Our Favorite Old-School Restaurants and Bars in New Jersey

These homey, historic haunts are rich with character.

Lee’s Hawaiian Islander in Lyndhurst
Lee’s Hawaiian Islander in Lyndhurst is for sale. Photo: Julia Martin

Don’t get us wrong—hitting up new, buzzy restaurants and bars is one of our favorite pastimes. But sometimes, it’s the the old-school, dive-y or unassuming spots that we crave more than anything else!

Here are some of our favorite homey and historic haunts.

Belmont Tavern in Belleville

This red-wine, red-sauce, red-checkered-tablecloth establishment is hands down one of the best places to eat in our great state. Chicken Savoy—Frankie Valli’s favorite!—was invented here in 1967, the same year it opened. Hospitality and nostalgia oozes from the always-packed Belmont, where you always feel like you belond.

Rutt’s Hut in Clifton

Have you tried the famous deep-fried Ripper hot dog at Rutt’s Hut? Open since 1928, the establishment sits above the intersection of Routes 3 and 21, so if you take your order to go—“traveling,” they call it—you get your hot dog with a side of fumes. Does it get any more Jersey than that?!

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern in Ho-Ho-Kus

It’s gone through numerous transformations, but the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn first opened as a tavern in 1890. Visiting is like stepping back in time: Its farmhouse was built in 1796, and the walls have a palpable history. It’s a nice place for an elegant night out, and there’s even an elevated kids menu.

Vic’s Italian Restaurant in Bradley Beach

Open since 1947, Vic’s is the spot to go down the Shore when you’re craving those old-school, absolutely delicious classics your Nonna used to make. The vibes are immaculate, as first signaled by the exterior’s neon signage. Inside, you’re greeted with delightful green leather booths. Oh, and the bar pies are top-notch.

Krug’s Tavern in Newark

Is it a dive? A burger den? A beer-and-shot joint? Honestly, it’s all three. If you’re feeling sort of mixed up and unsure of things, go to Krug’s, which has been open since 1932. (Get the burger—it’s one of the best in the state.) You’ll emerge from the evening with a renewed sense of calm.

Conte’s Pizza in Princeton

Conte’s, open since 1950, is a constant—and one of NJM‘s favorite restaurants in Princeton. (It was formerly Witherspoon Bar, which opened in 1936.) The thin-crust pizza with zesty sauce is a must-try when you visit this idyllic, historic college town. The space is anchored by a wrap-around bar with glass bricks in red and green; look closely and you’ll spot the restaurant’s name spelled out.

Steve’s Sizzling Steaks in Carlstadt

Fishing rods and taxidermied animals dot the walls at this family-owned establishment, open since 1936. (The titular Steve was an avid outdoorsman.) Steaks do indeed come sizzling, and accompanied by fries. You may need a bib to protect your clothes from the famous sauce.

Lee’s Hawaiian Islander in Lyndhurst

Lee’s is a haunt of the highest order—from the weekend karaoke to the extremely potent tiki drinks to the indoor waterfall to the fumes from the ethanol gel in the Sterno burner underneath the pu-pu platters. A night at Lee’s—which is currently for sale—is one of the top experiences in northern New Jersey.

White House Subs in Atlantic City

Atlantic City is best known for its casinos, beaches and first Boardwalk in the country. But for many New Jerseyans, the outstanding White House Subs, open since 1947, doesn’t lag far behind in importance! There’s always a line for these absolutely gigantic sandwiches (and very limited indoor booth seating). The Italian and steak options are popular; we also love the peppers-and-eggs sub!

White Manna in Hackensack; White Mana Diner in Jersey City

Which location came first remains up for debate—but the deliciousness of the burgers at both spots does not! The Jersey City location on Tonnelle Avenue was originally built for the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

Lucille’s Luncheonette in Ocean County

Open since 1975 (and currently on the market), Lucille’s is known for its pies as well as its country-style comfort food with Jersey touches, like pork roll and a clam chowder nicknamed after the Pine Barrens.


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