Jersey Bites

Ah, summer in New Jersey. Every year, National Hot Dog Day (July 15 this year) holds a special place in the hearts of New Jerseyans who love to celebrate the humble frank. Few places do hot dogs better than the Garden State, where you’ll find everything from classic boardwalk dogs to iconic regional specialties served in every corner of New Jersey.

For restaurant owners, online reviews can feel like a double-edged sword. A glowing five-star review can attract new customers, while a single negative experience can live online for years. But what if there was a better way for guests to share honest feedback before heading to Google or Yelp?

If your ideal summer day includes sunshine, ocean breezes, live music, and discovering new drinks, the Asbury Park Summer Beer, Wine & Spirits Fest has you covered. Taking place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, the event will be held at Bradley Park, just steps away from the beach in Asbury Park. Guests can enjoy one session from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., featuring more than 100 beer, wine, and spirits styles, along with local food vendors, live entertainment, and interactive games.

New restaurants are opening across New Jersey at a steady pace, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. From chef-driven concepts to casual neighborhood spots, this roundup highlights some of the latest openings to keep on your radar this month. 7th Street Burger, Hackensack The popular NYC-born smashburger spot 7th Street Burger is continuing its New Jersey expansion with a new location opening soon in Hackensack.

Newark Restaurant Week is set to return June 19-28, 2026, bringing together the city’s celebrated restaurants, longtime local staples, and emerging dining destinations for 10 days of culinary experiences timed with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities taking place across the region.

There are steakhouses, there are seafood restaurants, and then there’s Drifthouse, a place that somehow pulls off both at a seriously high level while overlooking both the ocean and the Shrewsbury River. View east from Drifthouse overlooks the ocean, pool deck, and beachfront setting at the Driftwood Beach Club in Sea Bright.

A fresh pour of tequila fills a tasting glass during NYC Tequila and Spirits Fest at Harborside Atrium in Jersey City on May 8, 2026 If you’re looking for a high-energy night out with skyline views, unlimited tastings, and a serious lineup of spirits, this one deserves a spot on your calendar. The Jersey City Tequila & Spirits Fest is coming to Jersey City on Friday, May 8, 2026, taking over the waterfront at Harborside Atrium from 6:30 pm to 10pm.

This reporter typically isn’t a fan of Top-10 lists regarding beloved New Jersey diners. I’ve carefully avoided such an exercise while exploring Jersey diners for over 15 years, having written two books on Garden State diner history (published by The History Press) and many blog posts on diners for Jersey Bites.

Celebrating the City of Bayonne! The Bayonne Food Truck Fest is back and ready to take over the streets with a full day of food, music, and community celebration. Happening Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12 PM to 7 PM along 22nd to 24th Streets and Avenue E in Bayonne, this free, family-friendly event brings together some of the best food trucks in New Jersey for one high-energy afternoon.

The writer accepted a complimentary meal at the diner. Park West Diner in Little Falls, New Jersey, is a classic roadside diner that has entered a new chapter under recent ownership. Located on Route 46, this long-standing North Jersey staple blends retro diner design with a large, modern menu that spans seafood, pasta, breakfast favorites, and cocktails.