It’s so exciting to see the Garden State getting back to business with so many brand-new restaurant concepts popping up and others adding more locations. Ani Ramen has added a seventh location in New Jersey, with its latest venture in New Brunswick. The fast-casual health food concept, Fresh Kitchen, will be opening a third spot in early July, and Bubbakoo’s is now up to 36 locations here in NJ. Check out the scoop about these restaurants and more! Where will you be heading first?
Homesick, Asbury Park
At Homesick, everything is made from scratch. Options such as mascarpone grit cakes and flatiron steak are paired with craft cocktails featuring combinations such as vodka, ginger, and lemongrass. Homesick is the newest addition to the Smith hospitality group, which owns restaurants including Porta and Pascal & Sabine. Open Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Homesick
522 Cookman Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ
Port Coffee Roasters, Bay Head
Port Coffee Roasters is a small-batch coffee roaster owned by Greg and Grace Mazzatta whose long commitment to careful roasting produces an excellent cup of coffee. They offer a rotating selection of single-origin coffee beans. Each batch is roasted to order, to ensure freshness and complete satisfaction.
Port Coffee Roasters
519 Main Ave.
Bay Head, NJ 08742
Erlton Social Craft Bar & Kitchen, Cherry Hill
Erlton Social is located at The Big Event on Kings Highway, making it much more than a restaurant. The space boasts an arcade, bowling alley, and pool hall. If you’re a beer connoisseur—or would like to be one—you will love the 24 beers on tap. Try pairing a craft brew with a short rib sandwich, garlic naan flatbread, or seared salmon entrée, among plenty of other options. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Erlton Social Craft Bar & Kitchen
1536 North Kings Highway (Route 41)
Cherry Hill, NJ
Bella Trattoria E Pizzeria, Guttenberg
Bella Trattoria offers traditional Italian cuisine in a casual setting, but what sets this Italian restaurant apart from many is that breakfast and lunch are available daily as well. Start the day with a caprese omelet, or dine on homemade dishes, such as rigatoni Bolognese, for dinner. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bella Trattoria E Pizzeria
6717 Bergenline Ave.
Guttenberg, NJ
Fresh Kitchen, Little Silver
Coming in early July, the healthy fast casual restaurant will open its third location at 88 Oceanport Avenue in Little Silver. Residents can look forward to their carefully designed menu of salads, grain bowls, wraps and stock pots that provides the maximum in nutrition while delivering in ultimate flavor.
Fresh Kitchen
88 Oceanport Avenue
Little Silver, NJ
Ani Ramen, New Brunswick
Ani Ramen, pictured at top, boasts seven locations all over New Jersey, and New Brunswick is its newest spot. This location has a liquor license and offers dozens of whiskies, sakes, and other spirits. Ani Ramen first opened in Montclair 2014, and its second location, in Jersey City, followed in 2017. In addition to serving ramen, the restaurant features dishes such as chicken karaage and pork bao buns. Open 4 p.m. to midnight.
Ani Ramen
37 Easton Ave.
New Brunswick, NJ
Vegbar, Newark
What started as a popup at a Jersey City farmers’ market, Vegbar has grown into a juice bar and fresh kitchen in downtown Newark and in Hoboken starting July 3rd. Vegbar provides a fresh and organic menu to its customers. Whether vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for healthy options, Vegbar has something for everyone.
Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Vegbar
464 Newark St.
Hoboken, NJ
Delizioso Bakery & Kitchen, Princeton
With its roots in Jersey City, Delizioso recently expanded with the opening of its Princeton location. The menu features plenty of baked goods, plus breakfast and lunch. Options include the “famous” French toast, lemon zest pizza, and chickpea salad. Open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Delizioso Bakery & Kitchen
205 Witherspoon St.
Princeton, NJ
Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Spotswood and Tinton Falls
This popular burrito chain was born in Point Pleasant—but Bubbakoo’s is now in nine states, including its most recent area locations in Spotswood, NJ, Tinton Falls, NJ, and Poughkeepsie, NY. Find all of their signature creations, including the Nashville hot crispy chicken burrito as well as General Tso’s chicken tacos. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
Visit website for locations
Foodies, South Hackensack
A family-owned establishment, Foodies specializes in “diner classics with a modern twist.” Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or brunch at this family-friendly eatery, with savory chicken and waffles dish or sweet chocolate chip pancakes. Once a Foodie, always a Foodie. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Foodies
582 Huyler Street
South Hackensack, NJ
Gus’ Last Word, Wood-Ridge
Skopos Hospitality’s newest eatery pays homage to the 1950s bar scene. The family-friendly restaurant was inspired by Gus himself, the grandfather of Skopos owners Thomas and Dean Maroulakos. Be sure to try their Last Word, a cocktail known to be Gus’ favorite. Grand opening July 7. Open Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Sunday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Gus’ Last Word
191 Valley Blvd.
Wood Ridge, NJ
Editor’s note: Hours and menu items are subject to change.
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