Attention, New Jersey foodies! Get ready to journey through the top Garden State spots showcased on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” From house-made jerky and sausage sandwiches of Atlantic City to Robbinsville’s mouthwatering prosciutto bread, we’re highlighting the essential eateries that left Guy Fieri craving another round!
Ernest and Son
Just like classic cars, record stores, and drive-in theaters, a great old-school butcher is something you just don’t see anymore. Unless, that is, you’re at Ernest and Son in Atlantic City. The current owner and butcher started when he was 13 years old, and he’s been carrying the tradition ever since. If you find yourself on Brigantine Island, be sure to try the homemade jerky, which Guy said was not too dry, and not overseasoned. The house-made sausage is another crowd favorite.
Kelsey and Kim’s Southern Cafe
Kelsey and Kim’s Southern Cafe is a real-deal Southern cafe in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Chef Kelsey Jackson and his wife Kim are bringing the South to South Jersey with their restaurant, which opened as takeout-only in 1996 and later became a full restaurant. This soul food spot features classics like collard greens and fried chicken, but their stand-out dish is the smothered turkey chop. Try one, and you won’t be sharing!
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Joe’s Meat Market
It’s not just a meat market, it’s a family-run deli. Owner Joe started working at Joe’s Meat Market in South Bound Brook, New Jersey when he was twelve and bought out the owner when he was just 18. Now his own son, Giovanni, has taken over, heading up the joint from the time he was just 18 himself. If you think the story is great, you’ll like the food even more. Try the Market Sloppy Joe, featuring turkey, roast beef, corned beef, coleslaw, and Russian dressing- it’s all made in-house, right down to the brine for the corned beef.
The Grilled Cheese and Crab Cake Company
Chef Steve Novak bought The Grilled Cheese and Crab Cake Company in Somers Point, NJ in 2010. Just as the name suggests, they’re known for their grilled cheese sandwich with a crab cake in the middle. Steamed bread, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a creamy crab cake with tons of crab keep patrons coming back for more.
Dolce and Clemente’s
Family-run Italian deli Dolce and Clemente’s is a must-visit, featuring scratch-made Italian sweets, a case filled with prepared meals, fresh pasta, homemade sausage, and more. This Robbinsville, New Jersey deli serves more than 100 home-cooked authentic Italian items daily, and owner Joe Clemente makes sure of it (he’s been working in the family business since he was 9 years old, after all!) Everything here is a hit, from sauces to salads, but if you can only choose one item, grab the stuffed prosciutto bread.