“Tony” is officially in theaters nationwide today. The film—from studio A24—chronicles the early and often chaotic life of New Jersey native Anthony Bourdain.
The movie takes us back to 1973 at Vassar College, where we see a 19-year-old Bourdain follow a love interest to Provincetown, Massachusetts. What follows is the beginnings of a legendary culinary career that would land the erratic chef in NYC and, eventually, around the world.
But before the Culinary Institute of America—and before slinging Côte de Boeuf at Brasserie de Halles, and hosting hit shows like No Reservations and Parts Unknown—Bourdain bounced around New Jersey, growing up in Leonia, and spending his youthful summers at the Jersey Shore.
And what better way to celebrate the life of Anthony Bourdain than by eating at his favorite New Jersey eateries? Lucky for you, there’s a food trail just for that.
Bourdain’s Favorite NJ Spots
Anthony Bourdain wasn’t shy about his love for New Jersey. He even takes us there in an episode of CNN’s Parts Unknown. Here is where he liked to grub out throughout his childhood in the Garden State, according to NJ Tourism’s Anthony Bourdain Food Trail.
Frank’s Deli & Restaurant – Asbury Park
This no-frills, diner-style deli does more than just sandwiches. Pancakes, pastrami, baked goods, egg platters—you name it. Frank’s is timeless, and Bourdain knew it: “As I always like to say, good is good forever.”
Hiram’s Roadstand – Fort Lee
“This is my happy place,” said Bourdain before chowing down on his favorite hot dog in Jersey (sorry, Rutt’s fans). The roadside stand is known for deep-fried hot dogs, crispy onion rings, chili, and more.
Kubel’s – Barnegat Light
Since 1927, Kubel’s has been the spot on the north side of Long Beach Island for steamed clams and other seafood staples. If you’ve read Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, you know that seafood shacks like Kubel’s were an important part of his upbringing.
Tony’s Baltimore Grill – Atlantic City
Late nights in AC are not complete without a drink and a pizza from Tony’s Baltimore Grill. It’s the place where Atlantic City’s end the night—and where many begin the morning, being that it’s open 24-hours a day.
James Original Salt Water Taffy – Atlantic City
“I hate sweets, but I’m a sucker for nostalgia” said Bourdain before unwrapping a chewy morsel of salt water taffy at James Original Salt Water Taffy. Atlantic City is where the confection was invented, and that history is the exact kind of thing Bourdain was after.
Dock’s Oyster House – Atlantic City
129 years. That’s how long Dock’s Oyster House has been serving Atlantic City—and it’s gone through a lot of iterations in that time. A prohibition-era hangout, a full build-out, and plenty of seafood through every step of the way. “Dock’s Oyster House, an establishment that survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, two world wars, numerous declines and rebirths—still here, still great,” said Bourdain.
Knife & Fork Inn – Atlantic City
Bourdain clearly had a love for long-time, beachside institutions. Knife & Fork Inn is another—opened in 1912, known for seafood, steaks, and flowing wine. This is a must-stop in AC, and Bourdain knew it.
Lucille’s Country Cooking – Barnegat
Bourdain stumbled upon Lucille’s when traveling through South Jersey, and it’s the exact kind of all-American lunch counter that you’d expect him to rave about. Stuffed breakfast platters, baked goods, and the kind of old-school charm you can only get from a hole in the wall off Pine Barrens highway.
Donkey’s Place – Camden
Bourdain proudly exclaimed that Donkey’s Place should be a national landmark, and he had a point. He called the cheesesteaks here—which are stacked high with sheets of ribeye, caramelized onions, and white American, on a poppyseed roll—the best you’ll find anywhere. Those are fighting words for a place that’s a literal stone’s throw from Philadelphia.
Tony & Ruth’s Steaks – Camden
Here’s another Camden greasy spoon. Cheesesteaks, breakfast, fresh fries, burgers, and more. Sadly, Tony & Ruth’s is no longer operational, but their name will forever live in legend thanks to Anthony Bourdain’s high praise.
“To know Jersey is to love her”
—Anthony Bourdain
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
