8 Shortlisted Restaurants in Garwood (NJ) That Locals Love!

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Last updated on December 19, 2022 by Wandering our World

If you’re looking for some of the best restaurants in Garwood, NJ, then look no further! As right here we bring you a list of all the places we think you need to try while you’re in the area.

From classic Mexican and Italian favorites to a fun sports bar with a generous happy hour, you’ll find plenty of restaurants in Garwood to suit all preferences and occasions.

Start from the top and work your way down our list or choose one at random depending on what you want to eat – all of them are worth a visit, no matter how you pick!

Chef cooking in kitchen
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

The Best Restaurants In Garwood, NJ: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. Rudy’s Italian Restaurant

Classic Italian favorites served in a modern and chic eatery with friendly service.

One of the most well-known restaurants in Garwood is Rudy’s Italian Restaurant. It not only has fantastic food with everyone’s favorite Italian meals, but it also has a lovely ambiance and wonderful service.

You’ll feel pampered and cared for here because this establishment treats you like family, and that might have something to do with the fact that it opened in the 60s and they seem to now know everyone in town!

The main dining lounge’s décor is fairly classy. The refined atmosphere they create with their attention to detail, right down to the folded napkins and centerpieces, really gives that additional touch to the place. It’s a great spot to eat, and the warmth and generosity the owners and employees exhibit to their customers is wonderful.

As for the food, their most famous dishes include Pasta, Pizzas, Salads, and Calzones. So, if you’ve been craving any of those items then you’ll love your visit here. Plus, they also make everything from scratch, so their quality and standards are excellent.

Rudy’s Italian Restaurant is open seven days a week, making them a convenient and reliable place to frequent. Go between the hours of 11 am to 10 pm and find them waiting to serve you!

Address: 300 South Ave, Garwood, NJ

Wine and pizza display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Foxys_Forest_Manufacture

2. Grill Creations

Mexican food with all the traditional flavors you love and expect! Served in a festive atmosphere with exceptional staff

A one-of-a-kind Mexican restaurant, Grill Creations is nothing short of a neighborhood hangout due to how popular it is. In fact to say this venue is one of the most popular restaurants in Garwood, NJ, is probably an understatement; it is the go-to destination for special events, birthdays, and festivities, and you’ll understand why once you visit!

The décor is what really elevates this restaurant to the top of our list because the moment you walk in, you feel as if you’ve stepped into Mexico. The interior is done up in different colors of the Mexican flag, with some colorful and unique hanging decorations as well.

They also have a variety of seating options, so you can select whether you want to sit in a booth or at a table. Also, because of the dynamic atmosphere the staff and clients create, you’ll be included in the fun no matter where you sit. Feel like a local at this lively restaurant where everyone seems to know everyone else.

Their food is as distinct and pleasant as their décor. A vast menu greets you, full of authentic Mexican delicacies from every corner of the country. Choose from Nachos, Quesadillas, Burritos, or combo platters, since they offer everything. Plus, vegetarians can choose to have plenty of vegetable-based dishes too.

Also, they even offer some delectably scrumptious sweets like ice-cream tacos and Mexican churros that you just must try.

Grill Creations is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 9:30 pm. On Friday and Saturday, though, they open from 11 am to 10 pm, so you have more time to visit them!

Address: 108 North Ave, Garwood, NJ

Mexican food, many dishes of the cuisine of Mexico, flat lay, shot from the top on a vibrant blue background, forming a frame with a place for text. Nachos, quesadillas, guacamole, burritos etc
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Plateresca

3. Magic Grill

Delicious and mouthwatering Mongolian cuisine served in an amazing space with kind and courteous staff!

Eating out doesn’t necessarily have to entail greasy, fatty, or heavy dinner choices, as Magic Grill demonstrates themselves that great cuisine can still be nutritious.

This unique Mongolian eatery is usually one of the favorite restaurants for tourists to visit in Garwood, mainly due to the unique food, taste, location, and service. But it’s definitely a neighborhood institution too, so add it to your list of places to visit when in town.

Magic Grill has a homey vibe that will put even the wariest of travelers at ease, so if you’ve just had a tiring journey to get to New Jersey, just drop by and de-stress. They also have some of the most comfortable seating options around, so they really are a great place to stop by on your first day in town.

Their décor is simple too, but they do have some Mongolian-inspired artwork on the wall and some pots and plants lined up on the shelves to add some greenery to the place. Those plants – and the fairy lights – really brighten the place up and make it feel fresh and cozy.

For their food, they have many yummy delicacies to choose from which they offer in the form of combinations. So, talk to your server before finalizing which combination you pick as they can help you you make the best decision, especially if you’re new to Mongolian cuisine. However every combination they serve can have pork, chicken, beef, and vegetables so there’s definitely something for everyone!

Magic Grill is open throughout the week, so whenever you can, head on over. Their timings are fixed for the entire week and they’re open from 11 am to 9 pm.

Address: 104 North Ave, Garwood, NJ

4. Rosie’s Wine Bar

Laidback wine bar serving classic American favorites! Pair the food with a drink from their extensive menu to enjoy life to its fullest. Outdoor seating available too.

Wine and food? Sounds like heaven, so sign us up! If you share this energy, then you’re in for a real treat at Rosie’s Wine Bar because they serve some exquisite drinks and the most delicious food.

An evening here is an unmissable experience and should definitely be on your Garwood itinerary. It’s perfect for date night too, so head on over and celebrate falling in love!

They take their wine very seriously and you can see just how many varieties they have when walking in, as some of the really important bottles are included as part of the décor behind the bar. The restaurant itself has a very funky and eclectic vibe, with beautiful artwork displayed on the walls and low lighting to put everyone in the mood to wine and dine.

They also have an outdoor area to enjoy your food, where they have live music set up on some days.

Their salads, sliders, soups, small plates, and staples are the dishes that people mostly order, but they also have plenty of appetizers and charcuterie boards that you can laze over while enjoying a glass of wine.

It goes without saying that you should definitely pair your meal with a wine from their enormous selection to truly enjoy the restaurant at its finest.

Rosie’s Wine Bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays. They are open all other days a week from 4 pm to 10 pm.

Address: 514 North Ave, Garwood, NJ

Red wine being poured
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Oleh Veres

5. Mooyah Burger

Locally owned and operated burger joint serving some of the best burgers in town!

Sometimes the only food you want are burgers, and if you’re like us then you’re always on the lookout for the best burgers in each place you visit. If that’s the case then Mooyah Burger should be the place to go to try Garwood’s best burger. It definitely won’t disappoint and will probably leave you surprised by how amazing it really is!

This restaurant is a fun space with a black-and-white check floor, thematic artwork on the walls and many comfortable seating options that make the place feel inviting and welcoming.

So, as for those burgers, you can choose some of the most ordered ones in their favorites section or build your own burger according to whatever you want. That can be great for people who like their burgers and patty made a certain way.

Apart from this, they also have vegan, keto, and low-cal options, s well as kids’ meals that can help out if you’re in a large group and everyone has their own set requirements.

Mooyah Burger is open every day, but their timings vary. Catch them Sunday to Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm. On Thursday and Friday, they are open from 11 am to 10 pm and on Saturday they are open from 11 am to 4 pm.

Address: 325 NJ-28, Garwood, NJ

Top view of home made tasty burgers on wooden table.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kesu01

6. The Juice House

Smoothies, milkshakes, juice and more! Get a healthy drink on the go at this cute neighborhood juice bar.

The perfect snack place does exist and it’s The Juice House in Garwood, NJ. Who can resist the temptation of smoothies, juices, and shakes – it’s simply not possible!

So, if you’re like us and love to have your meal on the go during busy days, then this is a spot in town that could become one of your regular haunts.

The place has a lot of character, from its green walls to its chalkboard menu, everything is quirky and funky. Just the kind of vibe you’d expect from a juice bar. It’s a great space that energizes and rejuvenates, and that’s even before you try their drinks.

As for what to order, their Papa Smurf, Pina Colada, The Amazon and Earth are amongst their most famous smoothies. They also have a juice cleanse that you can order 3 days in advance to give your body the rest it deserves. If that’s the kind of thing that suits your lifestyle, we’d recommend trying it because lots of people swear by it!

On top of that their juices are cold-pressed and 100% organic so you’ll only be getting the finest.

The Juice House is closed on Sundays. They are open from 8 am to 5 pm every other day, which is perfect if you’re an early or late riser and like having juice or a smoothie after waking up.

Address: 510 North Ave, Garwood, NJ

Two berry smoothies on a surface
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/nerudol

7. And Grain

A popular breakfast and lunch space selling freshly baked goods, sandwiches and breakfast favorites for the entire family! Outdoor seating is available too.

And Grain is another healthy alternative and a restaurant that puts quality and standards at the core of its philosophy, ensuring that you have the best experience and are only served the best ingredients too! So spoil yourself and let them pamper you with some amazing food and great service.

Their décor also makes use of the same message, so it’s very minimalistic and simple. White and beige are the primary colors, but they also have a lovely seating area inside and outside, making it a restaurant for all seasons. They also have all their wares on display, especially their baked goods.

Their breakfast menu is very popular with locals, and you can choose the likes of freshly baked French Toast, Egg Sandwiches, and even oatmeal. They also have a separate kids’ menu too, so you can order your little ones’ favorite things.

And Grain is mostly known for its sandwiches though, so make sure you order those if you come closer to lunchtime – or try their fresh, colorful, and tasty salads.

And Grain is closed on Monday. But they are open from 8 am to 2 pm every other day apart from that, making them essentially a breakfast and lunch place, so plan accordingly.

Address:  700 North Ave, Garwood, NJ

Smoothie bowl with banana, strawberry, blueberry, granola and pomegranate
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Ark0nt

8. The Shepherd and The Knucklehead

Community sports bar that’s full of happy patrons! With great food and an outdoor patio area.

A sports bar at heart, The Shepherd and The Knucklehead has an amazing atmosphere that’s lively, warm, and welcoming. It also has some superb beer and an absolutely delicious menu that will have you in seventh heaven. The overall combination of the food, the place, and the staff is just superb!

Choose to sit indoors or outdoors when you come and visit. If it’s a bright day and the sun’s out you might enjoy sitting outside, but if you come at night for all the hustle and bustle then staying indoors where all the activity tends to be would be the right decision.

The interior is just what you’d expect from a great sports bar with lots of televisions, a humungous bar and dart boards so you can play a few rounds while waiting for your food. Plus, they go all out for holiday décor, so if you’re nearing any holiday, drop by just to see how they’ve transformed the place.

As for their food, their burgers, wings, and weekend brunch are some of the most highly recommended dishes to try out. They also have a huge beverage menu that’s full of cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers, and more, so they probably have whatever you want, all you have to do is ask!

Their happy hour is 7 days a week from 3 pm to 7 pm, so definitely drop by between those hours.

The Shepherd and The Knucklehead is closed on Saturdays, otherwise they are open all other days. Each day, it has varied opening hours, so check the schedule before going.

On Sunday they are open from noon to midnight, and on Monday they are open from 5 pm to midnight. On Tuesday they are open from 4 pm to midnight, on Wednesday and Thursday they are open from 1 pm to midnight and on Friday they are open from noon to 2 am.

Address: 1313 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ 

Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/rez-art)

The Best Restaurants In Garwood, NJ: Final Thoughts

Those are our favorite restaurants that Garwood has to offer! We hope you have a wonderful time while you’re there and have some amazing food too.

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.