I always knew I would miss the bagels and Italian pizza once I left for college in the south. However, I did not know I would miss so many more restaurant joints that were so close to home. For even more foods that Jersey natives hold near and dear to their hearts, check out this list.
1. Broad Street Dough Co.
Photo by Jackie Wong
Trust me, the donuts are just as good as they look. And the customer service, almost as sweet as the donuts.
2. Playa Bowl
Photo by Jackie Wong
Nothing is better than a nice cold, refreshing, smoothie bowl while trying to get your tan on. The fact that this place is literally on the beach makes this spot completely convenient and acaí bowls are definitely trendy.
3. Nelly’s Pizza
Photo by Jackie Wong
Nelly’s has the best fat sandwiches in Monmouth County. Where else could you get chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, bacon, honey mustard, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup in one sandwich?
4. The Committed Pig
Photo by Jackie Wong
I’m not sure if I miss the pancakes, burgers, or waffle fries the most. This place ranges from breakfast foods to fried oreos and everything in between. It is definitely a “treat yo’ self” kinda place.
5. Whipped Creperie
Photo by Jackie Wong
Trust me traveling all the way to France to get a good crepe isn’t necessary for Monmouth County natives. The menu ranges from sweet dessert crepes to dinner crepes, and they’re definitely all delicious.
6. Turning Point
Photo by Carly Cooperstein
Whether it was a Sunday Brunch or breakfast on a day off of school, this was always the place to go. From the beautiful waffles to the delicious sandwiches, there is some kind of brunch food for everyone to enjoy.
7. Bagel Hut
Photo by Jackie Wong
Every New Jersey native knows they have multiple bagel shops around them that they think is the best. Bagel Hut just beats all competitors. A bacon, egg and cheese on a plain bagel (can’t forget the salt, pepper, and ketchup) is a New Jersey classic and this bakery never seems to disappoint.
8. Strollo’s Lighthouse
Photo by Jackie Wong
With four locations all around Monmouth County, their soft-serve or Italian ice is always amazing. Even though they are only open during the summer season, this is always a go-to ice cream joint after a day at the beach.
9. Ganga Asian Bistro
Photo courtesy by yelp.com
Even though Sushi may not be everyone’s favorite meal since it is mostly raw fish. The sweet potato roll and the bento boxes are both delicious.
10. Stay Gold Cafe
Photo courtesy of staygoldcafe.com
They have any kind of breakfast to dinner food imaginable; from burgers, to bagels, or açaí bowls. One can also find some great coffee before or after heading to Belmar beach, which is only a couple of blocks away.
11. Inkwell Coffee House
Photo by Jackie Wong
When you’re craving some food or coffee at 1 am, this is the place to go. There aren’t many restaurants open until 2:30 am, but definitely take advantage of these hours for some cheap munchies.
12. Rook Coffee
Photo by Jackie Wong
This coffee joint beats Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks by a landslide. The coffee here is made fresh right in front of its customers. Rooks are opening all over Monmouth County, slowly taking over the coffee industry.
13. Salerno’s Pizzeria
Photo by Jackie Wong
Italian pizza is probably one food all New Jersey natives miss the most (next to NY bagels, that is). NJ native or not, everyone has a favorite local pizzeria. But, Salerno’s tops it all and everyone from Holmdel will certainly agree.