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.
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.”
Read more
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.
Read more
‘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.
Read more
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.
Read moreFEATURES
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Our Favorite NJ Restaurant Towns
These dining destinations boast a lively vibe, walkability and, of course, plenty of terrific restaurants.
Read more
Where to Enjoy Argentine Fare in Northern NJ
Argentine cuisine showcases a blend of several cultures.
Read more
A Guide to Korean Restaurants in Palisades Park
When you crave new tastes, head to Bergen County’s Palisades Park for authentic Korean food.
Read more
Head to Wallington for Great Polish Food
Nicknamed Little Poland, this Bergen County town is rich with pierogies, kielbasa and more.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read moreHOME & 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.
Read moreWHERE & 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.
Read more
Fun Things to Do Outside in New Jersey This Spring
Enjoy the beauty and fun of NJ’s outdoors.
Read moreEAT & 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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
A Friendly Neighborhood Pizzeria in Pennington
The main draw? Thin-crust pizza with vegan dough.
Read more
Pho Tastic Vietnamese Lives Up to Its Name
This Ocean County eatery boasts prompt service and a friendly staff.
Read more
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.
Read moreEXIT 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.
Read more