Opening

Asbury Park Brewery, Asbury Park

After closing its doors more than four years ago, Asbury Park Brewery is back in business in a new location. The brewery originally opened in 2016 on Sewall Avenue, then closed in 2020. The team has spent the past several years working on a new and improved brewery. Now on Cookman Avenue in the heart of town, the brewery reopened Memorial Day weekend. Owned by local musicians, it boasts a display of more than 8,000 vinyl records. The brewery is open daily; kids, pets and food from elsewhere are welcome.
614 Cookman Avenue

Byrd, Hoboken

This new Hoboken spot is the second Jersey restaurant by husband-and-wife duo Ehren and Nadine Ryan—Australian and Austrian natives, respectively, whose first restaurant, Common Lot in Millburn, earned a 3.5 star review from NJM when it opened in 2016. Both have experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe, and their latest endeavor, Byrd, blends the cuisines of those countries. The menu is focused on shareable plates—like beef or tuna tartar, poached shrimp salad and BBQ’d mushroom skewers—which pair well with their specialty cocktails and extensive wine list.
800 Jackson Street 

Dhamaal, Montclair

The latest addition to Montclair’s ever-growing dining scene is Dhamaal, an Indian-fusion restaurant with elaborate decor (vibrant artwork! colorful mosaic light fixtures! dangling greenery!) and innovative dishes. Menu items include fusion items (Indian-style pizzas, Indian tacos) as well as more authentic Indian dishes (paneer lababdar, butter chicken). BYOB.
11 South Fullerton Avenue

Parathas & Platters, Hackensack

Choose from a variety of Indian-inspired dishes at this new fast-casual eatery. Parathas—an Indian flatbread—is utilized in several dishes, some of which are topped with savory ingredients like beef, garlic or mixed vegetables. Others are made with sweet ingredients like Nutella. Paratha rolls, similar to wraps, come with items like chicken tikka or lamb gyro. Rice platters, which average about $10, come with ingredients like meat, vegetables and yogurt sauce. Also on the menu: burgers, fried chicken, wings and fries.
329 Main Street

Simpson Restaurant & Bar, Atlantic City

There are several shareable options at Simpson Restaurant & Bar in Atlantic City. Photo: Wenford Patrick Simpson

Playground Pier, a multi-level shopping, dining and entertainment mall on the Boardwalk across from Caesars Hotel and Casino, has welcomed its latest dining endeavor. Simpson Restaurant & Bar comes from chef Wenford Simpson, who specializes in Caribbean soul food. Expect dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail mac and cheese, chicken and waffles, and various curries, plus plenty of specialty cocktails.
1 Atlantic Ocean

Sprouts, Aberdeen

Sprouts Farmers Market, a supermarket chain with over 400 locations across the country, is set to open its third New Jersey location this Friday, June 7. Most items at the health-centric store are categorized as plant-based, organic, keto or paleo, and produce is locally sourced. Jersey’s two existing Sprouts locations are in Marlton and Haddon Township; additional openings are planed for the near future. Aberdeen’s grand opening will last all weekend and feature specials, discounts, samples, prizes and more.
327 Highway 35

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