NJ Restaurant Openings: Coffee Shops, Sports Bars, and Beachfront Eateries

Summer may be ready to fly the coop, but these New Jersey spots are just getting started. Take a peek at the restaurants, cafés, and other spots you’ll want to check out this fall. 

Ambee Coffee, Warren

coffee bags
Ambee Coffee

Warren welcomes its newest addition as local New Jersey native Steven Chiocchi launches his third Ambee Coffee location. This coffee shop distinguishes itself with a health-conscious approach, offering all vegan and gluten-free menu items, organic coffee, and a commitment to using only fresh ingredients.

Ambee Coffee
104 Town Center Drive
Warren, NJ

Andrea’s Soul Food Café, Barnegat

fried chicken
Andrea’s Soul Kitchen

Shakierra Morris, the visionary behind Andrea’s Soul Food Café, has brought Barnegat a menu for the books. The menu features dishes she has been eating and cooking since her own childhood, including barbecue beef ribs, fried fish, fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and so much more.

Andrea’s Soul Food Café
34 S Main Street
Barnegat Township, NJ

Covered Bridge Cafe & Market, Sergeantsville

top down photo of food from Covered Bridge Cafe
Covered Bridge Cafe & Market

Looking for bagels, coffee, and sandwiches, all in an inviting environment? Check out the recently opened Covered Bridge Cafe & Market, on Sergeantsville Road.

Covered Bridge Cafe & Market
763 Sergeantsville Road
Sergeantsville, NJ

Dutch’s Sandwich Shop, Montclair

Located in the heart of Montclair, Dutch’s Sandwich Shop offers an array of delicious dishes that suit every taste. You’ll find sandwiches, including vegetarian options, and desserts made with the freshest ingredients.

Dutch’s Sandwich Shop
16 Church Street
Montclair, NJ

Empanada Mania, Bergenfield

empanadas
Empanada Mania

It’s empanadas all around at the newly reopened Empanada Mania, in Bergenfield. Known for its exceptional variety of empanadas, from traditional favorites to inventive creations, Empanada Mania offers something for everyone. And two years after the business experienced a pandemic-related shutdown, chef-owner Galo Grijalva has happily reopened the establishment’s doors.

Empanada Mania
62 S Washington Avenue
Bergenfield, NJ

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Toms River

True to its name, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has gained notoriety for its savory steakburgers and signature fry seasoning. Every patty is pressed thin to create crispy edges and can be personalized with a range of toppings to suit your preferences.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
149 NJ-37
Toms River, NJ

Mo’Dough, Chatham

Looking for a place that would qualify as “all things dough”? Mo’Dough just may be your ultimate destination. You’ll find freshly baked goods daily at this Chatham spot, with options for every part of the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and oh yes, quite a few treats.

Mo’Dough
262 Main Street
Chatham, NJ

Scotty’s Bar & Grill, Cresskill

german pretzel and beer
Scotty’s Bar & Grill

A new modern dive bar has arrived in Cresskill. Ideal for sports enthusiasts, Scotty’s Bar & Grill features a sprawling 100-inch TV and several 60-inch screens, complemented by two pool tables, dart boards, and seating for up to 200 guests. In addition to sandwiches and appetizers, the menu includes options like cod fish tacos and chicken pot pie.

Scotty’s Bar & Grill, Cresskill
172 Piermont Road
Cresskill, NJ

Social Hub by Dhaba, Parsippany

Social Hub by Dhaba

Parsippany welcomes the Social Hub, a multi-cuisine premium Indian-inspired restaurant, featuring a lavish bar, restaurant, and lounge, all infused with Indian inspiration. The menu showcases classic Indian dishes and a curated selection of cocktails, spirits, wines, and mocktails.

Social Hub by Dhaba
1735 US-46
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ

The Jersey G.O.A.T. Grill and Public House, Sicklerville

octopus
The Jersey G.O.A.T. Grill and Public House

When it comes to restaurant names, your choices don’t get much better than the Jersey G.O.A.T. Grill and Public House (also shown at top). The Sicklerville spot brings a variety of dishes from 13oz bone-in pork chop Milanese, to soft-boiled eggs with spicy tuna, and even apple cider doughnut bread pudding. This new trendy-casual eatery and bar concept brings the flavor.

The Jersey G.O.A.T. Grill and Public House
645 Berlin–Cross Keys Road
Sicklerville, NJ

The Oak House, Oradell

The long-awaited moment has arrived for the Oradell area, as the Oak House has finally opened its doors. The menu is brimming with beloved American classics such as wings, burgers, and sandwiches, an enticing selection of entrees, sides, and delicious desserts, all made in-house. The venue features two dining rooms, and a spacious bar area.  

The Oak House 
2 Kinderkamack Road
Oradell, NJ

The Other Lucy Beach Grille, Margate City

Right alongside the iconic Lucy the Elephant, another must-visit spot has emerged. The Other Lucy Beach Grille is a seasonal eatery, operating daily until September 30. When you stop in for breakfast, lunch, and desserts, you’ll enjoy the picturesque beachfront views.  

The Other Lucy Beach Grille
9210 Atlantic Avenue
Margate City, NJ

Wholly Cow, Rahway

restaurant interior
Wholly Cow

As downtown Rahway flourishes and expands, the community welcomes new businesses, including Wholly Cow, a fresh, modern café. Conveniently located near the city’s train station, this locally owned spot caters to both gelato aficionados and coffee connoisseurs, making it a haven for remote workers.

Wholly Cow
1542 Main Street
Rahway, NJ