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Eat where the action is: These NJ pedestrian-only spots are havens for outdoor dining
Once the temperature rises, there's nothing like hanging at a streetside restaurant table, enjoying the bustle of passersby, a summer breeze and the laid-back ambiance that only outdoor dining can offer.
But in these Central Jersey downtowns, al fresco dining gets a leg up thanks to pedestrian-only streets and plazas full of ever-changing events and activities.
Here are the pedestrian-only spots where you should snag a dinner reservation.
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In the main street stratosphere, "we want to be like Somerville" has been uttered more than once. The Somerset County seat has become a model for New Jersey downtowns, transforming from a dilapidated main drag to a beacon of outdoor dining, shopping and events.
A chunk of that renaissance can be attributed to one colorful block. In 2014, Division Street closed to traffic permanently after it become a beloved pedestrian haven following a temporary closure four years prior due to construction. After the permanent closure, the street's businesses went from 50% occupied to fully occupied.
Today, it's home to several restaurants with streetside seating, including Division Cafe, Origin French Thai, Fresh Tiki Bar, and Dolce Gelato & Espresso Bar.
With plenty of tables and chairs, visitors are welcome to eat fare from other restaurants on Division Street as well. Plus, it's across the street from the Somerville train station.
"It's one of those spaces where you know you're going to get a great experience because you don't have the added noise and experience of vehicles passing by when you're sitting outside and eating," said Olivia Manning, former executive director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance (she resigned May 23). "It feels more like a little nook or like a quiet, cool space that's sort of yours."
Division Street is also the center of Somerville's action-packed calendar, both during the warmer months and beyond.
Concerts are held on Division Street from 6 to 9 p.m. every Saturday from Memorial Day Weekend through the last weekend in September. Movie nights will be held there at 7 p.m. every Wednesday from July 9 to Aug. 13. Plus, Division Street will be the locale of the artisan market at noon on Aug. 24 and Pride Night from 7 to 10 p.m. on June 26.
Due to a $150,000 grant from Main Street New Jersey, garbage management and water access on Division Street will improve. New seating will also be added, and businesses will receive tools to improve their storefronts like signage, planters and decor.
Go: Division Street, Somerville;
During COVID-19, parts of George Street — from Albany Street to Bayard Street — closed to traffic to make way for outdoor dining in the wake of indoor dining restrictions.
Five years later, the closure is still returning seasonally, so people can access about 25 restaurants like Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe, Salad House, Fat Cactus Cantina, Smashville Hot Chicken & Burgers, and Tavern on George. It attracts everyone from Rutgers University students to families.
This year, the closure will take place from June 2 to Oct. 20, which is about two months longer than it lasted last year. In the future, it might close permanently to the delight of many eatery patrons.
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"I receive so many emails from people saying, 'Are you going to have outdoor dining again? We are not from town, but we love coming into town,' " said Pamela Stefanek, executive director of New Brunswick City Center. "It shows us that people are coming to New Brunswick just to experience outdoor dining and the synergy that it brings with the music and programming."
This year, that programming will include live music performances, trivia nights, game nights and a silent disco night. The programming and season has been accentuated from last year to also accomodate the increased traffic from the many new George Street restaurants, like Casa Ragazzi, Haraz Coffee House and Kaizr Mediterranean Grill.
"When George Street is open to vehicle traffic, the sights and sounds are totally different," said Stefanek. You hear ambulances, horns and trucks, you smell the buses and the fumes. But when the road is closed, it's more peaceful and enjoyable. You can hear the birds and the music, and smell the food. It brings people together."
Go: George Street between Albany Street and Bayard Street;
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As the recipient of the 2024 Great American Main Street award, Metuchen obviously has a downtown dining scene worth trekking to on a Saturday night.
But just off the main thoroughway at 1 Pearl St. is Metuchen Town Plaza, an outdoor square where people can dine on Meximodo or Che Pizza patios, or bring fare from other restaurants to eat on plaza tables and benches that are available seasonally.
"Everybody loves to be in the center of the action at the plaza," said Dawn Mackey, executive director of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance. "It's wonderful to have a bit of open space in the middle of a downtown. It's a respite, and there's also a lot of energy."
The half-acre plaza is also the home of Metuchen events. This summer, it will host Juneteenth celebrations from 5 to 7 p.m. June 7; Kids Takeover from 1 to 5 p.m. June 10; and Downtown Rumble Pro Wrestling on Sept. 13.
"It's a great vantage point to enjoy an excellent meal and entertainment," Mackey said.
Go: 1 Pearl St., Metuchen;
Contact: JIntersimone@
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she's a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State's buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.
This article originally appeared on These Central NJ pedestrian-only streets are havens for outdoor dining
