Discover some of the best restaurants in New Jersey for upscale comfort food. Gather your friends, and take your pick from this roundup of cozy eateries and trendsetting gastropubs serving elevated “pub fare” and modern twists on classic dishes.
Gateway Region: Publick House, Mountainside
On cold, blustery nights, cozy up near the fireplace in this farm-to-table gastropub, and warm up with a handcrafted cocktail and hearty fare. The extensive whiskey menu and lineup of house cocktails offer plenty of belly-warming options, and the food menu touts gourmet dishes such as Niman Ranch steak and frites, shepherd’s pie stuffed with lamb, and beer-battered fish and chips.
Greater Atlantic City Region: The Iron Room Restaurant, Atlantic City
A speakeasy-style restaurant, this clandestine enclave features sustainable, local ingredients on its food menu and craft beers, more than 400 spirits and a Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” wine list. Order decadent snacks and small plates like “Foie Gras Disco Fries,” or the thick-cut bacon glazed with vanilla sugar, or go for a larger portion with the Kobe burger, or seasonally prepared lamb.
Skylands Region: End of Elm, Morristown
At this gastropub across from Morristown’s historic train station, bring a friend or two and order a round of small plates featuring high-end American comfort foods, from chicken and waffles (smothered in maple hollandaise) to mac ‘n’ cheese made with three cheeses. Elegant cocktails made with specialty spirits will keep the conversation flowing.
Delaware River Region: Rocky Hill Inn American Gastropub, Rocky Hill
Award-winning craft burgers, an ever-changing craft beer list and contemporary versions of pub dishes garner a devoted following to this charming eatery. Start off your meal with appetizers like buffalo chicken meatballs or beer battered pickles, and then go for a specialty burger loaded with toppings (everything from wild boar bacon to truffle aioli).
Southern Shore Region: The Blue Pig Tavern, Cape May
The first tavern in Cape May, this historic American eatery retains its classic charm, while serving up modern-day dishes made with ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s very own farm just 2 miles away. Enjoy the best from land and sea with items such as classic meatloaf and veggies, or the “steak and cake,” a grilled New York strip steak served with a jumbo lump crab cake.
Shore Region: Cross & Orange, Asbury Park
Warm wood floors, exposed brick walls and soaring ceilings with chandeliers set the scene in this vintage-inspired spot serving up modern takes on American classics. Start your meal with a Jersey heirloom tomato salad and move onto fresh meats and seafood items, from rich lobster mac ‘n’ cheese to a juicy 40-ounce Tomahawk steak for two.
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