Fact: Even if you’re at college in an out-of-state culinary hub like I am, a piece of you will always be longing for food from New Jersey. This one goes out to all the Central-North New Jersey students who are looking for a bucket list to tackle during break, or who are just in the mood to cry over all the restaurants and foods they miss from home.
A…
…is for Avenue East in Cranford. This Asian-fusion restaurant serves up your favorite dishes with healthy (no MSG and plenty of low-calorie, low-fat options), modern twists. Opt for one of their sushi options like their Hot Lava Roll, or one of their big plates to split with friends like Thai Pineapple Shrimp. Avenue East is perfect for a girl’s night out, or for when you’re just in the mood for takeout that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
B…
…is for bagels—it wouldn’t be a Jersey list without them. The hardest part of being away for college has been trying to cope with impossibly high bagel standards. Springfield has awesome options like Bagels Supreme and Bagels-4-U. O’Bagel, Summit Bagel, and Bagel Cafe are other favorites (and have some of the best french toast bagels). Wherever you end up, contemplate the greater mysteries of life, like what type of bagel you would be.
C…
…is for Committed Pig. I am not exaggerating when I say I could eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner here every day if I had the funds. This eatery with locations in Morristown and Summit has a menu full of crazy twists on classic dishes that make it a must. Try the Nutella-stuffed french toast, garlic avocado grilled cheese, or the bold “burgernut”—yep, a burger on a glazed donut. I am 100% committed to being a pig, and I am 0% ashamed about it.
D…
…is for diners. New Jersey diners are the best diners (probably because we had them before everyone else). There are local gems like Vicki’s Diner and legends like Summit Diner, which was featured on Food Network. Prestige Diner has everything from Quinoa Breakfast Bowls to Sky High French Toast, and other favorites include Union Plaza Diner and the Stirling Diner. Any place that feeds me at 1:00 AM after a night out deserves a shout-out.
E…
…is for egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free baked goods from Squirrel and the Bee. This adorable café is a must for anyone struggling to work around their allergies or vegan, paleo, and SCD diets. Their absurdly large bakery array leaves you plenty to try, whether you fancy PB-chocolate granola or zucchini bread. You also can’t miss their dairy-free ice cream or their smoothies that pair perfectly with every sandwich and salad on their lunch menu.
F…
…is for farmers markets. My favorites are in Millburn, Scotch Plains, Summit, Nutley, and Maplewood, but you can pick one near you using this handy interactive map. If you’re looking for a market at a legit farm, go to the cozy stand at Hillview Farms in Gilette and try one of their crazy good donuts, pies, or apple cider. The food is always amazing, but the experience of going to check out all the local vendors in a market setting is what makes this a must-do.
G…
…is for Grilled Cheese Shoppe. This Westfield restaurant serves up grilled cheese with an abundance of different cheeses, toppings, and breads. You can get creative and think up your own, or choose a special like their “BKT” with kale (I like to add avocado) or fried chicken and waffle grilled cheese. It’s also impossible to get food there without buying their delicious tater tots. For dessert, grab one of their Kit Kat milkshakes or s’mores grilled cheese.
H…
…is for hangover brunch. Once you successfully rally the group chat members, brunching off last night’s regrets is the move. The Corner in Montclair serves up tasty dishes like avocado toast with fried eggs alongside their fresh juices and cold brew (if the line is too long, check out Raymond’s). Toast’s wild flavors of pancakes like red velvet and carrot cake make the spot a must; also let your poor impulse control lead you to their grilled cinnamon buns.
I…
…is for Inspiration Roll. The sushirrito, I hope, will be a movement and not just a fad because I will truly be devastated if I have to stop eating massive sushi rolls. With locations in Morristown, Caldwell, Summit, and Westfield, this fairly new chain features walls decked out in motivational quotes. The restaurant serves up creative sushi burritos and ramen bowls, and also leaves the option for you to build your own variety of both.
J…
…is for Juice House. This Cranford spot is the perfect healthy and sweet fix post-workout or on a hot summer day, and everything there is so pretty you won’t be able to resist tossing it on the ‘Gram. Their top sellers are the Açai Bowl and the Pitaya Cup, both layered high with fresh fruit, honey or agave, and housemade “RawNola” made in-house. You can build your own juice, or choose a decadent special like the Apple Pie smoothie.
K…
…is for Kohr’s. Though it’s not near home, this ice cream treat was a staple during Prom Weekend (sorry if that phrase gives you flashbacks to sunburn, unbearable hangovers, and/or a record-breaking number of poor choices) and the other million trips down the shore that living in Jersey entails. Pick up a soft serve with rainbow sprinkles or one of their creative waffle treats next time you’re on the boardwalk, where some foods just taste better.
L…
…is for lovely tea rooms. Drinking tea and eating fresh scones with pretty plate settings makes me feel like the Queen of England. The Cozy Cupboard is perfect for a cute date with your mom, or just so you can tell all your friends you had the novel experience of going to tea. I also love Sally Lunn’s Tea Room, another adorable spot with no shortage of tea or snack options.
M…
…is for Montclair Bread Company. An Insta-icon, Montclair Bread Co. bakes up a variety of creative, delicious donuts every day; they constantly rotate their specialty donuts, providing everything from maple bacon to sweet potato casserole flavor. If you’re like me and drink iced coffee all year long, you cannot miss their iced Nutella latte (made with Stumptown coffee) served with cubes made of coffee instead of ice— it even comes in a mason jar to bring home.
N…
…is for Nagoya. Diehard fans of the unaffiliated Westfield and Berkeley Heights restaurants will no doubt try and tell you which one is better, but I see no issue in loving both equally. The former’s menu highlights include their sushi pizza and massive special rolls like the Erupting Volcano. Check out the latter of the two if the squad wants to share a Scorpion Bowl in the tiki lounge, or if you and bae are looking to share the adorable Love Boat for Two.
O…
…is for Original Pancake House. My motivation to get up on Sunday mornings was always the promise of a delicious breakfast here with my dad. The Original Pancake House dishes up just about every type of the breakfast favorite you could imagine, and you can’t miss their special oven-baked “dutch baby” or pancakes loaded with fresh Granny Smiths. Also, be sure to snag a side of their dreamy corned beef hash or potato pancakes while you’re there.
P…
…is for pizza. Any NJ/NY native is painfully aware that no other state has ‘za quite like ours. I would drop dead without Pizza Vita or Arturo’s, which both serve up Neapolitan-style pizzas. If you prefer Sicilian pies, try Al Santillo’s; their lasagna pizza is what dreams are made of (hey now, hey now). Coppola’s ricotta-eggplant slice will forever hold a place in my heart—and stomach, whenever possible. The dessert pizzas at Ah’Pizz and Brother Bruno’s will blow your mind.
Q…
…is for quarts of iced tea from Towne Deli. This unassuming, hidden gem of a sandwich place is tucked right near the New Providence train station, and locals will forever sing its praises. Wash down a Hilltopper sub with one of their signature iced tea—have it sweetened, unsweetened, or with lemon, or #treatyoself to an Arnold Palmer. The giant container with the straw poked through it is one of the most ridiculous and lovable things ever.
R…
…is for relaxing cafés. When I don’t just settle for one of the million Starbucks or Dunkins near me, I’m a devoted follower of Boxwood Coffee’s honey cinnamon latte (try it with almond milk). Van Gogh’s Ear is the perfect quirky setting, and for another pick that scores major cool points, opt for Rock ‘n’ Joe and its backstage lounge vibes. If you make it down the shore, you can’t go wrong with Rook (the NOLA in me will urge you to try their chicory coffee).
S…
…is for sandwiches. Among the heavy-hitters in the North-Central Jersey is Millburn Deli, beloved for their “Godfadda” sub and “World Famous” Sloppy Joes. Hoboken Farms is the GOAT, and I’ll openly admit that I have broken speeding laws in the process of getting there after school for an “Avocado Presto.” With combos like Nutella & banana, & Grain’s slammin’ sammies served on their housemade bread are sure to please.
T…
…is for Taylor Ham. Anyone who calls it “pork roll” is from South Jersey, Philly, or is otherwise just plain wrong. This quintessential NJ food is a topping option at just about every bagel place, and unless you’re in the Garden State, it’s next to impossible to find (or even explain).
U…
…is for Urban Table. For the farm-to-table fanatics out there, I’d recommend hurrying over to Basking Ridge or Morristown ASAP to try out this cool spot. Brunch options like avocado toast, house-made pretzel rings, and salmon-chorizo hash are sure to satisfy every palate. The “City Meets the Farm” part of their menu gives a variety of choices that use fresh and local ingredients you can feel good about, from the curry coconut bowl to the red wine risotto.
V…
…is for Village Trattoria. My love for this place is undying–I’m there so often that I’m Facebook friends with the staff. “Trat” has a cult following owing to their creative slices and perfectly executed classic Italian dishes. Among their most popular pizza flavors are baked ziti, “Chicken Finger”—this bad boy comes with french fries on it—, “Drunken Grandma,” and their signature buffalo wing. Can’t choose? Only one solution: try them all.
W…
…is for Wawa. Trying to articulate why this place is the best to people outside of NJ proves incredibly difficult, as they ask questions like, “Isn’t that just a big 7/11?” New Jerseyans know that it is much more than that– it’s a place evocative of countless memories, whether it’s chugging coffee pre-Black Friday shopping in Menlo or making late-night bougie trips there when you’re down at the shore and craving their buffalo chicken and F’real milkshakes.
X…
…is for Xocolatz. If you stayed here from boozy brunch until dessert, I am certain you’d have a hard time deciding which meal was best. Start your day off sweet with blueberry pie or apple pie french toast atop a bed of caramelized fruit, or spice it up by ordering their huevos rancheros or an oaxaca breakfast burrito. Stick around a while for the number of delicious panini options and more creative choices like vegetable strudel and sweet potato pierogis.
Y…
…is for yogurt. The obsession with this frozen treat has grown, probably because we suburban people love thinking we’re healthy (which you can be with the help of the right toppings). I still haven’t fully processed my grief over Summit’s Red Mango closing, but 16 Handles’ arrival saved the day. Other places worth checking out include CUPS, Yapple Yogurt, Bohemian Raspberry, and Strawberry Fields.
Z…
…is for Zita’s of New Providence. This ice cream shop is known for the mysterious “91716” flavor– its ingredients are openly shared (chocolate-covered pretzels, caramel, PB, and chocolate chips in vanilla ice cream), but the story behind its name remains shrouded in mystery. Feel free to contemplate what these digits mean as you try a scoop of their s’mores ice cream, which was ranked the #1 specialty flavor in the NJ State Ice Cream Festival.
There aren’t enough letters in the alphabet for every food and restaurant I miss from New Jersey, but these ones sure have me excited for my next trip back home.