Top 5 Traits & Top 10 New Jersey Places Mentioned

This year, we’re thrilled to celebrate what makes New Jersey special! We asked our guests and listeners to share their favorite things about New Jersey. After crunching the numbers, we’ve curated an exciting lineup featuring the top five reasons people love New Jersey and the top 10 most popular restaurants and places mentioned by our community. From local gems to statewide favorites, this list shines a spotlight on what makes New Jersey wonderful.

🙌 A Huge Congratulations! 🙌

Each of these spots has made New Jersey even more special. Want to see if your favorite made the list? Check out the lists below for the full rundown! 📝

❤️ New Jersey❤️

Join us in applauding these incredible places. Your support lights up our local community. Please help us continue spotlighting stories and places that make New Jersey by following us on Instagram.

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Top Five Traits That Make New Jersey Great

1. Diversity One of the most frequently mentioned aspects of New Jersey is its diversity. The state is a rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. From the people to the food, the diversity here is celebrated and cherished.
2. Natural Beauty Contrary to popular belief, New Jersey is not just about highways and industrial areas.
   A unique blend of lakes, beaches, mountains, and parks offering outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, and waterfront strolls.
3. Accessibility Tangibly close to anything you want—major cities, scenic nature, and cultural hubs—while maintaining its distinct character.
4. Authenticity Known for its grit, resilience, and straight-talking, no-nonsense attitude that reflects the true spirit of its people.
5. Community & Culture A strong sense of community enriched by local pride, arts, and events like film festivals, with a lifestyle that combines urban energy and suburban charm.

Top Ten Shoutouts Montclair, NJ Winners 

1. Watchung Bookstore @watchungbooksellers
2. Paper Plane @paperplanecoffeeco
3. Zeugma @zeugmanj
4. Marcel @marcelbakeryandkitchen
5. MC Hotel @themchotel
6. Le French Dad Boulangerie @lefrenchdadboulangerie
7. Cafe Giotto @cafegiottomontclair
8. Boschetto @boschettonj
9. Brick & Dough Pizza @brickxdough
10. Pink Bungalow (online pick) @pinkbungalow

All 2024 Mentions

In alphabetical order. DM us on Instagram if you would like a 2024 Lost in Jersey favorite window decal sent to you. 

1. Ampers & Interiors
2. Artiesnj
3. Asbery Park
4. Barbara Eclectic
5. Bivio (white pie pizza, highly recommended)
6. Black Swan Espresso
7. Boschetto (Italian, Glen Ridge, guest is friends with the owners)
8. Brick & Dough Pizza
9. Bluestone
10. Cocos
11. The Corner
12. Crystals and More
13. Dry Goods Refillery
14. Egans and Son
15. Faubourg
16. Gandam Bakery
17. Giotto (family dinner)
18. Howell
19. Holsten’s
20. J. Clores Flowers
21. Jonathan’s Balloons
22. Jafajems
23. Java Love
24. Just Jakes
25. Kebab on the Cliff (Rutherford)
26. Le French Dad Boulangerie
27. Lambertville (Town praised by guests)
28. Loop (event venue)
29. Minias (breakfast or lunch)
30. Marcel (breakfast)
31. Mercado
32. Montclair Brewery
33. Montclair House Grill
34. Moss & More
35. Molo’s (Edgewater, amazing Manhattan views)
36. Montclair Film Festival
37. Montclair Art Museum
38. Nouvelle & One Savvy Design
39. Over the Moon
40. Pascarella Brothers (Chatham, best Taylor Ham and cheese sandwich)
41. Paper Plane
42. Pizzeria Mandara (West Caldwell, top slice of last year)
43. Pink Bungalow
44. Rutherford Coffee Co.
45. Rutt’s Hut (famous hot dogs)
46. Star Tavern (West Orange, thin crust pizza, best when well done)
47. Saffron Bloom (Hasbrouck Heights, Chef Shaheen’s popular restaurant)
48. Spring House  (in Tenafly)
49. Studio Nectar
50. Sunday Motorco
51. The Corner (pancakes and baked eggs, Glen Ridge)
52. The George (Boutique Hotel)
53. The MC Hotel (All round)
54. The Claridge Movie Theather
55. Thought in Motion Water Bar
56. Toast
57. Trend
58. Vinny’s Pan Pizza (Millburn, thin cheesy pizza)
59. Vesta Chocolate
60. Watchung Booksellers
61. Wellmont Theater
62. Zoes
63. Zeugma