meatn3
(equal opportunity eater in the NC Triangle)
1
I’ll be traveling through NJ twice over the next few weeks. I’d appreciate suggestions for great places that are a short jaunt from I-95 and have parking. My car will be packed to the gills so I’d prefer being able to park close to the venue in a decent area.
I like to sample regional foods and things not available at home when I travel, My area is severely lacking in Jewish deli, Italian deli and real diners. A killer banh mi is always appreciated too. I’ll continue driving after the meal so a long, leisurely meal isn’t an option.
I’ve gathered a few ideas from this board and other sources: Mastoris in Bordentown, NJ Carmen’s Deli in Bellmawr
I’d suggest Harold’s in Edison for Jewish Deli if you haven’t been. It’s pretty iconic.
Top’s Diner in Newark is currently my favorite diner in Jersey.
Baguette Delite is awesome!
Oops my suggestions are leisurely and not short
meatn3
(equal opportunity eater in the NC Triangle)
3
Parking close and safe for a packed car? When it just screams “tourist”!
meatn3
(equal opportunity eater in the NC Triangle)
4
That’s what thinking about food will do!
I think if I ate at Harolds I’d need a serious nap afterwards!
I have pulled off the road a number of times at the Americana Diner in E. Windsor. I’ve never been to Mastori’s so can’t compare, but the Americana definitely does it for me.
Depending on the time of day you may want to be careful with that area of Edison.
That stretch you are looking at is where I 287, the Turnpike, the GSP, and Route 1 and NJ 27 come together, so it is pretty much the traffic navel of New Jersey.
There can be a lot of traffic on Route 1 mornings and evenings, and I 287 going west is a huge problem from 7:00 to 10:00 am.
Sorry to disagree VK, but the Hightstown Diner is not very good. The Americana is much better. HIghtstown Diner has gone way downhill from what it once was.
meatn3
(equal opportunity eater in the NC Triangle)
17
Wow! I’m hoping to check out all these new suggestions tonight and add to my list. You Jersy folks know how to come through!
1 Like
meatn3
(equal opportunity eater in the NC Triangle)
18
I had contemplated that route as a way to avoid some of the afterwork traffic…On my way north I’ll be passing through NJ in mid afternoon or early evening. The on-line navigator had me staying on I-95 through NYC to Conn. A fellow I was chatting with at the car mechanics who is from your area looked at the route and suggested I take the Tappan Zee (?) Bridge (I-287) instead to avoid the worst of the traffic if I hit the area at rush hour. He also suggested I get on the road at 4am but that’s not going to happen!
Much to consider. Thank you for giving me a better idea of what to expect.
You will DEFINITELY be in traffic no matter when you hit the tri-state area after 3pm (really), but I agree that the (NEW!) Tappan Zee is going to be slightly less congested than the nightmare that is the GWB/Cross Bronx (pretty much ANY time of day).
That’s what thinking about food will do!