Why Jersey City And Newark Are Top Foodie Destinations

I’m not a self-described “foodie,” but I respect those who are.

It’s totally on me for not having a refined palate. I’m perfectly happy with a bowl of buttered noodles rather than having a well-prepared steak, but New Jersey is full of foodies who have better taste than I do.

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What is a foodie?

Foodies are people who have a passion for dining, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive; it’s about the flavors and the experience.

There are plenty of delicious establishments that won’t take a toll on your wallet, and two cities in the Garden State were just recognized as being some of the best in the country for foodie culture.

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Best New Jersey cities for foodies

WalletHub looked at over 100 U.S. cities to find how appealing they would be for foodies.

They looked at factors like the cost of groceries, the accessibility of high-quality restaurants, the diversity of food options, and the number of food festivals.

The top cities cater not just to people who enjoy dining out, but also to foodies who enjoy putting their own skills to the test by exploring new flavors in their own kitchens. In addition, these cities make delicious dining affordable for residents and visitors alike.

In the top 100 cities for foodies, WalletHub had two Garden State locations listed.

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Jersey City and Newark are named among the best cities for foodies

Jersey City came in at No. 69 on the list, with Newark trailing not too far behind at No. 75.

New Jersey foodies should make the trip to these two cities if they’ve never been. Anything you get there is sure to top my bowl of buttered noodles.

ALSO SEE: This New Jersey staple was just rated our favorite comfort food

11 great eateries walking distance to Newark's Prudential Center

Whether it be for a sporting event, concert, or other popular event, there's a good chance you'll be making your way to the Newark arena dubbed 'The Rock' at some point in the near future.

Aside from being the home of the NHL's NJ Devils, they also attract major music acts ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Fall Out Boy to Justin Bieber.

Sure, there's nothing inherently wrong with spending $11 on chicken tenders or $13 on a cocktail, but if you give yourself some extra time or have time to spare after the event, there are plenty of great food and drink options that all require less than a 20 minute walk.

Here are some standouts:

Gallery Credit: Joe Votruba

The best NJ foods and soups for cold, snowy weather

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High expenses necessary to raise just one kid in NJ

Living Wage calculates the average costs and salaries necessary to raise children in a given region or state across the country. Below is the 2024 breakdown for just one child in New Jersey.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5's Kylie Moore. Any opinions expressed are Kylie's own. You can follow Kylie on Instagram.

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