Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is the place to go that offers great food, good times, and all at a fantastic price.  Texas Roadhouse takes pride in their hand-cut steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs.  They provide larger portions so you get more food for your money.  How can you go wrong with that?  With ten different steaks to choose from and a variety of margaritas, Texas Roadhouse is a restaurant that you must try with your family or friends.  Many awards have been won for those fall-off-the-bone ribs and their homemade Texas Red Chili.  Hungry?  Stop into Texas Roadhouse today.

Ponte Vecchio

Don't feel like cooking but are in the mood for an authentic Italian meal?  Nothing beats the homemade flavors of Ponte Vecchio.  This Italian Seafood Grill specializes in serving the finest seafood along with the best Italian cuisine.  This restaurant can be pricey but you cannot beat the flavors and freshness.  Either start off with the raw bar or a scrumptious appetizer.  Then, move onto one of their chicken, seafood, veal, or pasta dishes.  No matter which meal you chose, you will not be disappointed.

Bagel Time

Looking for an outstanding breakfast joint that will keep you coming back for more?  Try Bagel Time which offers you the absolute best bagels in the tristate area.  Not only can you get homemade and fresh bagels but you can get anything you ever dreamed of, on them. Try either the classic bagel with cream cheese or butter, or mix it up and add some meats!  My usual from Bagel Time is the pork roll, egg, and cheese on the everything bagel.  First pick your flavor bagel, then, pick your toppings.  You can't possibly go wrong with a delicious breakfast from Bagel Time.

Jose Tejas

Another authentic Mexican restaurant that offers a wide variety of food and drinks is Jose Tejas.  My favorite part of Jose Tejas is their margaritas.  They offer margaritas of different strengths and flavors.  My favorite is the Patron Margarita that includes Patron Silver and Cointreau.  Sometimes, I like to add strawberry to make the flavor a little more sweet.  Jose Tejas has delicious burritos, tacos, fajitas, and more.  What really draws you to this restaurant is the fact that they have free chips and salsa unlimited throughout your whole meal.  Who doesn't like a free appetizer right when you sit down?  Stop into Jose Tejas soon for some refreshing beverages that will hit the spot.

The Turning Point

The Turning Point is a unique daytime restaurant that offers food that is to die for.  The Turning Point only offers breakfast and lunch, however, every meal is made from scratch and all of the ingredients are fresh.  I love The Turning Point because every order is made to your request, they make it exactly how you want it.  Over 100 eggs are cracked daily, which makes its egg dishes the most popular.  If you are craving a delicious breakfast or lunch, definitely stop by The Turning Point.

Famous Dave's

Famous Dave's is home to one of the best family style restaurants in the state.  Talk about big portions? Famous Dave's offers portions of food that you won't be able to finish, unless you share!  What's so special about this restaurant is that it originally started as a backyard family BBQ until it won so many awards that it opened a place to share with the world.  Famous Dave's currently holds the award for the 2013 rib cook-off winner.  Considering the amount of awards won for their fall-off-the-bone ribs, Famous Dave's ribs are a must try!

Sugar Factory

The Sugar Factory is one of NYC's hotspots for many celebrities, locals, and sweet lovers.  The Sugar Factory offers both sweet and savory American culinary favorites.  The Sugar Factory takes guests on a breathtaking, visually inspiring journey from beginning to end.  Other than its wide variety of food, Sugar Factory is famous for their 60 ounce signature goblets.  What makes this decadent restaraunt so special is the atmosphere including its dazzling retail candy store with thousands of options to chose from.  If visiting NYC's Manhattan, The Sugar Factory should be near the top of the list.

Rosalita's

Rosalita's is the hot new Mexican food restaurant located in Old Bridge, NJ.  Rosalita's offers a wide variety of Mexican cuisine.  When you eat at Rosalita's you must try the fresh, crispy Empanadas.  For an entree, a must have is Smokey's Baby Back Ribs.  These ribs are served with corn on the cob and a side of freshly cut french fries.  I loved this meal because it is marinated in Rosalita's sweet and savory homemade sauce.  Every dish offered at Rosalita's is Mexico inspired, delicious, and a must try soon!

Toast

Toast has to be my favorite place for breakfast.  I was introduced to it 4 years ago and have been in love ever since.  With a home like feel to the atmosphere, Toast has food that will keep you coming back.  With a location in Montclair, New Jersey and Asbury Park, New Jersey, you can head to Toast before you start your day or before you hit the beach.  They have your typical breakfast food with some signature dishes you can not find anywhere else.  They also have their menu set up so vegetarians and vegans may eat there as well.  The sizes of plates are perfect for filling you up without making you feel sluggish. And with their juices served in mason jars, not only do they look cute but you can finish your drink without that full feeling. Toast is such a big hit, the wait can be  a little frustrating, but I promise it is worth the wait.  When I go there I enjoy the huevos rancheros with a waffle and wash it down with pineapple juice.  So try something different and head to Toast, I promise you won't be disappointed. I'll leave with Toasts famous slogan; Peace, Love, and Pancakes!

Oasis Bakery

Sometime going out to eat to a restaurant can be quite the hassle. I mean depending on the day, you could be waiting forever just for to be seated.  I don't know about you, but some days I wake up and I'm too hungry to wait for food.  So I find Oasis Bakery a great breakfast place.  They have breakfast sandwiches along with breakfast platters.  The bakery is small but a decent size that if you want to bring a group, you would still sit comfortably.  I also have a sandwich when I am there.  A simple egg and Portuguese sausage sandwich on a Portuguese roll with a orange juice for the meal and a small coffee for after, I am good to go.  With  a location in Hillside, New Jersey and one in Elizabeth, New Jersey, you can head over and get a quick breakfast with great quality right before class.  Did I mention you can get your stuff to go?  So whether it be before or after class, those of us attending Kean University, Oasis bakery is something you have to try.

IHOP

Ever wake up and feel like the usual boring bowl of cereal just wont do?  Well with many of these restaurants all over the state, all you have to do is get in your car and go to the nearest one. IHOP, the International House of Pancakes is a great breakfast place.  They do offer lunch and dinner entrees as well, but I also have their breakfast. Along with pancakes you can have waffles, French toast, and crepes.  It's a perfect way to start your day and it will keep you full for hours.  They have the best omelets that come with complimentary pancakes.  That is always what my significant other has, as for me I enjoy the Belgian waffle combo. This comes with a waffle, two eggs, and two pieces of bacon. You can wash down your entrée with the typical breakfast drink, orange juice, or indulge in flavored hot chocolates, coffee, flavored milk, or other juices.  So live a little and trade you bowl of cereal this week, for a breakfast fit for royalty!

The Melting Pot

One of my favorite places to unwind and spend a little money is The Melting Pot.  Even though the prices are pretty high, it's well worth it.  The Melting Pot offers a variety of fondue from different appetizer samplers, entrees, to delicious desserts.  What I love most about this restaurant is the fact that you are given a plethora of finger foods to dip into the fondue.  Each course is fun and definitely fills your tasty craving.  Today I started with the Beer Cheddar Cheese appetizer that came with different kinds of bread and veggies to dip.  For the entree I chose the Pacific white Shrimp marinated in the Mojo cooking style, which brought a great freshness to the dish.  Lastly, I ended the meal with the unforgettable Flaming Turtle.  The Flaming Turtle consists of the irresistible combination of milk chocolate, caramel, and candied pecans.  If that doesn't sound mouth watering enough, how about the miniature cheesecake bites, brownie bites, rice krispy treats, wide range of fruits, and pretzels to dip with?  The Melting Pot offers an assortment of fondue styles that fits everyones wants and needs.  From sweet, to salty, there is always something that will fill your tasty cravings.

Dino BBQ

There is nothing like a great BBQ right? What if I told you there is a great place that gives you that great taste of a fresh BBQ.  Right in Newark, next to the Prudential Center, you can find this at Dino BBQ.  They have great food that will fill you up.  And for those of you who enjoy a great alcoholic beverage, they have a killer Donkey Punch that will hit you right in the face!  With there rustic like atmosphere and large picnic like tables outside, Dino BBQ is ideal for both cold and warm weather.  They give you a great southern feel with there spicy soul food and it will leave you wanting more.  This is a great place for a fun hangout; whether its with friends or family, Dino BBQ is a great place.  So make your way down as soon as possible, I guarantee that Donkey Punch will keep you coming back!

La Ziza

I don't know if you've heard, but hookah is quite the trend.  But after puffing on hookah for a while, you get a little hungry.  What if I told you there is a great place that offers food, hookah, and it's Bring Your Own Bottle?  No, I am not lying, the beautiful La Ziza offers all this for a great price.  La Ziza is a restaurant/lounge that is definitely a must see.  With it's warm atmosphere, you will be there until closing hours.  La Ziza is a great place for a date, to hang out with friends, or make reservations and have your birthday there.  With the Bring Your Own Bottle option, you can bring your favorite drinks to wash down the great Lebanese food cooking in their kitchen.  And for dessert? how about there unlimited flavors of hookah? I don't know about you, but this sounds like quite the Saturday night.

Panera Bread

With the weather dropping, we are all looking for ways to warm up.  How about some warm soup?  Well look no further, Panera Bread has you covered!  Panera is my favorite place to grab a quick lunch and with their free Wife, it's not a bad place to get some studying done. With their great deals and awesome food, there is no way I would ever turn down a trip to Panera. Me personally, I have a taste for their pick two special. It's a great way to mix things up and an awesome solution for those of us that can never pick between two dishes.  I always have a salad and soup pick 2 with a side of their homemade bread.  I like to wash it down with their green tea and enjoy a double duet chocolate cookie for dessert.  The also offer a rewards card for those of us who make a Panera Bread trip a habit. This card offers free treats from the bakery and other specials! So when it gets a little chilly and you want to warm up, Panera Bread is definitely a place you should consider.

Chevy's

Ever hear someone say to you, happy hump day! Well it's definitely a happy one every Wednesday at Chevys when they are offering $2 margaritas all day! With there unlimited chips and homemade salsa, you can't go wrong!  There is nothing better than having a house margarita, on the rocks, with sugar not salt. But that's just me, you can have it with salt or even frozen! While you enjoy your margarita the way you like you can enjoy all the great foods Chevy's has to offer. From there colorful and flavorful salads to there filling Mexican style entrees.  I personally am a quesadilla kind of girl and they make them great! I definitely make sure to be there every Wednesday if I can, especially after my 3 hour class.  It's a great way to unwind and help you prepare to get through the rest of the week. I don't know about you, but I will be sure to be at Chevy's this Wednesday, will I see you there?

Applebee's

With the holidays around the corner, we seem to stay in and save our money to be able to buy gifts.  But when it comes to eating at Applebee's, you can get your gifts and enjoy a night out at your neighborhood restaurant.  Right now at your an Applebee's near you they have some great deals on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday for the football season.  With 50 cent wings, 2 dollar draft beers, and flat screen televisions showing all your favorite teams it can't get any better.  You get cheap food and great entertainment without worrying about your budget being affected. And if you can't make it on those days, they also have their half off appetizers after 10pm all year round.  Applebee's is a great place with great, so head out and enjoy!

Olive Garden

Sometimes when it comes to going out to eat, we look at the places that are in budget.  When it comes to a nice place to eat in budget range, Olive Garden is the go to place!  Olive Garden has nice atmosphere and a romantic setting for when you want to go out on a date. I went to Olive Garden on a Sunday and enjoyed a nice afternoon with my significant other. We enjoyed the unlimited salad and breadsticks as we waited on our entrees. We also enjoyed some sangria.  I highly recommend the peach flavor.  For our entrees we chose the typical Italian styles dishes, pasta and chicken!  I had the pasta, but I switched it up and had eggplant with pasta.  The meals are a great size for the prize and you will definitely leave satisfied. Look up the nearest Olive Garden to you and go enjoy some great food with a home-cooked feel to it!

TGI Friday's

Tis the season, football season that is! I can say finding a good place to eat, drink, and watch the game could be tricky. We all want to enjoy but we all have a budget to follow. I find the best place to enjoy football Sunday is Friday's restaurant. They have happy hour all day on Sunday's, both at the bar and at the dining room. With deals that have appetizers half off and specials on draft beers for the guys and specials on margaritas for the ladies! With half off appetizers and specials on drinks, you can enjoy finger foods and keep the drinks coming while you watch your favorite team on the TV!

 

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Chili's Grill and Bar

When it comes to good food and great discounts, head to Chili's Grill and Bar.  They offer a $20 dinner for 2.  This dinner includes one appetizer to split and two entrees.  The entrees range from juicy burgers to healthy crisp salads.  No matter what you're looking for or craving, you'll find it at Chili's.  Also, every Sunday all day Chili's offers happy hour in the bar and lounge area.  Happy hour includes half off appetizers and cheap draft beer, wine, margaritas, and well drinks.  You can't beat the deals other than at Chili's Grill and Bar.