50 Best American Restaurants near Highland Park

“I usually order the Italian cheeseburger, which is exceptionally good! It's more of a take out than dine in, but there are tables outside to eat in nice weather. Location is close to a laundromat, dry cleaners, and Rite Aid, so it's great for a quick bite while your doing your wash or filling a prescription. There are also many nail salons on the street.“

“During my commute back from New Brunswick on April 1st, I stopped by White Rose Hamburgers for a meal, despite the day’s drizzle. As I arrived around 10:30 AM, the diner was barely busy. The parking lot had only a couple cars: If I had driven here then would have been ample space. From the outside, the place looked considerably plain, for a Manno-produced dining car (it was likely bricked with stucco)---the interior, in which clean stools and countertops lined the walls, was not much different, though there was a plethora of mid-late 1900s memorabilia for decoration. As soon I walked in, the two staff manning the counter and grill asked what I wanted; there were many regulars who already knew, though I wasn't one of them.I ordered a large coffee, Cali cheeseburger, and fries, which cost ~$15. I took a seat at the main counter (only 2 seats there), and only a couple minutes afterward was my meal ready. The coffee was standard, but the burger and fries are to die for---this burger is the type that melts beautifully. The meat synthesizes with the rest of the ingredients to create a harmonious sensation of flavor with each bite, equally juicy and savory in tandem with sour sweetness. The fries were especially crispy, with an audible crunch in each bite; their only downside was the amount of salt I put on them. Though pricy, it is impossible to go wrong with burger and fries at White Rose.“

“I absolutely love this place. Everything is fresh and delicious. These dogs are creative, are made in house, and the options are endless. I am consistently going back to try them all.Vegetarian options: Can switch out any hot dog with a soy dog“

“Fantastic food, great service, and cozy atmosphere. Wife and I came here on a Sunday morning and sat at the counter. I had the breakfast tacos with chorizo and a side of grits. My wife had the Beckler omelette and a single lemon ricotta pancake. Everything was absolutely delicious!“

“I was so impressed with the service that I'm compelled to write a review and give them 5 stars. I think we all know that Seasons 52's food is good, they have great options, and an awesome lunch menu, but I was not expecting the service we received and I think it's worth noting. From the hostess, to our server and management coming around to check if everything was good! Go experience it for yourself and enjoy!“

“It was my first time there, and I now have a new go-to place. Very well run from the management to the staff! There is a great menu with specials every day. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights. I went on retro Thursday and can't wait to go again. Thank you to 22 West Tap and Grill for a great time!“

“Quick stop here for ice cream, on a week night. Great variety of flavors and lots of seating. I got the strawberry buttermilk: roasted strawberries, buttermilk and house sweet strawberry honey balsamic jam...so good, love the jam running through it and not stingy with it. Staff was friendly and helpful. Would definitely come back.“

“One of the greatest cheesesteaks in New Jersey. Chiefs steak shop delivers an amazing experience. The team is friendly, thoughtful, and professional. If you call in they answer the phone with a positive attitude. Chiefs has a fantastic product and uses high quality ingredients. You can taste the difference. Don’t stress if you have to stop for a quick bite to eat on your lunch, they deliver your food fast! The entire family is amazing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Chiefs Steak Shop in Middlesex to anybody!“

“I attended a friend's baby shower here about 6 months ago. Based on the food at the shower, I had been meaning to come back here for dinner. I came with my family this past weekend for Easter, and it was fantastic. Bill was our server. The service, the drinks, and the meal from beginning to end exceeded our expectations. You have found yourself some new regulars. Thank you for a wonderful family evening out.“

“Made a reservation through Resy app and had no issues getting a table for 4. Upon arrival, there was plenty of free parking in their parking lot. We were greeted and promptly taken care of by our hostesses after walking in. After our group had all arrived, we decided to order a bunch of small plates and a couple pizzas, so as not to completly engorge ourselves. We ordered the Bao Buns, Chicharron Arancini, Buffalo Cauliflower, Salmon Crudo, Truffle Friesm Goat Cheese & Bacon Pizza, and Broken Burrata Pizza. Each bite was super flavorful and delicious. Our favorites were the Buffalo Cauliflower and Arancini. Both pizzas were also super tasty. The crunch of the thin crust made it so enjoyable. We ended our night with a sliver of Tiramisu. Just enough to finish off the meal without feeling overly stuffed. 10/10 would highly recommend.“

“Because of the delay in work, I had to break my fast at a restaurant. I was craving burger and Chaska showed up on maps.This place amazed me with juicy burgers and good portion fries. They even had dates and Rooh Afza drink to help break the fast.This place deserves more than a 5 star review!!!Dietary restrictions: Sells Halal food!“

“We had the chef’s tasting menu and the food was delicious. They adjusted dishes due to dietary preferences or restrictions and we really appreciated this. The service was the most personal and professional I’ve ever had and I have eaten at Michelin restaurants before. I highly recommend!Parking: The parking lot can get pretty full but you’ll most likely always find a spot.“

“Bovine is the place to be in Jamesburg. We love their events nights like family feud, trivia, and live music because it's the kind of place you can sit down and feel welcome by the staff and people around you, especially at the bar and ESPECIALLY when the manager Kyle is on. I recommend this place wholeheartedly to everyone, whether they live near or far. If I had to recommend anything (I've been here a bunch) I'd say try out the Jamesburger and Oreodough milkshake. And if you're feeling wild, get an alcoholic Nutter Udder Shake or Diablo margarita (spicy!).“

“Went on a Sunday afternoon to watch some NFL Playoff football. Bartenders were fast/friendly, drinks were cold/served perfect, and food was good. There are TV's everywhere, so there really isn't a bad seat. Great atmosphere, friendly crowd, with a sports bar look and feel. Plenty of parking and bathrooms are spotless. When in town again, we will definitely stop in.“

“Great place to grab a bite, drink and watch a game. The walls are lined with TVs and they'll turn just about anything on for you. They have a great selection of tap beers and specialty cocktails. And they have a nice selection of bar food which is very good. Worth the time to hang out with friends and cheer on your favorite team.“

“We went there for lunch. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting. The menu is extensive. The soup was fantastic! The entrées were ample and packed with flavor. Service was prompt and attentive. Overall a very pleasant experience. We definitely will be returning.“

“The OG hot chicken sandwich spot!!! My family and I can't live without Namkeen. Everytime we go, the service is amazing!! They are all such kind people and take such great care of their customers. The waffle sandwich hits EVERY time! The portions are huge and I HIGHLY recommend trying them. So glad they are in central Jersey now :)“

“Flaming Chorizo for an appy, which we both enjoyed. I had the Rigatoni Bolognese for dinner, which I liked. And my wife had Chicken Parm, which she loves. They only had one IPA: Fiddlehead, which I don't love. And the Margarita was $14 and not very good. I was tempted to deduct a star because of the drinks, but the bartenders were great, so I decided not to. We sat at the bar, which I prefer. My wife was not completely comfortable on the chair. My complaints are meant to be suggestions. I will be back.“

“Ordered food for a family party and EVERYONE at the party loved the food. They delivered the food to our home and couldn’t have been nicer. I had never even eaten there before and decided to support a local business and I’m so glad that I did. The food was absolutely amazing and everything was fresh. HIGHLY “

“I have been going to Confect's for many years and can honestly say I have never been disappointed in my meals there, just have a difficult time deciding what I want to order because I enjoy so many different meals on their menu. Two of my children brought my mother and I there for Mother's Day and the appetizers and meals were delicious! If you have never eaten there I highly recommend giving them a try. I also want to extend kudos to our server, Melissa! She was awesome, very attentive (we didn't even have to ask for refills on our drinks) and very friendly. Thank you to the owners and staff for helping to make Mother's Day a little more special!“

“Although seemingly plain on the outside with stucco plastered on its walls, it has a certain charm once you walk in. With a few counter stools, old fashion booths, upbeat workers and great service, this really is a great place to visit just for the environment. As for the food, I would recommend a specialty burger since you can't go wrong with the burger of your choice and fries. However, I wouldn't recommend the American cheese on it. And if you don't particularly like sautéed vegetables, I would shy away from the Italian hot dog. As for the drink, as long as you like ice cream, a milk shake is the right choice for you. However, don't get the orange juice, as my sister described it as tasting like dirty dish water. With some great meal options and stellar service, this place is definitely worth the visit. No one, except for the community, would know it's a hidden gem.“

“Very good breakfast and deserts, especially for people with a sweet-tooth like myself. The waitresses were friendly, even though it was a holiday. As for atmosphere, I always enjoy diners with that classic 50s/60s feeling, even if I was not alive during those times lmao. Altogether, this is a lovely eatery that I will definitely come back to in the near future.“

“Great tiny hole in the wall,old school bar but awesome food the Chef Hector is so kind and cares about what he serves. I had the Munkee sandwich Grilled chicken spinach Swiss with a garlic aoile delicious . Husband had the cheese Steak awesome amount of steak. Definitely will go back. Great service from Crystal.“

“This was my second time there. First time was many years ago. So, I decided to meet a friend there a couple weeks ago on a weekend. Place was mobbed! After having lunch, it was understandable why it was so crowded. I had a stuffed French toast, which was absolutely fabulous! I would definitely go back, but during the week. Since I'm retired, it's not a problem. I gave it four stars, only because I don't like crowded places, even post Covid.“

“Customer for years. Friendly service, quick pick up time, and literally the best pizza within 10 miles.Actual pizza with a fantastic sauce. LARGE slices if you come in for a quick slice and quick service if you're pressed for time. Not overpriced like many places in the area.Dinners are a good deal and the chicken parm never disappoints.“

“I visited the Old Bermuda Inn for the first time. I have always noticed it from the 440 Staten Island and thought it was beautiful especially when it is lit up at night. I was excited to go. I parked my own car. The front of the venue was beautiful. The school I work for hosted an event on the first floor of over 300 people and over 200 baskets. Seating was comfortable, the tables were beautiful and I was near the bar. Our waitress was on point. I ate the salad with garlic bread, penne vodka and the salmon. My husband got the Chicken Marsala. Many of my coworkers had the stake. They all came with a veggie melody and roasted potatoes. All of the food was delicious. My ultimate favorite was the dessert. It was a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a brownie. I enjoyed it so much that I took the person next to me dessert too bc they were busy dancing and it was melting. The only thing I wished for was a cup of coffee.My family has two events planned there soon. I am looking forward to going back!“

“I ordered lunch from Dootsie's today (via UberEats) and I'm STILL FULL! The food was amazing, full of flavor and tasted like it was made with care. The baked chicken was SOOO GOOD, collards & cabbage well cooked! And I don't know what is in the Mac and cheese but I could probably eat a whole tray of it in one sitting. ?“

“First time visitors, happen to drive by and decided to try. Pretty good service. We don't eat meat so we ordered Mediterranean Panini with vegetables. It was made quite well. And the service was pretty good.. I would ask for couple more options for Vegetarians :)Vegetarian options: There were a few choices, for sure.Parking: Small parking in the side but we didn't have any issues“

“I have been here a total of 3 times in the last month & they have messed up my order every time… either the wrong order completely or missing items… add that to the usual lunch hour wait & yes… they need to improve the customer experience..“

“Super good! Me and my siblings went during the night a few weeks back when it was really nice out and the place was packed!!! The workers were super attentive and very apologetic about the wait time (which we understood since it was INSANE) the ice cream was absolutely delicious. I got the baileys flavor and was blown away by it! I will be coming back as much as my bank account and doctor will allow ? I highly recommend this place to everyone who wants to have great service and amazing ice cream.“

“Had a great meal at Gusto's last night. The steak sandwich was amazing and cooked perfectly. My boyfriend got the burger and loved it as well. Our waitress name is Karina and she was amazing. We also had the toasted marshmallow old fashioned and the blackberry margo-jito, both very good drinks“

“Found this spot by searching for diners near Somerset, NJ. What's a visit to NJ without s stop to a diner. This was a great decision. My meal consisted of French toast, bacon, home fries and scrambled eggs with cheese. Everything was delicious. Walk in seat yourself. Our server was very pleasant. Decor on the wall was beautiful. Looks small from the outside, but was the perfect spot!!“

“Alexa and and Austin are amazing they make me come back they’re customer service and attentiveness is hard to find especially in a chain restaurant. I hope they get the recognition they deserve. KEEEP THEEEM FOREVEEEERR, the day they leave I leave and everyone I always bring with me lol.“

“Food & service is always top of the line every time I go. Sometimes I get there 10 mins before closing but the cooks are nice enough & still willing to take my order. The girls are a great vibe and create conversation with you while they make the food from scratch & still comes out a chefs kiss. You can tell they make their food with a lot of love & passion by the way it’s served & the taste you get from the first bite. If I could rate this business out of 10 stars, I’d give it 11: best of the best in the Tri-State“

“Exceptional service and amazing food. Stopped here on our way back from a concert the next morning and the food was beyond amazing. It is a small location with limited seating but we sat outside in the sun in the outdoor seating which made it even better. We definitely will be coming back again when we're in the area.“

“We order here from time to time, specifically cheesesteaks. Tonight was the first time in a while. Our delivery was made by the owner who personally thanked us for our business and stated he is now managing the business himself and is hands on. I can totally get behind a business owner who puts an emphasis on customer service, and one who can admit shortcomings in an effort to turn it around. I respect this. To anyone reading this review I recommend trying Planet Wings, and if you've tried them in the past and were disappointed give them another chance.“

“Texas Roadhouse in North Plainfield, NJ, is outstanding!! It is our first time here (recommended by our steak-loving Foodie Friemd)The food is spectacular! The steaks are PERFECTION! and the BREAD...... Warning: THE HOME-MADE BREAD IS ADDICTIVE!! Do NOT eat 5 baskets of bread (like my mom is doing!) Because you will get FULL and you want to make sure you come here VERY HUNGRY to appreciate this FANTASTIC food!! Customer Service: EXCELLENT! Our waitress, TORI, is WONDERFUL, very friendly, efficient, and FAST! Then the Manager comes around to make sure everyone is happy. Our Manager is MEGAN and she was super cool!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this restaurant, especially if you LOVE steak, BREAD, and overall GREAT food! We LOVED everything we ordered!--- Cynthia & family from Edison, NJ“

“Burger? Ribs? Thin crust pizza? Beer on tap? This is the place. Always on the list for a great casual meal. Eat at the bar for some interesting conversation. (And many gluten free options).Dietary restrictions: Extensive gluten free selections.“

“I love this place! Good quality food, nice employees + all employees are on top of their service. Fun place to eat and enjoy drinks. All employees are welcoming, especially Ashley. She's fun and friendly. No complaints whatsoever of this place, highly recommend for anyone looking for quick service, quality food, and a good time. 5 stars!“

“Love the food choices here, they are healthy, unique and very flavorful. We shared 2 things from the Happy Hour Bites Menu: 1. Street Tacos and 2. Not Your Mama's Meatloaf Sliders plus a Sourdough Margherita Pizza. All very yummy!! We followed with a Blueberry Crumble Sundae which was a great choice!!“

“This place is amazing every time! Don’t miss having a Negroni. The seafood is great & the alligator sausage over sweet cornbread is excellent. The manager, Alejandro -,along with the entire staff know what they’re doing. Go treat yourself!“

“Breakfast hours are to die for! I had the disk with three pancakes( A+++ for theos beauties), potatoes cubes ( Extremely crispy as I love it) and fluffy scrambled eggs (?). The waitress Paula is a sweetheart. Her warm gentle energy made my stressful Friday morning calm. The later by the front even complimented my hair the moment I left. Mind u everyone does speak Spanish and the folks who don't speak any they are treated equally. I love the warm happy vibe they gave me my mom and sis. I swear EVERYONE must dine at Perkins!!!!“

“Our waiter George was the best. Great service and patience for our 10 person party. They sang for our daughter and all of the food was delicious. Highly recommend this friendlys location in Clark. Dining room is updated and clean. Bathrooms are clean as well.“

“I had to stop by to write this review! I ordered the honey garlic and the honey buffalo chicken wings for the Super Bowl and boy I wasn’t disappointed!!! It was finger licking good and I was so surprised that we had no left overs and our guest was inquiring about this place because it was so good. The wings were cooked to perfection, not hard or burnt under the sauce just a nice crisp that made everything so enjoyable. The owner was super sweet and the round tray that she put everything in was very professional. I’ll definitely be coming back to try some more food on her menu along with the wings. Thank you so much because of you guys my party was a success! I’ll see you again sooner than later.“

“The food is every bit as good as you've come to expect from Nathan"s. What makes this place stand out is the people running it. I placed an online order and couldn't get out to pick it up. They called me, delivered it, didn't charge me anything extra and didn't even want to take the gratuity for their effort. Great people. Customer for life!“

“I tried the wings and whitings, the fish was a 3 out of 5 stars... But the wings were 5 stars ...seasoned nicely, crispy, not too big, and not to small. Over this one week I found this place..I've ordered 3x so far... Just for the wings!“

“This review is mainly about the bar and entertainment at Rocky's Bar and Grill. Since I have never eaten there (yet) I am not rating the food. First, with so many local bars having entertainment closing/closed since covid, I'm greatful for those surviving and some thriving providing musical entertainment whether it be karaoke, DJ or live music to its patrons. Been going to Rockys, which is about 25 miles away for me for years on occasion primarily to see classic and hard rock bands, mostly cover bands perform. There is ampke room between the band and patrons if they decide to dance and seating surrounding the open floor area. People attending all seem to be there to have a good time and have never seen any issues. The bar is not fancy and that's alright with me. They have a back area outside with tables for sitting, drinking, private conversation, smoking, etc. which works for me. There is a parking lot behind the bar and usually fills quickly when a band is playingweekend nights. The staff are attentive, hustle to serve everyone and are generally friendly. Drink prices are reasonable and pour seems standard for (my) mixed drinks. The bar reminds me a little bit like Moby's in Woodbridge but with more room to see/enjoy the band. If you're into live music I would recommend going to Rockys to see some of the local bands. Saw both Kathouse and Stereo Circus bands there and loved them both. Love a place that supports live music. Will be back!!“

“33's Tavern has slammin’ tacos and great wings! I’ve had the fish tacos multiple times before and they never disappoint. Today was the first time we got wings and they were big and juicy! My husband got the steak tacos and they were also scrumptious! They are located right on Old Bridge Turnpike! (There is one wing missing that was consumed before I thought about sharing this gem!) 33’s is a bar, but you can totally go in and eat and/or grab takeout! Prices are extremely reasonable for what you get! ??“

“First time at Clyz since new ownership. Was a St. Patty's Day work celebration so no ordering from regular menu but rather a buffet setup with about 7 different dishes. Food was good. Service was great from waitress coming around for drink orders. They had orange whiskey for my fav orange whiskey mule! I and the coworkers I spoke to would have preferred not having the lights dimmed as it was way too dark and there was no need for such "mood" lighting.“

“Two entrances one on front street and the other with public parking in the rear. Not much to look at a luncheon counter and bench seating. The wait staff is accomodating and food (ive only had breakfast fare) is probably the best in the area. Combination platter pancakes eggs and get the beef sausage (up charge but worth it).“