The finale of the 1996 movie The Birdcage has the late Gene Hackman in full drag dancing out of a gay club and past the paparazzi, who are hounding him. The club in the film is a haven for the LGBTQ community; a safe place to, well, let your freak flag fly, so to speak. It is from this fictional for
Dressed in chef’s whites, a boisterous chef Moussa Bass emerges from the kitchen midway through our meal to greet customers in the dining room with handshakes or bear hugs. The latter are bestowed upon those seated next to us, who it turns out, are Bass’s plumbers. A week earlier, another contractor
Among the trends food forecasters are tracking for 2025 is an increased focus on hospitality and forging connections between restaurants and their customers. Nowhere is this goal more evident than at Hadaka, the intimate, 12-seat omakase restaurant in downtown Asbury Park. Opened in July, Hadaka is
MJ's Restaurant in Long Branch STYLE Located outside of the beach scene, this bar and grill is spacious, with booth, table and bar seating. Televisions play sports and news. THE SCOOP Opened in 2010 in Tinton Falls, MJ’s now has eight Central and South Jersey locations serving up a huge variety of
Josie's Good Eats in Bradley Beach STYLE Traditional deli in downtown Bradley Beach with friendly service. THE SCOOP This popular deli is takeout only and brings together several styles of food, from traditional Italian deli-style sandwiches and salads to comfort food like grilled cheese and mac an
Turning Point STYLE Bright, welcoming café with friendly service. THE SCOOP This popular restaurant has locations all over New Jersey. Great for breakfast, lunch or brunch, it has a large menu but includes lots of tasty options whether you want to go healthy or indulge. THE MENU If you’re craving so
Wokworks in Margate City STYLE A fast-casual Asian eatery with bright-pink accents, a few cute booths inside, small tables on the front porch, and picnic tables along the side of the building. THE SCOOP The Philadelphia-born Wokworks, with multiple locations and food carts located throughout the ci
I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting much when I made a reservation for dinner at Park Place Prime, the newest steak house in Atlantic City. But visiting new restaurants in this city is pretty much my job description. And so, reluctantly, I went. Bally’s, which debuted as Bally’s Park Place in 1979,
Elli’s Backyard in Red Bank STYLE Tucked in along Broad Street, this eatery’s interior embraces a verdant look with a greenery-covered ceiling and chartreuse walls. THE SCOOP Opened in 2021 when a pandemic-related closing made the space available, and owner Patrick Jeffrey realized his dream for a
Part of Atlantic City’s charm is the resort-style experience, with multiple restaurants under one roof. So, visiting off-site, non-hotel establishments must be worth the venture out. Girasole, located near the Tropicana off the Boardwalk, is one such place, and has been for more than 30 years. The
[caption id="attachment_341387" align="alignnone" width="778"] Matcha lattes are just one of the flavorful drinks available at Hatch 44 Cafe in Bradley Beach. Photo: Gina Glazier[/caption] Hatch 44 Cafe in Bradley Beach STYLE Bright, airy eatery where a whimsically tropical vibe makes for an enchant
Copper Dog in Wildwood STYLE Chic yet laid-back restaurant and bar with spacious indoor/outdoor seating, dog-inspired decor, and live music. THE SCOOP The restaurant, which pays homage to the owner’s own dog, opened last May. It replaced the historic Kelly’s Cafe, an Irish pub that was in operation
Clemmy’s, a tiny gem of a restaurant in a Waretown strip mall, opens at 4 pm. By 3:30, there’s a group of customers happily waiting outside for a table at this cozy, farm-to-table destination in Ocean County. Early birds who secure a table or a spot at the counter of the 26-seat restaurant smile at
[caption id="attachment_339706" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Cuba Libre has tasty food and attentive service. Photo: Courtesy of Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar[/caption] Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar offers a little bit of fun and personality in Atlantic City’s sometimes-colorless restaur
[caption id="attachment_339367" align="alignnone" width="778"] Esposito's in Manasquan serves pizzas made with a sesame-seed crust.[/caption] Esposito’s in Manasquan STYLE Casual, inviting and spacious. Coastal décor combined with modern touches make for a pretty spot to enjoy a great meal with frie
Asbury Kitchen in Ocean City STYLE Vibrant, cozy mom-and-pop brunch spot with orange accents found on everything from the outdoor seating to the coffee mugs. THE SCOOP This husband-wife duo opened Asbury Kitchen in 2022 with the goal of serving homemade, fresh food in an enjoyable, family-friendly e
Since New Jersey’s beaches are on the East Coast, it’s impossible to watch the sun set over the ocean at the Shore. But Marina Grille in Belmar is positioned on the bay side of this happening beach town, so it’s one of the best places in the area to take in a beautiful sunset over the water while en
Like many establishments in Cape May, the visuals at Maison Bleue, the hip French bistro that opened just last year, are what hit you first. The exteriors of gorgeous Victorian homes have a way of doing that, even if you have already seen a thousand of them in town. But it’s the interior of Maison B
Mr. Greek in Belmar STYLE Tucked away in a small strip mall inland from the beach, this Mediterranean spot is inviting, with its rustic decor and walkup-style ordering. The staff is very friendly and helpful with dish details and questions. THE SCOOP Family owned and operated since 2020, Mr. Greek h
With its sophisticated interpretation of Iberian cuisine, Lita enlivens classic dishes. It is tempting to say that this acclaimed dining destination in Aberdeen is not your mother’s Portuguese restaurant—except that it kind of is. Executive chef David Viana—who co-owns Lita with Neilly Robinson, ma
Grits & Grace in Bayville STYLE Family owned and operated, this breakfast/lunch spot has homestyle farmhouse vibes. You’ll find no frills or fuss in the large dining room with staff that are all smiles and quick on their feet. THE SCOOP Chef Carlton Kramer and his wife, Cady, purchased the spot
Apple Street Kitchen in Tinton Falls STYLE Super cute and cozy, this farm-to-table eatery is tucked within vast gardens. Outside are covered patio tables for dining al fresco. THE SCOOP Opened in 2018 by Casey Pesce, Apple Street has a to-go market and a cooking-demo classroom. Nearly 70 dishes on
On West Front Street in Red Bank, the Downtown was a happening nightlife spot with pulsing music and three floors of bars. It shut down during the pandemic and never recovered. But under new ownership, sporting a renovated look, a pan-Latin menu and a beat-heavy soundtrack, the place is pulsing agai
Good Dog Bar in Atlantic City STYLE The newly renovated, two-story building is a dog-inspired spot featuring a hip, retro interior with booth tables and bar seating. The walls are lined with photos of customers’ pooches. THE SCOOP Restaurateurs Heather Gleason and Dave Garry’s popular Philadelphia
