Philinthebrunch

With two locations in the Garden State, "Better Than Philly Cheese Steaks" is really worth the trip! I'm sure during your quarantine time you have been cooking up a storm with all of your favorite meals and desserts. Why not take a break and check out a great cheesesteak that won't cost you an hour's drive! I recently visited the Watchung Location and I must say it was a treat. The staff greeted me upon entry, gave me a few moments to check out the menu, and asked did I have any questions. What I had? Of course The classic Cheesesteak! ($8.95) What I like best is that most places outside of Philly don't offer the different options of cheese. I had to get "Cheese wiz" on the steak. To me, if you're going to do a cheesesteak, do it right! The bread was tender and fresh and the steak itself was top quality! What else I had? The Sweet Asian Chile Wings ($4.95) were sweet and spicy at the same time! This place should definitely on your to-do list! They also have homemade lemonade, Iced Tea, and "Uptowns". Trust me you won't be disappointed! Make your way over to Better Than Philly Cheesesteak and please tell them that Phil Sent You! 

Better Than Philly Is Located at

1515 US Highway Route 22 

Watchung NJ 07069 

Everyone knows about the Popeyes chicken sandwich. Although it may be decent there are far more chicken sandwiches out there that are more authentic and most certainly worth the wait in line! That being said, you have to try the breaded chicken sandwich from "Wing It On". What I had? The "Dirty Bird" and I must say it was simply amazing, tender but crispy at the same time! The dirty bird comes with crispy buttermilk chicken breast, tossed in a special dirty rub seasoning. It is topped with pickles, red onion, & chipotle ranch dressing! To top it off it comes on a nice brioche bun! For $8.99 this sandwich has so much flavor! make it complete with a side order of fries and a Pepsi! Trust me with all those flavors you'll be satisfied! What else do I recommend? The Classic wings (bone-in). The Buffalo sauce is simply delicious! All of their wings are fresh, never frozen, also seasoned before cooking with a dry rub! The Classic wings come in 6, 12,24, & 50. I suggest the 12 piece wings which cost $13.99.  Wing it on can be found on Uber Eats and Door dash so take advantage and give your tastebuds a thrill! As always, when you stop by, tell them Phil Sent You! 

Wing it on is located at

1600 E St Georges Ave

Linden NJ, 07036 

With a tight nit family, Mamas BBQ II Located in Vauxhall NJ is the place to be if you want good southern style BBQ and Hospitality. All food is made fresh to order and while you wait I suggest ordering a large uptown $2.00 (lemonade & Ice Tea) to quench your thirst! You are greeted with a smile and a menu while you decide what you would like to order. What I had? The Fried Chicken Wings with Mac N Cheese & Collard Greens. It also came with a very tender piece of cornbread! For $14.50 you can't ask for a better deal! I sat at the counter and Shawn came over to greet me and made sure the food was to my liking. The place was packed and I was glad to know that they were concerned with what I had. What else do I recommend? Try the seafood platter! It has 4 whiting, 8 shrimp, coleslaw and fries or $17.00!!! Side orders which come at a price of $4.00 are a real treat! Candy Yams, Potato Salad (from scratch), as well as cabbage! If you are planning a BBQ, Save yourself sometime by ordering the large pans of Mac N Cheese or Spanish Rice! Mamas BBQ is special! Glad to see a family run business ran so well! As Always, Tell Them Phil Sent you!!!!

Mamas BBQ II Is Located at:

2083 Springfield Ave

Vauxhall NJ 07088 

While on a brief getaway in the DC and Northern Virginia Area, I had the pleasure of stopping by a spectacular food chain called Nando’s (Peri Peri). This unique franchise offers the best chicken with a kick! That you can find! The flame grilled chicken items offer different levels of spice that anyone can handle. This franchise has restaurants all over the world and has a Portuguese background with foods filled with tons of spice and seasonings to make it the perfect meal. What I had? The Half Chicken (Pictured), which comes with your choice of sides. I had 2, French fries and coleslaw. I must say the combination was to die for! The price was very reasonable at $15.45! Customer service was also excellent, the manager, Shami, met us as we walked in. He asked me if it was my first time and gave me several recommendations from the menu. What I also love is that the food is cooked right in front of you and made fresh to order. What else do I suggest? The “Peri- Peri” Wings $16.45, which come with 12 and 2 sides! Other popular sides, the corn on the cob which is grilled but not try at all, butter and other flavors add the perfect touch. I also suggest The Chicken and kale ceasar wrap $7.75 and the Chicken breast sandwich with medium nando sauce $7.25. For Desert, I suggest small custards called “Nandos” which will make your trip worthwhile! Now north eastern friends, I know what you’re thinking. How often do I go to DC or Virginia? Here’s the great part, its spring and summer almost here, when you take out your grills and start your BBQ’s, you can add spices and use Nando Sauce! They are for sale at Shop Rite, Walmart, World market, and the fresh market. There you have it, If you want great chicken and love a ton of ways to have it, Nando’s is the place for you! They range in the US from Chicago to Maryland. If you stop by the location in at Potamic town center, tell them Phil sent you!

15001 Potomac Town Pl, Woodbridge, VA 22191

With a community and family orientated feeling, Newark NJ has its Newest Brunch venue in the heart of the downtown district. Famous Chef and TV personality Marcus Samuelsson has opened Marcus B&P! Known for his tremendous talent in restaurants such as the “Red Rooster” and “Ginny’s Supper Club” Marcus brings his talent and creativity to a Newark NJ that’s on the rise! What I had, The Chicken and Waffles! The typical brunch classic! Here the chicken and waffles comes with a spice! Topped with syrup, peppers, and a dash of hot sauce, this meal has flavor as well as packs a punch with spice! Get your taste buds ready! Order a mimosa and an ice cold water if you can’t handle the spice! There you will enjoy a rustic and culturally oriented venue with artwork and items that embraces Newark’s rich history. You are treated with care and honored guest and the hostess takes the time to explain the purpose of the restaurant, which is a community feeling and place you can feel at home! Make your way to Marcus B&P and as always, tell them Phil sent you!

56 Halsey St, Newark, NJ 07102

With a unique style and warm welcome upon entry, Burger Walla of Newark NJ is a great place to have a Cheeseburger! Not your average restaurant, Burger Walla is a great addition to the restaurant section of Halsey Street in the downtown area. What I had? The classic beef burger! Made with beef short rib, brisket, and chuck! Which is the prime cut of beef perfect for any burger! The toppings I had were goat cheese, caramelized onions, spicy pickle and their special "walla" sauce! which adds tons of flavor! Hand cut french fries, and a Boylan Soda fountain drink (which is made with natural cane sugar) all for $13.00! All of their food is cooked right in front of you and handled with care as if they were making if for themselves! What else do I recommend? Try the "Walla Chicken Burger" for $6.50 or the Chicken wings $6.50 which come in many different special flavors such as Mango Tamirand, Buffalo, Chili Mango, or Walla sauce. They also have an amazing lamb Burger. This place offers a cool "urban" seating area with TV's and cozy environment for a great lunch break with coworkers, friends, family, or eating on the go! Stop by and tell them Phil Sent You! Burger Walla is located at:

47 Halsey Street, Newark NJ, 07102

Everyone knows NJ is known for diners, grease spots, dive bars, and the country's best tomatoes. But now more brunch centered restaurants are coming on the rise. Case and point, Urban Griddle, Elizabeth NJ. With a modern eclectic style set up and welcoming atmosphere, I highly recommend Urban Griddle for your brunch appetite! What I had? The ham omelet, for $8.75 it comes mixed with mushrooms, onions, peppers, yellow american cheese, and delicious home fries! Also your choice of toast, which I prefer multi grain. Want something sweet for breakfast? for $3.25 a slice, please try the cinnamon raisin french toast which is sure to give your early morning sweet tooth what it desires! What else do I recommend? Try the Pulled Chicken sandwich for $7.75, comes with sharp cheddar, blue cheese slaw, cajun aioli, brioche. You also can't go wrong with the classic "Oven Roasted Turkey Reuben" which comes with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and sour dough bread. Urban Griddle has a home style feeling when it comes to customer service and you are welcomed with a warm smile the moment you walk in. Tell them Phil sent you! Urban Griddle is located at:   

                                                                                                   460 Maple Ave, Elizabeth NJ 07202 

Angel of Harlem is a great place to stop by for the infamous brunch menu item "Shrimp and Grits". On a typical weekend if you're "uptown" I highly recommend that You stop by for this delicious meal packed with tons of flavor! For $18, this large portion includes chopped up red and green peppers, onions, and a sauce that packs a mean punch with taste! Want to add a little more? Order a side of "apple wood" smoked bacon which is crispy, break it up on top of the shrimp and grits, and you are all set! Have a mimosa on the side along with good music and Angel of Harlem is the place to be for brunch in the city. Other brunch meals I suggest: The Skirt steak and eggs, which is balsamic glazed, 2 eggs your choice, and red bliss shredded potatoes for $21 and also the Lobster Ravioli, which comes with a wine, tomato basil sauce for $19. You can also add $20 to your entree for unlimited mimosas, sangria, or rum punch! Angel of Harlem is located at:

                                                                               2272 Frederick Douglass BLVD, New York, NY 10027

Looking for good food on interstate i 95 south? I highly recommend the Cracker Barrel. With a warm country style welcome this place offers southern hospitality no matter which location you attend! While on highway i 95 I had the pleasure of stopping at the Bel Air Maryland location. Looking for a few good choices? I highly suggest the "Sunrise Sampler". For $8.49 you get two eggs your style served with grits or fried apples, and your choice of bacon, turkey sausage, or smoked sausage and Country Ham! They also serve the best biscuits and gravy you can find on the road! Want more? Please try the Pecan Pancakes! for $7.39 you get three buttermilk pancakes filled with pecans underneath and of course sweet maple syrup! Cracker Barrel has great customer service and each location has a gift shop that you can purchase popular items such as rocking chairs, gigantic checker sets, and plenty of other souvenirs! The Location I visited:                                                                                                                                                                                               1440 Handlir Dr, Bel Air, MD 21015

Being that I am always in Newark NJ during the week. Whenever I hit Tops Diner in Newark, NJ I can always expect great food and a comfortable setting. Whether I go for breakfast or Brunch, I can't help but order the "Georges Special." For $10.99 you get 2 buttermilk Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage, 2 eggs your style, and home fries. If you want some of everything, this can't be beat! Order a large glass of their fresh squeezed orange juice and you're are all set! They have exceptional customer service and you will always feel welcomed from the moment you walk in. They have several lunch specials everyday which include the soup of the day for a great deal! Other top choices: Shrimp N Grits, Chicken and Waffles, and the Short Ribs of Beef! And if you want something sweet, they have the best milkshake in town! Tops Diner is located at:                                                                                                                                       500 Passaic Ave, Harrison NJ 07029