As a companion list to our recent feature of Jersey's Best Omakase, this is the debut of our first ever sushi list. This one instead showcases more casual sushi spots, include AYCE options, a la carte menus, and lunch/bento specials. It's amazing how many high-quality sushi places are in New Jersey!
I know choosing a hair stylist is like choosing a spouse, it requires an incredible amount of trust and respect. Which begs the question: Where is your go-to hair salon in South Jersey? This is the first year Best of NJ has put out a dedicated Top 10 list for South Jersey salons, and I'm curious what the community thinks!
We're expanding our pizza coverage this year so you can expect Top 10 Regional lists (North/Central/Shore/South) to start rolling (flipping?) out in October. But we're kicking things off with our official Best of NJ list of Jersey's 20 Best Pizzerias of 2026.
Alright Reddit, let's talk pizza! I'd love to hear what everyone thinks of this year's list (and what your personal Top 3s are for pizza near you)!
I've been traveling up and down the Jersey Shore producing video content for a number of towns, and visiting so many cool places inspired this first-timer's guide to the Jersey Shore. It of course features a lot of tourist hot-spots, but part of the reason they are tourist attractions in the first place is that they are unique experiences worthy of attracting attention. I tried to mix in a few smaller gems, but overall I think it's a guide starter brochure for anyone visiting the shore for the first time (whether you live in NJ or not).
North Jersey has a variety of rooftop bars and patio dining, but how many places have freestanding, full-service outdoor bars? The ones on our list are some of the best experiences in the area, but there are more out there that range from casual hangouts to upscale rooftops.
Where is your favorite outdoor bar in New Jersey?
One of the things I love most about New Jersey summers are the diverse events going on. There are so many free concerts, movies in the park, and other ways to have affordable fun. On the other end of the spectrum, there are also a lot of high-quality festivals and fairs. I have so many fond memories of the state fair, the NJ festival of ballooning (RIP) and more.
Does anyone else have a go-to summer festival they look forward to each year?
In the leadup to our statewide list of Jersey's Best Outdoor Bars, we are releasing region-specific lists of the best outdoor bars in South/Central/North Jersey, plus the shore. To be eligible for consideration, these restaurants/bar had to physically have full-service outdoor bars, not just outdoor seating where drinks are served. Across the state, the full list will be a mix of rooftop bars, beach/tiki bars, patio bars, and more.
Where is your favorite spot nearby to grab a drink during the summer months?
I'm a little surprised there are that many big spectacle events in NJ for America 250 (one of the more interesting ones we planned to promote for Trenton was canceled back in April). I was expecting my research team to send me 100+ events, but we really only found about 20 that were worth posting (and half of them were happening this weekend so we ultimately didn't include them).
Has anyone already made plans for an America 250 event? I'd love to know what types of events you're most interesting in (historical reenactments, themed food festivals w/ music and fireworks, museum exhibits, etc.)
Given the cost (on both sides) of high-end omakase, it's likely not a surprise many of the best experiences are in North Jersey and along the Shore.
Where are your favorite omakase (or other sit-down sushi restaurants) in New Jersey?
There are so many great seafood spots in North Jersey, it's hard to name just 10. Which restaurants would you put in your personal Top 3?
For me (not in order), it's probably:
- Varka (Ramsey)
- Sirenetta (Hoboken)
- Crab Island (Clifton) - The fried oyster Po' Boy!!
This list used to be purely American wings, but with the rising popularity of Korean Fried chicken (particularly in Bergen County, North Jersey), I decided to slowly introduce some high-quality Korean chicken spots into our regional lists. I'd be curious to know, is there a growing interest or demand for Korean chicken in South Jersey as well?
Just in time for the NBA Finals and FIFA World Cup, we've debuted a list of North Jersey's best wing spots. Of course, everyone has a different opinion on wings (from flavor to texture and cooking prep style), so I'd love to hear where your favorite spots are!
I'd love to hear about your go-to spots for wings along the Shore. Obviously everyone has different taste and texture profile preferences for their wings, so I'm curious to see how opinions differ on even the most popular spots!
With a number of diners returning to 24 hour operation throughout the state, we're expanding our coverage of Jersey diners this year! This means rolling out region-specific Top 10 lists all leading towards our final statewide Top 20 list later this year. This North Jersey list curates 10 of our favorite diners from Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties.
Where is your favorite North Jersey diner (past or present, doesn't have to be relevant to a Top 10 list, could just be a nostalgic or childhood favorite)? I used to love the Tom Sawyer Diner and the Northvale Diner growing up.
With many diners in the state returning to 24/7 or late-night operation, I'd love to know: What is your favorite diner in Central Jersey? At Best of NJ, we designate Central NJ as any town within Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union Counties. I'm partial to the Somerville area, but the town doesn't have a dedicated diner (although Brunch by De Martino is a solid breakfast/brunch spot).