Few People Know One Of The Nicest Restaurants In America Is Hiding In Small-Town New Jersey

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Simply Southern is permanently closed.

New Jersey is pretty far from the South, and it's not always easy to find those iconic delights from the southern kitchen. That is, unless you live in Belmar. The charming shore town is often busy in the summer, but during the off-season it's the perfect place to explore the town's culinary scene. Surprisingly, Belmar has what might be the best southern restaurant in New Jersey - and it's hiding in a strip mall! Simply Southern, a small family-owned restaurant combines retro charm with modern twists on famous dishes, and everything is packed with flavor. From the appetizers to the main courses, and even the desserts and drinks, everything here feels like it could have been made in grandma's kitchen - if grandma had five blue ribbons from the county fair's cooking competitions!

Hiding in a strip mall not far from the train station, Simply Southern is a soul food gem that's easy to miss - but you'll be glad you found it.

The rustic interior is perfect for a romantic date, but during busier periods it feels like a bustling family reunion!

The menu features all the old southern favorites, including fried catfish, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese.

The crab cakes are another local favorite, packed with lump crab meat and given a nicely fried crispy coating. You'll feel like you're at a shoreside seafood shack.

Of course, it wouldn't be a southern restaurant without some excellent barbecue, and the ribs are smoky, tender, and slicked with a delicious barbecue sauce.

The chicken-and-waffles here are among the best in New Jersey. You won't find any chicken tenders here - you get several perfectly-fried pieces of bone-in chicken.

It wouldn't be an end to a classic southern meal without some dessert, and if you find the sugar-topped beignets on the menu, they are not to be missed.

You'll also likely find a layer cake on the day on offer, and no matter what the flavor, it's likely to be rich and delicious.

There is no better way to end a meal than with some sweet tea, and you'll usually find several flavors here - some slow-steeped with fruit flavor.

Have you visited Simply Southern in Belmar? Let us know about your meal, and tell us your pick for the best southern restaurant in New Jersey in the comments section. If you want to find out more, you can visit the Simply Southern website and Facebook page for the full menu. And while you're in Belmar, you're only minutes away from the best fudge on the Jersey Shore!