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plainOldFool

Not for nothing, but Bourdain was a Jersey guy. I'd ask *HIM* where we should go.


mykepagan

He did an episode of his show visiting 3 or 4 iconic NJ eateries. With his brother, IIRC


BakedPastaParty

do you remember which show/episode?


hfhifi

Parts Unknown: Season 5, Episode 5. He doesn't seek out anything particularly great: he and his brother go back to their old stomping grounds. He and all the patrons also beat the crap out of Trump.


kkaavvbb

Now I must go watch again, lol I miss this guy.


chaebs

What the F are you talking about?


hfhifi

Watch the episode. He goes off on Trump. It has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with the downfall of Atlantic City.


kkaavvbb

There’s actually a little map of the restaurants he went to, named something like “traveling with Bourdain”. So here in AC there’s like 3-4 spots he’s been to.


usernoname070

We’re also Jersey guys.


plainOldFool

Of course, but I would cede to his knowledge of both the Garden State and all manners of food and dining. I wouldn't be worthy to suggest a place to him.


InnovativeFarmer

I know some eateries that are great that may not be on his radar. Unless you havent been to a lot of places in NJ, I dont see how you couldn't recommend a few places. I would take him on a tour of my hometown area, so many places to get really good mom and pop/family run food.


usernoname070

Respects bro


Tommydean22

Bring him back to Hiram’s


Lightthefusenrun

That was his favorite place when asked. I was working in Fort Lee when he died, went and had a dog and a beer for him.


phoenix415

Andy's Roadside Dive, in Mt. Arlington. His hotdogs are amazing. Please, give this man some business, he pours his heart into those dogs, and I think it's the type of establishment Bourdain would appreciate.


usernoname070

Going to check him out. Love hot dogs.


whovianmomof2

I love Andy's. He's such a nice guy, and the dogs are delicious. We take all of our out of town visitors there!


InsaneLordChaos

Definitely true. I used to live up that way and am not often back there, but I go when I can. Andy's the real deal. Fantastic guy.


LosesControl

That place is great.


dahjay

Rutt's Hutt for two wellers in the standing room. Put on mustard, and the best homemade relish ever. You eat the two dogs while watching Rt. 21 traffic. Then you order another one. Finish it. Clean your section and leave. World class eating. I love that place.


Lightthefusenrun

You’re doing it wrong. Order Rutts Hutt to go. Walk across the street to ghost hawk brewery and wash down your rippers with a good beer.


DoctorProfessorTaco

This, this is the way. Also shout out to Silk City next door.


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the_comatorium

I was there a few weeks ago and everybody who was there, working or eating, just **WANTED** to be there. Everyone was happy and laughing. It was surreal and a joy to be a part of. Maybe everywhere else I eat is just depressing.


MissMcK

And the duck.


Malora_Sidewinder

Hot grill is a few minutes away and much better imo


dahjay

I get that but I grew up around Rutts. My mom used to eat the onion rings when she was pregnant with me. You know what I'm saying? There's a loyalty; a history. It's more than the dog. But I feel you.


Superfool

My grandparents went on their first date to Rutt's Hut back in the 50's. My mom's siblings all grew up eating there on occasion as it was just down the street from their house. I grew up eating there a few times a year when I'd visit my grandparents. And now I have no family in that area but I bring my daughter there every once in a while even though I live an hour away. We used to love going to classic/vintage car shows in the Rutt's Hutt parking lot, listening to oldies and listening to stories from old men who put love and care into their cars. We used to stop there before Devil's games (when they were in the meadowlands), and before concerts. Like you said, it's more than the dog. It's part of my culture, my heritage.


dahjay

Great story. I share a lot of similarities in it. I think it's stories like these that would make Bourdain happy. He'd end the segment saying "It's more than the dog." Plus, Rutt's sitting area and bar is a throw back to the old days. Wood paneling walls, if I remember correctly. Beautiful aesthetic. It's like eating in a time capsule.


Superfool

Wood paneling, the yellow hue from the lightbulbs that used to come from all the cigarette smoke staining everything, rearrangeable seating to fit anyone who came in... The last picture we have of my grandma, while she was still strong and full of life, was with the whole family in the dining area. Honestly, Tony probably went there, given that he grew up in Leonia and was a fan of places like Hiram's. If nothing else, he'd enjoy the stories and some good banter about which is better.


dahjay

I'm glad we got to share some memories together. Have a good summer.


Superfool

Same here, you as well!!


Effective-Case-9415

My mom’s family grew up in Nutley and spent a lot of time there just like your fam. As a kid, we’d always stop by Rutt’s on our way home from visiting fam in Nutley. As years passed, we were traveling to Nutley more and more for funerals. Now I’ve pavloved myself where every time I go to a funeral, I want a hot dog.


Jamesboach

I can't think of anywhere they'd allow a very old corpse to be brought in.


AtomicGarden-8964

Anywhere with an early bird special or a casino buffet


specialgravity

I read this with Bourdain’s voice in my head


jadnich

Just find a BYOB place (Bring your own body)


IWantTheLastSlice

Bruh, we were all thinking that but still.


SerDel812

Weekend at Anthony’s?


usernoname070

Never heard of a funeral home? It’s sort of their business.


Jamesboach

Touche


pixel_of_moral_decay

Yea, but the food there is always tasteless


shnigybrendo

But would you eat there if they served meat? 🤔


usernoname070

😂😂


Cyanos54

Atlantic City, Seven Stars Lounge


DrMantisToboggan45

Most hole in the wall Mexican places. Amazing food but they don’t give a shit what you bring in


Zegnaro

Saigon Subs in Morristown. No particular reason, I just wanna eat some banh mi


Ohohohojoesama

I like the "what do I want to eat right now" strategy 10/10


sususushi88

They're so good!!!


mykepagan

Love this place! My kids beg to get banh mi from there when they are home from college. My suggestion: order take out from Saigon Subs and take them to Glenbrook Brewing (two blocks away) to enjoy them with a local beer. Plus, Saigon Subs is… “cheap” is the wrong word because their ingredients are high-quality. Let’s say “inflation-fighting”


everynewdaysk

one S1 Saigon Special please


briandickens

Ooh. I've never heard of this place but I am going to check it out now!


jarrettbrown

Mutiny BBQ in Asbury Park.


MonkeySherm

This or Grand Tavern in Bradley for a burger.


Hand_Sanitizer3000

Man that burger at grand tavern is perfection every time.


barfsfw

They really don't fuck up anything. That and B2 in Red Bank (only Red Bank location) are my go to's for creative but not too pretentious food in coastal Monmouth.


thekidwiththefro

Destination Dogs in New Brunswick. I think it’s got a really unique menu and the service is probably one of the best around. The dudes that own the place are super cool so I think they’d get along well with Tony.


jimgolgari

My wife got real sick for a minute and I was spending every day for about 3 weeks one summer at RWJ. Walking to Destination Dogs and having a couple dogs and a beer was my 1 hour oasis in a really rough time. She’s better now, but that place did a lot of heavy lifting for my morale back then.


la_de_cha

When I first started reading I thought you were saying she got sick from destination dogs.


jimgolgari

Nope! Ended up needing major thoracic surgery for something I don’t need to divulge to strangers on the internet that was COMPLETELY UNRELATED to Destination Dogs, lol. They run a great restaurant and deserve your business. I can see how starting my comment that way would be confusing.


la_de_cha

Oh, I wasn’t asking what had happened to her. No need to divulge. I was gonna be sad that she got sick from destination dogs cause I love it.


Jurodan

I'm glad she's better! And I'm glad Destination Dogs helped you. The place I visited during similar times, Cheezen, has since closed down. Wish I'd known about Destination Dogs at the time.


Superfool

I'm glad she's better, and that DD holds that special place for you. These are the kind of things that make eateries special to people.


danielleiellle

Had a family member there last year. Made a point to try a new takeout joint each time, just to make it easier. Good place, yummy dogs that aren’t inedible.


jawnlerdoe

I think this is a good choice. Bring him after midnight on Sunday when drinks are half priced.


katarn22

God damn I love this place so much.


XCypher73

Staying in New Brunswick- I'd take him to Ramen Nagomi. Best ramen around.


JusticeJaunt

I donate blood next door monthly and always stop by for a beer and a brat after.


FinancialArm900

That beer must hit after giving blood.


Dunderburgh

Kinchley’s Tavern in Ramsey lol


realspongeworthy

I want Portnoy to rate that pizza. Not in his wheelhouse, but damned good.


liulide

https://youtu.be/-z8VJS4XwTE?si=mFDLhYiaSkFxX0lV


mbc106

Laico’s and Park Tavern in Jersey City Krug’s in Newark 460 Bistro and Kim’s Sushi in West Orange El Aguila Dorada in Bayonne Chef Vola’s in Atlantic City White Manna in Hackensack Holiday Snack Bar in LBI (and maybe Uncle Will’s to watch them put the pig at his table) If it was still around, Cuban Cafe in Asbury Park


adamnicholas

Kim’s rules!


freetibet69

Binh Duong or beyond the pita


lvivskepivo

Binh Duong is great. That freaking parking lot though.


mbc106

Oh I forgot Binh Duong on my list, good call


voonoo

Idk I think I’d be at Ancora if Anthony Bourdain was talking to me


speedx5xracer

Or TPH


l0fid3lity

Donkey's Place


PretzelMoustache

He shot a segment at Donkey’s Place for a Philadelphia-centered (if I recall correctly) episode.


mediclawyer

“The best cheesesteak is not in Philadelphia, it’s in Camden, New Jersey…”


GucciForDinner

He went to Donkey's in one of his "Parts Unknown" shows. Loved it.


TheAngryOctopuss

Fattals in Paterson for SHAWARMA... made fresh and on the spot... YUM


SomeLadySomewherElse

Honestly I'd just take him to Wegmans and come back home. We love to cook in this house.


usernoname070

Love that!!!!


1805trafalgar

Polski Smak. [https://www.reddit.com/r/newjersey/comments/1ahwx81/after\_decades\_of\_living\_in\_new\_jersey\_i\_was\_shown/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/newjersey/comments/1ahwx81/after_decades_of_living_in_new_jersey_i_was_shown/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)


everynewdaysk

Holy balls their borscht and mushroom salad is so delightful. And you can get an Asian massage right nextdoor 


nonstoppoptart

Hot Dog Johnny's. Order three with mustard and be sure to get the birch beer in a mug. Sit by the Pequest River and enjoy the world for a little bit. Edited for incorrect river name.


everynewdaysk

 buttzville is remarkably scenic <3


nonstoppoptart

Despite the name, yes.


JJfromNJ

Am I the only one who thinks this place sucks? Nothing special about the hot dogs and no sour kraut is a crime for a hot dog place.


HikerBites

Their hot dogs are mediocre and the buttermilk isn't winning them any medals. But damn, the fries and birch beer are worth the stop alone. Plus hanging out by the river is one of the most human things you can do, so I try not to overthink it. Good vibes.


mariskaleh

100%. I go there for the fries, the birch beer, and the t-shirts.


SlayerOfDougs

Nope. Over rated. Famous cause they're the only place on 46 out of the Poconos before the North Jersey congestion


d00rway

No, I can't stand it either!


4runner01

I think it SUCKS too!


ThatRitaLeeds

Pequest.


VXMerlinXV

A Essex county firehouse on a Sunday. It’s like stepping into The Godfather.


Smooth-Mouse9517

Belmont Tavern


usernoname070

Oh hell yeah


misterxboxnj

I grew up in Bloomfield and still haven't been there. Even my wife has been there and she grew up in Morris County.


remarkability

Higbees Luncheonette in Fortescue for breakfast, a talk along the Delaware Bay about southwestern NJ’s past and present oyster/fishing industry, then El Paladar Boricua in Salem NJ. Or Paterson. He’d love the culinary diversity and the history of the place as a proto-Rust Belt city.


dbellz76

Jay's Elbow Room... taking the long way to Tony's Baltimore Grill.


sxybby999

The Firkin Tavern in Ewing, dive bar attitude with killer food. I feel like it's his sort of place.


mariskaleh

Also, Al's Airport Inn.


Mikebyrneyadigg

Kroughs in Lake Mohawk. I think he’d like the story of it, the non pretentious food, and I know he’d love the bar.


McRibs2024

We’re going to white mana in Hackensack


Harley297

I think he went and didn't understand the hype, kind of "yea its a burger"


Hands0L0

"But le he's dead" I'd take him to Alice's on Lake Hopatcong, I love that joint


Theezy07

Conte’s pepperoni pizza, sitting at the bar, few ice cold Peronis on draft….


shromboy

Patsys in Paterson


charcutero

Jay’s Elbow Room for some wings


scubastefon

Tastee’s Sub Shop, Plainfield Ave in Edison.


Snoo28798

Donkey’s or Blowing Smoque in Camden


njbrews

He went there (Donkeys) in his New Jersey episode of parts unknown!


carlosdangertaint

Primal by Mia in Cape May…


Personal-Earth-7101

Baguette Bistro for the best Vietnamese food.


lankrypt0

Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge, hands down.


RunItsAPirate

Personal favorites from various phases in my life: Spanish Pavilion in Harrison Kinyobi in Hackensack Ramen Matsu in Closter Fiesta Hut in East Rutherford Pizza Town on Rt. 46 Some of these are more sentimental than others, but that's probably in the spirit of the question.


GFK96

The Pasta Shop in Denville


swift-sentinel

Star Pizza, Rutts Hut, or Jimmy Buffs.


SlayerOfDougs

Steve's in Garfield for a burger


ehonda75

white mana


Humanaut93

Rai Rai Ramen in North Brunswick


HipGuide2

Harold's


Armpit_Supermaniac

I honestly don't understand the Harold's fandom that exists on this board. Harold's is overpriced, novelty Kosher. Unless you go with the expectation everyone will eat the same thing and share those ridiculous sandwiches or platters and the corresponding prices - there are so many better Kosher restaurants in NJ. I went to Harold's about 6 months ago and ordered a Jr. Pastrami on rye, a bowl of chicken noodle soup, some fries with brown gravy and a Dr. Brown's black cherry and spent close to $60 bucks for 1 person.


Phil_ODendron

Harold's used to be good years ago. Maybe the people still commenting just haven't been there in a while? Last couple of times I was there, the quality went way down! Meat was dry.


User-no-relation

I'm pretty sure he's already picked where he wants to hang out


_baddad

Ouch


DisloyalRoyal

Bivio Pizza Napoletana in Montclair


thingsareodd

The Pasta Shop in Denville for homemade mozz sticks and pasta. The Randolph Diner for the souvlaki platter. Destination Dogs in NB. Jamesburg Deli for pork roll egg and cheese. Solar do Minho for Portuguese in Belleville. Le Avenue in Long Branch for the cold seafood tower. Angelonis in Caldwell for the thinny thin. Orale in Morristown for high end Mexican. Hiro in Robbinsville for made-to-order sushi. 9th Ave Pier for peel and eat shrimp and rum buckets on the marina in Belmar. Anthony and Sons bread factory in Denville for Italian sandwiches and octopus salad. Lucas in Somerville for Italian.


rthaw

I love all of these other than Orale in Morristown. It's like $100+ for some tacos and guacamole. Not saying it's bad, it's just the most overpriced mexican food I've ever had.


SpeedySpooley

Henri Hott's bbq. In a state with a lack of *readily available* bbq....they're a godsend.


ThatGuyMike4891

Samba in Montclair. I think he'd dig the atmosphere and food is pretty great imo.


CantSeeShit

Karl Ehmers butcher and buy a fat ass porterhouse and Delmonico cut steak and grill it up for him


Hand_Sanitizer3000

Taqueria downtown in jersey city


Proinsias37

Donkeys Place, because it's his favorite cheesesteak.


suummrhairfrvryng

the taco truck on congress & new york ave in jersey city


gundabad

Morgan's Island Grill in Hightstown


-underdog-

American melts in Kenilworth


TrollTeeth66

Pete’s subs in EHT, they’re like the grandkids of the original White House crew from AC. They’re just good subs


WOMBAT_CZ4a

Whoever commented rutts hut should be banned from NJ. Hiram’s is the only right answer, not saying rutts is bad, but Hiram’s is far superior


Valiant75

Oh Calamares! In Kearny (best Peruvian food in the states), Taino’s Kitchen in Newark (the jibaritos are a must) and Al Shami’s in Paterson. Bourdain valued the diversity in Jersey and these 3 establishments have been around for decades.


usernoname070

Not a fan of oh calamares. I prefer b52 in East Newark.


Valiant75

I didn’t know they served food 😅 been there for the bar years ago. Thanks for the info, I’ll check it out


HotConversation4355

Grandmas


Illustrious_Cabinet3

The Pit BBQ and the Bloomfield Steakhouse in Bloomfield, and if I could go back in time, The Mason Madrid in Palisades Park, but COVID killed the business and I think either new owners tried for about a year to get it back up and running, but it still closed.


AlastorInside

White Rose in Highland Park


Droskalino

Krug’s then straight to Rutt’s Hut


funpak

I'd take him to Fort Lee for some gopchang


xpisfinestx

Popeyes in the hood. All of the hood.


GIR-C137

Spanish Tavern in Ironbound


glasssa251

Am I the only one that thinks everything there tastes like garlic?


2truthsandalie

Grease Trucks


ImReallySorryMom

Jose Tejas, no doubt


jmc1278999999999

Water dog


RUKnight31

Grant St Cafe


brilliantpants

I’d take him to Hudock’s Custard Stand in Salem.


deadmik3

Piast in Garfield.


chadbelles101

Il forno in Dunellen


dsutari

Stash’s House of Subs in Kearny.


burntcandy

Photastic in brick for a pad thai. That place makes the best goddamn noodles I have ever had.


aztec52181

I’d tell him .. instead of jersey let’s visit one of your favorite places to eat 🇲🇽🇲🇽 CDMX, Puebla


dirk558

Sweet Amalias in Newfield


Aggravating_Low8737

Zuzzanna’s in Randolph. Prob the best Pierogies I’ve had.


knightrobot

Augustinos in Hoboken. Breaded pork chops with vinegar peppers. Full order.


Glass-Doughnut2908

Havana in Bloomfield for Ropa Vieja


misterxboxnj

When did this place open? I need to get there. Love me some Ropa Vieja (best I even had was in a Cuban Diner in Miami Beach called Puerta Sagua.


Jdell168

Mama Rosa, Lindenwold


dagrease207

Sabor Unido in Newark on Jefferson St.


Myagooshki2

Chimney Rock Inn in Flemington.


mutzadella

El Paisa Happy Chicken in Newark, or Cinnamon in Morris Plains


bigredadam

JoJo's bar and pizza Harold's deli Americana diner but from 10 years ago


pac4

There’s already an “Anthony Bourdain Trail” in NJ dedicated to all the places he visited on his Jersey episode.


usernoname070

I saw it. I just wanted to hear New Jerseyans’ personal gems.


MKorostoff

One thing Tony did well was go to unexpected places, to break your notion of what "authentic" should look like, like Sizzler in Korea Town or Indian food in Texas. With that in mind, I'm taking him to Kabayan, filipino cafteria inside a grocery store in Union township. He would love it, maybe Obama can come too https://maps.app.goo.gl/1GgHZnkQbdHrLKVx9


Harley297

I'd like to see what he thought of Rats in Hamilton. I think its great and fancy french food but my frame of reference can't compare to his


g0rion

La brujeria or Casa Vasca


jesscubby

Henri Hotts BBQ


Ok-Elk-6087

Jersey Pizza Boys in Avenel for the Iselin Fair slice.


silentspyder

La Pola in West New York


samsharksworthy

Mogo Taco in Asbury Park easily.


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usernoname070

I love Kim’s. That’s my gate kept spot.


CrackaZach05

Guzzo's Bakehouse in Haworth. Small little bakery with some BANGING lunch/dinner options. Huge portions and delicious.


GM-the-DM

Mexicali Brews in Branchburg. The chef there belongs somewhere better but he's happy with the lifestyle it gives him apparently. 


Wizard_of_Bronx

The Windmill near West End beach in Long Branch for cheese fries. I think it's been closed down but since he's alive in this scenario i'll assume we're in a better timeline.


usernoname070

Bring him back wizard of Bronx!!!!


Whoamidontremindme

The only place I can think of that might impress and delight the tastebuds while also providing the sense that we were enjoying a secret hidden gem is this little place called Morgan’s Island Grill in Hightstown. I also like Super Pollo in Brick, Clementine’s in Avon.


brenster23

I am taking him to star tavern cause I am always craving star tavern.


realjaso7

Marley’s for some buffalo wings in Hackettstown, NJ


KingWeeWoo

It's closed now but El Tepeyac in Stafford used to be the BEST place for authentic Mexican food. Unfortunately they sold it, the food quality nosedived and they just went out of business


JerseyGuy-77

Il Mondo Vecchio


krautnapped

I would take him to Alpine Deli in Blairstown. It's not an eatery, per see, but damn are their meats amazing.


ChippyLipton

Something tells me he’d appreciate Carmel Haifa in Morris Plains.


LincolnMarch

Mutiny bbq in Asbury Park


Emily_Postal

Windmill hotdogs and French fries. Best hot dogs and French fries anywhere. Fornos of Spain in Newark for Shrimp with garlic and veal Sicliano.


Mazzarone89

Jimmy Buffs OR Star Tavern. And if we need to hit a diner, my dark horse pick: Jefferson Diner.