Sometimes, sitting down for a standard dinner can feel a little routine. If you’re tired of quiet booths and appetizer samplers, then you’re ready to shake things up. So what if your side of fries came with a high-speed electric go-kart race or live theater experience? That’s what The Best Eatertainment in New Jersey is all about.
New Jersey absolutely crushes it when it comes to venues that blend killer food with top-tier activities. Which means the days of settling for stale pizza at a bowling alley are long gone. Today’s best Eatertainment in NJ features scratch kitchens, craft cocktail bars, and wildly immersive attractions all under one roof. These are the spots when planning a completely out-of-the-box date night, adult arcade bars to hit up with friends, or when searching for family-friendly entertainment so the kids can burn off energy. Ditch the boring dinner rut with us at The 10 Best Eatertainment Restaurants in New Jersey.
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The 10 Best Eatertainment Restaurants in New Jersey
Featured From Hudson County:
Solaz
Where: 25 River Drive South, Jersey City
Details: Solaz is for anyone who wants to take their dinner and their golf swing to the next level. This Jersey City waterfront destination offers Mediterranean cuisine from Culinary Director Celebrity Chef David Burke alongside Full Swing Golf Suites. The menu encompasses modern Mediterranean flavors, fusing Greek, Moroccan, Spanish, Italian, and French cuisines. Popular items include pitas, spicy harissa, honey cumin roasted carrots, and lemon burrata pasta. In addition to sit-down dinner, an elevated cocktail experience is available from the bar. Just be sure to save room for their homemade banana baklava parfait and tiramisu donuts with pistachio mascarpone. A kids’ menu is also available. Besides unforgettable dinner service, Solaz is also home to Full Swing Golf Suites. These simulators are accessible for both seasoned golfers and newcomers, as well as friends looking to have some fun. The golf simulator menu focuses on handheld options like flatbreads, lamb sliders, and burgers, plus cocktails and mocktails.
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Albatross
Where: Edison
Details: Everyone “flies first class” at Albatross, an entertainment venue featuring luxury bowling and putting. In fact, they offer the World’s Largest Themed Indoor Putting experience. Putting at Albatross isn’t your average round of mini golf. Their version boasts automatic score-keeping and is points-based, not par, with bonus challenges and multiple shot paths. The restaurant menu boasts appetizers — we recommend the Fried Chicken Loaded Fries — wings, pizza, mocktails, and cocktails. For dessert, go for the Banana Flambe Churro Sundae.
Asbury Lanes
Where: Asbury Park
Details: Probably the most iconic spot on this list, Asbury Lanes has been dazzling customers since the 1960s. Much more than a bowling alley, Asbury Lanes is a premier venue for live music and entertainment. The restaurant section is a retro diner that feels like stepping back in time and features all the classic dishes. From pork roll, egg, and cheese for breakfast to the traditional Reuben sandwich for lunch, it’s an authentic diner experience. Plus, the kids can enjoy a classic milkshake while mom and dad unwind with a Boozy Shake.
Cape Square Entertainment Complex
Where: Rio Grande
Details: Cape Square really lives up to its name as an entertainment complex. Part of the larger Town Square Entertainment group, the Cape Square location offers a variety of activities. The venue has a golf simulator, 2 restaurants, 3 bars, 8 movie theater screens, 16 bowling lanes, and an arcade. There’s even an outdoor courtyard and patio area with cornhole and occasional live music. The restaurants are broken into the more causal Clubhouse and the more upscale Cape Kitchen & Craft. It’s perfect for couples, families, and solo outings alike.
DiDonato Family Fun Center
Where: Hammonton
Details: DiDonato Family Fun Center is like a dream come true for families with young kids. This elaborate venue includes 26 bowling lanes, an arcade with 67 activities, and the Rolling Railway Train ride. This custom-built, life-size train transports guests through the property’s outdoor village, which transforms into something new every season. With special events every Halloween, Easter, and Christmas, the Rolling Railway is a beloved holiday tradition. Dining options include both the Alley bar & Grille as well as The Pin Deck ice cream/dessert shop.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse
Where: Hampton
Details: One of Jersey’s most unique eatertainment options, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is a spectacle from a bygone era. A true dinner theater, the playhouse provides table service during live performances. Each show typically runs for about a month before the next one begins, so theater-goers can come back often. Besides a fun outing for families and couples, the playhouse also makes for an unforgettable wedding venue or special occasion. The food menu includes entrees like fried shrimp, cocktails, and a variety of baked goods for dessert.
iPlay America
Where: Freehold
Details: iPlay America is One of New Jersey’s largest indoor amusement centers. Is feels like a classic Jersey Shore boardwalk mixed with a bustling New York City shopping district. iPlay is home to a retro arcade, laser tag, TopGolf Swing Suite, Go Karts, indoor rides, and more. Dining options are aplenty, as on-site restaurants include The Bistro, Sonny’s (w/ classic boardwalk eats), Broadway Sweets. The latter is a classic candy shop filled with old-fashioned favorites that has been visited by numerous celebrities, including Zendaya and Becky Lynch.
The Mainland
Where: Manahawkin
Details: The Mainland is a massive venue that has a lot to offer. This includes hosting weddings, corporate events, special occasions, and overnight hotel stays. Their Adventure Park section of the venue consists of over 50 aerial courses and a 50-ft climbing wall. They also have 4 zip lines, a go-kart track (with single and double seat karts) and retro gaming arcade. (Complete with pinball, Pac-Man, and so much more.) Meanwhile, their Kitchen + Pub serves weekday lunch and dinner with a variety of handheld and entree options.
RPM Raceway
Where: Jersey City
Details: Diners looking for an authentic racing experience can head to RPM Raceyway for all-electric, indoor go-karting. The venue’s MEGATRACK is a 3,000 ft multi-level track with three levels of vertical elevation. Racers will feel the adrenaline from 90-degree hairpin and spiraling ramps, plus speedy straightaways. Their menu serves up burgers, wood-fired pizza, tacos, salads, desserts like the Brownie Bomb, and handcrafted cocktails. (Their even have a selection of mocktails.) In particular, their Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a fan favorite.
Supercharged Entertainment
Where: Edison
Details: Supercharged proclaims to be the World’s Largest Indoor Multi-Level Karting Track. In addition to racing, the venue houses an arcade, axe throwing, virtual reality attractions, and the Drop & Twist Tower. The latter is a two-story tower ride that drops and twists riders with a view of the venue’s attractions. The restaurant at Supercharged — Burgers & Brews — provides upscale American fare featuring gourmet burgers, cocktails, and milkshake mugs. We recommend the Hungry Hawaiian Burger, with grilled pineapple and jalapeno.
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Top Photo: © Hunterdon Hill Playhouse / Facebook