14 'hole in the wall' places in NJ to check out this summer

Back in 2020 at the height of the state-mandated shutdowns during the pandemic, lots of restaurants delivered their food to people who were working through it, just like them.

We were fortunate enough to have several local restaurants drop off food to the radio station, which we greatly appreciated. We'd offer to pay, but they all declined. One of those places was in the same town that we broadcast from, called Al's Airport Tavern.
The food was amazing, but I had never been there since it's on the other side of town and not on our way home.

Last week my colleague Eric Potts suggested we grab a drink and a bite to eat there. He said the place is old and might be haunted but the food is excellent. He was right about the food. We didn't see anything supernatural, just lots of locals packed in there by 5:30. You know a place is good when it's crowded early on a weeknight.

We asked our listeners to suggest some local 'hole in the wall' places in their area. If our listeners say it's good, it's better than good.

Here are a few of their recommendations.

The Bar Room + Kitchen — Deal

The Pic-A-Lilli Inn — Shamong

Firkin Tavern — Ewing

Columbia II — Hammonton

The Log Cabin Bar & Grill — Columbia

The Log Cabin Bar & Grill via Google Maps

Cassville Tavern — Jackson

Lido Restaurant — Hackensack

Billy Boy's Four Mile Tavern — Vincentown

Billy Boy's Four Mile Tavern via Google Maps

Al's Airport Inn — Ewing

Chicken Galore — Woodbridge

Donkey's Place — Camden

Red White & Que Smokehouse — Green Brook (formerly in Kearny)

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen — Bayonne

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen via Google Maps

Gyp's Tavern — Branchville

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Dennis Malloy only.

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UPDATE 2024: All NJ stores that sell legal cannabis

The number of recreational cannabis dispensaries continues to grow, closer to 200, since the first NJ adult use marijuana sales in April 2022.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson