50 Best American Restaurants near Highland Park

“First time back since 1973! Even better than I remember it. California cheese burger, fries and a soda. Served up in about 3 or 4 minutes, hot and fresh. I will not wait another 50 years to go back! LOL“

“Every time I’ve visited 418 Burgers it’s been a happy experience. The food is fresh & delicious & the staff is very courteous. 100% would recommend.“

“The food was absolutely delicious and the staff were warm and welcoming. A great place to grab a quick bite!“

“NY Fries was incredibly delicious, loved the Poutine with Pulled Pork BBQ and Cheese Curds. Went to Canada a year ago Jul. where I ate some different types of Poutine. NY Fries does it great. I hope more locations pop up in NJ. I'll be coming back to try more things.“

“So glad we have a place like Uncle Tanks in town! My favorite local go to.“

“Great service and the food and drinks were delicious 💕“

“We recently had my daughter’s soccer team lunch here on a Sunday afternoon. I spoke with the manager on duty the evening prior and it couldn’t have gone smoother. We had the whole top floor to ourselves. Service was amazing as was the food. We sometimes have issues splitting checks because the girls want to sit together away from their parents but they handled it with ease. I’m still dreaming of the delicious ice cream that was the cherry on top of a great experience.“

“Nice spot with great vintage atmosphere and good burgers and shakes.“

“A good, clean,fun & family friendly restaurant and ice cream shop!“

“Excellent food and service. Our staff holiday luncheon has been held there for years. The staff gets a choice - and their choice every years is to continue to go there!“

“Just had came here for a solo date night , had a margarita and Long Island iced tea with calamari as a appetizer highly recommend coming here for food“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Westbrook Bar in Bound Brook is hands down one of the best spots in the area! The atmosphere is laid-back but lively, making it perfect whether you’re grabbing a quick drink after work or spending the evening out with friends. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive — they make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

Drinks are strong, well-priced, and there’s always a good selection of beers and cocktails. The music and vibe are on point, Westbrook always delivers a great experience. Highly recommend checking it out!“

“Great food, great atmosphere. Family owned and they make you feel like family. I was in town and stopped by because it was my dad’s favorite place to eat and do car shows before he passed. Tania and Paul came and talked with me I felt like we were all family. They knew so much about him. Made my day knowing how loved he was. Thank you.“

“Perfect for kids, Plus the food is great!!“

“Loved the place overall.amazing menu .“

“Nice restaurant, good food and service, but very noisy. There were four of us for dinner Thursday night. There was a live singer/musician, a bit crowded, so we were struggling to hear each other at the table. I think live musicians should be saved for outdoor venues, not added to the already high noise level of a crowded restaurant. And it wasn't even a weekend night, so can't imagine going there on a Friday or Saturday night. I will be going back to this restaurant, but maybe for lunch instead, or I might wait till the warm weather, so I can sit outside on their patio.“

“Very clean restaurant, Food Delicious, Waitress Lee courteous, polite, so nice a pleasure to talk to. Will definetely go back.“

“I ordered catering for yesterday , stuffed cabbage , kofta, chicken shish and kabab hala honestly it was soooo good , very delicious, all the people were so happy I really highly recommend Taza restaurant 😍😍“

“I’ve been coming here since with my father since I was a kid, this place over the years has gotten so much better, and the service here has always been amazing. The hosts are very kind and make sure we don’t wait too long til we get sat, the sever was great and I believe his name was Carlos. Phenomenal service and made sure our food and drinks came out as soon as possible. Drinks were great, food was delicious and it was cooked to my exact liking. I would definitely come again with friends and come back to Carlos as my server.“

“The food and drinks and atmosphere was great especially drinking the sazerac cocktail it was good“

“Awesome eatery and a great time to visit on a Monday afternoon. They're normally extremely packed and I can see why. Nice, big and spacious space. Their staff are extremely well mannered.

As for their food, it speaks to why they are usually busy. It is so delicious and portioned to the value you pay. Can't wait to try again.“

“We chose Paragon Tap and Table to meet up with great friends who had moved out of state. Hadn't seen them in a year and it was the perfect setting! Service was excellent, from our arrival, thru dinner and even as we were leaving. Staff and managers were all present and engaged in making our dining experience the best it could be. Food was great. The table had fried calamari, a burger with fries, fish tacos and surf & turf tacos. All were delicious. Desserts were far from boring and we devoured them! Beers with dinner were equally good! A great evening all around! Highly recommend!“

“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..“

“Wonderful experience! The waiter antoino was such a pleasure. So personal got our order right! We had drinks as well that were amazing. For the first time it was made the way it should be. The bartender was Kevin made the drinks. The manger also personally came over to see how everything was! Mike. Over all great food and staff! Good job Applebees in Woodbridge!“

“Yesterday, I visited this wonderful place. I first stopped by Kaizr, where Angie, a staff member, recommended it and mentioned that her friend Salma works at Buns. I just had to give it a try as well. Salma was incredibly friendly and recommended the Biscoff shake, which was absolutely delicious, along with the Hot Honey Chicken Fries, which were equally amazing.“

“They make good burgers and fries. If you like fish, they have some varieties here too.“

“Amazing service been going there for as long as I can remember“

“This was my first ever time at a Stewart’s Restaurant, and I can undoubtedly say that I was NOT disappointed. There are so many food items to choose from and they even offer a vegan menu. At this location specifically, the staff was very welcoming and were quick to check in on us when we needed something. I loved the root beer float and the chili hot dog, and I would definitely come here again soon.“

“Best seafood soup .so far I've ever tasted“

“Always an amazing experience. I live in JC and I don’t mind driving 38minutes down to NB just so that I can be here. Keep up the good work.👍“

“I’ve been to this place since I was a little girl my parents always ordered from here and now I go w my bf when I can I love their California cheese burger w fries never disappoints me ❤️❤️❤️

They are sweet people and always smile and say hi to you I hate all the negativity in the comments but Im going to say this place is the best ever never leave please I’ll always eat from here 🥹“

“For a hotel, it certainly was refreshing. Traveling a lot you don't always get the best food selection.

With that said, the crispy Brussels sprouts, OH-EM-GEE. Hear me out. They were the best thing I think I've eaten...in well, ever. It wasn't just the whole Brussels sprout itself, it was mostly the outer skins that was coated in seasonings, oil, and crispy. They were SO GOOD!

I definitely recommend the French Onion soup as well, we had that twice. 😋“

“It was our first time dinning at Kona grill and we loved it. We were treated like valuable guests and our food was brought quick. Everything was delicious. I highly recommend the flight margarita, it was amazing and perfect amount of alcohol. We loved it.“

“This is the most lovely place!! Our sever Amanda made it especially lovely bc it was my birthday and made it so splendid with a bright little fireworks bottle display! Her warm delightful service brings us back repeatedly. Please ask for her. She will make your experience a very enjoyable one! The drinks are flavorful as is the food. The scenery and views are picturesque. 10:10 do recommend to a friend!“

“Food n drinks were delicious, very good music with a fun , energetic and laid back atmosphere“

“This place is a 10 out of 10. Every time I go the food is consistently great. The service is excellent and they make you feel special when you let them know the reason you are celebrating.

I aways get the Filet Mignon - perfectly cooked and the mashed potatoes are amazing! They have the best mashed potatoes I've ever had.“

“Fun Place to grab drinks and a quick bite!“

“I had the pleasure of dining at Estime Cafe today, it was an outstanding experience! From the moment we walked in, the customer service was phenomenal, warm, attentive, and truly welcoming. This is the first Haitian restaurant I’ve visited that delivered such impeccable service, and it made all the difference. The atmosphere was inviting, and the food was authentic, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish was prepared with care, bringing out the rich, bold flavors of Haitian cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Haitian food or trying it for the first time, this place is a must-visit. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic meal and a top-tier dining experience. My husband and I will definitely be returning!“

“Freshly made, huge portions, and delicious!! Cleanest bathroom I have ever seen in a fast food restaurant!! Yummy!!“

“Woody's Cafe has truly become a staple in my daily routine. The shining star of this campus eatery is the daily sandwich selection. Without fail, each sandwich is a mouthwatering delight, and the array of choices is nothing short of impressive. Whether you're in the mood for a classic club sandwich, a veggie-loaded wrap, or something more exotic, Woody's has you covered. To accompany your meal, you'll find a well-rounded selection of beverages that cater to all tastes.While the quality of the food is undeniably outstanding, I've encountered one small hiccup during my visits: the occasional long checkout line. It's a testament to Woody's popularity, but it can be a bit inconvenient during busy hours. However, this minor inconvenience is quickly forgotten when you step into the spacious and impeccably clean eating area. With ample seating and a spotless environment, you can truly savor your meal without distractions.What makes Woody's Cafe shine even brighter is its dedicated and friendly staff. The team always goes the extra mile to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of excellent. From taking your order with a smile to promptly addressing any special requests, they make every visit a pleasure.In addition to its culinary offerings, Woody's has managed to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere that's perfect for a quick bite, a casual study session, or catching up with friends. The cafe's warm ambiance is complemented by tasteful decor and ample natural light, creating an environment that encourages relaxation and focus.In conclusion, Woody's Cafe is not just a place to grab a sandwich; it's an experience. With an extensive menu, friendly staff, and a clean and welcoming space, it's a go-to spot for anyone on campus. While you may occasionally have to contend with a line, the reward of a delicious meal and a comfortable atmosphere is well worth it. I wholeheartedly recommend Woody's Cafe for its delightful food and the overall positive dining experience it offers.“

“It seemed like the restaurant was closed but my friends and I was able to order some drinks at the bar, then we moved to a table for dinner. Our server Dominic was very attentive and helpful. Chicken tasted a little too dry, but all the other food we ordered was amazing; especially brisket! It was so tender and tasty. Two of the desserts we ordered with a cup of cappuccino were phenomenal. We were so full after finishing the bbq combo plate, but sure did finish both of the desserts ? I'm glad this place is open for the public. Will definitely comeback ??‍♀️“

“Grilled chicken sandwich with ketchup, mayo, lettuce, and tomato is my GO-TO. So good, at any time. -- I've been a customer since I can remember, always eat great and provided with great service.
Perfect for late night snacks or a stop to recharge before going home from the bar 🤣“

“I came here with my husband. Drinks were great. He ordered a Caesar salad and I ordered their Hot Nashville Chicken sandwich. My husband laughed because I had no idea that Nashville hot meant HOLY HOT lol. But I was not disappointed. This was the juicy, best chicken sandwich I'd had anywhere that I can recall in my 32 years.. And I worked in food service for 13 years. The service was also phenomenal. There was a rowdy bunch of younger ones at the bar that eventually got asked to leave. But she kindly let us know that we were welcome to move our table if we so desired. We are definitely coming back again.“

“Erin is a Wonderful waitress. She has one of the Greatest personalities in this location. She always takes great care of me and my family and friends. I always enjoy coming here when she is here. The management here in this location is also wonderful but I be around.“

“Review: Applebee’s Came Through Thanks to (Pretty Sure Her Name Was) Stephanie

Stopped by Applebee’s the other night expecting a regular chain-restaurant situation, but honestly? The real MVP was the server — I think her name was Stephanie. If it wasn’t, someone in there is definitely giving off strong Stephanie energy, because she crushed it.

She was quick, on top of everything, and actually seemed to care. Drinks stayed full, food came out hot, and she handled the whole table like a pro. No attitude, no disappearing act, none of that “I’ll be right back” then vanishing into a black hole. Just solid, reliable service that made the whole meal smoother.

Food was classic Applebee’s: good, predictable, hits the spot when you’re hungry. But the service? That’s what made it feel like a better experience than it probably should’ve been.

Bottom line: 4.5/5 — shoutout to maybe-Stephanie for carrying the night. If that wasn’t her name, someone please give the right girl some credit.“

“It is a spectacular place, the food is delicious, it has a pleasant atmosphere, the attention is very good, they speak Spanish and English, easy to communicate, they offer sodas, natural juices, coffee, without a doubt, a place to visit again“

“The manger Connor was exceptional! Very welcoming, great smile, full of energy, & made the experience one to remember! Checked back @ the table several, yet appropriate times & made sure everything was okay. Me & my wife will be coming back“

“We got the Bratwurst at the New Brunswick Oktoberfest. Best I ever had and I've been going to them all over the tristate area for 25 years.“

“I come here often. It’s a good spot that has a lot of different varieties in central american food. The waitresses are extremely delightful and it’s overall a great place.

Parking: There are a couple of spots in front on the street and behind the restuarant they have free parking for customers!“