Flying through Terminal A in Newark used to be one of the most dreadful scenarios a flier could experience. It was drab, the lines were long, and the food options were terrible. Earlier this year though, the brand new concourse opened up and it’s basically an airport Disneyland with homage to many of our favorite Garden State small businesses. Read on for more about this new and improved experience at Newark Airport.
The Office Tavern + Grill
Once through security and descending into the terminal, one of the first places you’ll notice is The Office Tavern + Grill. With four locations around Northern New Jersey, we’ve all probably hit an office happy hour there. The Terminal A location offers a full menu and features local beers.
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Playa Bowls
Playa Bowls may be nationwide now, but it will always be a Jersey specialty in our minds. Directly under the stairs, visitors will find an outpost that has all of our favorites. It’s also one of the places that open early for those crack-of-dawn flights we all dread.
Carlito’s Barbecue Taqueria
Carlito’s Barbecue Taqueria has four locations in New Jersey, including the pop-up at Smorgasbar, two in New York, a food truck, and a food cart. The fast-growing favorite is now also servicing fliers near gate A16 from 6AM-9:30PM.
Bang Cookies
These giant organic cookies have been a crowd-pleaser in Jersey City for years, and now it’s easier to share the love when visiting friends and family. The location in Terminal A is open from 9AM-6PM, seven days a week, and offers a wide selection of the goey, delicious cookies.
Jersey & Co. Gelato
Another Jersey City favorite, Jersey & Co. Gelato also opened across from Bang Cookies in Terminal A. The small-batch, handcrafted gelato spot has an array of flavors, milkshakes, floats, Boba Latos, and Affogatos. It’s the perfect spot to swing by when you get that notification on your phone that your flight has been delayed.
Kitchen Step
Bringing a taste of nature inside the terminal is the expansive Kitchen Step restaurant and bar at the far end of the terminal, near gate A16, and exported straight from the Van Vorst Park neighborhood of Jersey City. The space is bright white with natural elements for a nice, relaxing feel in an often chaotic setting. The restaurant itself is quite large and has high-top seating near the bar and traditional seating on either side of the kitchen. The staff is incredibly friendly and quick, another nice departure from a normal airport experience.
Tonnie’s Minis
Tonnie’s Minis is a bakery boutique based in Newark that has a mess-free solution to desserts. Enjoy a cupcake in a cup, or cake pops from the bright orange space. You can’t miss it as you walk through the terminal.
BOLD Newark
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BOLD Newark sells various designs from local, black, minority small businesses in the area. You can find unique gifts in the shop, and know that you’re giving back by shopping small and local.
WORD Bookstore
From Hamilton Park to Terminal A, WORD has a small location within the Ink by Hudson bookstore. It has books for all ages, local-inspired gifts, and staff favorite picks to offer any flier who forgot their book at home.
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The Black Home
The Black Home by Neffi Walker celebrates Black artistry. Its Newark location is a welcoming space filled with home goods and beauty products. The airport outpost features a collection of beauty and candles.
