The Best American Restaurants in New Jersey: 2023 Edition is written by Vinny Parisi.
It’s hard to beat a great American meal. From classics like burgers and hot dogs to comfort food such as mac n cheese, these meals spark joy; but there are plenty of unique American dishes for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters as well. So Best of NJ set off in search of The Best American Restaurants in New Jersey. These local businesses all provide a mix of stellar service and top notch American cuisine.
With mouthwatering menu items like cornbread, braised short rib, fried chicken, and more, these spots really bring the bacon. (Literally, in most cases!) Plus, the kid-friendly foods and diet-friendly adaptations make these American restaurants accessible to everyone. Without further ado, here is Best of NJ’s list of The Best American Restaurants in New Jersey.
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North Jersey
The Highlawn
Where: 1 Crest Dr, West Orange
Details: The Highlawn is a New American restaurant that offers three distinct dining experiences. The first is in their modern steakhouse known as The Grill Room, and the second is The Bar. As for the third, their outdoor dining takes place on The Patio, complete with live music and entertainment. All three dining areas offer sweeping panoramic views of the NYC skyline as well as signature cocktails. Menu options from the grill include Center Cut Filet Mignon, Aragosta Alla Griglia (spicy lobster), and The Highlawn Prime Rib. The latter is their signature slow roasted, boneless prime rib with sauce raifort, natural jus, and duck fat popovers. Other menu highlights include pastas, soups, salads, vegan options, and a raw bar.
Why I like it: The Highlawn also offers Sunday Brunch, complete with Doughnut French Toast and Blueberry Almond Crumble dessert.
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VENTANAS Restaurant & Lounge
Where: 200 Park Ave, Fort Lee
Details: The vibe at VENTANAS is “glamorous”. The restaurant offers a lounge, a Himalayan Salt Wall backdrop perfect for social media selfies, a Red Room and more. Patrons can dine in style indoors, or enjoy meals out on the patio (complete with a fire table). VENTANAS offers a number of specialty menus, as well as brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Highlights include starters such as Pork Belly Tostones, Octopus and Chorizo Kebab, and of course their signature Clothesline Bacon. Weekend brunch serves up favorites such as Stuffed Brioche Bread Pudding or their Jamon Serrano & Goat Cheese Flat Bread. Meanwhile, popular dinner entrees include their Blackened Mahi Mahi or the Kalbi Braised Short Rib.
Why I like it: VENTANAS brings the feel and top notch cuisine of upscale New York City dining across the bridge to New Jersey.
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1776 By David Burke
Where: Morristown
Details: 1776 by David Burke promises “A Modern Play on American Classics,” a promise they deliver in multiple ways. In addition to putting a contemporary spin on familiar menu favorites, the restaurant also boasts a TopGolf Swing Suite. These six living room suites include a fully-stocked bar and state-of-the-art golf simulators. As for food options, 1776 serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Highlights include the Roasted Rack of Lamb and Dry Aged Cheeseburger.
The Barrow House
Where: Clifton
Details: The Barrow House charms guests with seven unique rooms that all share a cozy atmosphere and rustic food. Their “American Farm Fare” menu features comfort foods like Bacon Mac & Cheese and Cornbread (with whipped honey butter); as well as Braised Short Rib served with polenta and French green beans, and Bison Burgers with Muenster cheese. They also serve a special brunch menu, complete with Breakfast Pizza, on weekends from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Black Horse Tavern & Pub
Where: Mendham
Details: The Black Horse Tavern & Pub offers both indoor and outdoor dining. The Pub is open daily, however, the Tavern side is currently for private events only. Either way, the menu features soup bowls, salads, burgers, paninis, and a host of pub favorites and other entrees; from grilled shrimp and Filet Mignon to broiled scallops, Shepherd’s Pie, and baby back ribs. Takeout options include cocktail kits and meal packages, like a Prime Rib dinner for four.
Bloom
Where: Verona
Details: The beautiful floral theme permeates the decor, color scheme, and ambiance of Bloom. Their brunch, lunch, and dinner menus are full of French cuisine with Korean influences. For instance, brunch entrees include Bulgogi Bibimbap and Korean Street Toast. Dinner favorites range from Pork Belly (with jalapeño miso glaze, broccoli rabe, couscous, wine soaked apple) to Lobster Kimchi Risotto. Just be sure to save room for their Strawberry Bingsu dessert.
Blue Morel
Where: Morristown
Details: This upscale restaurant and wine bar uses locally sourced ingredients for their intricate dishes. Blue Morel’s cuisine is New American, but also offers sushi and a seafood raw bar. Their specials include a Beef Loin Roast with potatoes, greens, and a tasty bone marrow butter. Likewise, their weekly Sunday Supper from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm offers a la carte favorites for the whole family. Plus, they offer an extended breakfast buffet on Sundays.
The Circle
Where: Newton
Details: The Circle incorporates a lot of seafood into their concise and thoughtful menu. Popular selections include the Oyster of the Day, diver scallops, and branzino. However, meat lovers can enjoy menu items like Long Island Duck Breast, Australian Lamb, and New York Strip Steak. The Circle stands out for sourcing their ingredients locally, and we mean really locally. Besides growing their own vegetables, they source many ingredients from two farms along the same road as the restaurant.
Dutch House Tavern
Where: Fair Lawn
Details: This neighborhood pub offers American favorites for customers to enjoy at the bar, indoor dining room, or outdoor porch. They typically offer daily specials, so there’s always something new to try. But the main menu boasts starters, snacks, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Popular picks include the California Chicken Sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, as well as The Whirly Burger. The latter comes with Taylor Ham and American cheese on top.
Fork Hill Kitchen
Where: Union City
Details: Executive Chef Eric Clemente wins patrons over with innovative yet approachable seasonal cuisine. The limited indoor seating means making reservations is a good idea, but it is not a requirement. Similarly, they have a small section of dog-friendly outdoor seating available. While the menu rotates, the selection typically includes salads, meats, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta. Standout housemade selections like Cavatelli and seasonal desserts are always a hit.
Horseneck Tavern
Where: North Caldwell
Details: Horseneck Tavern races out of the gate with so many tasty appetizers, guests don’t always need an entree. For example, popular starters include boneless ribs, drunken mussels, and hanger steak on garlic toast points. But for those that have room for a main course, options range from salads and sandwiches to pizzas and burgers. Meanwhile, fan favorite desserts include New York Cheesecake, beignets, fried apple pie, and Gelato. Check out their Specialty Martinis menu.
James on Main
Where: Hackettstown
Details: Owner and Executive Chef Bill Van Pelt presents menu selections that highlight this American restaurant’s wood-fired grill. He sources not only the ingredients for meals, but also the wines and beer from local vendors. James on Main features prix fixe two and three course meals. Patrons select from a short list of options for each course, with additional sides available a la carte. There’s also a concise dessert menu, and five course chef’s tasting menu.
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen
Where: Morristown
Details: From the diverse events and dinner service six days a week to the Sunday brunch, Jockey Hollow is happening. The bar and kitchen is popular for hosting comedy events, blind wine dinners, and happy hour specials for signature cocktails. Their menu boasts a selection of raw bar items, light bites like cheddar biscuits, plus plenty of entrees and desserts. We recommend the Pan-Roasted Berkshire Pork Chop entree and Basque Cheesecake dessert.
The Kitchen Step
Where: Jersey City
Details: Kitchen Step is a cozy spot that’s just as great for a quick cocktail as it is for dinner. Their menu specials include the belly-warming Burrata Mac & Cheese with smoked eggplant, roasted peppers, and brown butter crumbs. Meanwhile, other standouts include large plates like the Autumnal Vegetable Curry and the KS Cubano. They don’t slouch on desserts, either, with highlights like flourless chocolate cake, ricotta zeppoles, and strawberry shortcake.
Park West Tavern
Where: Ridgewood
Details: Exposed brick and a roaring fireplace make Park West Tavern a cozy place for lunch or dinner. Locals rave about Park West Tavern’s Hanger Steak Sandwich; this signature “Between the Buns” menu item comes with cheddar, mushroom, and onions on a lightly toasted bun. In addition, the fries are another standout with the perfect amount of seasoning and crispiness. For those not eating meat, there are plenty of salads and a raw bar as well.
The Rail Yard Tavern
Where: Fair Lawn
Details: This family-friendly American restaurant offers a casual atmosphere. They have TVs on the walls for live sports, as well as a menu full of kid-approved options. Chicken fingers, nachos, pot stickers, fried mozzarella, sliders, and quesadillas are just some of the appetizers on the menu. Parents and adults stopping in to watch sports have plenty to choose from, too. Heroes, wraps, chicken melts, burgers, and cold sandwiches are all perfect handheld options.
Steel Wheel Tavern
Where: Ridgewood
Details: Steel Wheel serves craft beer and modern cuisine, which should be enough to convince most patrons. But they are also known as a rare Bergen County spot to hear live music seven days a week. They court a variety of local artists who perform a wide selection of genres, so the music is always fresh. Speaking of fresh, Steel Wheel is a great spot for calamari, ahi tuna, and their lobster, crab, and avocado starter. Check out their Beer-Brined Roasted BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
Taverna on the Green
Where: Paramus
Details: Though this spot is adjacent to the Paramus Golf Course greens, dining here does not require country club membership. In addition to outdoor dining with a unique view of the greens, Taverna boasts a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. They serve everything from French toast and buttermilk pancakes to Philly cheesesteaks and Filet Mignon. Their menu even includes signature desserts such as Turkish Creme Brulee and Chocolate Mousse Cake.
Terravita
Where: Edgewater
Details: This popular spot also has a location in New York City. Terravita serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and puts a unique twist on American dining. Options include Salmon Croquettes, Charred Octopus, Bourbon Glazed Ribs, and Peking Duck Tacos. Some of their even more diverse items are the Marinated Spanish Anchovy Crostini and the Watermelon Gazpacho. Terravita also manages to make the presentation of each dish match the fancy ingredients.
Turtle + The Wolf
Where: Upper Montclair
Details: Turtle + The Wolf is big on, well, big dinners. Their signature family style offerings include dinner for twos as well as family-style presentations. For instance, they serve a 14-lb Whole Roasted Suckling Pig that feeds 6-7 guests. (But the restaurant requires one-week notice for parties planning to order it.) Their family meals also include salad, crispy potatoes, blistered shishito peppers, buttermilk biscuits, brussels sprouts, coleslaw, sauces, and dessert.
Central Jersey
Orchard Park by David Burke
Where: 670 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick
Details: Orchard Park blends the best of David Burke’s other American restaurants in New Jersey into one signature menu. The marquee dishes center around his patented Himalayan sea salt dry-aged steaks. But there are plenty of other highlights on the menu, like Pistachio Duck Dumplings, Hipster Fries, or Wild Mushroom Cavatelli. Of course, his signature menu items such as Clothesline Bacon and the Signature DB Chicken are available here. Then for dessert we recommend the Tiny Dancer, a visual delight with an equally exciting flavor. Besides elegant indoor dining, their Orchard Terrace offers elevated outdoor dining. Protected from the elements yet airy and open with a full bar, it offers comfortable outdoor dining.
Why I like it: The restaurant regularly hosts special events, like a five-course wine pairing dinner.
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12 Farms Restaurant
Where: Hightstown
Details: 12 Farms prides itself on fresh, local ingredients in every meal. All of their beef is grass-fed, and the produce comes from family-run farms. The dinner menu presents elegant dishes like Lion Mane Mushroom Cakes and Wagyu Braised Beef Cheeks. There’s also an extensive brunch offering Fridays through Sundays, with items like Wild Boar Benedict. 12 Farms is BYOB and cash only, but offers family-style packages to go, complete with starters, sides, and entrees.
Elements
Where: Princeton
Details: Elements likes to treat every occasion like a special occasion, serving patrons meals that will delight the senses. Their menu rotates seasonally and is heavily influenced by the ingredients they can find locally. Depending on what herbs they pick each morning, the chef prepares both a 5-Course and Chef’s Tasting menu. Example menu items include Japanese Squid, Smoked Brassicas, Tahitensis Vanilla, and Ribeye. They also have an exclusive menu available for patrons sitting at the bar.
Heirloom Kitchen
Where: Old Bridge
Details: Heirloom Kitchen is more than a restaurant, it’s a true chef’s table experience. As a restaurant, they are only open for intimate, 4-course, prix fixe suppers Thursday through Sunday. (Vegan/vegetarian diners can select from a 3-course and 5-course vegan menu.) Their menu changes regularly to keep things fresh. Meanwhile, during the first half of the week, they serve as a community resource; offering cooking classes, private events, and corporate team builds.
Huntley Taverne
Where: Summit
Details: The ambience has no equal at this long-established American restaurant in Summit. Huntley Taverne says the Harvest Pork Chop has been a guest favorite for over 20 years; mostly for delighting patrons with braised red cabbage, pommery mustard chive whipped potatoes, and a plum BBQ sauce. But there are plenty of other great menu choices like the classic Huntley Burger and truffle frites. We recommend the Cheddar Onion Biscuits with Chili Maple Butter starter.
Stage House Tavern
Where: Mountainside | Scotch Plains | Somerset
Details: Stage House Tavern in Somerset provides plentiful outdoor seating as well as frequent live music. We recommend the Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Sticks, Pulled Pork Potachos, and Buffalo Style Cauliflower, but that’s just the starters! They also make a great French Onion Soup. Truthfully, it’s hard to go wrong with anything on their expansive menu. For instance, they have a whole menu section for their variety of house-made ravioli dishes.
Jersey Shore
The Arlington
Where: Ship Bottom
Details: The Arlington is open daily year round on Long Beach Island. With a menu that is small but mighty, it serves as the perfect destination for a cozy meal out. The restaurant offers traditional seating as well as bar seating, with a menu to match; patrons can select from raw bar options such as shrimp cocktail and oysters, plus sandwiches, sides, starters, and entrees. The drink menu is bursting with wines, draft beers, cocktails, bourbon, and more.
Heirloom at The St. Laurent
Where: Asbury Park
Details: Chef David Viana uses the skills he’s learned at world-class kitchens to curate a signature menu at Heirloom. The James Beard Award nominee presents an a la carte menu with raw bar and poolside beverage cart options. Meanwhile, their dinner service is a 3-course prix fixe menu that changes seasonally based on local ingredients. Of course, since the restaurant is at The St. Laurent social club, patrons who purchase a pool pass can enjoy dining by the water.
My Kitchen Witch
Where: Monmouth Beach
Details: My Kitchen Witch is a unique eatery that promises healthy comfort food with a side of magic. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, but also host three-course, candlelit dinners every Friday (by reservation only). In terms of menu, we suggest the Merlin; griddled Texas toast with provolone, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, and bacon. Meanwhile, their Magic Potion Juice Bar serves up juices and smoothies. They also serve vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Nicholas Barrel & Roost
Where: Red Bank
Details: The vibe at Barrel & Roost is fun and trendy. They serve apps like Fried House Made Pickles and Wood Grilled Oysters. Likewise, in the “Straight Up Meat” section of the menu, there are strip steaks, pork chops, and Prime Filet Mignon. The menu also encompasses chicken, fish, pasta, and specialty pizza pies like the White Widow; a pizza with parmesan cream, house made mozzarella, broccolini, broccoli pesto, and chili flakes. Desserts come from their sister business, Nicholas Creamery.
Poached Pear Bistro
Where: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: The goal at Poached Pear is to provide fine dining infused with bold, flavorful choices. This results in dishes such as Asparagus Fries with cracked pepper parmesan aioli; a starter so good it’s a mystery why the dish isn’t on more menus! We also like the Grilled Salmon Fillet that comes topped with a mango pineapple salsa; as well as the Parmesan & Toasted Almond Crusted Halibut. This spot even has desserts like Bananas Foster Crepe, and a “Little Pears” menu for the kids.
Renault Winery
Where: Egg Harbor City
Details: We guarantee Renault Winery has more to offer than the typical winery’s bread and cheese platter. In fact, their Champagne Patio Garden boasts a menu with crispy wings, burgers, flatbread sandwiches, and three kinds of tacos. Despite the name, they also serve much more than wine; drink options include beer, cocktails, sangria, champagne, margaritas, and more. This winery also boasts a golf course, wedding venue, and overnight accommodations at Château Renault.
Washington Inn
Where: Cape May
Details: The charming and elegant Washington Inn is open Tuesday through Saturday. This American restaurant features mouth-watering dishes such as the Local Smoked Oyster’s Rockefeller; a special that comes with creamy spinach, bacon, Panko crumbs, parmesan, and smoked paprika. Likewise, the grilled Filet Mignon is a delight. It comes with a fresh mix of asparagus, baby carrots, roasted potatoes, red pepper, caramelized onion, mushrooms, and herb butter.
South Jersey
Blueplate
Where: Mullica Hill
Details: Blueplate’s mission is to “redefine the familiar” by putting a creative spin on popular dishes. That means concocting innovative specials such as the Salmon BLT or their Pumpkin Pasta. But don’t worry, they have plenty of classics on the menu, from burgers and salads to wraps and soups. One spin on a classic, for instance, is “The Maccherone” Burger; this all-beef burger is topped with Dr. Pepper BBQ-glazed pork roll and cheddar cheese. Most menu items can also be made gluten-free.
Braddock’s Tavern
Where: Medford
Details: A town staple since 1898, Braddock’s Tavern remains a cozy place for gathering with friends and family. (And yes, that does say 1898.) The menu is full of fan-favorite shared plates and entrees, but they also serve a tasty Impossible Burger; which they top with arugula, vegan herb mayo, and pepper-fennel chow chow. Other menu highlights include the cheesesteak spring rolls, as well as the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich and XL Pretzel. Weekend brunch is also available.
Briglia’s Tavern
Where: Berlin
Details: This low-key spot has a cozy dining room with limited seating, but patrons love the food and service. They don’t have a website, but they post the full menu and rotating weekly dinner specials on their Facebook page. In addition to American staples, the menu has a small selection of Italian specialty sandwiches, including Mom’s Homemade Meatball Parmesan. They also offer cheesesteaks, crab cakes, pasta dinners, and family style takeout options.
Creekside Inn
Where: Woodstown
Details: Creekside Inn — located on the Town & Country Golf Links — offers indoor dining, outdoor dining, and takeout. This American restaurant is always buzzing with rotating daily specials and frequent live events. Popular menu picks include the Creekside Crab Cake and Buffalo Shrimp Salad, as well as the Tuscano Chicken Sandwich. Meanwhile, they have a daily Happy Hour, limited Sunday bar specials and deals, and weekly events like Thursday Trivia Night.
Hearthside
Where: Collingswood
Details: The name for Hearthside comes from Chef Dominic Piperno and his wife Lindsay’s vision for the restaurant; which centers around the idea of the hearth, a place for both cooking and gathering. With this in mind, the vibe is warm and cozy, and the meals are top-notch. The menu is broken down by portion size, with small, medium, and large options; as well as two massive “For The Table” items, the Whole Roasted Bronzino and 40 oz Porterhouse.
Keg & Kitchen
Where: Haddon
Details: Combining a craft bar and scratch kitchen, this spot is all about pairing dinner and drinks. The menu here is surprisingly robust, featuring everything from Asparagus Fries and Jumbo Chicken Wings to Korean Beef Tacos. Keg & Kitchen even has a children’s menu with pasta, burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and Fish + Chips. For those who can make it to dessert, we recommend the Warm Rocky Road Brownie or the Pot de Creme.
Kitchen 519
Where: Glendora
Details: Kitchen 519 calls its cuisine “modern American”, making meals from scratch and with love. They offer inventive starters such as Crab Bacon Guacamole and Korean BBQ Calamari; as well as hearty sandwiches like the BBQ Pork Sandwich or the Inside Out Burger. Guests can also choose between dine in and take out, as the restaurant offers family meals to go. These serve 3-4 people and include a house salad and dessert. Even dogs can enjoy their Pup-Cakes and Puppy Pound Cakes.
Park Place
Where: Merchantville
Details: More than just a spot on the Monopoly board, Park Place is a cafe and restaurant. Chef Philip Manganaro forages ingredients available out in the wild to present seasonal dishes that focus on the Earth itself. He hopes patrons not only enjoy the flavor, but also appreciate the journey each ingredient takes from nature to table. As Park Place describes, “Every bite supports his commitment to ecological harmony and sustainable culinary artistry.”
Ye Olde Centerton Inn
Where: Elmer
Details: According to the restaurant, Ye Olde Centerton Inn has been in continuous operation since 1706. The restaurant has six dining rooms, each boasting lovingly preserved decor and accents. They specialize in steaks, seafood, and signature American dishes such as Governor’s Pork Tenderloin and Honey Mustard Salmon. Other menu highlights include The Baconizer, a sausage-stuffed pork chop wrapped in bacon with Lea & Perrins butter sauce. Save room for their warm chocolate walnut bread pudding float.
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American Restaurants in New Jersey FAQs
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A number of NJ’s best American Restaurants offer special menus for kids. For instance, Poached Pear Bistro in Egg Harbor City has a “little pears” menu. The Rail Yard Tavern in Fair Lawn is also a great spot for families.
Taverna on The Green in Paramus stands out for their outdoor dining with a view of the Paramus Golf Course. Likewise, Orchard Park by David Burke (East Brunswick) offers Orchard Terrace, with a full bar and protection from the elements.
Elements in Princeton offers either a 5-course dinner or special Chef’s Tasting menu that changes regularly. This makes for a unique experience to host a special occasion. Meanwhile, My Kitchen Witch in Monmouth Beach hosts an intimate candlelit dinner every Friday by reservation only.
Many American Restaurants in New Jersey offer either weekday or weekend brunch. Bloom in Verona, Terravita in Edgewater, and 12 Farms Restaurant in Hightstown are all great spots for brunch.
Top Photo: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ
Other Photos (in Order):
Orchard Park by David Burke / Instagram
