NJ Openings: Chicken Wings, Greek Salads, and a Comedy Club

Rani Indian Restaurant
Rani Indian Restaurant, Lounge and Bar opened in Hamilton. Photo Credit Avinash Bhardwaj

As spring enters full-bloom mode, so do new restaurants in New Jersey. Here are a few to add to your list of places to check out!

bb.q Chicken, Garfield 

The popular Korean fried chicken chain bb.q Chicken has opened its latest location in Garfield. Offering all things K-Food, from a variety of wings in flavors ranging from honey garlic to spicy galbi to cheesling and Gangnam style, alongside additional menu items such as dumplings, bowls, and more.

bb.q Chicken 
221 Palisade Avenue
Garfield

Bistro Cafe LDM, Bayville

Bayville welcomes LDM Bistro Cafe, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, order pancakes and omelets, while the lunch and dinner menu features dishes such as paninis, wraps, subs, pasta, pizza, steak, chicken with broccoli, and more.

Bistro Cafe LDM
340 Atlantic City Blvd
Bayville
848-226-6260

Cafe Corretto, Jersey City

Jersey City is a major hot spot in New Jersey’s culinary scene and it’s now home to Cafe Corretto as well. The space is the place to be for comedy, jazz, and other live entertainment. Guests can order drinks at the venue, and food from a menu based on offerings from Roman Nose, located right next door. The next comedy night is May 10, with tickets available on Eventbrite.

Cafe Corretto
123 Newark Avenue
Jersey City

Castle Rock Bar & Grill, West Orange

Indulge in steak, burgers, cocktails, and dessert at this recently opened West Orange restaurant! Check out Castle Rock Bar & Grill for good food and good vibes. Don’t miss karaoke nights and special promotions.

Castle Rock Bar & Grill
440 Main Street
West Orange, NJ
862-704-2009

Dan & Day’s Burger & Shakes, Montclair

If you are craving a juicy burger and a creamy milkshake, take a trip to the recently opened Dan & Day’s Burger & Shakes, in Montclair. Serving options from a build-your-own burger to specialties like a chipotle BBQ bacon cheeseburger and classic milkshakes like vanilla and cookie monster shakes, this new spot opened by a Montclair native is the perfect place to bring the family. 

Dan & Day’s Burger & Shakes
598 Valley Road
Montclair, NJ
973-893-5805

Faubourg, Weehawken (coming this summer)

After making a name for itself in Montclair, Faubourg is planning on a second location, in Weehawken. Experience a taste of French cuisine with a modern twist, serving flavorful and fresh dishes including delicate pastries, gougère, tuna tartare and lime, and coq au vin. The Weehawken location will be on the ground floor of River House 11.

Faubourg (Weehawken)
1100 Avenue at Port Imperial (near Ferry Way)
Weehawken, NJ

Faubourg (Montclair)
544 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 

La Bamba Grill 2, Boonton 

Chilaquiles for breakfast, tacos for lunch, and Fajitas for dinner—that’s right, all at La Bamba in Boonton! The new restaurant, which opened in February, serves authentic Mexican flavors amidst colorful decor and a festive atmosphere. Plus enjoy agua frescas (cool waters), such as Jamaica, Tamarindo, and horchata, my favorite. 

La Bamba Grill 2
905 Main Street
Boonton, NJ
973-265-4233

MM by Morimoto, Montclair 

World-renowned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto opened his latest venture in Montclair: mm by Morimoto. This upscale restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with a focus on Japanese-inspired dishes. From impeccably crafted nigiri, ramen bowls, sushi and sashimi, various premium proteins, and a full bar with handcrafted cocktails, every dish at mm by Morimoto is a work of art.

mm by Morimoto 
193 Glenridge Avenue
Montclair, NJ

Taka Taka Street Greek, New Brunswick

Head to Taka Taka Street Greek in New Brunswick, a new Greek eatery. Enjoy classic gyros, salads, and other Mediterranean foods. A special dish to try here is the Greek chopped cheese sandwich, which features chopped beef and lamb gyros sautéed onions, lettuce, and ketchup, with velvety American cheese poured on top. You can also try the Taka Taco, a play on the beef and lamb gyro…in taco form, naturally.

Taka Taka Street Greek
367 George Street
New Brunswick, NJ
848-202-9861

Tonydoms, Summit

food from Tonydoms

Looking for the best fried chicken in New Jersey? Check out the newly opened Tonydoms in Summit. Enjoy tender chicken, sandwiches, biscuits, wraps, mac and cheese, and sides like fries, of course. Don’t forget to try the delicious sweet tea brewed in-house and fresh-squeezed lemonade!

Tonydoms
529 Morris Avenue
Summit, NJ

Vibe BBQ, Newark

If you’re a BBQ fan, don’t miss Vibe BBQ in Newark. This barbecue joint blends traditional smoking techniques with new methods to craft delicious dishes such as smoked chicken wings and hot cauliflower bites, and sandwiches and burgers, including the pulled pork with pickled slaw and mustard BBQ, and the Texas toast smoked brisket sandwich with cheddar and onions. Plus, their full bar offers a collection of craft cocktails, local draft beer, and wines by the glass.

Vibe BBQ
56 Halsey Street 
Newark
973-645-0007

Samara Mediterranean Grill, Toms River

Another Samara Grill has opened its doors in Ocean County, this time in Toms River. With its authentic flavors and warm hospitality, Samara transports New Jerseyans straight to the Mediterranean with its savory kebabs, rice dishes, and tangy dips.

Samara Grill
1401 NJ-37
Toms River, NJ
732-377-2626

Rani Restaurant Lounge and Bar, Hamilton 

lamb chops and more food at Rani Indian restaurant

Translating to queen in Hindi, Rani is also the name of a recently opened Hamilton restaurant. And that’s exactly the treatment you’ll receive at the new Indian restaurant. Located in the Shoppes at Foxmoor, Rani serves a dining journey like none other. From the vibrant spices of the North to the coastal delicacies of the South, Rani’s menu celebrates the breadth and depth of Indian culinary traditions.

Rani Restaurant and Bar
1039 Washington Boulevard
Hamilton, NJ
609-245-8775