New American Restaurants near Monroe, NJ

“Originally a blacksmith shop and inn before turning into a tavern with the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. I may have been thrown out of here, several times. This bar is proudly #14 on NJ.com's Best Dive Bars list. I really like this place, wish it was closer to home. We used to find it by the giant satellite dish they had outside. I once tried to kiss a girl who worked here. She was so horrified she ran into the street. "Nooo..." Good times. Recently renovated before Covid. Bar top is lacquered plywood with a knotty pine fascia and walls. No foot rail but the floor is burnished (scorched) plywood. Stools are metal frame backed with cushion seats. Open 11AM to 2AM. Package goods available. Allegedly, there's a prison style two seater bathroom, sans privacy screen. More local history at keenbug.blogspot.comEvidence of billiards and electronic darts. Unused fireplace and hearth. They should should throw the Mp3 juke in the fire. Outside pen for smokers & dining al fresco. I'm told they have better food. I've seen the new menu and it looks like standard bar fare with a few salads thrown in to confuse you. Still, I miss it so...keenbug.blogspot.com/202…“

“We were just as surprised as were impressed with the quality of our meals, coffee flights, and service. We recommend everyone come here and you will be back bringing your friends and family. Absolutely recommend asking specifically for Diane she was a treat and made the great experience even better. We are full but already looking forward to our next visit.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Garden State Omelet - w a small salad and diced potatoes! The side dip of a homemade hot sauce so good you want this to jazz up everything you eat. So much on this plate that I had to take half home for dinner! Oh and the lemon and lavender scone that I had as a morning appetizer was the last one. He baked two more for me to take home to the family Service and knowledge 5 Food was 5 BYOB“

“This is a great place for dinner! The restaurant is so pretty, so clean and the food is delicious! The meatball appetizer is a must try. The pork chop with rice pilaf and the rigatoni bolognese are perfectly portioned, shareable and full of flavor! Never once reached for the salt and pepper.I love the family feel you get the second you walk through the doors. There are photos of the owners and their kids are on the wall and they are all on the floor, serving customers with a smile. You can definitely tell it’s a place filled with love, a passion for food and most importantly, family. Would definitely recommend to anyone!“

“Fantastic local pub with an extraordinary staff. The food is delicious and the selection is greater than your basic bar food. The chef always offers something unique. Richie and Jocelyn always brighten your day and make you feel like your at home.Vegetarian options: Delicious veggie wraps and burgers.Kid-friendliness: There is plenty of seating away from the bar that makes it a family friendly restaurant as well.“

“The food and ambience were top shelf.  I had been there before previously with a friend eating at the bar and always thought it would be great to have my wife there on a special occasion. So we celebrated our anniversary last night and it filled in as the perfect place to do so. “

“If you want good,authentic Greek without needing to go to a "high end" restaurant with "high end" pricing you found it! Jimmy's has always been consistently excellent with the food they have served me and my family. The service is fast and attentive and they do a good job making you feel welcome. The restaurant is nestled in a strip mall and when inside it is nicely decorated and comfortable. The Gyro platters and Mixed Grill platter are extremely good and the portion sizes are nice as well. The Lemon Potatoes are cooked perfectly and are addicting. My favorite side dish and if they come with the meals even better. The spinach rice is also highly recommended if you choose that as your side or have it with your meal. Always go back to this place as I haven't found a Greek restaurant close to them in the area.“

“I had an overall wonderful experience at Colonial Diner. The food was better than your average diner and the atmosphere was very notable. I spoke to who I believe to be the manager there about the place and he pointed out the original floors and tiles in the building. The diner had a long bar stretched across the building with multiple TVs playing movies. The staff was very friendly and my order was taken and came very quickly. I showed up about a little over an hour before closing and the restaurant did not have many people in there. The parking lot was large and had many spots. I came on a Thursday night and the staff was very quick everything was done almost immediately after sitting down.“

“We had a nice time celebrating my son's surprise 21st birthday at Grillestone. Jose and staff were all very nice and easy to work with and they even helped pull off the surprise. Since it was a 21st Birthday, I wanted to keep it casual and wanted food that my son enjoys when hanhing out. Jose was accommodating and I ordered all different appetizers as the meal. We had plenty of food and it came out all night long as discussed just needed a little bread in between (lol) and we even had leftovers to take home as well. We had a variety of pizza, fried calamari, avacado toast, wings, mac & cheese, nachos, sliders & fries, quesadilla & Ceasar Salad, Great staff, food, drinks all night long. The only thing missing was the band/ DJ but the weather didn't cooperate that night. Thanks again and we look forward in coming back!!!“