Champagne bars and restaurants in New Jersey
New Jersey may be one of the smaller U.S. states, but its landscape and culture are remarkably varied. Stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Delaware River and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the state combines busy urban areas, seaside towns, farmland, forests and historic communities.
New Jersey’s proximity to New York City has had a major influence on the state, particularly in the northeast. Jersey City and Hoboken sit directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan and have developed their own lively restaurant, bar and cultural scenes. Newark, one of the state’s largest cities, has a rich history and a particularly diverse population, with strong Portuguese, Brazilian and other international influences.
Further south, the Jersey Shore offers a completely different experience. Towns such as Asbury Park, Cape May and Atlantic City each have their own character, from Victorian architecture and music venues to beaches, boardwalks and casinos. Cape May is especially known for its beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, while Asbury Park has a long connection to live music and the Jersey Shore’s cultural history.
New Jersey also has a quieter side. The Pine Barrens cover a large area of southern New Jersey with forests, wetlands and small historic communities, while the northwestern part of the state becomes more rural and mountainous. The Delaware River and the Appalachian landscape provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking and scenic road trips.
Food is one of New Jersey’s strongest cultural features. The state’s diverse immigrant communities have created a dining scene that ranges from Italian-American classics and diners to Portuguese, Brazilian, Indian, Korean, Middle Eastern and many other cuisines. New Jersey is also known for its diners, which remain an important part of the state’s everyday food culture.
The state’s wine industry has grown steadily as well, with vineyards and wineries spread across several regions. Together with its sophisticated restaurant scene and proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, this gives New Jersey plenty of opportunities for Champagne lovers to explore.
Looking for Champagne in New Jersey? Explore the Champagne Hunters map to discover places serving authentic Champagne by the glass or bottle, and find your next stop from the Jersey Shore to the communities around New York City.