Put down that turkey sandwich, Nov. 28 is National French Toast Day. We all know french toast is a breakfast item that exists within its own realm, beyond the bounds of pancakes and waffles. Traditionally, this dish consists of bread dipped in an egg wash and cinnamon that’s then lightly fried on a stovetop—of course, there are extravagant varieties. The best part is that there’s plenty of places that serve satiating French toast straight from the skillet right here in New Jersey. Here are 11 places you can visit to satisfy your French toast craving this Saturday.
1. La Isla – Hoboken
La Isla is the place to visit for authentic Cuban cuisine. They have two Hoboken locations, and their uptown restaurant serves Sunday brunch, and their Omar’s Stuffed French Toast was featured on Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” The stuffed French toast is “egg bread filled with strawberry/guava cream cheese, dipped in cinnamon batter and coated with corn flakes and almonds.” It’s delicious and available alongside a more traditional brioche variation.
2. Amy’s Omelette House – Burlington, Cherry Grove, Long Branch
On a normal day, the menu at Amy’s offers over 200 omelets and more than 30 types of pancakes and French toast. Although they’ve adapted due to COVID, French toast lovers still have plenty of options. Amy’s French toast is Texas bread that’s coated in cinnamon and almonds, stuffed with peanut butter and Nutella and served with bananas. It’s most certainly decadent and delicious!
3. Meemom’s – Wall, Brick, Middletown
Meemom’s, with three New Jersey locations, has declared themselves the Dean of French Toast University. They offer breakfast and lunch daily and serve more than 20 types of French toast. There’s an apple pie variety, a stuffed berry, and even Oreo. The menu features French Cakes (pancake-batter-fried toast) and Fraffles (two pieces of French toast cooked as a waffle). Meemom’s is a French toast lover’s paradise.
4. Latham House – Jersey City
Latham House in downtown Jersey City is a laid-back American eatery. It’s a family restaurant that puts a unique twist on tradition. And of course, they have great French toast. Their pecan challah toast features caramel and is incredible!
5. Raymond’s – Montclair, Ridgewood
Raymond’s was a tiny luncheonette when it was first founded in 1989. Since then they’ve expanded and have two locations in Montclair and Ridgewood. They serve breakfast all day, so you can have their French toast any time you’d please. Raymond’s French toast is served with orange blossom, caramelized bananas and blackberries. It’s creative and delicious!
6. LePeep – Edison
LePeep restaurants were originally founded in Aspen, Colorado. They’ve since franchised, but their locally-owned restaurants emphasize good service and good food nationwide. The New Jersey location is in Edison and it’s a great place to get your French toast fix! In addition to their traditional variety, they also serve French toast topped with bananas and Nutella. If you want something extra decadent you can order the stuffed French toast, which is filled with vanilla ricotta and custard dipped.
7. Sorellina – Hoboken
This Italian kitchen and wine bar is located in the heart of Hoboken on Washington Street. Sorellina translates to “little sister” in Italian, and The Digest recently visited their seafood-focused sister location, Sirenetta. The cinnamon French toast served at Sorellina’s Saturday and Sunday brunches is certainly worth it. The dish features a cinnamon raisin mascarpone—a classic twist.
8. Urban Griddle – Elizabeth
Urban Griddle is located in one of Jersey’s original metropolitan areas—Elizabeth. They serve up American comfort food in a space decked out with reclaimed wood. Coffee is brewed by trained baristas. Brunch cocktails and local craft beers are available. They serve their traditional challah and cinnamon raisin French toast all day. Stop by for a great start (or end) to your day!
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9. The Hamilton Inn – Jersey City
The Hamilton Inn on Jersey Avenue is where locals go for a great vibe and great food. Their location is prime, and since they’re open seven days a week, you can get your French toast fix anytime. Their cornbread French toast served with honey, cinnamon sugar butter, and blackberry jam is a savory and sweet classic. Named one of OpenTable’s best 100 brunch restaurants in the country, you have to go to The Hamilton Inn. This spot should be your first choice on National French Toast Day.
10. Maywood Pancake House – Maywood
Maywood Pancake House is the breakfast spot for the health-conscious and treat-lovers alike. The founders have spent time developing their recipes and turning traditional dishes into lighter varieties. Their entire menu has vegan and vegetarian options, and this includes their French toast! They serve a cinnamon raisin variety and another with fruit and pecans.
11. Toast City Diner – Asbury Park, Red Bank, Montclair
Toast City Diner’s Asbury Park location is in the heart of the city, right on Cookman Avenue. This makes their diner a hotspot, and the same is true for their Red Bank and Montclair locations. Toast offers three French toast varieties and all are made with challah bread.
Here’s hoping National French Toast Day can beat out Thanksgiving leftovers!
Grace is a student at Boston University, a yoga instructor, and a beach lover. She is an editorial assistant at The Digest.
