A Foodie Guide to New Brunswick

So, you’re heading to Rutgers University, or maybe you’re already there, and you’re wondering where to eat in and around campus. As someone who can get a little overwhelmed by heavy American food, I spent a lot of time searching for places that felt comforting, fresh, and worth going back to. Whether you’re an exchange student, a freshman, or just a foodie like me, here are some of my favourite food spots near Rutgers New Brunswick.

Honeygrow

Honeygrow is easily my number one spot. They serve fresh stir-fry noodle bowls that you can completely customise yourself, which makes it perfect when you want something quick but still fresh and healthy. They also do salads, sides, and Greek yoghurt sundaes at their Honeybar.

After a while, a lot of American fast food can start to feel quite heavy, so Honeygrow was always my go-to when I wanted something lighter but still filling. My personal favourite is building my own noodle stir fry.

2. Hidden Grounds Coffee

This was hands-down my favourite coffee spot near campus. If you’re from the UK, I’d recommend going for the cold brew lattes rather than regular lattes, as American lattes tend to taste weaker than the ones back home. Their New Orleans-style cold brew is genuinely amazing.

It’s more of a treat-yourself coffee place because it can be a little pricey, but the atmosphere is great, and it’s conveniently located right underneath the apartments many Rutgers exchange students stay in.

3. O Bagel

You honestly cannot study in New Jersey, especially at Rutgers, without trying an O Bagel at least once. It’s the perfect breakfast, particularly after a night out.

I’d recommend either the Beesting or the classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese, but if you want something lighter, their cream cheese bagels are great too. New Jersey bagels really do live up to the hype.

4. Stuff Yer Face

If you’re craving comfort food, Stuff Yer Face is the place to go. The portions are huge, the food is super filling, and it’s ideal when you just want a cosy meal with friends.

I loved their steak sandwich and fries, but honestly the best part might be the outdoor garden seating in summer. It reminded me so much of an English pub garden. Plus, it’s only a couple of minutes from the student apartments.

5. Playa Bowls

If you want something sweeter or healthier, Playa Bowls is perfect. Their açai bowls and smoothies are really refreshing, especially during warmer months or after long days on campus.

The portions are generous, and everything tastes really fresh. It’s one of those places that always feels like a good pick-me-up.

6. Thomas Sweet

One thing the UK seriously lacks is proper ice cream shops, and Thomas Sweet quickly became one of my favourite late-night spots. The shop has been around since 1979, and all of the ice cream is made on-site.

I discovered my new favourite flavour there: Mint Oreo chocolate chip. If I could take tubs of it back to England, I genuinely would. It’s open until late too, so it’s the perfect stop after studying or after a night out.

Honourable Mention: 7-Eleven

I know this sounds random, but 7-Eleven became our go-to snack stop all year. Just a short walk down George Street, it’s open 24/7 and has everything you could possibly need.

I always picked up their fresh cookies for a dollar as my evening sweet treat. They also stock all the classic American crisps (chips!), sweets, chocolates, and drinks. Half the fun was honestly just browsing around in there.

I hope these recommendations help you navigate the food scene at Rutgers New Brunswick, because there are so many options that it can feel overwhelming at first. These were the places I kept going back to throughout the year, especially when I wanted food that felt comforting, reliable, and not too heavy.

If you’re heading to Rutgers soon, add a few of these to your list, and don’t leave New Jersey without trying a proper bagel.