Two New Jersey dive bars have earned spots on a national ranking of the 120 bars that are the best for food, according to Geek Nexus, a personal finance and pop culture website.
The Highland Tavern in Gloucester City secured the No. 67 spot, while Ye Olde Rathskeller in Cranford landed at No. 88 in a list of 120 dive bars praised for their unexpectedly great menus. The ranking was based on a survey of 3,000 bar-goers who highlighted establishments offering standout meals in unassuming settings.
Read the full list of the top 120 dive bars with great food by Nexus
Dive bars are well known for their contribution to communities as being ideal places to hang out, but today, many specialize in exceptional food, too.
The Highland Tavern, located at 308 Orlando Ave., is described as Gloucester City’s “best-kept secret.” While it doesn’t post its menu online, patrons recommend dishes like the buffalo wings and the Reuben sandwich.
Ye Olde Rathskeller, at 523 Centennial Ave., offers classic American dishes such as wings, beer-battered fish, and liverwurst on rye bread. Visitors praise its burgers especially.
Both spots reflect the growing reputation of dive bars as places where diners can enjoy affordable yet creative meals in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.