Restaurants that joined Central Jersey's culinary scene in 2017
Jenna Intersimone
Foodies have certainly found a haven in Central Jersey — it seems like every week, new restaurants are popping up in Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex and Union counties featuring cuisine from every corner of the world.
The looming end of 2017 certainly has us feeling nostalgic — here, we look back at some of the new restaurants we explored to in 2017.
If you’re ready to check out some new eateries this weekend in Central Jersey (and beyond), then read on below.
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The Greene Turtle
Where: 211 Main St., North Brunswick
When: February
What: Sports-bar chain with a casual menu starring burgers, ribs and a variety of brews, plus plenty of TVs.
Contact: 732-515-9760, thegreeneturtle.com/location/north-brunswick-nj
Original Thin Crust Pizza Company
Where: 304 Georges Road, Dayton section of South Brunswick
When: February
What: Pete’s Bar upside-down pizza, which had a cult following through 1987, is reborn at this pizza and pasta eatery.
Contact: 732-823-1471, theoriginalthincrustpizzacompany.com
Project P.U.B.
Where: 41 N Bridge St, Somerville
When: February
What: Tapastre’s sister restaurant, Project P.U.B., creates a new menu each month focused on a different brewery.
Contact: 908-393-5211, projectpubnj.com
Juniper Hill
Where: 73 Beaver Ave., Annandale section of Clinton Township
When: April
What: Juniper Hill features locally sourced New American cuisine with a homey touch. Owner Josh DeChellis grew up in Annandale before working at celebrated restaurants around the world.
Contact: 908-335-8905, juniper-hill.com
Arooga’s
Where: 1250 Route 22, North Plainfield
When: May
What: Bar food goes organic and family-friendly at this sports bar franchise known for its tasty wings.
Contact: 908-822-9464, aroogas.com/Route-22-North-Plainfield
Bar Louie
Where: 675 Route 1 South, Suite 8, Woodbridge
When: May
What: Upbeat grill chain with American grub, martinis and microbrews, plus happy-hour deals.
Contact: 848-214-0010, barlouie.com/locations/states/new-jersey/woodbridge
Pearl Street Café
Where: 10 Pearl St., Metuchen
When: May
What: Fresh, homemade comfort food served in a casual and cozy setting is cooked up by Dan Slobodien, who grew up in Metuchen.
Contact: 732-662-1600, pearlstcafe.com
Cargot Brasserie
Where: 98 University Place, Princeton
When: June
What: Neighborhood bistro for French-inspired fare served inside a historic train depot with a patio.
Contact: 609-772-4934, cargotbrasserie.com
Fanwood Grille
Where: 34 S Martine Ave., Fanwood
When: July
What: This nod to America’s classic luncheonette features homemade classics like pancakes and grilled cheese as well as other favorites such as lobster rolls.
Contact: 908-322-9500, fanwoodgrille.com
Roosterspin
Where: 120 Albany St., New Brunswick
When: July
What: Korean cuisine fuses with American at the second location of Roosterspin, a trendy restaurant and bar that also features karaoke.
Contact: 732-545-4500, roosterspin.com
Zinburger
Where: 1003 Route 1, Edison
When: July
What: A fast-growing wine and burger bar that features freshly made fare.
Contact: 973-567-1613, zinburger.com
Kuay Tiew Noodles
Where: 42 W. Main St., Somerville
When: August
What: Somerville's new go-to Thai spot features authentic Thai dishes in a modern space.
Contact: 908-393-9555, ktsomerville.com
AMA Pizza
Where: 236 S Branch Road, Hillsborough
When: September
What: Authentic Neapolitan dishes are served up at this new Italian eatery.
Contact: 908-369-7700, amapizza.com
The Salt House
Where: 7 . Ferry St., New Hope, Pennsylvania
When: September
What: This intimate gastropub showcases a diverse menu with locally sourced fare in a cozy circa-1751 salthouse.
Contact: 267-740-7908, yelp.com/biz/the-salt-house-new-hope
Stax Pancake Factory
Where: 3205 Route 22 East, Branchburg
When: September
What: Specializing in homecooked and organic breakfasts, this new eatery from Nik’s Restaurant Group is a modern twist on the classic diner.
Contact: 908-253-6700, niksrestaurant.com/our-locations/stax-pancake-factory/
The Duke and the Elephant
Where: 1979 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville
When: October
What: Contemporary American fare is showcased in cozy digs at celebrated chef Zod Arifai’s new restaurant.
Contact: 732-563-1717, thedukeandelephant.com
The Falafel House
Where: 101-201 Towne Centre Drive, Hillsborough
When: October
What: Casual and affordable, stop for street food popular in Greece and Egypt.
Contact: 908-262-2129, yelp.com/biz/the-falafel-house-hillsborough-township
CAVA
Where: 620 Commons Way, Bridgewater
When: October
What: This franchise brings modern Mediterranean flavors to a casual setting.
Contact: 908-224-0052, cava.com/locations/filter/tag/nj
Grillestone
Where: 2658 County Road 516, Old Bridge
When: November
What: Refined yet casual chain eatery Grillestone features steaks, fresh seafood, organic chicken, a full sushi bar and hand-tossed gourmet pizza.
Contact: 732-952-5626, oldbridge.grillestone.com
Dave and Buster's
Where: 274 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge
When: November
What: Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food and arcade games.
Contact: 973-435-9800, daveandbusters.com/woodbridge
Editor's note: This list was compiled through submitted releases, word-of-mouth and local restaurant news sources. If we missed you, please email JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com to be added. Or call her at 908-303-8390.