When I think back to my time in Newark, what lingers most isn’t just the skyline, the busy streets, or even the music spilling out of cars and shops—it’s the food. Newark has this unpolished charm, a raw honesty, and its street food culture embodies that perfectly. Every bite I took felt like a direct connection to the city’s communities, whether Portuguese, Brazilian, Dominican, or old-school Italian. I didn’t come to Newark looking for fancy Michelin stars; I came to walk the streets, follow the smells, and let my appetite guide me. What I found was a city bursting with flavor, generosity, and a sense of identity that’s cooked into every dish.
1. Portuguese Barbecue at Fernandes Steak House II
Address: 158 Fleming Ave, Newark, NJ
My journey began in the Ironbound, Newark’s legendary neighborhood of Portuguese and Brazilian culture. The air here is heavy with the scent of garlic, smoke, and roasting meat, and I knew I had to start with a classic. Fernandes Steak House II isn’t exactly a food truck or cart, but the street outside is filled with families waiting, chatting, and sipping espresso at nearby cafés—it feels like a street food festival every day.
I ordered the rodízio, endless skewers of beef, pork, chicken, and sausage carved tableside. What made it feel like true street food was the simplicity: meat, grilled perfectly, seasoned with just salt, and served hot. The standout for me was the picanha, a Brazilian-style sirloin cap that melted in my mouth.
Reservations can be made through OpenTable, and I recommend booking in advance on weekends. Prices average about \$40–\$50 per person for rodízio, but considering the portions, it’s worth every cent. Tip: arrive hungry and skip lunch—you’ll thank yourself later.
2. Ferry Street Churrasquerias
Address: Ferry Street, Newark, NJ
Walking along Ferry Street is like stepping straight into Lisbon or São Paulo. The sidewalks overflow with energy—families chatting in Portuguese, the scent of charcoal drifting from small churrasquerias, and windows stacked with fresh loaves of bread. What caught my eye was a humble, no-name spot with a faded red awning that read simply “Frango Assado.” For just \$10, I carried away half a chicken roasted over open flames, its skin blistered to golden perfection, meat tender and juicy, paired with crispy fries and a tub of garlicky white sauce.
I sat on a nearby bench, unwrapping my prize like a kid at Christmas. The combination of smoky meat and tangy garlic sauce was addictive, the kind of food that demands you lick your fingers. Locals told me Friday nights are magic here, when the rotisseries never stop turning. Most places are cash-only, so always keep a spare twenty handy.
3. Pastéis de Nata at Teixeira’s Bakery
Address: 184 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ
After the smoky meats, I needed something sweet, and nothing says Newark street food like a Portuguese pastry. Teixeira’s Bakery is a staple, with glass cases overflowing with custard tarts, loaves of pão, and flaky pastries. I couldn’t resist the pastéis de nata, small egg custard tarts with burnt caramelized tops.
The first bite was warm and creamy, with a crust so delicate it crumbled in my hand. I grabbed a box of six for about \$8 and shared them with strangers at the bus stop—a gesture met with big smiles. That’s the Newark vibe: food becomes a way of connecting.
For the best deals, come in the late afternoon when bakeries sometimes discount pastries that haven’t sold. I often use Yelp to check opening hours since bakeries here can close earlier than expected.
4. Brazilian Street Snacks at Pão de Queijo Café
Address: 168 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ
I stumbled upon Pão de Queijo Café while wandering down Ferry Street. The name alone made me stop—pão de queijo, the little Brazilian cheese breads, are one of my weaknesses. Inside, the counter displayed trays of steaming hot pão de queijo, coxinhas (chicken croquettes shaped like teardrops), and brigadeiros (chocolate fudge balls).
I ordered a bag of six pão de queijo for about \$5, still warm from the oven, chewy with tapioca flour and bursting with cheese. I paired it with a strong Brazilian coffee, and it became the perfect mid-afternoon snack. For budget travelers, this place is gold: you can fill up on delicious snacks without spending more than \$10.
5. Dominican Flavors at La Casa
Address: 47 Wilson Avenue, Newark, NJ
The Ironbound might be famous for Portuguese food, but Newark also has a thriving Dominican community. La Casa was recommended by a local Uber driver, and it didn’t disappoint. I ordered the mofongo con camarones, mashed plantains with shrimp in garlic sauce. It arrived in a steaming bowl, rich and hearty, with enough food to feed two people.
Prices were incredibly fair—about \$15 for a meal that could easily be split. Street-style Dominican food often comes with generous portions, and here it felt like I was eating in someone’s home kitchen. No reservations needed, but weekends can get busy.
6. Italian Hot Dogs at Jimmy Buff’s
Address: 60 Washington Street, Newark, NJ
Newark’s contribution to the street food canon has to be the Italian hot dog. At Jimmy Buff’s, a Newark institution, I ordered mine “double,” which meant two hot dogs stuffed inside half a pizza bread roll, topped with sautéed onions, peppers, and thick-cut potatoes.
It’s messy, greasy, and absolutely glorious. For under \$10, it was one of the most satisfying street meals I had in Newark. The counter-style service means food comes quickly, and you can eat standing up just like locals do. Many reviewers on Google Maps swear by it as a must-try Newark experience, and I completely agree.
7. Empanadas at La Fortaleza
Address: 74 Wilson Avenue, Newark, NJ
I couldn’t leave Newark without trying empanadas, and La Fortaleza made some of the best I’ve had. Flaky pastry filled with beef, chicken, or cheese, fried until golden brown. I grabbed a mixed bag for about \$12 and carried it with me while exploring nearby murals.
The standout was the cheese empanada, gooey inside, perfectly crisp outside. Locals told me to come on Tuesdays, when empanadas are discounted—a tip worth remembering. I found out about this deal through Facebook events, so it’s worth checking local pages when planning your food stops.
8. Cuban Sandwiches at El Cubano’s
Address: 66 Wilson Avenue, Newark, NJ
El Cubano’s tiny shop is famous for its Cuban sandwiches, and for good reason. I ordered one pressed sandwich stuffed with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all inside crisp Cuban bread. It cost about \$9, and it was big enough to share—but I didn’t.
The flavors transported me straight to Havana. Eating it on the sidewalk outside, with the scent of roasted pork filling the air, felt like one of those perfect travel moments. El Cubano’s is cash-only, so be prepared.
9. Halal Street Food Carts Downtown
Location: Near Broad Street and Market Street
On weekdays, downtown Newark comes alive with food carts. I tried a chicken and rice platter from a halal cart near Broad Street—yellow rice, grilled chicken, lettuce, and a drizzle of white sauce, all for about \$7. It reminded me of New York’s famous halal carts but with fewer lines.
What I loved was how quickly I was served—perfect for grabbing food before hopping back on the light rail. Portions were big enough to last me two meals, making it a budget-friendly choice. Bring small bills, since carts don’t always accept cards.
10. Portuguese Seafood at Seabra’s Marisqueira
Address: 87 Madison Street, Newark, NJ
To finish my street food tour, I splurged slightly at Seabra’s Marisqueira, one of the most beloved Portuguese seafood restaurants in the Ironbound. While it’s more of a sit-down restaurant, the street outside buzzes with families waiting for tables, creating that street-market vibe.
I ordered the arroz de marisco, a seafood rice stew brimming with clams, mussels, shrimp, and lobster. It came in a pot large enough to feed three, and the flavors—garlicky, briny, and rich—felt like the ocean had landed in Newark. At around \$30–\$35, it was pricier than other meals, but sharing made it affordable. Reservations via OpenTable are essential on weekends.
Practical Tips for Eating Your Way Through Newark
- Use OpenTable or Yelp Reservations for sit-down spots like Fernandes or Seabra’s.
- Check platforms like Groupon for discounts—once I scored a deal for 20% off at a local churrasqueria.
- Stay nearby in the Ironbound if food is your focus; I booked through Booking.com and loved being able to walk from meal to meal.
- For flights into Newark, I rely on Google Flights or Expedia, which often show bundled discounts with hotels.
Every street, every corner in Newark offered me a new flavor, a new encounter, and a new story. Whether it was greasy fingers from a hot dog, powdered sugar dusted over my coat from pastries, or garlic clinging to my hands after tearing into grilled chicken, I walked away with more than just full stomach—I walked away with memories that tasted like Newark itself.
