Scotch Plains is a serene Township in Union County in the United States of America located in New Jersey.
It is situated on a ridge in the north-central part of New Jersey within the Raritan and Rahway Valley regions.
According to the 2020 census, the Township’s population was 24,968. This Township offers a suburban feel, and the residents are accommodating.
There are a lot of coffee shops, parks, recreational areas, and restaurants in the town, it is a great place to live and raise a family, and everyone seems to know each other.
A good amount of family-owned restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and neighborhood vibes with plenty to eat and entertaining activities that vacationers and locals can partake in.
This guide has collected the best restaurants in Scotch Plains, NJ. Here is a list of the best restaurants in Scotch Plains.
Best Restaurants in Scotch Plains
1. Stage House Tavern
Stage House Tavern is a warm tavern-themed American restaurant offering special American dishes and sides in addition to sweet wines and cocktails. It is one of the best restaurants in Scotch Plains, NJ.
Stage House Tavern has several rooms of various sizes for various purposes, an upstairs bar area that is well-lit with plenty of space, and a game room and a private dining room for executive meetings.
The building is remodeled but has much history and character in the design and interior decoration; occasional live music plays on weekends or during a special reception.
The Stage House Tavern menu is a solid punch of deliciousness. Some menu options include Baja Fish Tacos, French Onion Soup, Cobb Salad, Penne Vodka, Beet Salad, Lamb Shank, etc.
Stage House Tavern is open from 11:30 am – 12:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 11:00 am – 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 12:20 am on Sundays.
Address: 366 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-322-4224.
2. Grillestone Restaurant
Grillestone Restaurant is a modern American restaurant with a name and reputation as one of the top Scotch Plains restaurants due to its specialty cocktails and restaurant games.
The service is great, every table has a unique name chosen by the customers, and it is displayed on the rotating screen on the table, which shows the restaurant is thoughtful and unique.
There is music every night, either from a live band or a DJ, and customers can indulge in the restaurant’s karaoke games and trivia team competitions.
The Grillestone Restaurant has excellent meals, including Filet Mignon, Garden Salad, French Onion Soup, Lemon Drop Martini, Chipotle Baby Back Ribs, Mimosa, etc.
Grillestone Restaurant is open from 11:30 am – 10:00 pm on Mondays through Saturdays and 11:30 am – 9:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 2377 US-22, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-889-8000.
3. Darby Road Public House and Restaurant
Darby Road Public House and Restaurant is an iconic creative restaurant and a mix of restaurant and club serving pub grub, draft beer, and gin; it is also among the best restaurants in Scotch Plains, NJ.
This restaurant is like an ale House in England, it is big on soccer, and the decoration follows suit with beautiful wallpaper depicting some of the greatest moments in soccer history.
Over ten screens show varied sports entertainment; outdoors, there is a larger screen and a spacious seating area for game fans to enjoy themselves.
You can have your customizable choice of meals from the Darby Road Public House and Restaurant star menu, including Drunken Clams, Moscow Mule, Provencal Mussels, Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon, Burrata Caprese, Winter White Cranberry Co’s, etc.
Darby Road Public House and Restaurant are open from 11:00 am – 12:30 am on Mondays through Thursdays and 11:30 am – 2:00 am on Fridays to Sundays.
Address: 450 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-288-7667.
4. Max’s Pizza & Bistro
Max’s Pizza & Bistro is an awesome Italian open restaurant that caters to the needs of all who call Scotch Plains home and all who come to visit, offering the best Italian fare in town.
This establishment is considered one of the town’s cool restaurants; it is clean, and the environment is sanitized; the parking lot and entrance are wheelchair accessible.
Customers come to this restaurant to have a great time with their friends and enjoy delicious meals without being rushed.
The Max’s Pizza & Bistro has a solid lineup of dishes that you will enjoy. Some of those meals include 4 Ham Salami Capicola Provolone, Stuffed Pork Chop, Meat Lovers Sicilian Pizza, Antipasto Salad Catering, Sauteed Broccoli, Grilled Salmon over Spinach, etc.
Max’s Pizza & Bistro is open from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:10 am – 9:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 381 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-490-0102.
5. Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill
Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill is known as an easy-going chain restaurant highly recommended as one of the best Scotch Plains restaurants, serving steak, seafood, and an all-you-can-eat salad bar.
This organization is very well maintained; the chefs, bartenders, and wait staff were all masked and wearing gloves, making the process much more sanitary.
The salad bar is excellent; it has a wide range of selections, and customers can customize the service to suit their fantasies.
If you find yourself at Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill, try out some of its loaded offerings like Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Pound of Wings, Beers on Tap, Martini, Classic Steak, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, etc.
Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill is open from 11:30 am – 10:00 pm Mondays through Thursdays, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm on Fridays to Sundays.
Address: 2376 North Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-232-3443.
6. No. 1 Restaurant
No. 1 Restaurant is a record-breaking family-owned and kids-friendly place that serves irresistible American Chinese dishes with flavors that explodes in your mouth.
This family restaurant has been the go-to place for all kinds of events and receptions, it is well adapted to handle catering for large crowds, and the hall is spacious with plenty of seating.
The employees’ teamwork and service shine through from when you call to make a reservation to the delivery of orders.
The No. 1 Restaurant menu also has a lot of savory dishes that excite the customers every day. Some of these dishes available include Whole Fish, Plain Fried Rice, Vegetable Lo Mien, Cold Sesame Noodles, 4 Pieces of Fried Chicken Wings, etc.
No. 1 Restaurant is open Mondays through Sundays from 11:00 am – 10:30 pm.
Address: 1748 E 2nd St, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-322-4383.
7. Grano Pizzeria & Italian Tavern
Grano Pizzeria & Italian Tavern is a beautiful historical restaurant that is worth adding to your list of best places to eat in Scotch Plains, NJ due to its warm and inviting atmosphere and finger-licking meals.
This restaurant’s interior decor and design are modern yet sophisticated; high-end leather chairs, an oak wood table, and the marble top in the bar area feel premium.
The menu is classic and reasonably priced, especially considering the generous portions and tasteful meals.
Grano Pizzeria & Italian Tavern is a hangout that serves customers daily with unique dishes such as Steak & Eggs, Short Rib Lasagna, Fried Calamari, Shrimp Scampi, Linguine with Clams, Meatball Salad, etc.
Grano Pizzeria & Italian Tavern is open from 11:20 am – 10:30 pm, Mondays through Sundays.
Address: 435 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-322-4808.
8. 2 Much Sauce Food Truck
2 Much Sauce Food Truck is a homely American restaurant that is sometimes too good to be true.
Customers love the atmosphere in the restaurant; the lights on the tables are warm, the Brick wall separating the restaurant from the bar is artistic, and the vintage artwork on the walls is pleasant.
There are several screens in the halls to entertain customers and ample seating for those who want to sit outside for the view.
The menu of 2 Much Sauce Food Truck is a studded list of deliciousness; it has delicious dishes like Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders 5pc, Litty Wings with Garlic Parmesan Fries and Shrimp, Whiting Fish and Wings Combo, Potato Salad, etc.
2 Much Sauce Food Truck is open from 11:00 am – 9:10 pm on Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 am – 8:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1719 E 2nd St, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-548-6650.
Want to know more top places to eat in New Jersey? Here is a guide on restaurants in Basking Ridge, restaurants in New Brunswick, and restaurants in Parsippany for a fun meal time.
9. Red Pepper Indian Cuisine
Red Pepper Indian Cuisine is a high-end Indian restaurant offering a variety of authentic Indian staples curated from secret recipes. It is considered among the top restaurants in Scotch Plains, NJ.
Customers are usually surprised to find this beautiful restaurant tucked away in a plaza and how it brightens the place with its colorful decoration, from the neon signpost to the high ceilings and scented candles.
If you are in the area, you have to stop by to enjoy the ambiance and the superb service; you will find that this restaurant delivers hospitality and professionalism.
The food served at the Red Pepper Indian Cuisine is exceptional. It includes fine meals like Chicken Tikka Masala, Kheer Rice Pudding, Chicken and Paneer Tikka Masala, Honey Glazed Donuts, Veggie Hakka Noodles, Chef’s Specialty Kabob, etc.
Red Pepper Indian Cuisine is open from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Mondays through Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 6:30 pm on Sundays.
Address: 2520 US-22, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-233-5511.
10. Go Sushi
Go Sushi is an interesting local restaurant in Scotch Plains known far and wide for its colorful sights, diverse rolls, entrees, and special happy hour treats.
This restaurant has consistently delivered quality food and service for over a decade. It is not slowing down; every year, it ups the ante on the standards participants in the food industry should uphold.
Vegetarians are happy to visit this restaurant; the special meals allow them to enjoy a little bit of everything without giving up what they love most.
Go Sushi has exciting menu options like Go Sushi, Miso Soup, House Sashimi Deluxe, Kind Crab Salad, Veggie Sushi Platter, Sushi Sashimi Deluxe with Spicy Seaweed Salad, etc.
Go Sushi is open from 11:00 am – 11:30 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 11:50 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 2520 Route 22 East, 2520 US-22 suite10, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-301-0881.
11. Scotchwood Diner
Scotchwood Diner is a home away from home and an incredible American restaurant that is dear to the hearts of the people in Scotch Plain, serving a myriad of quick bite options that are flavorful and affordable.
This beautiful restaurant meets and exceeds the culinary expectations of residents and visitors in the city, there is an ample selection of dishes on the menu for any eater, and it can accommodate a large party seamlessly.
This place has a cool, old-school retro vibe, and the decoration is tuned to match; adequate polished wooden chairs and tables are in the hall to seat customers.
If you find yourself at Scotchwood Diner at any point in time, you can try some of their quick-bite meals, which include Pancakes, Strawberry Cheesecake, Broiled Seafood Combination, Caesar Salad, Eggs Sunny-Side Up with Sausage and Home Fries, etc.
Scotchwood Diner is open from 6:00 am – 11:00 pm Mondays through Thursdays and 6:00 am – 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 1928 US-22, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-322-4114.
12. Nunzio’s Pizza MX
Nunzio’s Pizza MX is a casual fast-food American – Italian restaurant serving authentic and tasty pasta pizza and complimentary dessert for first-time customers.
This restaurant is famous for especially welcoming new customers, the wait staff asks for their names, and they receive a warm round of applause which is pleasing and memorable.
The team is selfless; they go over and beyond to serve the customers, creating a bonding relationship and treating everyone like family.
The exceptional Nunzio’s Pizza MX BBQ Pizza is top on the menu. There are over ten different toppings for variety and customer satisfaction, such as Margherita Pizza, Large Cheese Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Grandma Pizza, Ciro Special with the Works, Mixed Salad, etc.
Nunzio’s Pizza MX is open from 11:00 am – 9:30 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, 11:40 am – 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9:00 am – 7:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 2387 Mountain Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-889-4464.
13. Highlander Restaurant
Highlander Restaurant is an old-school American dinner spot in Scotch Plains reminiscent of school cafeterias serving a wide range of exclusive breakfast and lunch delicacies in a homely atmosphere.
The interior reminds customers of their childhood, complete with stools made from wood and leather and polished countertops; it is brightly lit and airy.
There are several screens in the hall above the kitchen and bar area facing the customers and providing either sports entertainment or put in use for karaoke.
If you are visiting Highlander Restaurant to explore options, consider trying items like Coffee, Western Sandwiches, Eggs and Home Fries, Mushroom Omelets, Pancakes, Sausage, etc.
Highlander Restaurant is open Mondays through Sundays from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm. Feel free to add this restaurant to your list of best Scotch Plains restaurants.
Address: 409 Park Ave A, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-322-7766.
14. Massa Roman Square Pizza & Italian Specialties
Massa Roman Square Pizza & Italian Specialties is one of the best combo joints in Scotch Plains, and the name says it all; there are only good things to say about this restaurant, and it is worth the trip.
This restaurant is located less than a block from the highway and is a stone’s throw from the city center; it is convenient, easy to access, and usually the first stop for hungry workers.
The Romans and Italians would defiantly approve the restaurant decoration themed after both countries; it cares about tradition and consistency without compromising ingredients or taste.
The outstanding Massa Roman Square Pizza & Italian Specialties menu includes mouth-watering classics like Margherita Pizza, Eggplant and Zucchini, Massa, Focaccia Pizza, Margherita Pizza and Pizza Sausage and Broccoli Rabe, Parma Panini, etc.
Massa Roman Square Pizza & Italian Specialties is open from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Mondays through Thursdays and 11:00 am – 9:50 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Address: 405 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-312-9499.
15. China House
China House is a delicious Chinese restaurant that residents and lovers of Asian cuisine in Scotch Plains visit for a super fancy culinary experience at an affordable price.
This restaurant is known for one of the speediest order-to-delivery times in the entire area; customers have been known to get their orders in less than ten minutes which is unheard of for orders with sides and toppings.
The team is courteous, friendly, and patient; they are always ready to listen to customers’ complaints and resolve issues efficiently.
Some inviting offerings on the China House menu include Shrimp Fried Rice, Wonton Soup, Fried Shrimp, etc.
China House is open from 11:00 am – 9:35 pm on Mondays through Saturdays and 11:00 am – 10:50 pm on Sundays.
Address: 2560 US-22, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, United States. Phone: +1 908-228-5073.
Also, check out our guide on restaurants in Margate City, restaurants in Cranbury, and restaurants in Sea Isle City for a fun meal time in New Jersey.
Plan a Trip to Scotch Plains
The above-listed top restaurants in Scotch Plains are examples of the city’s culture and experience; they are well-indoctrinated in providing local and international cuisine of the best quality.
You get to taste food from different parts of the world in these restaurants and enjoy ecstatic bliss without incurring additional expenses.