01
Best overall pick
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Newpark Mall Area • Lively American Restaurant And Bar • Best For Groups And Big Menus
Huge menu, a dog-friendly patio, and a buzzy bar make Lazy Dog an easy crowd-pleaser near NewPark Mall.
If you’re trying to satisfy a big group with wildly different tastes, Lazy Dog is the safest bet in town. The menu runs from burgers and TV-ready bar snacks to wok dishes and lighter bowls, so everyone can find something without haggling. It’s busy and energetic in the evenings, with plenty of TVs for game days and a patio that works well for casual meetups.
02
Top seafood feast
Ray's Crab Shack
Central Newark • Casual Cajun-Style Seafood Spot • Best For Messy, Hands-On Dinners
Pick-your-own seafood boils, plastic bibs, and bold Cajun seasonings are the whole point at Ray’s Crab Shack.
Ray’s is where locals go when they’re in the mood to crack shells, get a bit messy, and linger over piles of crab, shrimp, and lobster. You choose your seafood, seasoning, and spice level, then everything arrives in steaming bags at the table. It’s more about fun than formality, so come with friends, order a few sides, and plan on using plenty of napkins.
03
Go-to brunch and comfort food
Jack's Restaurant & Bar
Near Newpark Mall • Relaxed All-Day American Diner-Bar • Best For Hearty Brunch
Jack’s delivers big-plate breakfasts, burgers, and salads in a comfortable setting that works from morning meetings to casual nightcaps.
This is the kind of place where weekend brunch can easily run into the afternoon. Portions are generous, the coffee keeps coming, and classics like omelets, pancakes, and chicken-fried steak are done the way regulars expect. In the evenings, the bar side picks up with a solid lineup of beers and cocktails, making it a reliable fallback when you don’t want to overthink dinner.
04
Best for Thai cravings
Simply Thai
Thornton Avenue Corridor • Cozy Neighborhood Thai Restaurant • Best For Flavorful Curries And Noodles
Simply Thai is a small, comfortable spot known for fragrant curries, well-balanced stir-fries, and reliably good noodle dishes.
Tucked into a low-key strip along Thornton, Simply Thai is the kind of place you end up on repeat once you find your favorite dish. Their curries are rich without being heavy, and staples like pad thai, pad see ew, and spicy basil stir-fry come out hot and consistent. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly room, and takeout is quick if you’re grabbing dinner on the way home.
05
Worth-the-drive seafood
Market Broiler
Pacific Commons, Fremont • Casual West Coast Seafood Restaurant • Best Nearby Pick For Fresh Fish
Just over the Newark border, Market Broiler serves fresh fish, chowders, and grilled seafood in a comfortable, slightly upscale setting.
If you don’t mind a short hop into Fremont, Market Broiler at Pacific Commons is an easy choice for a more polished seafood dinner. The menu leans on fresh, simply prepared fish, along with staples like clam chowder, seafood pasta, and shareable appetizers. It’s popular with families and date nights alike, especially if you want to pair dinner with a movie or shopping in the same complex.