All Aboard For Bergen’s Train Stations

Traveling by rail? There’s lots to do and plenty to eat near all stops along NJT’s Bergen County Line.

It’s right in the name—New Jersey Transit’s Bergen County Line runs right through the heart of many Bergen communities. Whether you take it every day on your city commute or just occasionally for a day trip, you can journey from Suffern, N.Y., to 14 stations in our county before heading to Secaucus (transfer here for Penn Station!) and then Hoboken.

If you get to one of these stations early and you’re waiting for the next train, or you’re getting home from a long day and are looking for a treat, you’re in luck. You can take a walk, catch a breather or grab some great food near your train stop.

Here are some options, all highly rated and some of them Readers’ Choice contest picks, within easy distance to these stations:

Rutherford Station. If you’re looking for a bite or a quick cup of coffee, walk around the corner from the train stop and try local favorite Ara Coffee, which roasts its beans in-house. For a more sit-down meal, right across from the station is Volare’s, a restaurant offering Northern Italian dishes and a warm atmosphere.

Westmont Station. This station in Wood-Ridge isn’t nestled in the heart of a downtown, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to see. A few steps away is the Wood-Ridge Athletic Complex, which offers walking paths, picnic tables, a dog park and a great playground for kids. A Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins are about two blocks away. Enjoy some sunshine and fresh air (or let your little ones burn off some energy) before getting on your ride.

Garfield Station. You can pick up a classic American burger and shake from JAM Burger, located close to this NJT stop. For coffee, baked goods and Colombian food classics, Aroma de Café Restaurant & Bakery is highly rated and only requires a little bit more of a walk.

Plauderville Station. Also located in Garfield, this station provides several options for how you spend your time between trains. There’s nearby Columbus Park, which offers plenty of space to take a walk and stretch your legs. Only a little farther away is Dahnert’s Lake County Park, with lakeside views and gazebos. And if you’re hungry, you can pick up a slice at Tony’s Pizzeria & Ristorante.

Broadway Station. The first of two NJT stops in Fair Lawn, Broadway is a stone’s throw away from Juicy Platters, a popular joint for Mediterranean flavors. They offer meat or vegetable platters, all served over rice. Another option: Go in the other direction for a sit-down Greek meal at Taverna Mykonos.

Radburn Station. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention The Rail Yard Tavern, located (as the name implies) across the way from Fair Lawn’s second station. This is a great place to pick up American pub classics, from sliders to jalapeño poppers. Something lighter? Try the popular CoZie Café for coffee, pastries and specialty cookies.

Glen Rock Station. Another spot that takes its name from its proximity to the tracks, Stone & Rail is a gastropub with craft beer and a killer happy hour. Or you can go a little vit further for the all-day brunch and Korean American fusion at Honey Day Café.

Ridgewood Station. Ridgewood’s downtown speaks for itself, so much so that we have a hard time choosing only a few recommendations. Take a walk to Ridgewood Coffee Company or American Bulldog Coffee Roasters, both of them recent Readers’ Choice Award picks. There’s also local staple (and another Readers’ Choice nod) Sook Pastry.

Ho-Ho-Kus Station. Grab a light lunch at Catchy Cafe & Catering or, for those looking for something plant-based, the nearby Alt Eats Café is a great vegan option. A sit-down meal? Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern is a local must.

Waldwick Station. Two options to satisfy your sweet tooth—SOMA Cafe & Creperie has coffee, breakfast favorites and, of course, fruit crepes (more savory crepes and breakfast options are also offered!). Or head over to the adorable and train-themed Waldwick Whistle Shop for ice cream.

Allendale Station. Allendale Bar & Grill is a local staple that promises a satisfying lunch or dinner before (or right after) a train trip. If you have a hankering for fresh sushi instead, Readers’ Choice nod Masa Sushi & Grill can satisfy those cravings easily.

Ramsey Main Street Station. One of the premier Irish pubs in the area, Brady’s by the Station has hardy options sure to satisfy after a long day of traveling for work or for play. This is another main street with options galore (down the street is another Readers’ Choice winner, Café Panache). For baked goods, try L’Arte della Pasticceria.

Ramsey Route 17 Station. There is less by way of walkable spots around this commuter lot, but jump in your car and go just a few miles down Route 17 for our most recent Readers’ Choice pick for Best Diner, State Line (and they’re open 24 hours!).

Mahwah Station. You can’t go wrong grabbing some frozen custard or Italian ice from the local Rita’s franchise, but we also recommend stopping by Mom’s Kitchen To Go, a take-out restaurant and deli with tasty sandwiches (try the Jilly) and huge family-style meals perfect for dinner after a long day of travel.

What are your go-to locales near the Bergen or Pascack Valley lines? Let us know on Instagram @bergenmagnj!