Jose & Laura’s guidebook
Food scene
Original Hot Dog place. Great place to start your culinary adventure in the area.
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Destination Dogs
101 Paterson StOriginal Hot Dog place. Great place to start your culinary adventure in the area.
Sahara
165 Easton AveMy favorite when it comes to Mediterranean Cuisine.
In a college town, a Brew Pub cannot really go wrong. The Harvest moon has live music on weekends, very good food, and most importantly great beer! The harvest moon is different every time you visit. Sometimes quiet sometimes loud and sometimes it dead. Hours: Daily 11:30am - 2am.
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Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe
392 George StIn a college town, a Brew Pub cannot really go wrong. The Harvest moon has live music on weekends, very good food, and most importantly great beer! The harvest moon is different every time you visit. Sometimes quiet sometimes loud and sometimes it dead. Hours: Daily 11:30am - 2am.
Esquina Latina
25 Liberty StMy favorite spot for Latin food and dance music!!
Old Man Rafferty's is a good down-home fun bar with very good food. Always has a good crowd and is the perfect place to meet for a drink before hitting the town. Rafferty's has a cool outside seating area set back off the street (pictured here). The bartender was very friendly and accommodating. We had a few appetizers that were very tasty, although they were a little small on the portion side.
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Old Man Rafferty's
106 Albany StOld Man Rafferty's is a good down-home fun bar with very good food. Always has a good crowd and is the perfect place to meet for a drink before hitting the town. Rafferty's has a cool outside seating area set back off the street (pictured here). The bartender was very friendly and accommodating. We had a few appetizers that were very tasty, although they were a little small on the portion side.
The Frog and The Peach is an award-winning gourmet restaurant that serves innovative farm-to-fork seasonal cuisine and fine wines from around the world in an elegant, relaxed setting. Based in an old industrial building on Dennis Street that once housed huge printing presses for the local paper, The Home News, the well-established restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with stylish dining spaces and impeccable service.
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The Frog & The Peach
29 Dennis StThe Frog and The Peach is an award-winning gourmet restaurant that serves innovative farm-to-fork seasonal cuisine and fine wines from around the world in an elegant, relaxed setting. Based in an old industrial building on Dennis Street that once housed huge printing presses for the local paper, The Home News, the well-established restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with stylish dining spaces and impeccable service.
Catherine Lombardi is a high-end Italian restaurant with cozy dining spaces with two fireplaces and a lively bar that serves homey fare in a laid-back and relaxed setting. The family-owned and operated restaurant brings the sun-kissed tastes and flavors of Italy to the tables of New Brunswick with a farm-to-table menu of Neapolitan-based and influenced fare. Great bar at the second floor as well.
Catherine Lombardi
3 Livingston AveCatherine Lombardi is a high-end Italian restaurant with cozy dining spaces with two fireplaces and a lively bar that serves homey fare in a laid-back and relaxed setting. The family-owned and operated restaurant brings the sun-kissed tastes and flavors of Italy to the tables of New Brunswick with a farm-to-table menu of Neapolitan-based and influenced fare. Great bar at the second floor as well.
Stuff Yer Face, located on Rutgers University’s campus in New Brunswick, NJ, is the hot spot for local residents. This restaurant, open since 1977, is famous for its Strombolis and beer. You can find a wide variety of strombolis at this restaurant, including a Pizza Boli, OP Boli or even a Six Cheese Boli. Other items the restaurant serves include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and giant pretzels. If you are looking for a great beer to go with your food, check out Stuff Yer Face's awesome beer menu. You will find a wide selection of beer from around the world at this restaurant!
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Stuff Yer Face
49 Easton AveStuff Yer Face, located on Rutgers University’s campus in New Brunswick, NJ, is the hot spot for local residents. This restaurant, open since 1977, is famous for its Strombolis and beer. You can find a wide variety of strombolis at this restaurant, including a Pizza Boli, OP Boli or even a Six Cheese Boli. Other items the restaurant serves include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and giant pretzels. If you are looking for a great beer to go with your food, check out Stuff Yer Face's awesome beer menu. You will find a wide selection of beer from around the world at this restaurant!
Casual, cozy & fun atmosphere. Located close to theaters in the heart of New Brunswick, across from the courthouse. Sexy upscale full-service bar with fireplaces and aquariums. Very extensive martini menu. Come try some really cool and unusual food like ostrich or wildfowl soup. Great place for just the two of you or to meet other singles. Open 7 days. Late Night Menu. Reservations & All Major Credit Cards Accepted. Owned & Operated by Mike Parla.
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Clydz
55 Paterson StCasual, cozy & fun atmosphere. Located close to theaters in the heart of New Brunswick, across from the courthouse. Sexy upscale full-service bar with fireplaces and aquariums. Very extensive martini menu. Come try some really cool and unusual food like ostrich or wildfowl soup. Great place for just the two of you or to meet other singles. Open 7 days. Late Night Menu. Reservations & All Major Credit Cards Accepted. Owned & Operated by Mike Parla.
Stage House Tavern- Somerset
1719 Amwell RoadGreat Patio, Grill & Bar
Pooja Exotic Indian Cuisine
1075 Easton AveMy favorite Indian cuisine spot
Thai Lanna
1135 Easton AveMy favorite Thai cuisine spot
Surreal Creamery
8 Easton AvenueMy favorite sweet spot in downtown New Brunswick
Twenty/20 Taphouse Somerset
18 Cedar Grove LaneThere is always something fun happening here.
Great shows and events!
The State Theatre New Jersey is a non-profit theater designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb and built in 1921, making it one of the oldest theaters in the State of New Jersey. The 1,850-seat theater is the premier venue for the arts community of New Brunswick and presents a diverse schedule of entertainment, ranging from drama, musicals and comedy shows to international orchestras, music concerts, and family events
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State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston AveThe State Theatre New Jersey is a non-profit theater designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb and built in 1921, making it one of the oldest theaters in the State of New Jersey. The 1,850-seat theater is the premier venue for the arts community of New Brunswick and presents a diverse schedule of entertainment, ranging from drama, musicals and comedy shows to international orchestras, music concerts, and family events
In fact, this is where your anxieties and troubles will disappear.
The club is a famous location in the whole state, as it has a reputation for hosting veteran comedians and up-and-coming performers who eventually make their name in the industry.
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Stress Factory Comedy Club
90 Church StIn fact, this is where your anxieties and troubles will disappear.
The club is a famous location in the whole state, as it has a reputation for hosting veteran comedians and up-and-coming performers who eventually make their name in the industry.
Compared to the other performance art facilities mentioned on this list, the Mason Gross Performing Arts Center focuses more on what most people might label “sophisticated.”
It’s part of the Rutgers University system, serving as a learning facility aside from being a tourist attraction.
Mason Gross School of The Arts
33 Livingston AveCompared to the other performance art facilities mentioned on this list, the Mason Gross Performing Arts Center focuses more on what most people might label “sophisticated.”
It’s part of the Rutgers University system, serving as a learning facility aside from being a tourist attraction.
You'll need to find your way to Edison to reach this events and conferences venue. If you intend to do some sightseeing after you're done, why not drop by Menlo Park Mall? It's close to New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center.
The New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield AvenueYou'll need to find your way to Edison to reach this events and conferences venue. If you intend to do some sightseeing after you're done, why not drop by Menlo Park Mall? It's close to New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center.
Transportation
New Brunswick Train Station
Easy commute to NYC, Philly and DC
Suburban Transit
750 Somerset Stis easy on your wallet, conveniently on time, are clean and well maintain.
It leaves from New Brunswick downtown to NYC, Philadelphia and Washington DC without a problem.
OurBus New Brunswick, NJ
is easy on your wallet, conveniently on time, are clean and well maintain.
It leaves from New Brunswick downtown to NYC, Philadelphia and Washington DC without a problem.
School
Rutgers University is the state university of New Jersey with three regional campuses in New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark. The Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the oldest campus of the university and is composed of several smaller campuses, namely Busch, Cook, College Avenue, Douglass, and Livingston. Rutgers University-New Brunswick features 19 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, including the Mason Gross School of the Arts, the School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers Business School, School of Engineering, the School of Nursing, the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, and the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. It only a 10 min drive.
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Rutgers–New Brunswick
Rutgers University is the state university of New Jersey with three regional campuses in New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark. The Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the oldest campus of the university and is composed of several smaller campuses, namely Busch, Cook, College Avenue, Douglass, and Livingston. Rutgers University-New Brunswick features 19 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, including the Mason Gross School of the Arts, the School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers Business School, School of Engineering, the School of Nursing, the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, and the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. It only a 10 min drive.
Only 30 min away driving!
Explore the famous Ivy League university that educated numerous prestigious graduates, including Woodrow Wilson, Michelle Obama, John Nash and more.
Princeton University is one of the prestigious Ivy League universities. As you walk around the campus, you will quickly discover that it is literally covered in ivy. Behind these leaves, discover centuries of history. Princeton University was established in 1746, before the United States had even gained its independence. Its graduates have included U.S. presidents, Nobel Prize recipients, Supreme Court justices and Pulitzer Prize winners. Clearly there is something remarkable about this Ivy League school.
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Princeton University
Only 30 min away driving!
Explore the famous Ivy League university that educated numerous prestigious graduates, including Woodrow Wilson, Michelle Obama, John Nash and more.
Princeton University is one of the prestigious Ivy League universities. As you walk around the campus, you will quickly discover that it is literally covered in ivy. Behind these leaves, discover centuries of history. Princeton University was established in 1746, before the United States had even gained its independence. Its graduates have included U.S. presidents, Nobel Prize recipients, Supreme Court justices and Pulitzer Prize winners. Clearly there is something remarkable about this Ivy League school.
Sightseeing
Located on the outskirts of Cook Campus at Rutgers University, Rutgers Gardens is a 180-acre botanic garden the official arboretum of the University and features pristine, beautifully maintained gardens and grounds. The garden boasts an array of flora in specialty gardens, grassy lawns, specifically designed flowering beds, and an array of tree and shrub collections, as well as a network of walking paths and trails, benches, and interpretive signs
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Rutgers Gardens
112 Log Cabin RdLocated on the outskirts of Cook Campus at Rutgers University, Rutgers Gardens is a 180-acre botanic garden the official arboretum of the University and features pristine, beautifully maintained gardens and grounds. The garden boasts an array of flora in specialty gardens, grassy lawns, specifically designed flowering beds, and an array of tree and shrub collections, as well as a network of walking paths and trails, benches, and interpretive signs
There’s no shortage of riverside attractions in New Brunswick, and one of these is the scenic Boyd Park.
The award-winning, 20-acre outdoor destination is a local favorite for its family-friendly amenities and beautiful sceneries.
It’s where you can get gorgeous views of the Raritan River and the New Brunswick skyline at the same time.
Boyd Park
There’s no shortage of riverside attractions in New Brunswick, and one of these is the scenic Boyd Park.
The award-winning, 20-acre outdoor destination is a local favorite for its family-friendly amenities and beautiful sceneries.
It’s where you can get gorgeous views of the Raritan River and the New Brunswick skyline at the same time.
Buccleuch Park is another outdoor destination that also sits next to the Raritan River.
Within the 78-acre space, you will find verdant and spacious grounds, scenic trails, and wooded areas with shady spots
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Buccleuch Park
321 Easton AveBuccleuch Park is another outdoor destination that also sits next to the Raritan River.
Within the 78-acre space, you will find verdant and spacious grounds, scenic trails, and wooded areas with shady spots
Even in neighboring Piscataway, there are still facilities under the Rutgers University system.
One of these is the Rutgers University Ecological Preserve, a large natural attraction sitting on the bank of the Raritan River opposite New Brunswick.
With an area covering 370-acres, the preserve has various habitats and land features that have made it an important ecological hotspot in the region.
It has also become a favorite hiking and mountain biking spot for students and locals alike because of the challenging terrain.
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Rutgers University Ecological Preserve
83 Rockafeller RdEven in neighboring Piscataway, there are still facilities under the Rutgers University system.
One of these is the Rutgers University Ecological Preserve, a large natural attraction sitting on the bank of the Raritan River opposite New Brunswick.
With an area covering 370-acres, the preserve has various habitats and land features that have made it an important ecological hotspot in the region.
It has also become a favorite hiking and mountain biking spot for students and locals alike because of the challenging terrain.
One of the tributaries of the Raritan River is the scenic Farrington Lake in East Brunswick.
But before you enter, explore Bicentennial Park first.
While it’s a beautiful destination by itself, with lush greenery and nature trails, it serves mostly as an access point to Farrington Lake.
Farrington Lake
One of the tributaries of the Raritan River is the scenic Farrington Lake in East Brunswick.
But before you enter, explore Bicentennial Park first.
While it’s a beautiful destination by itself, with lush greenery and nature trails, it serves mostly as an access point to Farrington Lake.
Colonial Park located in Somerset County is one the the most complete parks that I have visited. I spent most of my time walking through the perennial, shrub, ornamental grass & rose gardens taking photographs but there is so much more to the park. Each section of the park has a designated letter which makes orientation to the various elements much easier.
This community park offers bike/walking paved paths, hiking trails which turn muddy in spots, a 1.4 mile fitness course, bbq piths and picnicking tables.
For the kids they feature miniature golf, paddle boats, a playground area, a mini-water park which were all closed down for COVID-19 when I went.
Tennis courts, fishing ponds, baseball fields, large open grass fields, bocce courts, shuffle board area and a large fenced dog park.
There are public rest rooms with flish toilets and running water. Parking is available at each section of the park but weekends can get crowded. It is difficult to find a park which is as large as Colonial Park offering such a variety of activities.
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Colonial Park Arboretum and Gardens
156 Mettlers RdColonial Park located in Somerset County is one the the most complete parks that I have visited. I spent most of my time walking through the perennial, shrub, ornamental grass & rose gardens taking photographs but there is so much more to the park. Each section of the park has a designated letter which makes orientation to the various elements much easier.
This community park offers bike/walking paved paths, hiking trails which turn muddy in spots, a 1.4 mile fitness course, bbq piths and picnicking tables.
For the kids they feature miniature golf, paddle boats, a playground area, a mini-water park which were all closed down for COVID-19 when I went.
Tennis courts, fishing ponds, baseball fields, large open grass fields, bocce courts, shuffle board area and a large fenced dog park.
There are public rest rooms with flish toilets and running water. Parking is available at each section of the park but weekends can get crowded. It is difficult to find a park which is as large as Colonial Park offering such a variety of activities.
Griggstown Canoe and Kayak Rental
1076 Canal RdIconic building
Located on the elegant Old Queens Campus of Rutgers–New Brunswick University, the Sophia Astley Kirkpatrick Memorial Chapel, also known as the Kirkpatrick Chapel, is the university’s main chapel and one of the university's oldest extant buildings.
Kirkpatrick Chapel
81 Somerset StLocated on the elegant Old Queens Campus of Rutgers–New Brunswick University, the Sophia Astley Kirkpatrick Memorial Chapel, also known as the Kirkpatrick Chapel, is the university’s main chapel and one of the university's oldest extant buildings.
Christ Church or the Christ Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church and a welcoming congregation of the Diocese of New Jersey’s Oasis Ministry that worships each Sunday and welcomes all. The church also offers special services for Christmas, Easter, and other festivals of the Church, such as a popular Jazz Vespers. There are also special liturgical actions walking the Stations of the Cross during Holy Week and foot-washing on Maundy Thursday.
Christ Episcopal Church
5 Paterson StreetChrist Church or the Christ Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church and a welcoming congregation of the Diocese of New Jersey’s Oasis Ministry that worships each Sunday and welcomes all. The church also offers special services for Christmas, Easter, and other festivals of the Church, such as a popular Jazz Vespers. There are also special liturgical actions walking the Stations of the Cross during Holy Week and foot-washing on Maundy Thursday.
Museum
The Rutgers Geology Museum, formerly known as the Geological Hall, is a beautifully preserved building on the historic Queens Campus of Rutgers University. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh and built in 1872 and currently houses the university's geological museum and several administrative offices. The Rutgers Geology Museum was founded by state geologist and Rutgers professor George Hammell Cook and is the oldest collegiate geology museum in the United States
Rutgers Geology Museum
85 Somerset StThe Rutgers Geology Museum, formerly known as the Geological Hall, is a beautifully preserved building on the historic Queens Campus of Rutgers University. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh and built in 1872 and currently houses the university's geological museum and several administrative offices. The Rutgers Geology Museum was founded by state geologist and Rutgers professor George Hammell Cook and is the oldest collegiate geology museum in the United States
The expansive facility is home to a vast collection of works displayed within the halls and rooms, which add up to 70,000 square feet of space.
With more than 60,000 permanent pieces, the attraction is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the area, so be prepared to spend a few hours exploring the collections.
They include art from various eras and countries such as Japan, France, Greece, and Russia.
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Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers University
71 Hamilton StThe expansive facility is home to a vast collection of works displayed within the halls and rooms, which add up to 70,000 square feet of space.
With more than 60,000 permanent pieces, the attraction is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the area, so be prepared to spend a few hours exploring the collections.
They include art from various eras and countries such as Japan, France, Greece, and Russia.