🍽️ 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! ⏰

Vaca Recap ~ The Windy City

Chicago is an amazing city and one that is near and dear to my heart. When David and I first met he was working and attending grad school in Chicago. We were long distance and spent many many weekends dating there. In fact, we even got engaged on the rooftop of his apartment on Lake Shore Drive! 

Whenever we have the chance to go back, we love exploring the city and everything Chicago has to offer. It’s such a quick plane ride from NJ so it makes the perfect getaway, and Southwest usually has awesome deals from Newark to Midway. 

Our view as we were landing at Midway

We love staying at the Drake Hotel. It’s a gorgeous Hilton property and so rich in history. It’s also perfectly located on Michigan Avenue so it's a quick walk to everything we like to do while we're in town. 

Our room-we had an executive suite on the 8th floor with great lake views!

The beds here are always super comfy too!

Not the largest bathroom, but big enough to get the job done. ;-)

The gorgeous view from the executive lounge on the 10th floor

Stunning flower arrangement in the lobby

David surprised me with an exquisite arrangement from the hotel florist!

I always check out the Red Door Spa when I’m in town and this time I had a hydrating manicure and I highly recommend it. The spa is exceptionally clean and I always receive the very best service. I also feel $28 is a bargain for a spa manicure and the polish always lasts a full week. 

Essie "Birthday Girl"

I also did a bit of window shopping as well. Michigan Avenue is an absolute paradise to me with all the best stores in one place. I love checking out Water Tower Place as well as the Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. FYI if you’re a hotel guest in the area you can show your room key at the Visitor Center at Bloomie’s for an extra percentage off during your stay!

And what’s a trip to Chicago with out some seriously good eats? No stay in Chi-Town would be complete for me without some deep dish pizza. Giordano’s is our favorite! They also sell frozen pies that are packaged for airplane travel so we like picking some up for an easy dinner at home. 

We also try to make a stop at the Red Apple, an authentic Polish buffet that ranks in the top 5 buffets in the country. It’s not fussy but it’s immaculate and the service and food are always exceptional. Make sure to have a shot of vodka with your meal, it helps digestion!

The cleanest buffet you will ever see

David enjoying the Red Apple!

Have to start off with some chicken soup. 

Traditional Polish cuisine such as cabbage rolls, sauerkraut, and schnitzel

We also enjoyed a fancy date night and had dinner at RL, Ralph Lauren’s restaurant. The decor is stunning and lush and very cozy. Luxe leather chairs, sterling silver vases with fresh flowers on every table, and lots of equestrian artwork on the walls. It’s upscale American food and everything we try there is always amazing. 

We had such a cozy date night in the corner booth

We had such a nice time and I’m already counting down to our next visit there!

Elevator selfie :)

Do you love Chicago as much as I do? What’s your favorite thing to in town? Let me know down below, I’d love to hear from you. 

Thanks for reading, have a fabulous day! :)