🍽️ Fave Central NJ Eats

Being a Jersey Girl but having lived all over, I have come to appreciate the absolute melting pot that is NJ. You can find any kind of cuisine readily available, and if you can’t, it’s only a short ride into Manhattan. 

I’ve created a list of some casual, quick eats we enjoy and if you’re ever in the area, I recommend you check them out! 

In no particular order:

The Barge, Perth Amboy
This is a throwback seafood joint, with crisp tablecloths and a pretty view of the water. The lunch specials are what we usually go for during the week, 3 courses for around $15. Their crab cakes and shrimp parmigiana are some of my favorites. 

Harold’s Deli, Edison
If you’ve never been to Harold’s, be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor when you see the size of the food. Sandwiches stand easily a foot high, eclairs are about 2 feet long, and you don’t even want to see the bowls (aka pots) of soup. The shock factor makes for a really fun time, 4 of us easily share a sandwich. We love the brisket, potato pancakes, and matzoh ball soup. It’s the best Jewish food I’ve found in the area and I love the complimentary pickle bar.  

Keyport Fishery Fish Market, Keyport
3 words that will change your life. Fried. Lobster. Sandwich. Literally a lobster tail fried, dipped in butter and placed on a potato roll. Served with fries for $9.99 you will never have better lobster for this price. This one is also cash only but there is an ATM inside. It is a fish market, so takeout is the only option. We love to take our food and park at the pier across the street with a bottle of champagne and watch the boats and fishermen. Their shrimp cocktail and clam chowder as well as all of their fried fish is excellent. 

Firehouse Eatery and Pub, Rahway
A good old fashioned “Cheers” type bar. The owners Lynn and Brendan are the loveliest people and take great pride in their place. Everything is made from scratch and the drinks are excellent. They often have trivia, live music, and have the best Halloween parties with all-out decorations. We love everything from the wings to their prime rib. They have wonderful happy hours and nightly homemade specials. And you can’t leave without having a snake bite shot! We always have to have at least one when we visit. 

As You Like It Ice Cream, Raritan
I had to include a dessert option. This is the cutest old fashioned ice cream parlor in downtown Raritan. Excellent choice of flavors and they still offer egg creams! They are very reasonably priced and are open every day starting in  March through December. 

These are just a few favorites worth checking out! I love adding to my list of new places to try and love to travel, so please leave any of your home state favorites down below.

Thanks for reading, have a fabulous day. :)

PS-A friendly reminder to set your clocks forward 1 hour Saturday night for Daylight Savings Time! ⏰