There’s something for everyone to love to eat in South Jersey, but Collingswood and Haddonfield in particular have a lot to offer the hungry foodie in search of a unique dining experience.
Collingswood is well known for its selection of shops and restaurants, primarily along Haddon Avenue, and was ranked as the “#1 small-town food scene in America” by USA Today in May 2018.
Haddonfield isn’t as well known as Collingswood for its restaurants, but its foodie scene shouldn’t be overlooked and as you walk down its streets, you’ll encounter a number of fun boutiques to browse. Although the town’s fortunes have gone up and down over the years, it’s a quaint town enjoying a resurgence, and there is more to the town than an historic tavern! Populated by fun boutiques and interesting restaurants, it’s definitely a destination for those interested in trying out different international cuisines.
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| Mexican street corn was one of the delectable offerings at the Haddonfield Farmers Market. |
Tempted to make your own? No food is as good as that which you make in your own kitchen, and for the best and freshest ingredients, you should start at the farmers markets.
Farmers Markets in Collingswood and Haddonfield
There is no excuse not to eat fresh. And if you want to meet the folks who grow your food, then you should head to a local farmers market. South Jersey offers two exemplary farmers markets in the side-by-side towns of Collingswood and Haddonfield. The Collingswood Farmers Market is entering its 20th year in 2020; the Haddonfield Farmers Market is about to celebrate its 14th year.
So whether you’re shopping for fresh fruit, looking for a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or simply want to purchase what’s for dinner tonight, then you’ll likely find what you’re looking for. And in addition to homemade items, fresh produce, and treats for the family, there’s usually live music!
Fresh produce makes up almost 60% of local sales at farmers markets annually, with the remainder coming from products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs, honey, homemade goods and yes, even homemade dog treats.
Collingswood Farmers Market
Getting there: N Atlantic Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Hours: May to Thanksgiving, Saturdays 8 a.m. – noon
Website: http://www.collingswoodmarket.com/
Haddonfield Farmers Market
Getting there: Kings Court In the center of historic Haddonfield
Hours: mid-May – mid-October, Saturdays 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Website: https://haddonfieldfarmersmarket.org/
On the Town Food Tours
Want to try sample a variety of restaurants without committing? Try On the Town Food Tours to introduce yourself to South Jersey’s great food scene, as you stroll from restaurant to restaurant, all the while learning about the town’s history.
Check out On the Town Food Tours locations — owner Audrey Wiggins offers restaurant tours in Haddonfield, Mount Holly, Collingswood, Atlantic City, and Bordentown, all led by guides who know the restaurants and restaurant owners and chefs, as well as the food industry.
Website: https://thebritishchipshop.com/
Collingswood is known for its restaurants, and Porch and Proper fits right in with a menu featuring a contemporary and ever-changing menu of globally influenced dishes. The dishes will seem slightly familiar, because it’s upscale American cuisine, made with regional and locally obtained ingredients that change according to the changing season.
Although the building might be 100 years old, its comfortable and inviting interior is an eclectic blend of antiques, walnut trim, warm leather, crushed velvet and comforting black and white tile. That’s the proper part of the restaurant. The porch is perfect for more casual, outdoor dining. Either way, the food is the draw.
Getting there: 619 W Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08107
Website: https://www.porchandproper.com/
Haddonfield Inn
It’s totally worth staying at a bed and breakfast inn — just for the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of an historic Victorian home.
Breakfast?? That’s just icing on the cake!
We loved our stay at the Haddonfield Inn during our exploration of the area. One of the best things about staying at a bed and breakfast inn there was the breakfast — and Haddonfield Inn didn’t disappoint!! Our breakfast started with a refreshing appetizer, Tangy Fruit Salsa.
They graciously shared the recipe!
TANGY FRUIT SALSA WITH CINNAMON TORTILLA CHIPS
Ingredients
Cinnamon Chips
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 (7-inch) flour tortillas
Salsa
4 peaches*, peeled and chopped
4 kiwi fruit, peeled, sliced and quartered
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 teaspoons lime juice
½ – 1 teaspoon sugar (according to taste)
DIRECTIONS
- For cinnamon chips, preheat oven to 400°F. In a flour/sugar shaker, combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Using a kitchen spritzer, lightly spray tortillas with water; sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Using a pizza cutter, cut each tortilla into 8 wedges; place in single layer on a cooking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Move to cooling rack and cool completely.
- Meanwhile for salsa, chop peaches. Slice kiwi fruit and cut into quarters.
- Combine all salsa ingredients in a medium sized bowl; mix gently. Serve with cinnamon chips.
Makes approximately 4 cups salsa
* 2 cans (15 or 16 ounces) peaches in juice, drained and chopped, may be substituted for the fresh peaches, if desired.
The Pub
I can’t talk about restaurants in South Jersey without mentioning a very special place in Pennsauken: The Pub. But hello, the 70s are calling, and they want their steakhouse back — but don’t give it to them. Go to the Pub, instead. This amazing medieval-themed suburban steakhouse, replete with an old-fashioned salad bar. In addtition to steak entrees, you’ll find seafood, chicken and other dishes.
This retro restaurant is well known in the area, and practically a mandatory stop for anyone who wants to experience a south Jersey tradition. I happened to mention to a friend who grew up in the region where I was eating, and she exclaimed that she grew up going there! She then waxed poetic about memories, and mentioned she’d even brought her kids there.
Going on 60 years of business, here’s hoping this iconic restaurant enjoys another 60 years!
Getting there: 7600 Kaighn Ave, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109
Website: http://www.thepubnj.com/