Last updated on May 16th, 2017 at 02:41 pm
We all love comfort food. Otherwise they wouldn’t call it “comfort food,” right? The team here at the Plymouth Rock blog is no different. So we decided to share some of our New Jersey comfort food favorites worth the drive. Some you may know, some you may not, but either way, they are tasty.
Harold’s New York Deli Restaurant, Edison
This place is legendary for serving sandwiches that are so big they could easily feed an entire family. When we say the sandwich is bigger than your head, we mean it. If you have a hankering for a mountain of corned beef or pastrami, Harold’s has you covered.
Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck
Depending on who you ask, this place is a Jersey icon or a “never heard of it.” Do yourself a favor and take the drive to Colts Neck and pick up a delicious array of donuts, pies, and fresh cider. They also have an excellent produce department, plus cheeses and a well-stocked candy store.
Charrito’s, Hoboken & Weehawken
Mexican food is now a New Jersey staple among diehard restaurant devotees. One of our swears by this downtown Hoboken Mexican hangout. Plus who can argue with Mexican brunch? Huevos, anyone?
Good Karma Cafe, Red Bank
Our staff veg-head and lover of all things nature swears by this strictly vegan hot spot in Red Bank. If you are looking for anything that once had a face, you are in the wrong place. That said, their tempeh buffalo wings are a spicy hot mess, the mini samosa pack a tasty punch, and for dessert—try a tiramisu that flips all the right switches.
Hot Dog Johnny’s, Buttzville
First off, how could you not love a hot dog stand in a town called Buttzville? This is a Jersey icon for many folks, but don’t come expecting some new age hipster gourmet hot dog. Johnny’s is famous for taking a good dog, dropping it in the fryer, and serving it with some killer french fries and a birch beer to wash it all down. Enjoy a dog and some Mother Nature.
Circus Drive-In, Wall
Since 1954, Circus Drive-In has been serving families at their cars. You can come to this signature NJ drive-in and still get the old-school car hop experience from a menu that hits all the sweet spots and even throws in some seafood platters. Take the family and share a little bit of Jersey history.
Halo Pub, Princeton & Hamilton Square
If you need something sweet after dinner then look no further. This Jersey dairy started in 1975 and has been scooping out amazing ice cream for decades in its two locations. You can also visit the dairy itself in Lawrenceville. Whatever flavor you choose, it will be an ice cream experience you won’t forget.
There you have it, some of our favorite comfort spots in New Jersey that are totally worth the trip. We know there are a lot more out there and can’t wait to hear what your favorites are. So what are you waiting for? Make with the comments!
I look forward to seeing a continuation of this list that includes locations in South Jersey as well.
We are getting some great suggestions and will certainly be writing a follow up post!
Egan’s pub, I think it’s spring lake. Has great sandwiches,soups,salads, and the best burgers!!! It also has a great Bar section too..
We will definitely have to check it out.
Egan’s pub is in Manasquan, sorry..it has reasonable prices too
The Food & Prices are Awesome!!! Very Flavorful, seasoned to perfection. You will definitely want the receipe for the green sauce, good thing they give you some for the road.
HOW ABOUT SOME PLACES IN S O U T H J E R S E Y. The family does enjoy going out to eat and spend quality time together, BUT we don’t want to drive to that other part of NEW JERSEY. CHERRY HILL SOUTH TO CAPE MAY HAS SOME GREAT PLACES.
We would love to hear some more suggestions of your favorites.
How about some in South Jersey?
Angelo’s Diner in Glassboro
Hollywood Cafe and Diner in Woodbury Heights
Clancy’s Bar and Restaurant in Mantua
And these aren’t even in the far south.
Thanks for the amazing suggestions we can’t wait to try them!
What a coincidence! As I read the best places for comfort food I come across Princeton and Hamilton for Halo Pub. I just happen to be eating some delicious Halo Pub vanilla ice cream! Halo Pub is two blocks from my house and it’s wonderful to have this ice cream store so close!
Thanks for the list of places for comfort food in New Jersey.
We are your customer already. We are very pleased with your services. I really enjoy your extra tags on
different subjects.
Well, you covered Central and North New Jersey but there is another part of New Jersey that you failed to cover…it’s called South New Jersey.
Let us know your favorites, we are doing our best to eat our way across the entire state.
try Jefferson Diner in Jefferson NJ for some great comfort food up north!!!
Thanks for the suggestion.
South Jersey – Mario’s Pizza & Italian Eatery of Cape May
Love hearing all these suggestions.
Ponzio’s Diner in Cherry Hill isa favorite and famous place in South Jersey. They are family owned and operated for 50 years. They have homemade soups, delicious generous entrees, and a dessert case that is difficult to pass up.
If you decide to have a cocktail there, their “Feeling Peachy” martini is awesome.
Sounds delicious. Just remember to appoint a designated driver.
Chit Chat Diner in Hackensack has wonderful food and is my favorite diner in Bergen County.
Comfort is not only about the food but its also about being treated like family. Give it a shot, you won’t be sorry.
Vincent’s Pizza for panzarotti’s in Merchantville.
Restaurant Nicolas in Red Bank was rated one of the top restaurant in the entire country
Restaurant Nicolas has fantastic food but bring your wallet – it is a very expensive night out!
Want a great hot dog, hamburger, fries or onion rings and a beer, ya gotta try HIRAM’S in Ft LEE
AND…GREAT Italian / Seafood and a staff that waits on you hand and foot: BIGGIE’S in CARLSTADT
Cap’n Cats in Thorofare nj has AMAZING crab cakes!!
Also King of Pizza in cherry hill has THE BEST wings and sausage pizza!
Also Gourmet Gallery in Blairstown, N.J.! Amazing food!
Zoni’s Coal Fired Pizza in Middletown, NJ (or is it Red Bank?) has the MOST AMAZING coal fired chicken wings crispy from the coal oven and smothered in caramelized onions with home made gorgonzola dip. Their pizzas are awesome (love the one with arugula and truffle oil, and the one with vodka sauce) but I keep going back for their deep fried calzone or paninis. Everything there is fresh and made from scratch, they do the farm to table thing well. They make their own bread and mozzarella too. Great service and atmosphere, plus its BYOB. I eat there at least once a week if not more – it’s my favorite place.
D&J’s Atco Deli. Jackson and Cooper rds in Atco. For breakfast try their cheese steak omellet sandwich. Huge burgers for lunch. I was told nobody can finish the large SOS. You can get it on potatoes if you wish.
The Fine Diner in Clinton has great breakfasts and lunches.
There are so many amazing suggestions here, we can’t wait to try them! Keep those suggestions coming.
Wow, what great suggestions! We can’t wait to hear more.
Try the Chatterbox in Lafayette. Great food and great ambiance. Classic cars on Sat night.
Must go to Bruno’s Bistro in Warren. Homemade pasta and the best cannolis ever!!!!
Yes, South Jersey is still part of New Jersey. We have not succeeded yet!!! Haha
I am going to list a few places in Burlington County.
Al Dente in Moorestown … Delicious food, and homemade pasta and gelato!!!
LB Daniels in Medford…. Awesome chicken pot pie !
PJ Whelihan’s Pub in Medford, Maple Shade, …Haddonfield Twp and Cherry Hill ( Camden Co). The wings are amazing!!
Pic-A-Lilli Inn… Route 206 in Shamong Twp…. Dates back to the 1920’s. All food is amazing but the wings …. Competition with PJ’s.
Have someone explore the rest of Jersey!!!
Awesome – so many places to choose from!
Cicconte’s Pizza in Glassboro, West Deptford, and Gibbstown. Try the veggie white, but all is good. Michael Angelo’s bar and restaurant in Fairton. Awesome pulled pork and cheesesteaks. For Greek, the Olympia in Vineland. Salads kill, but all is great.
Try the crab cake hot line when you are in Wildwood. The best crab cakes I ever had.
Don’t forget The Denville Dairy on the Boulevard in Denville! Great ice cream!
Try the Broadway Diner in Bayonne on 53rd and Broadway., just a block(left turn) at NJTP Exit 14a. Breakfast 24hrs, Specials lunch and dinner, all you can eat Mondays 4pm to 9pm. Be sure to visit October 31st. The Wait Staff get dressed for the occasion. Not to be missed!
They also own the Bayonne 8th Street Bistro and the Brownstone in Jersey City.