Bright, spotless fast food spot with beef tallow frying that delivers crispy, juicy chicken and generous portions. Energy ranges from lively to quiet late, with a polished, well-kept interior. Guests enjoy unique sauces and a vibe that feels more elevated than typical fast food.
Creamy mac and cheese comes loaded with chicken, coleslaw, pickles, and Deek sauce. It serves well as a side or a hearty main with rich, comforting flavors.
Frying in beef tallow gives the fried chicken a rich, distinct flavor. The fried chicken sandwich stands out with its great taste and texture.
Good to know
Everything is made fresh to order and cooked in beef tallow.
The restaurant is spotless, indicating a clean kitchen.
The food is prepared and ready in less than 10 minutes.
Small restaurant with limited seating and a cozy, lively vibe welcomes families and casual diners. Space includes a round table, counter seats, and outdoor options, supporting quick bites and takeout. Known for well-seasoned chicken nuggets and a fantastic sauce selection, it draws a steady flow of adults and kids.
Heat stands out in the mac and cheese, giving it a bold kick. Sides include broccoli and classic options like fries, complementing the creamy pasta well.
Small fried chicken bites come salted and seasoned to perfection. Chicken sandwiches feature large juicy fried chicken thighs on massive Hawaiian buns. The spicy fried chicken sandwich pairs a mild kick with ice cream for a unique flavor combo.
Good to know
This month features TRUFFLE month with special menu items.
The Nugs Combo includes 1/4 lb of nuggets, a side, and a drink for $13.
The December meal of the month, Nugget Parm, is only available in store.
Small space offers a modernized mom-and-pop vibe with authentic Caribbean hospitality. Atmosphere feels comfortable and lively, creating a memorable dining experience. Generous portions of well-seasoned Jamaican dishes draw a steady crowd seeking genuine flavors.
Cheesy and flavorful, the mac and cheese stands out with its rich cheese and Caribbean twist. It pairs well with dishes like oxtails and rice and peas.
Fried chicken comes out well-cooked and flavorful. It pairs well with other dishes like jerk chicken and Escovitch red snapper.
Good to know
The restaurant offers generous portions that are worth the price.
Expect a clean and inviting atmosphere when you visit.
There is a special deal for oxtail: buy one and get soup free.
Restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a modern artistic design and a family vibe. Music features old school R&B, creating a lively and engaging environment where people sing and talk. The space is beautifully painted and clean, often busy with a strong sense of community support.
Baked mac and cheese tastes like simple perfection without strong spices like black pepper or mustard. It comes as a side with fish dinners and pairs well with collard greens.
Signature fried chicken wings stand out with rich flavor. Aunt Cookie's fried fish and collard greens add tasty, soulful sides.
Good to know
The restaurant is usually very busy, so calling ahead is recommended.
Expect longer wait times during peak hours due to popularity.
Portion sizes are larger than average, providing good value.
Small cafe with cozy, homey vibe and quirky decor creates a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Six tables spaced generously offer a pub-like setting with real flowers on each table. Relaxing music plays at moderate volume, attracting diners who enjoy a unique, friendly environment.
Mac and cheese features a cheese blend with jalapeรฑo and kielbasa that adds a spicy, savory kick. Noodles hold the sauce well, making it enjoyable fresh or as leftovers.
Panko fried chicken appears in the Thai Chicken Satay with sriracha aioli and peanut dipping sauce. The Southern Fried chicken sandwich offers a solid option alongside other menu items.
Good to know
The cafe only accepts cash payments.
Expect food preparation to take 15 to 20 minutes.
The portions are generous and reasonably priced.
Neon lights and glow-in-the-dark wall art create an alien-style decorating that stands out. Seating is comfortable and thoughtfully arranged, supporting a clean, inviting atmosphere. Music plays softly, adding to the welcoming vibe that fills the space.
Loaded mac and cheese stands out with its phenomenal flavor and delightful warming heat. It often ranks as the favorite dish and even outshines the chicken.
Bold, spicy fried chicken offers customizable heat levels and stands out for its tender texture. Sauces are a highlight, adding extra flavor to the phenomenal chicken and sandwiches.
Good to know
Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during weekend dinner hours.
Parking is available for larger vehicles, including semi trucks.
Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.
Soul food restaurant offers authentic Southern comfort food with a relaxing, friendly atmosphere created by warm staff. The space feels comfy and inviting despite lacking distinctive decor. Regulars enjoy crispy fried chicken and flavorful sides that capture traditional Southern flavors.
Mac and cheese stands out with a unique taste that many find amazing. It pairs well with dishes like spicy chicken, shrimp, and turkey ribs, making it a flavorful and memorable choice.
Crispy fried chicken stands out with a great flavor and texture. Pairing it with collard greens is a common choice that complements the meal well.
Good to know
The food is cooked fresh, so expect a wait time for your order.
Dootsie's Kitchen is family-owned and serves authentic southern soul food.
Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.
Strip of kiosk-style eateries creates a casual, food court vibe with plenty of seating and parking. Atmosphere feels peaceful and relaxing, evoking a sense of home-cooked comfort. Menu offers extensive options focusing on turkey and beef, with standout dishes like mac and cheese and Nashville chicken.
Brisket and buffalo chicken top the mac and cheese options here. Bowls often come paired with ribs or collard greens for a hearty meal.
Fried chicken stands out with its very good taste and is paired often with Mac n cheese and dirty rice sides.
Good to know
Sundays and Mondays are $1 wing days.
The restaurant has a large menu with something for everybody.
There is typically plenty of seating available.
Cozy space with warm lighting and friendly atmosphere invites relaxed dining. Background music adds to the great vibe suitable for both date nights and family gatherings. Known for fresh, flavorful fried chicken and standout soul food sides, it offers a heartfelt, family-owned experience.
Fresh and flavorful with a good balance of textures, the mac and cheese stands out alongside perfectly cooked chicken and classic Southern sides like yams and collard greens.
Crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken comes out golden on the outside and juicy inside. It stays fresh and flavorful without being greasy, paired often with solid sides like collards and Mac and cheese.
Good to know
Expect a 15-20 minute wait for food preparation as it's made to order.
Bring your own bottle since the restaurant does not serve alcohol.
Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.
Food truck offers generous portions with flavorful empanadas and homestyle sides like mac and cheese and arroz con gandules. Atmosphere reflects family-owned care and pride, creating a welcoming vibe. Popular spot for hearty, satisfying meals with a taste of NYC influence.
Mac and cheese appears as a consistent side paired with dishes like sweet chili wings, garlic fried chicken, and seafood combos. It blends well with Puerto Rican rice and plantains, adding a creamy contrast to the savory flavors.
Garlic fried chicken stands out with its bold flavor and crispy texture. It pairs well with mac and cheese and maduros, creating a satisfying meal.
Good to know
It's advisable to check the truck's opening hours before visiting, as they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Parking in the train station lot is less available and requires stepping over a short stone barrier.
I recommend parking in the Dunellen Public Library lot.
Barbecue restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with spacious seating and bamboo plants at each table. Loud reggaeton music fills the air, creating a lively vibe amid noticeable smoke. Family-friendly features include high chairs for children.
Mac and cheese tastes homemade and is very cheesy. It pairs well with cornbread and has a creamy texture, though it is not baked long.
Very well cooked fried chicken stands out here. It shares the menu with chicken wings and other meats, and it appeals to all ages.
Good to know
Parking is readily available near the restaurant.
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes including ribs and burgers.
Expect a short wait time for food during busy hours.
Nashville-themed chicken restaurant with an open kitchen and Nashville murals creates a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere filled with the smell of fried chicken and honey. The space feels clean and welcoming, with lively country music setting a fun tone. Seating is well laid out, blending Southern charm with a modern twist.
Sides include creamy mac and cheese that pairs well with fries and slaw. The mac and cheese stands out as flavorful and complements other tasty sides like waffle fries and a giant mozzarella stick.
Fried chicken here has a perfect crisp with a well-balanced buffalo sauce that adds a nice kick without overpowering. The Nashville hot fried chicken Caesar wrap offers medium heat and fresh-to-order quality.
Good to know
Expect to pay around $40 for two sandwiches and fries.
The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.
The food is made to order, ensuring freshness.
Small family-owned spot offers generous portions of meaty, juicy wings and outstanding cornbread in a cozy, low-key setting. Mostly takeout with made-to-order food that requires advance ordering to avoid wait times. Atmosphere suits laid-back meals with friends or family.
Sides include Mac and cheese paired with cabbage and sweet corn. The Mac and cheese has a creamy texture and complements dishes like boneless wings and catfish sandwiches.
Fried chicken stands out with its rich flavor and crispiness. Wings and catfish share the same delicious, well-seasoned quality.
Good to know
Call ahead to place your order 30 minutes before pickup.
Expect to wait for your order as everything is made to order.
Wings are available for $0.99 on Wednesdays.
Soul food restaurant with cool urban decor and a custom mural creates a fresh, laid-back vibe. Atmosphere feels energetic yet chill, enhanced by old school music videos on wall-mounted TVs. Regulars enjoy a welcoming environment with a mix of Caribbean and soul food influences.
Creamy texture and real flavor define the mac and cheese here. It pairs well with dishes like oxtails and fried chicken, earning praise for being amazing and among the best tasted in decades.
Extremely flavorful fried chicken includes wings and tenders that stand out. Meals often pair fried chicken with Mac and cheese or shrimp in bowls.
Good to know
Exotic Eats is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.
Expect short wait times during peak hours.
Portions are generous and prices are reasonable.
Cozy restaurant seating about 20 to 30 people offers a family-friendly vibe with welcoming atmosphere and good energy. Soul food dishes like oxtails, cornbread, and catfish stand out for their authentic taste. Freshly made meals create a genuine soul food experience enjoyed by many.
Creamy and cheesy, the mac and cheese bakes to a golden glory. It stands out as fantastic and consistently excellent.
Crispy perfection defines the fried chicken here, with a well seasoned and not overly salty flavor. It arrives freshly fried and never greasy, making it a standout snack or meal component.
Good to know
Eileenโs specializes in catering for holidays and parties.
The menu includes seasoned rice, fried chicken, mac and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, cinnamon yams, and banana pudding.
The portions are generous.
Simplistic setup with limited indoor seating creates a casual, chill vibe. Friendly energy fills the space, boosted by lively music and quick service. The atmosphere feels welcoming despite some crowding and close quarters.
Creamy and cheesy texture defines the mac and cheese here. It often comes paired with chicken or served over french fries, providing generous portions and a rich flavor.
Medium spice butter fried chicken stands out with a rich flavor, though it lacks tomato and lettuce. This fried chicken ranks among the best, surpassing many local options in taste and quality.
Good to know
The prices at Fluffies Hot Chicken are budget friendly.
The portions of servings are definitely great, making it an awesome and fulfilling place to eat.
Expect a price increase from $15 to $18 for the filled mac and cheese.
Small space with limited indoor seating and a unique outdoor alleyway area creates a cozy yet slightly cramped setting. Atmosphere feels warm and calming, with a touch of class despite some dinginess. Energy stays relaxed, suited for quick, fresh halal fried chicken and standout crispy fries.
Filled mac and cheese stands out as a favorite, often paired with burgers or fried chicken. The loaded mac and cheese offers a rich, satisfying option alongside nuggets and chicken combos.
Crunchy outside and juicy inside define the fried chicken here. It cooks to perfection with a crispy texture and tasty flavor, ideal for takeout.
Good to know
Non Stop Chicken is halal, making it a great option for halal food lovers.
The meal cost $15, which includes a lunch combo that is considered a good deal.
Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash may be preferred for quick service.
Restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a nature-themed garden-scape that creates a peaceful vibe. DJ music plays throughout, enhancing the lively yet intimate energy. Beautiful decor and thoughtful lighting make it ideal for intimate gatherings and date nights.
Lobster Mac & Cheese stands out with its rich flavor and well-presented dish. It combines lobster and creamy mac and cheese for a satisfying meal.
Fried chicken stands out with a crispy, flavorful crust that draws attention. It pairs well with cornbread and is often served alongside oxtail.
Good to know
Reservations are a must to get a table.
Brunch at House 157 Restaurant ends at 3 PM.
Expect a 30-minute wait to be seated during peak hours.
Small soul food spot with clean kitchen and generous portions offers a welcoming atmosphere filled with R&B music. Mainly takeout with limited seating, it draws a steady crowd seeking freshly made, flavorful dishes. The vibe stays wholesome and relaxed, reflecting a family-owned business feel.
Mac & Cheese tastes like homemade, with a comforting, familiar flavor. It pairs well with BBQ chicken and yams, making for a satisfying meal.
Beautifully seasoned fried chicken stands out alongside delicious sides like mac n cheese and sweet yams. The fried chicken pairs well with catfish, making for a flavorful meal.
Good to know
Sole Food BBQ mainly offers takeout, with only one table inside for waiting or eating.
The portions at Sole Food BBQ are huge and priced affordably.
The restaurant offers samples of their sides, which are generous.
Small, cozy space with a familial vibe and authentic Southern atmosphere. Friendly energy encourages great conversation and feels like stepping into a home kitchen. Veteran-owned, it offers a hidden gem experience with strong community ties.
Mac and cheese stands out with its rich flavor and creamy texture. It pairs well with classic sides like potato salad and collard greens.
Perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat define the fried chicken here. It stays consistently great and pairs well with classic sides like collard greens and baked Mac & Cheese.
Good to know
The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Takeout service is primarily offered, with limited dine-in options.
Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for quicker service.
Small dining space fills with smoke from frying, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere with bright, inviting decor. Lively music plays, enhancing the energetic vibe amid limited seating. The place feels cramped but welcoming, drawing a crowd that enjoys flavorful, spicy chicken dishes.
Loaded fries combine fries, mac & cheese, and chicken tender topped with a special sauce. The mac and cheese features good cheese and well-loved noodles, making it a key part of this addictive dish.
Fried chicken here is very juicy and crispy on the outside. The hot and medium spice levels taste similar, offering little heat.
Good to know
Food comes quickly, usually within 5 minutes after ordering.
The price for a 10-piece chicken with fries is around $60 now.
Fries are charged separately from the chicken order.
Dominican-style fried chicken restaurant with a clean, presentable interior and friendly, lively atmosphere. Music adds to the fun weekend vibe, while the unique seasoning and crispy chicken define the food experience.
Loaded mac and cheese comes with fries and chicken, offering a hearty twist. Buffalo mac and cheese adds a spicy flavor to the classic dish.
Dominican-style fried chicken here is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with authentic Dominican seasoning. It tastes just like the fried chicken from Santo Domingo and is fat-free.
Good to know
Expect long wait times, possibly over an hour during peak hours.
The restaurant maintains a clean and presentable environment.
Prices are reasonable, with generous portions for the cost.
Small space with natural light from big windows creates a cozy, intimate vibe. Upbeat music plays, enhancing a lively brunch atmosphere. Decor features pink blossoms and a green wall, adding a distinctive, pleasant touch.
Lobster mac and cheese stands out with its rich, creamy texture. Cajun mac and cheese offers a super flavorful taste and a satisfying cheese pull.
Crispy fried chicken wings come with hot honey that adds a nice kick. Chicken and waffles pair southern fried chicken pieces with a Belgian waffle and maple syrup, offering flavor mostly on the outside.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as wait times can reach an hour during peak hours.
The brunch bar can get crowded, especially on weekends.
Expect a variety of unique twists on classic breakfast dishes.
Small, clean soul food restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a family kitchen. Owners share personal stories and show clear passion, creating a strong sense of community and love. Limited space means standing room only, but the environment remains friendly and welcoming.
Creamy and perfectly seasoned, the mac and cheese comes in a huge portion. It pairs well with ribs and candied yams for a filling meal.
Perfectly crispy skin covers the fried chicken, locking in a juicy interior. The texture balances crunch and tenderness well.
Good to know
Expect longer wait times due to the small size of the kitchen staff.
Bring extra time when ordering as the kitchen is very small.
The restaurant is located on the corner of Palisades and Grand.
Take-away spot with no seating offers fresh homemade chicken and sides like mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. Food arrives quickly, often marinated overnight, with a crispy fried chicken that stands out. Prices vary frequently, and ordering ahead is common due to made-to-order preparation.
Mac and cheese comes with a creamy texture and pairs well with dishes like roast chicken and creamed spinach. It often appears as a side alongside items like garlic and parsley potatoes and cornbread.
Crispy and juicy describes the fried chicken here, with sides like sweet potatoes and mac and cheese standing out. Saltiness varies, sometimes making the chicken hard to finish.
Good to know
Ordering in advance is recommended as the chicken is made fresh to order.
The restaurant is take-away only, with no seating available inside.
They offer their own delivery service, eliminating the need for third-party apps.
Spacious restaurant with Pakistani and Bollywood art creates a lively and distinctive atmosphere. Loud music and a foosball table add to the energetic vibe. Seating is comfortable and the interior design is clean and well-executed.
Chicken tikka adds a unique twist to the mac and cheese. The plain version has a slight kick that brings extra flavor. Portions can be small but the taste is comforting and familiar.
Crunchy texture stands out with two huge pieces of fried chicken served fresh. Dhamaka fries come loaded with fried chicken, Tikka sauce, and Masala seasoning for bold flavor.
Good to know
There was accessible parking available.
Namkeen offered huge portions for the money.
I appreciated the halal options available.
Small dining area fills with 90s throwback music and a warm, welcoming vibe that encourages conversation and dancing. Decor blends modern tropical elements with a cozy, intimate setting. Staff energy and live singing create a heartfelt, lively atmosphere.
Rich and creamy mac and cheese pairs well with dishes like honey garlic wings and fried shrimp. The texture balances nicely with sides such as potato salad.
Freshly cooked pieces ensure the fried chicken is thoroughly done and hot. The chicken comes with classic sides like collard greens and sweet potatoes, complementing the meal well.
Good to know
Madre & Son Soulfood Cafe only accepts cash, Zelle, and Cash App.
Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.
The restaurant often runs out of popular menu items early in the day.
Small soul food restaurant with chalkboard menu and limited seating offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with friendly energy. The space feels clean and cozy, attracting those seeking hearty Caribbean and soul food flavors.
Crunchy texture matches Popeye's style with perfect seasoning and no need for ketchup. Fried chicken stays crisp without leaving fingers greasy, showing fresh cooking and care.
Good to know
They have parking in the back, accessible via Parker from Springdale.
The restaurant only accepts cash payments, so bring cash to avoid fees.
Portion sizes are generous, often enough for multiple meals.
Small dining area with cozy, homey decor creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Regulars enjoy old school soul food with standout buttery biscuits and grits. The place feels like a friendly family spot with a hometown vibe.
Mac and cheese stands out as a favorite, often paired with chicken or pork chops. It has a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements other southern sides like grits and potato salad.
Fried chicken stands out as a good, flavorful dish here. It pairs well with other hearty options like smothered pork chops.
Good to know
The gratuity is automatically included for parties of two or more.
Breakfast typically costs around $42 for two people.
They charge an extra $2 for cheese on dishes.