By: Brielle Diskin
New Brunswick, unanimously considered a filthy city with corrupt politics, aggressive parking enforcement, but surprisingly, a culinary hub city. The surrounding Rutgers-New Brunswick area is filled with food options. There’s little need to worry about where your next foodie moment is coming from. Here are a few places the staff and I agreed upon that are worth checking out.
Tacoria
You would be hard-pressed to find a Rutgers student who doesn’t like Tacoria or the very least, hasn’t heard of it. Located on Easton Ave between Hamilton and Somerset St. Tacoria is where traditional Mexican street food meets contemporary culinary trends.
Tacoria is probably one of my favorite places to eat around campus. I would eat anything with the golden avocado in it, Sam I am. The same goes for the newer brussel sprout option. Don’t overlook the Mexican street corn on the menu. Or help yourself to a side of guac with chips if you want a study snack.
Ramen Nagomi
At a small humble restaurant in downtown New Brunswick, you will have a palatable moment. Ramen Nagomi’s noodle soups send a rush of warmth and flavor. I have thoroughly researched ramen around the tri-state area, including New York City, and I can honestly say Ramen Nagomi’s is the best I’ve ever had.
On Bayard street is where comfort and cuisine collide. The soft-shell miso crab ramen and the burnt garlic tonkotsu ramen has my senses tingling. I highly recommend the mochi for dessert, especially if you’ve never tried mochi. I liked the matcha and strawberry mochi balls in particular.
Shanghai Dumpling
Many of the Rutgers Review staff agreed that the food at Shanghai Dumpling is fantastic. The restaurant is located in Edison, a town over from New Brunswick, and clearly worth the trip. The dumplings are very authentic, people rave about the spicy pork noodles, and the scallion pancakes are allegedly mouthwatering. A perfect spot for lunch or dinner for family and friends. However, there are no reservations and the crowd build up quickly so make sure to get there early and grab a seat!
Fritz
If you’re looking for comfort food with a trendy twist than Fritz’ is the place for you. Favored for its sensational baked goods and hot sandwich options. Fritz even has a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. They’re blondie brownies and Spinach & Artichoke grilled cheese are a menu must try.
They recently opened themselves up for late night munchies. We’re talking buffalo chicken empanadas the size of your face, truffle fries with garlic aioli, and buttermilk chicken fingers. If you’re more early morning than late night help yourself to the breakfast menu, nothing starts your day like the egg and cheese sandwich with chipotle aioli (trust).
Edo Take-out
Edo Take-out is probably one of the best places to get your sushi fix around campus. If you want to amp up your sushi going experience, I highly recommend checking out their fat cups. Fat cups are one of Edo’s biggest draws. My personal favorite is the sushi salmon bowl with avocado over rice—classic.
Edo has everything from Korean seafood pancakes, wings, ramen or udon noodles, bento boxes, and sushi (duh). This small trendy take-out and sit down spot is located off of Easton Ave in the hub New Brunswick.
Diesel and Duke
I’ve heard, “best burgers I’ve ever had” or “a better Five Guys.” The talk on the burgers at Diesel and Duke is too good to ignore. These are not your mom’s burgers. They have a bacon shroom burger and a breakfast burger with a fried egg. It’s great for a quick dinner that doesn’t slack on flavor or flare. You can find this trendy burger shack on Easton Ave over by Stone St. and it will be worth it.
Fatto Americano
In between George St and French St you will find a taste of Italy in Fatto Americano. Growing tired of your pizza options limited to greasy slices getting as creative as chicken bacon ranch? Head downtown for the real thing at Fatto Americano. Feast over Napoliatalian personal pies, meat and cheese platters, hot sandwiches and more. A cozy dimly lit setting with a fully stocked bar and happy hour specials.