April 2023: Our Favorite Restaurant Towns

Going out for a meal is an experience, one that often extends beyond the restaurant’s walls. In this month’s issue, we celebrate our favorite restaurant towns.

Some are longtime favorites, while others may surprise you. But they all have in common a lively vibe, walkability and plenty of great dining establishments. 

You could enjoy just one meal in a town or, if you have the time, take a day trip and support various small businesses. All of the towns on our list have great options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and most also have boutiques, parks and other attractions that would make for a fun day out—especially when the weather is nice.  

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GARDEN VARIETY

Hip-Hop Inspired His Fight for Climate Justice: ‘It’s a Form of Protest’

Newark native Marcus Sibley draws on the hip-hop soundtrack of his upbringing—”the voice of the people”—in his work as a national activist.

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NJ Ironman Athlete, 69, Competing Again After Heart Failure, Lung Cancer

Following two operations in six months, Donald Cooper returned to racing in tough competitions.

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Middle-Aged NJ Women Band Together For ‘Are You There God?’ Film Release

With the April 27 opening of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, middle-aged women are planning visits to the Judy Blume Service Area and heading by the car load to movie theaters.

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Former Bonaparte Estate Opening to Public After Almost Two Centuries

Scenic grounds in Bordentown that belonged to Joseph Bonaparte—Napoleon’s older brother and the ex-king of Naples and Spain—are set to open this spring.

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NJ Author Finds Stories of Her Enslaved Female Ancestors—And Unexpected Healing

Researching and writing her new memoir brought Dionne Ford, who is a survivor of sexual assault, “a lot of comfort and courage.”

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Newark to Host Inaugural LGBTQ Film Festival

The event, being held April 14-16, will feature workshops and networking in addition to film screenings and panel discussions.

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‘A Pinch-Me Moment’: Summit-Born Designer Brings Signature Dresses to Anthropologie

Sue Sartor is delighted that many styles of her unique flounce dress—in fresh, joyous prints—are selling out quickly.

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Fitness-Forward Gear You’ll Love

Fashion (and furniture!) for folks on the move.

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NJ Initiative Aiming to Serve More Than 5 Million Free Meals

Sustain & Serve NJ purchases meals from local restaurants that have been hurt by the pandemic, then distributes the food to those in need.

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FEATURES

NJ’s Caroline O’Connor, Miami Marlins Exec, Breaking New Ground in World of Men’s Sports

The Freehold native is one of Major League Baseball’s highest-ranking women.

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CBS News’ Michelle Miller Details Her Search to Belong

Michelle Miller’s new memoir explores how her mixed-race heritage shaped her experience and informs her perspective.

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Our Favorite NJ Restaurant Towns

These dining destinations boast a lively vibe, walkability and, of course, plenty of terrific restaurants.

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Where to Enjoy Argentine Fare in Northern NJ

Argentine cuisine showcases a blend of several cultures.

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A Guide to Korean Restaurants in Palisades Park

When you crave new tastes, head to Bergen County’s Palisades Park for authentic Korean food.

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Tasty Peruvian Food to Try in Paterson

Little Lima’s top restaurants and dishes.

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Head to Wallington for Great Polish Food

Nicknamed Little Poland, this Bergen County town is rich with pierogies, kielbasa and more.

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For Zach Braff, Making Movies in New Jersey Is Deeply Personal

Zach Braff, who grew up in Maplewood and South Orange, NJ, set and filmed his movie, “A Good Person,” in his hometowns.

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How Concerned Should NJ Schools And Parents Be About ChatGPT?

The AI program is making waves around the world. Despite valid academic-integrity fears, the consensus is: Don’t write it off just yet.

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HOME & GARDEN

In This Dreamy Short Hills Home, Every Day Feels Like Vacation

A local designer infuses a young family’s space with an easy, breezy style.

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WHERE & WHEN

Max Weinberg Reflects on Growing Older in Rock ‘n’ Roll

Ahead of the E Street Band’s April 14 homecoming show, the Newark native is looking forward to passing by the tiny venues and dive bars he once played.

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Fun Things to Do Outside in New Jersey This Spring

Enjoy the beauty and fun of NJ’s outdoors.

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EAT & DRINK

Nobu Atlantic City Serves Up Sizzling Hits Alongside Puzzling Misses

The Jersey Shore’s new outpost of a renowned Japanese fine-dining destination turns out to be a gamble.

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Jim’s Lunch Celebrates a Century of Great Grub

Deep in the South Jersey Pinelands, the eatery quietly marks its four-generation family legacy of caring for all who stop by.

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Bustling Bloomfield Café Feels Plucked From Buenos Aires

Rombiolo Bakery Café is a fun spot for drinking coffee, enjoying fresh pastries and empanadas, and perhaps catching a soccer game.

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A Friendly Neighborhood Pizzeria in Pennington

The main draw? Thin-crust pizza with vegan dough.

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Pho Tastic Vietnamese Lives Up to Its Name

This Ocean County eatery boasts prompt service and a friendly staff.

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Why Jersey Wine Drinkers Are Finally Coming Around to Chardonnay

It’s long been one of the most polarizing wines. But winemakers are winning over consumers by bringing out the brighter, crisper side of the grape.

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EXIT RAMP

My Synagogue’s Mission to Shelter Asylum Seekers Inspired My Novel

Our efforts to create a sanctuary space for undocumented or asylum-seeking immigrants at Montclair’s Bnai Keshet also shaped my young adult book.

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