May 2026: Bruce Springsteen
This year marks the 50th anniversary of New Jersey Monthly. Last year marked the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s seminal album Born to Run. Yet in all the decades that followed, these two New Jersey institutions had never joined forces in the major way you see in this issue.
We could not be more thrilled to feature an exclusive Bruce Springsteen interview and a story about the ambitious new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music as our May cover package. Set to open at Monmouth University on June 7, the center will be a major hub for exhibits, public programs and education focused not just on Springsteen, but also on the full scope of American music. It’ll be a place for New Jerseyans, and visitors from around the world, of all ages and interests.
Also in this issue: how to dine around the world without leaving Jersey; why urban gardening is flourishing in Hudson County; and a personal essay from former governor Jim McGreevey about the challenges and rewards of starting over.
GARDEN VARIETY
Helen J Shen Wants You to See ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ at Bernardsville Cinema
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” is the Broadway star’s feature-film debut.
Read more
Meet the NJ Woman Making Jersey City Greener, One Native Garden at a Time
Kim Correro was instrumental in revitalizing the Healing Garden in her Jersey City hometown—and she’s far from finished.
Read more
How New Jerseyans Are Choosing to Go Green, Even in Death
New Jersey has a new human-composting law and eco-friendly burial options.
Read more
Frankie Muniz Looks Back Fondly on His New Jersey Childhood
The actor reprises his breakout role as Malcolm in the series revival Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair.
Read more
Newark Nonprofit GlassRoots Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Its classes serve more than 5,000 people each year, from ages 8 to 80.
Read more
Jewelry Designer Dorian Webb Fuses the Avant-Garde With Wearability
The Pemberton native, who grew up with the Pine Barrens virtually in her backyard, crafts statement pieces with soul.
Read moreFEATURES
Exclusive: Bruce Springsteen Opens Up About His New Center for American Music
The Boss speaks with New Jersey Monthly about his initial hesitation over a massive namesake building, warming to the idea of a wide-ranging educational hub, and the poignant initiatives that make this new institution so “satisfying.”
Read more
Inside the New Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music Coming to the Jersey Shore
Sparked by fervent Springsteen fans and brought to life by a small-but-mighty team, an institution rises at Monmouth University.
Read more
Dine Around the World Without Leaving New Jersey
Dig into the Garden State’s panoply of diverse cuisines.
Read more
A Guide to Exploring Edison’s 50+ Indian Restaurants
In Little India you’ll also find Indian clothing stores, supermarkets, hair salons and more.
Read more
A Foodie’s Guide to Newark’s Ironbound Section
The Iberian immigrant community is responsible for most of the flavors visitors find in the four-square-mile section of Newark.
Read more
A Guide to Paterson’s Middle Eastern Restaurants
Paterson is home to the second largest Arab American community in the United States.
Read more
Find Foods of Latin America Along Bergenline Avenue
Sweet or spicy, sit-down or grab-n-go, the variety of choices is matched by freshness.
Read more
Jersey City Is a Diverse Foodie Enclave With Depth
Nearly every kind of ethnic cuisine found in New Jersey can be sampled in Jersey City. From Indian to Korean to Filipino—it’s all here.
Read more
There’s a Vibrant Caribbean Food Scene in East Orange
These restaurants form something more than a dining scene. They are neighborhood anchors.
Read more
Where to Find Some of the Best Italian Food at the Jersey Shore
Unforgettable pasta, pizza and seafood in Sea Bright, Asbury Park and Bradley Beach.
Read more
Turkish Food You Must Try in Cliffside Park
These dishes will keep you coming back to this Bergen County borough.
Read more
Fair Lawn Is a Hub for Russian & Georgian Food
Great spots for dumplings, specialty groceries and more.
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
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 moreDESIGN NJ
Is This Hoboken’s Most Cheerful Home?
A once-lackluster brownstone gets a colorful makeover.
Read more
This Allentown Victorian Was Once a Doctor’s Office—Now It’s a Dream Home
A single-story addition was transformative for this family of five.
Read moreEAT & DRINK
Where Our Editors Are Eating & Drinking Right Now
Great spots for $15-or-less cocktails, a gorgeous wedge salad, chocolate lava cake and more.
Read more
Meet the NJ Potter Who Makes the Tableware Featured on ‘The Bear’
Jono Pandolfi crafts plates, bowls and serving dishes seen on the hit TV show—and in top restaurants around the globe—from his Union City studio.
Read more
More New Jersey Cafés Are Roasting Their Own Coffee Beans
“We see coffee as a living expression of culture and craft,” says one Montclair restaurateur.
Read moreEXIT RAMP
Jim McGreevey: I’ve Dedicated My Life to Helping People Start Over
With a little help and a lot of patience, people can break chains and rebuild their lives after crisis.
Read more