Hillary Chybinski: Looking for a great place to eat in NJ? Try Dodge's Market in Elmer.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Looking for a great place to eat in NJ? Try Dodge's Market in Elmer.

In New Jersey, there is a 1 square mile sized town called Elmer. It sits in the southeastern corner of Salem County and boasts a population of 1,351.  Elmer was incorporated in 1893, and their website has some great historical facts and pictures.

But what I want to share with you today is a current jewel sitting in Elmer, NJ.  The New Dodge's Market.



When the boys go camping, I spend the time hanging out with my mom.  We go shopping, look through magazines, watch TV, drink wine and go out to eat. (that's how I camp)  Well she wanted to take me to her new find, Dodge's.  "It's not fancy" she told me, "but the food is really great."


When we pulled into the parking lot, it was love at first sight for me.  Dodge's is an adorable victorian general-store type place that oozes charm.


You can eat inside or outside on the deck.  We chose an inside table near the window.  The service was so friendly and wonderful.  More like going to a friend's house that a restaurant.  The inside tables give a great view of the Deli Counter (they have a famous cheddar. . .), floral offerings and dessert case (homemade and SINFUL!)


My mom was right, it's not fancy.  It's rustic and old-fashioned.  It's not "kitschy" but rather it's the real deal.

The uber sweet server brought over menus and got us some fresh-brewed iced tea.  They have Sweet Tea and un-sweetened tea as well, lemonade, soda and more.

The menu is an ecclectic mix of homemade soups, sandwiches and salads.  Some nights are "theme nights", we happened to be there on Burger Night.  That meant in addition to the regular menu, they had a selection of gourmet burgers to choose from.  

It seems wrong to call the delicious creation of beef, bacon, caramelized onions and brie that came out a "burger".  It was cooked to perfection and absolutely the best burger I think I've ever eaten.  I loved that the pickles, lettuce and tomato were on the side, allowing you to add or not.


Oh and those onion rings and fries on the side? Sinfully delicious.


There was no room for dessert after that delicious meal, but my mom and I picked out a little something to bring home.  They have a wonderful assortment of full-sized cakes, doughnuts, pastries, cupcakes, cookies, and small desserts.


They serve breakfast 7 days a week, offer take-out and catering, baked breads, a coffee bar, full-service meat & deli counter, imported & home-made cheese, fresh-roasted nuts and MORE! They have a produce selection and fresh-cut flowers, arrangements and potted plants too.

So if you find yourself out in the farm lands of NJ, I highly recommend you stop by Dodge's for something delicious to eat. They have a great website and are on Facebook too.

If you go - be on the look out for my parents. . .I hear they're "regulars".

catch you soon -

note - I was not asked to do this review, nor did I receive anything in exchange for writing it.  I believe in sharing good things with my friends, and Dodge's is a VERY good thing.  All opinions are, as always my very own.

4 comments:

  1. Great review! I too love Dodges...and their soups are truly worthy of "soup nazi" fame..a la Seinfeld...we are in Cape May Court House...and we stop on Cowtown Tuesdays and Fridays if we come up for auction...I have antique/gift shop...but they have brought a little corner of bliss to Elmer!

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    1. Thanks Susan! I grew up down there and now live outside Philly - will be checking out your shop. . .my mom and I are always looking for a new adventure when the boys are camping!

      Hillary

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  2. This place looks amazing! Road trip. After my moving sale, I just may make this place my treat. #Awesome.

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    1. Dude - I will totally go with you - that burger rocked my socks!

      Hillary

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