250449659589
Visits = 2014.08.19
Its in the back of a mexican grocery and general store, but it feels OK, adds to the charm. Not a lot of English spoken, authenticity factor is high. It made ordering a little difficult, but not impossible. Wanted mole, but they didn't have it today.
Tostados Pollo good
Banana Shake good light not thick
Chicken Chimichanga meat very dry and mild flavor
Carne Enchilada (maybe not the right name)
Caldos seafood good has a fish head
Overall everything light and mild in flavor
Status: visit again
Taqueria Maria’s
51 Dayton Rd, Monroe Township, NJ 08831
732-521-1400
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restauarnt, Mexican
status = never been, try!
reviews = hole in wall little place, really good food
Taste Of Smoke BBQ
747 Toms River Rd, Jackson Mills, NJ 08527
732-276-6155
tasteofsmoke.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-of-Smoke-BBQ/160560060747741
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-smoke-bbq-jackson
type = food truck / American / BBQ / take-out
status = never been, not a restaurant?, try, strange hours
Taylor Sam's (Brick)
1563 NJ-88, Brick Township, NJ 08724
Taylor Sam's (Red Bank)
20 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
type = restaurant, breakfast & lunch
Temple Gourmet Chinese
Red Bank
91 Broad St Red Bank, NJ 07701
templegourmet.com
Terhune Orchards
Princeton
type = market
www.terhuneorchards.com
Terrazza
Perth Amboy
Cuban
304 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904
cateringbytete.com, plus, yelp,
Texas Roadhouse
1000 Route 9, Parlin, NJ 08859
732-721-0780
homepage, plus, yelp,
status = never been, try
reviews = good food, just ok service, crowded
2590 County Road 516, Old Bridge Township, NJ 08857
732-607-7600
homepage, foursquare, plus, yelp,
type = restaurant, Thai
visits =
2014.03.13 Chicken Puffs (excellent), Golden Triangle (too starchy), Masaman Curry (very good, very flavorful), ginger tea (ok)
review.2014 Good food, reasonable prices. Though in a strip mall, it has a nice ambiance and you quickly forget it. Service OK. Do not miss the Chicken Puffs. Didn't get to test their spice levels, must go back.
review 2018.02.23 They remodeled, dark ambience is now bright and open. Friday night, full; authenticity test = fail. Soup good, apps good, mains all soupy, veg hard. What is the point of immersing crispy duck in sauce? Overall OK, but there's better.
status = No re-visit anytime soon.
Thai Thai Cuisine
3843 County Rd 516, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
732-679-4455
http://www.menuthaithaicuisine.com/
Tijos Kreyol Kitchen To Go
Haitian
Asbury Park
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tijos-kreyol-kitchen-to-go-asbury-park
warning: few tables
Point Pleasant Beach
homepage[warning!music]
Toast
516 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-776-5900
toastasburypark.com
type = restaurant, breakfast / brunch
Tranquil Garden Tea Room
706 Lareine Ave, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
home, facebook, tripadvisor, yelp,
type = Tea
note: afternoon tea = $26, hours = ?, temporarily closed?, always call for reservations
status = never been
649 Mattison Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
type = restaurant, Cajun?
Tulip Tree Cafe
Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
type = restaurant, breakfast & lunch
Turning Point [regional chain?]
overall impression: overcrowded, overpriced, good at sweets, bad at savory, good coffee
Turning Point of Brick
Turning Point of Holmdel
Turning Point of Manalapan
Turning Point of Little Silver {1998-}
note: first one, probably visited early on
Turning Point of Long Branch
Turning Point of Princeton
Turning Point of Sea Girt
Turning Point of Westfield
Turnstile Coffee Roasters
1607 Hwy 71, Belmar, NJ 07719
732-894-9012
turnstilecoffee.com plus yelp
type = cafe?
Twin Light Taphouse
Atlantic Highlands
Twisted Tree Cafe
609 Cookman Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-775-2633
twistedtreecafe.com
type = cafe, vegan
Uncle Ralston’s
https://www.yelp.com/biz/uncle-ralstons-freehold
warning: seems to be mostly take out, with a few stools
reviews: mostly poor (the good ones seem fake)
11 W River Rd, Rumson, NJ 07760
732-842-3880
home, facebook, yelp,
type = restaurant, Italian
visits = 2016.06.16?
Union Landing Restaurant
622 Green Ave Brielle, NJ 08730
732-528-6665
unionlanding.com
type = restaurant, seafood
Urban Coalhouse
Red Bank, NJ
note: used to be Tommy's, long ago used to be 2Senza
Verjus
Maplewood, NJ
type = restaurant, French / New American
Vics
Bradley Beach
last visit early 2012, ok but kind of seedy
Vietnam Bistro
2221 Rt 9 N, Howell, NJ 07731
414-6664
Villa Polonia (closed)
1150 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08638
609-989-7001
type = restaurant, Polish?
Vincentown Diner
2357 US-206, Southampton Township, NJ 08088
609-267-3033
home, yelp,
type = diner, but more restaurant with diner style
visits = 201x multiple
status = almost always good at everything. could this be our new 2Senza? too bad its a little too far away.
Viva Bigotes (closed)
110A Brighton Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-272-1014
home, yelp,
type = restaurant, Mexican
reviews = good
status =
2016. very good, do revisit.
type = take out / market
The coffee is consistently good.
I usually love the unsweetened ice tea, but at some locations they get the mix wrong, and sometimes its even undrinkable.
Sandwiches and other foods tend to be just OK, the meatballs are often good, but sometimes you get varying amounts of sauce.
The best value are the hot dogs, cheap and tasty.
Avoid baked goods, the bagels are basically supermarket level. Hot foods are usually OK.
Also one of the few places that regularly carry Walker's shortbread in a small pack.
Waffle House (national chain) [none in NJ!]
nearest one is in Bethlehem, PA, or the one in Lancaster PA
Wendy's (national chain)
Chili and cheese dumped over a baked potato used to be my favorite thing here, that and a spicy chicken sandwich. Fries are usually mushy and not worth eating. Frosty (shake) is OK, but tends to be too thick for immediate consumption. Burgers are just OK.
West Lake Plum House
Pinecrest Plaza, 1016 State Rt 34 S, Matawan, NJ 07747
home, yelp,
note on name:
on Google called "West Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant"
on Yelp called "West Lake Plum House"
visits = 2017.06.02
Wharfside Patio Bar
101 Channel Dr Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-892-9100
wharfsidenj.com
type = restaurant, seafood
White Butterfly Cafe
200 N County Line Rd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527
http://www.whitebutterflynj.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/white-butterfly-cafe-jackson
type = gift shop & cafe?
can't find direct link to cafe only gift shop
White Mana
470 Tonnele Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07307
201-963-1441
type = restaurant or take-out?, American / hamburger
Woodchucks BBQ
3009 New Jersey 88 Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
732-714-1400
woodchucksbbq.com, yelp,
https://plus.google.com/107363391824835048922/about
type = restaurant or take-out?, American / BBQ
status = never been
Woody’s Ocean Grille
1202 Sycamore Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
2016.08.18
note: this location has been several restaurants
Yakitori 39
Teaneck
Japanese, maybe izakaya / authentic
https://www.chowhound.com/post/japanese-izakaya-nj-1047026
TYPE=
bakery = take out only, no seating, maybe outside
restaurant = table service
? = counter service, seat yourself, maybe bus yourself
why make this complicated, prob just use Yelp tags
------------------------------
misc notes, define these, move above to TYPE
buffet = self seating, cafeteria self service, self bussing
fast food = usually counter service, self seating, self bussing
bistro / cafe / diner / restaurant = host seating, table service
[ what is the difference ? define. ]
don't list hours - they can change too easily. refer to site. but note unusual hours
cursed locations
