Eastern Railroad Discussion > [NJ] Dining and drinking trackside

Since the weather is getting better, I thought I'd share some of my favorite places to enjoy train watching and beverage consuming.  Feel free to add suggestions.

Bergenfield on the CSX River Line (one time New York Central West Shore) - The KimChi Smoke House at 49 west church street is at the crossing.  Nice outdoor tables to enjoy a sandwich of smoked brisket, cheese, bacon and kimchi on a glazed doughnut ($15).  Since this is NJ, they don't have an alcohol license, but you can have a beverage in your car trackside.

South Orange on the Morristown Line of NJT - Above Restaurant at One South Orange Avenue. The second floor outdoor deck is adjacent to the M&E and the east end of the eastbound platform. Expect express trains, diesels, electric MU and ALP, all sorts of equipment a few feet from your table.

Woodbridge on the North Jersey Coast Line, a few feet south of the station is JJ Bittings Brewery.  Sit on the open deck on their third floor as express trains roar past, just inches from your table.

Belmar on the NJCL diesel zone - Klein's restaurant is adjacent to the rail bridge. Boats, trains, people walking to and from the beach, cold beer, super fresh seafood, booze, just about perfect.

More to follow

Lackawanna484, you forgot one that goes back to Sillwell coaches and ALCO RS-3s.  It apparently is still in business. Across the street from Pascack Valley main track just South of Emerson station

Emerson -- Emerson Hotel Restaurant & Bar, 31 Emerson Plaza East.

I would do all sorts of household chores in order to get taken to dinner there in time to see first of NB evening trains.  Remember the NY & NJ as it was called back then?

John

 

That's a good suggestion, thanks for the reminder.

There's also the revived Fink's BBQ and Cheesesteaks at 32 Orange Avenue in Suffern NY (on the NJ border) and across the street from the layover yard. Last week there were ALP45, GP40P, PL42AC etc units awaiting the call to duty on Saturday afternoon.

Good food, good selection of brews.  Several windows have a view of the yard.

Session Bistro in Maywood is at the NYS&W crossing.  You can dine while watching the static caboose and S-2 on dislay at the museum.

Session's outdoor deck is open

Bound Brook station: http://mamarosinas.info/index.php
Good Italian restaurant in the former Reading/CNJ station.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/29/16 16:02 by joemvcnj.

Give it a few years, and hopefully, the Lambertville Inn and their outdoor patio will once again be a hot spot on select weekends...a steam locomotive just feet from your table...

http://www.lambertvillestation.com/

http://www.blackriverrailroad.com/alexauken-division.html

Jim Lipnitz
Morrisville, PA
Big Jim Video Productions

Another to add is Bradies in Ramsey, one time called Trackside.  Upstairs bar looks right down on the former Erie now NJT Main that also hosts a few NS freights.