By Erin McFeeters
Diners
Photo from Mustache Bill’s Diner’s Facebook Page.
Mustache Bills
New Jersey is known for its diners, and Mustache Bills has been a Long Beach Island staple serving up flapjacks and Reuben’s for over half a century. They’re located a few blocks from the historic Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, so you can visit the lighthouse and take a bite out of a mustache-shaped pancake all in the same day.
Vincentown Diner
Vincentown Diner is not just another New Jersey diner. They’re known for using fresh and local ingredients in all of their dishes including grass-fed Angus beef from a nearby farm. People come for miles to take a bite into their Mile-High Meatloaf, a dish Guy Fieri couldn’t stop eating on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, but also specialize in burgers and breakfast classics.
Tick Tock Diner
Disco fries are a New Jersey diner classic. Crispy fries topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese and hot brown gravy are Tick Tock Diner’s claim to fame. Their menu is a mixture of traditional diner food, burgers, fries, and even tex-mex and Greek-inspired dishes, so there’s something for everyone.
Tomato Pie
Photo from Maruca’s Tomato Pies.
Maruca’s Tomato Pies
New Jersey boardwalks are famous for their pizza and eateries, and in Seaside Maruca’s is a boardwalk legend. It all started in Trenton during the 1950s with four brothers who had a love for old world flavor. Almost 70 years later Maruca’s is still known as “Best of the Boards” and recently opened a new location in Asbury Park.
Photo from Delorenzo’s Tomato Pie.
Delorenzo’s Tomato Pie
People come from all around the country to buy a slice of New Jersey tomato pie, and it’s no different at Delorenzo’s. Originally from Trenton, the family now owns two separate competing pizza companies, and it’s well known in central N.J. that you’re either for Delorenzo’s Tomato Pies or Delorenzo’s Pizza, but not both. You can try both on your trip to central N.J. and you can decide which one you prefer.
Burgers and Dogs
Photo from White Manna Hamburgers.
White Manna Hamburgers
This burger joint has been grilling sliders since the World’s Fair in 1939. In 1946 they moved to Hackensack and have been a favorite destination ever since. They made G.Q.’s list of 20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die and have been featured on many Food Network specials. You can get one of their famous extra lean ground beef burgers for just $1.60.
Hot Dog Johnny’s
The Travel Channel deems this roadside stop as being one of the most popular across the country. Visions of nostalgia come to mind for anyone who has traveled Route 46 through Buttzville, New Jersey. Their claim to fame is their hot dogs, but they’re also famous for serving fresh buttermilk and birch beer. The business is currently run by Hot Dog Johnny’s daughter who, when the stand opened, was eight years old and passed out sodas.
Deli’s and Sandwiches
Photo from Town Hall Delicatessen.
Town Hall Delicatessen
This South Orange deli has been around since the 1920s and is known as the birthplace of the original sloppy joe. Unlike the Manwich we all have come to know and love, Town Hall’s sloppy joe contains three layers of Pullman rye bread, two types of meat of your choice, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Town Hall’s own Russian dressing. A sandwich that rich in flavor always has a story behind it. During the 1930s, Maplewood Mayor Sweeney took a trip to Cuba, and when he returned, he wanted nothing more than for Town Hall Deli to recreate the flavors he experienced in Havana, and the original sloppy joe was born.
Photo from Dolce & Clemente’s.
Dolce & Clemente’s
Owner Joe Clemente learned the art of gourmet cooking from his grandmother at his family’s Brooklyn Italian store. Joe brought his love of food and family to Robbinsville in 2008, and now they’re sought out by people throughout the Greater Trenton area. They’re most known for their sandwiches, bread, and Italian catering. Bring clients to lunch or stop by for Italian cooking you can bring home to your family.
White House Subs
The classic submarine sandwich is a staple in Atlantic City and across the state. They first opened their doors in 1946 and since then have filled the wall above their orange upholstered booths with pictures of visiting celebrities. A stand out includes Frank Sinatra and the towels he used during his last show in A.C. They became famous for their quality meats and cheeses, fresh N.J. bread, and a combination of onions, peppers, and sweet peppers on their subs.
Donkey’s Place
Leon Lucas, also known as the “Donkey,” was a 1920s American Olympic boxer and opened Donkey’s Place in Camden in 1943. Since then, Donkey’s cheesesteaks have been giving Philadelphia a run for their money. Unlike the classic Philly cheesesteak, Donkey’s serve theirs on a round poppy seed Kaiser roll with American cheese and browned onions.