New Jersey has a fantastic dining scene. So fantastic that Saveur Magazine named the Garden State, “The Unsung Hero Of American Eating.” We’re home to incredible gourmet restaurants like Fascino in Montclair and casual eateries with cult followings like The Chicken Or The Egg in Beach Haven, but we’ve also got some hidden gems. While some of these spots are more popular than others, none get the attention they deserve. Check out a few of our favorite lesser-known restaurants in New Jersey.

1. Hot Rod's Hot Dogs, Glen Gardner
Hot Rod's Hot Dogs/Facebook
New Jersey has a multitude of top-notch hot dog spots like Rutt's Hutt, Jimmy Buff's, Hot Dog Johnny's and WindMill Hot Dogs, but you may not yet be familiar with Hot Rod's. An Only In New Jersey reader recommendation, this casual eatery is decked out in racing memorabilia and has some of the best chili dogs around. Visit their Facebook page, here, to get the scoop.
2. Jim's Lunch, Millville
Facebook/Jim's Lunch
While Jim's Lunch is no secret to South Jersey residents, non-locals need to know that it's worth a drive. The burgers and special sauce are legendary. It has been a family business for nearly a century, has a celeb following (Mike Trout of the Anaheim Angels) and is only open seasonally (closed summers). Visit their Facebook page, here, for more information.
3. Lucy's, North Brunswick
Image/Google Maps
Serving up spectacular Peruvian, Mexican, and American food with a selection of cuisine, Lucy's offers some incredible empanadas. You'll love the crispy, flaky goodness and other flavorful dishes on the menu. They're far from fancy, but the food speaks for itself. Visit their website, here to see a menu and get more information.
4. 15 Fox Place, Jersey City
Facebook/15 Fox Place
Facebook/15 Fox Place
This restaurant is hard to find in the most literal sense. It's easy to drive by this homefront, not realizing what lies inside - one of the best Italian restaurants in New Jersey. Billed as an exclusive dining club, you'll need a reservation to get in. Visit their Facebook page, here, for more information.
5. The Roadside Diner, Wall
Image/RoadsideDinerNJ.com
Facebook/The Roadside Diner
One of the oldest diners in New Jersey, this Jersey Shore staple has been in the same spot since the 1940s. It will bring you back to a simpler time with authentic vintage decor and oldies playing on the radio. Visit their website, here, for more.
6. Walpack Inn, Sandyston
Walpack Inn/Google Local
Facebook/The Walpack Inn
Considering its remote location, this restaurant has quite the fan following. You won't find another business for miles, but you will find a rustic setting and fantastic mountain views. Visit on Fridays for the Prime Rib Special and stay the weekend at the cabin just steps away. Visit their website, here, to see their menu and more information.

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7. Lucille's Country Cooking, Barnegat
Image/Google Maps
This charming eatery serves up some of the best breakfast in the Garden State. The blueberry pancakes are a popular pick, with portion sizes sure to leave you feeling satisfied. Reviewers also rave about the homemade pies and cozy atmosphere. Anthony Bourdain has dined here and Joe Piscopo was a regular in the '80s. Visit their Facebook page, here, to stay in the loop.
8. Chef Vola's, Atlantic City
Image/Google Maps
Once a Jersey Shore secret, you still won't find a sign in front of this cash only basement hideaway. The old school Italian eatery does not advertise and doesn't even provide a phone number or address on their website. Still, word of mouth travels and anyone can get a reservation here with enough notice - call (609) 345-2022.
9. Jersey Girl, Wildwood
Facebook/Jersey Girl Drinks & Dining
I love the Doo Wop Diner in Wildwood, but there are some pretty amazing eateries off the boardwalk. You'll find this gem a few blocks back on Atlantic Avenue. Jersey Girl Drinks & Dining is a hip seafood spot with a full bar and fantastic early bird special; they've also got great happy hour and daily deals. Enjoy patio dining in the warm weather. And no, it's not a biker bar. While welcoming of everyone, this exterior shot was taken during biker weekend. Visit their website, here, for me information and to see if they're open for the season.
10. Seagraves Steak & Submarine, Salem
DeAnn Law/Google Local
Flickr/Stu_Spivak
You'll find no social media presence, not even a sign on the building, but this South Jersey spot serves some of the best subs in the state. Some even claim that the cheesesteaks here blow Philadelphia's out of the water... Why not try one and decide for yourself? Find (a little) more information on their website, here.
11. Daily Treat, Ridgewood
Facebook/Daily Treat
Facebook/Daily Treat
Ridgewood is a dining hot spot with restaurants like Latour and La Lanterna (both excellent), but the Daily Treat is worth a trip, too. Family owned and open since 1963, this casual eatery serves a spectacular breakfast - all day long. The no-frills neighborhood staple offers an eclectic American menu and friendly service. Visit their website, here.
12. Sammy's Ye Olde Cider Mill, Mendham
Image/Sammy's Cider Mill
Image/Sammy's Cider Mill
A reader favorite, this steakhouse in a former speakeasy may not look like much but the food is fantastic. Enjoy the dry-aged steak and perhaps a round of bumper pool in this third-generation family restaurant. Steaks are hand-cut and dry-aged on premises, and you'll fall in love with their shrimp scampi, if you're a seafood person. Visit their website, here, for more information.
13. Hole In The Wall Bagels, New Brunswick
Image/Google Maps
Popular among the Rutgers crowd, this tiny bagel spot offers a sizable variety of options. Reviewers (who note that they've probably walked past a million times without noticing this grab and go eatery) recommend the whole wheat bagel and Taylor Ham/Pork Roll sandwich. The pastrami sandwich is pictured. Check out their menu here.

What other hidden gems would you add to this list? For more New Jersey dining, check out these 12 tiny restaurants or these 18 underrated spots.

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More to Explore

Lesser Known Restaurants In New Jersey

Kim Magaraci | February 19, 2021

What are the most popular foods in New Jersey?

The Garden State takes its cuisine seriously. There may be a civil war between the Taylor Ham and Pork Roll factions at some point... regardless of what you call it, it's a breakfast staple. Down in South Jersey, scrapple is another common breakfast table addition. Of course, we're the Pizza Capital of the Country, and also make the best bagels you'll ever get to try. Thanks to our proximity to the coast, Jersey seafood is fresh as can be, and pairs perfectly with the produce sourced from local farms all season long.

Which town in New Jersey has the best restaurants?

So many New Jersey towns and cities feature amazing dining scenes! I may be biased, but Collingswood in Camden County is one that truly stands out. From outstanding BYO Italian restaurants like Kitchen Consigliore and Barrone's, to the fun and quirky Pop Shop that's great for kids, there's something for everyone. Tortilla Press is another top dining room in town! Other top towns for dining include Asbury Park (stop by Talulah's for a treat!) and Mount Holly, where Robin's Nest caters to those looking for an elegant meal and John & Molly's takes the cake when it comes to enormous portions of delicious bar food. The newer spot in town, The Local, makes homemade fried mozzarella that's life-changing for anyone who loves cheese.

Where can I dine at the most beautiful restaurant in New Jersey?

Anyone who has dined at the Walpack Inn may tell you that it's the most beautiful restaurant in New Jersey, and they might be right! The views are to die for, and it's a remote slice of heaven. Other beautiful spots to dine include the Chophouse in Gibbsboro, and Rat's Restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton.

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Featured Addresses
2113 NJ-31, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826, USA
Jim's Lunch, 105 East Main Street On High & Main St, Millville, NJ 08332, USA
992 Livingston Ave, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902, USA
15 Fox Place, 15 Fox Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07306, USA
5016 NJ-33, Wall Township, NJ 07727, USA
The Walpack Inn Restaurant, 7 National Park Service Rd 615, Layton, NJ 07851, USA
Lucille's Country Cooking, 1496 Main St, Barnegat Township, NJ 08005, USA
2206 Boardwalk, North Wildwood, NJ 08260, USA
1 S Tilbury Rd, Salem, NJ 08079, USA
177 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA
Sammy's Ye Old Cider Mill, 353 Mendham Rd W, Mendham Township, NJ 07945, USA
Hole In The Wall Bagels, 25 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
Chef Vola's, 111 S Albion Pl, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA