Rahway is home to a diverse dining scene where you can enjoy Mexican, Polish, Peruvian, and Chinese cuisine all within one block. The city is only four square miles, but is bursting with flavor! Rahway Restaurant Week will run from January 18th-22nd and is the perfect opportunity to explore this up and coming culinary gem. This year there are no pre-fixe menus, but we did add a social media photo contest where you can win a $100 gift card to a Rahway restaurant. If you are looking for some guidance here’s some tips on where to visit or order take-out from:
Start the Day Right
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and at these places it’s the most delicious too! You can’t go wrong grabbing breakfast tacos from Bianca’s or bagels with fresh made specialty cream cheese from Rahway Bagel to start your day. The Coffee Box bakes fresh pastries and sweets daily, including gluten free and vegan options. D’oh Bagels makes delicious bagels and also offers vegan donuts and sandwiches. At Flynn’s Pubhouse, there is no shortage of outrageous breakfast and brunch options. Choosing between creative Eggs Benedict dishes, sweet french toast, like the one stuffed with peanut butter, banana, and bacon, or an over the top breakfast sandwich stacked with eggs, meat, hash browns, and avocado can be difficult. Luckily you can enjoy a Mimosa or Bloody Mary while you decide.
Explore Cultural Cuisines
Who needs Disney’s Epcot, when you can dine and drink “around the world” right in Rahway. Mojitos and Sangria are always flowing at Cubanu plus their paella and empanadas are outstanding! Hugo’s Restaurant and Sabor Peruano both make amazing Peruvian dishes like Lomo Saltado, Ceviche, and Bistec a lo Pobre (grilled steak with fried eggs, plantain and rice). Luciano’s is known for their upscale Italian cuisine and cozy lounge area. If you’re in the Mood for Mexican you can’t go wrong with the enchiladas from Beana’s Para Siempre, the chicken mole from La Malinche, or tacos from Las Pinatas. The “Monster Roll” at Rahway Sushi is a must try for any sushi lover. They even have a bulgogi beef roll for those who aren’t into fish. Olivia’s Catering and Dining is the place to go for Carribean specialties like jerk chicken and savory oxtails. Polish favorites like pierogies and kielbasa can be found at Wheelie Good Pierogi, Stas Deli, or Pierogi Palace. You can also get Chinese chow at New Fon Garden, Dominican delights at Sazon Dominicano, Columbian creations at Monchy’s, and Middle Eastern eats at Dervish Kabab & Grill or Madina Halal Platters.
Not Your Average Bar & Grill
The Firehouse Eatery & Pub and The “World Famous” Waiting Room are two of Rahway’s long standing restaurants that are anything but basic. Both are known for good drinks and creative specials. The Firehouse features clever daily specials like fried pickle cheeseburgers and cajun pierogies. At The “World Famous” Waiting Room Carnitas mac and cheese, French onion sliders, and burrata ravioli are just a few of the insane specials that have been served up in the past. These restaurants are definitely redefining the term “bar food”.
Because you can never have too much pizza…
Whether you are looking for thin crust, woodfired, pizzeria style, or dessert pizza, Rahway has plenty of options to satiate your craving. Nancy’s Townhouse has been around since 1944 and is famous for their thin crust pizza and old school atmosphere, complete with checkered tablecloths. Right across the street is Il Forno a Legna which is known for its unique woodfired pizzas featuring flavors like seafood fra diablo, burrata, and shrimp scampi. Sometimes you just want a classic slice of traditional, sicilian, or grandma pie and that is exactly what you will find at Brooklyn Pizza, KC Pizzeria, Michelino’s, Nunzios, Plum Tomato, and Subworks. Don’t worry, if you prefer loading your pie up with toppings they all offer plenty of those too. I didn’t forget about Tony’s Pizza & Cafe. Although they also make amazing cheesy pizza, I’d be remiss to not mention their incredible Nutella Dessert Pizzas.
Not to be Missed…
Your tastebuds will thank you for indulging them when you treat yourself at any of the following Rahway eateries. Drool-worthy pasta and seafood combos, lobster mac and cheese, and soul food specialties are what has earned Cook’s Kitch’n well deserved popularity. The Irving Inn is a foodie destination for sure! They’re known for good food and cocktails with a creative twist, like their maple bourbon pork chop served over cheddar jalapeno grits, short rib fries, or their Irving Ol’ Fashion made with lychee. If you prefer classics, Stewart’s Drive-In is everything you could want and more! You won’t be disappointed with their juicy burgers, loaded hot dogs, tasty french fries,and rootbeer floats. For those with a sweet tooth, Melao Cafe & Creamery’s rolled ice cream should not be missed. Toppings like cookies, candy, and fruit are chopped into a liquid ice cream base and frozen and rolled right in front of you!
Although the number of options may seem overwhelming, you can never have too much of a good thing! Rahway’s dining scene is constantly evolving and definitely worth exploring. For more information on restaurant week, details on our restaurant week photo contest, or for a full list of all Rahway Restaurants you can visit RahwayTaste.com.
Article by Heather Dube @rahwayishappening
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