I spent a couple of days polling people on food sites to ask them which of their favorite eateries they think Guy Fieri and his crew from “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives should visit here In New Jersey and why?
I asked the fine residents of New Jersey to choose one place in Monmouth or Ocean County where our radio station is located, and one place anywhere else in the state of New Jersey. I was inundated with hundreds and hundreds of suggestions, too numerous to include in one blog.
In the last blog (dated 1/11/22), I focused on the Shore eateries in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. This blog focuses on all the other Jersey joints that were suggested by people who love to eat out.
Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza -
Thanks to Jared C. and a boat load of other folks for making sure I don’t forget to put this place on the list. This place has been open for over 100 years, since 1918! The boys from both the Jersey Warriors and the Wednesday Warriors sites talk about Al Santillo as if he were family. A real old school multi- generational business.
Joe's Peking Duck House - 145 NJ-73, Marlton, NJ 08053
Longtime BYO go-to for duck, dim sum & other first-rate Chinese staples in a basic strip-mall space. If you’re into dim-sum and dumplings and don’t feel like going to NYC’s Chinatown, then this might be a “must go” for you. FYI: I heard it’s a cash only place. I found this review on Google: Our family’s favorite go-to place for amazing Chinese food. The service is warm, accommodating, quick, and attentive. “every dish we’ve tried so far has been amazing. Hands down the best fried dumplings in NJ. Their seafood fried noodles, flounder hot pot, salt baby pork chops, fried chicken are the best.”
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Since 1986, Joe's Peking Duck House has been rated by the media as one of the best authentic Chinese restaurants in New Jersey. Quality, Creativitiy, Service and Value Make the Difference. CONSISTENCY, COURTESY, AND FLEXIBILITY IS ALWAYS OUR BEST POLICY! Take Out Catering Dim Sum Available on Saturday and Sunday Gift Certificate Available 145 Rt.
Krug's Tavern - 118 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105
Another place that’s been around longer than most of us have been alive. According to the Food Bros, on the What’s On Your Plate page, this place has some of the best burgers in the state of New Jersey. Popular local pub since 1932 serving famous burgers, seafood & ribs. Owned by Jake La Motta family.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CllRQpcOFda/?hl=en
Bearded One BBQ - 933 NJ-33, Monroe Township, NJ 08831
This is in our buddy Gotts’s neck of the woods. I’ve been hounded by folks on all the online social food pages to include this guy and his food truck. I hear his smoked wings are very popular.
Star Tavern - 400 High St, City of Orange, NJ 07050
Karen and the crew from WOYP love the thin crust pizza!
Cuban Pete's - 428 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Any time I’ve headed up to North Jersey to see a show at the Wellmont, this is my first choice, and Danny from WOYP agrees. Cuban Pete’s offer an extensive menu of delicious Latin cuisine.
Charlie Blood's - 147 Frederick St, Garfield, NJ 07026
Joey B. and Joe Nolan let me know about this joint that’s been around for generations! Here’s the first review I found online: “The menu is vast and unique. It’s mind boggling how they can offer so many options that are fresh. The portions were well above the run of the mill restaurants, combine that with great taste and good people. I found this place to be gem hiding in plain site. Make an effort to visit Charlie Bloods.” This place has an interesting history too.
Bagels by Jarrett - 451 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052
Don’t let the name of this place fool you. Jarrett doe a lot more than “boutique” bagels. Jarrett creates unusual dishes like “Lawsuit Chicken Parm”, and makes his own pestos, sauces, mozzarella, and chicken and waffles, all fresh and loaded with creativity and plenty of love.
The Allwood Diner - 913 Allwood Rd, Clifton, NJ 07012
Large portion of really great food. Andrea T. from the Jersey Warrior’s page can’t get enough of this place. After perusing the menu, I would need at least a half hour to decide what to order. A little bit of everything for everyone.
Papa's Tomato Pies - 19 Main St, Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691
Thanks to Melissa for this suggestion! Here’s their story:
Papa’s Tomato Pies is the oldest family owned and continually run pizzeria in the U.S.A. It was established in 1912.
First located on Butler Street in Trenton in 1912 and then moved to 802 Chambers Street in 1945 donating the original location to become the Neopolitan Hall . We moved to our present location in August of 2013. Papa’s is a New Jersey institution , loved locally and known to pizza lovers everywhere.
The Red Cadillac - 2258 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083
Bill Quigley from JFW thinks Guy Fieri would go nuts over this place. Owner Joe Monte used his experience in Mexico City to develop “The Red Cadillac” Tacos & Tequila concept. They have great food and one of a kind handcrafted infused tequilas.
Malaga - 511 Lalor St, Hamilton Township, NJ 08611
Spanish restaurant known for generous servings of classics, monthly flamenco performances & sangria. Suggested by Billy from WW. Others have said it reminded them of their visits to Spain.
Anthony's Cheesecake & Restaurant - 71 Washington St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Mark Jacobsen got it right by suggesting this place. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or just a big slice of one of Anthony’s cheesecake creations is worth the drive. Apple Cider Donut Crumb cheesecake is the first of many on the menu.
Harold's New York Deli - 1173 King Georges Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08837
You need an army of enthusiastic eaters to join you at this place! Matzoh balls as big as your head, and sandwiches bigger than anything you’ve ever encountered. Oversized portions doesn’t even begin to describe what is served at this eatery. You have to experience it firsthand.
Espo's Restaurant & Bar - 10 2nd St, Raritan, NJ 08869
Carolyn from JFW loves this cozy place. Her favorite dish is: Hotsy Totsy Shrimp and clams oreganato with scampi sauce. It’s like home. Espo’s is a local fixture known for old-fashioned red sauce & Italian eats in a cozy space with a full bar. Get there early for dinner because the place fills up quickly. The Grilled Rib-Eye Marsala on the specials menu certainly grabbed my attention.
Star Coffee Shop & Deli - 52 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052
Salmon cakes and grits are available from this little breakfast spot recommended by Karen and a few others on a variety of food pages.
Star Coffee Shop & Deli - West Orange, NJ
Delivery & Pickup Options - 6 reviews and 3 photos of STAR COFFEE SHOP & DELI "This place is a little small but the food is excellent. ..i would recommend this place...please expand your clientele will. follow. .."
