Openings

Samara Grill, Toms River

This fast-casual Mediterranean eatery has opened its second location just minutes away from its original Seaside Heights spot, which opened last summer. Dishes include baba ghanoush, kofta and chicken kebabs, chicken and beef gyros, wraps and salads. Everything meets halal standards.
1401 New Jersey 37

Dun Huang Noodles, Jersey City

One of Manhattan’s most popular noodle spots can now be enjoyed on the other side of the Hudson River, in Jersey City. The eatery serves northwestern Chinese cuisine, with a focus on noodle dishes served with meat, seafood or veggies. Guests can choose their desired noodle size: extra thin, regular, thick, wide or extra wide. There’s another Jersey location in Edison.
172 River Drive

Dan & Day’s Burgers & Shakes, Montclair

Located in Uptown Montclair, Dan & Day’s is the new, revamped version of what was formerly Stuffed Grass-Fed Burgers. It has kept many of Stuffed’s menu items—such as grass-fed beef burgers and homemade veggie burgers, with toppings like chipotle BBQ sauce or bacon jam—but has a fresh name to better represent its owners, Dan and Dayanna. A limited menu is available during the current soft-opening phase.
598 Valley Road

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Ottoburger, Hopewell

Burgers, buns, condiments and sides from this eatery are crafted with fresh ingredients sourced from the owners’ local farm. The Central European-inspired burger-patty options include beef, turkey, veggie, shrimp, pork and chicken. Also on the menu: milkshakes, homemade ice cream, wine and doughnuts. Husband-and-wife team Otto and Maria Zizak—who met in second grade back in what was then Czechoslovakia—originally opened Ottoburger in Hopewell a few years back, but it shuttered during the pandemic. This new location is the couple’s comeback.
65 East Broad Street

Bean & Blend Cafe, Tabernacle

This new Burlington County cafe offers a full coffee and espresso bar, plus beverages like chai lattes and smoothies. Breakfast and lunch are available; menu options include egg sandwiches, avocado toast, açaí bowls, salads, wraps and soups of the day. Bean & Blend also boasts a selection of fresh pastries.
1529 US-206

Dave’s Hot Chicken, Cherry Hill

A popular spicy chicken chain has made its way to South Jersey. The fast-casual spot has a small but mighty menu, featuring chicken tenders, sliders, crinkle-cut fries, dipping sauce and milkshakes. Chicken heat levels range from “no spice” to “reaper.” There are nearly 200 Dave’s Hot Chickens across the country; Jersey’s two other locations are in Ocean Township and Wayne.
1584 Kings Highway North

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