New Jersey is such a busy place that it’s easy to forget that the most densely-populated state in the United States actually has some quiet hidden gems! To find them, you’ll want to take a leisurely drive along County Road 542, which takes you from New Gretna to Hammonton. While this scenic drive in New Jersey is only just over twenty miles, you’ll want to stop along the way plenty of times – because this country road may just have some of the best seafood restaurants in New Jersey. Taking you along the Pine Barrens and the Mullica River, you’ll find one clam shack, marina cafe, and fine dining joint after another – along with the beautiful sights that make a South Jersey road trip worth it no matter the time of year.
Route 542 in the Pine Barrens isn’t just a great scenic drive - it’s a culinary destination for seafood lovers.
Famartin/Wikipedia
The first stop is Allen’s Clam Bar in New Gretna, and this small seafood shack is known for their delicious fresh catch.
Allen’s Clam Bar/Facebook
Their shrimp scampi is not to be missed, packed with garlic flavor and juicy shrimp tasting of the sea.
Allen’s Clam Bar/Facebook
Lower Bank Tavern is another humble location in the tiny town of Lower Bank, but they’re famous around New Jersey for one specialty.
Lower Bank Tavern/Facebook
That would be the Drunken Clams, a spicy reinvention of classic steamed clams accompanied with pieces of garlic toast.
Lower Bank Tavern/Facebook
From humble to sprawling, it doesn’t get much bigger than the Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck. This summer resort is home to a high-quality restaurant.
Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck/Facebook
No surprise, fresh fish is one of their specialties - and their sushi plates a light and popular way to enjoy it if you want a chaser after two heavy meals.
Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck/Facebook
Finally, you’ll head to Hammonton, where you’ll find Rocco’s Town House - a popular local Italian restaurant and steakhouse.
Google Local Cheryl Van Ness
While there is plenty of meat on Rocco’s menu, the restaurant is acclaimed for its crab cakes - made with large pieces of lump crab meat with creative sides.
Google Local Chris Mellor
While you’re wrapping up your trip in Hammonton, make sure to drop by the historic William L. Black house for a great photo opportunity.
2o46/Wikipedia
Have you taken this scenic drive in New Jersey before? Let us know about your favorite hidden gems along the way. If you’re interested in visiting for yourself, you can check out the Facebook pages for Allen’s Clam Bar, Lower Bank Tavern, Sweetwater Marina, and Rocco’s Town House for all the information on the latest menus and specials. For another memorable New Jersey adventure, check out this iconic Pine Barrens eatery.
Famartin/Wikipedia
Allen’s Clam Bar/Facebook
Lower Bank Tavern/Facebook
Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck/Facebook
Google Local Cheryl Van Ness
Google Local Chris Mellor
2o46/Wikipedia
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Address: County Road 542, County Rd 542, Egg Harbor City, NJ, USAAddress: Allen’s Clam Bar, 5650 US-9, New Gretna, NJ 08224, USAAddress: Lower Bank Tavern, 1509 County Rd 542, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, USAAddress: Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck, 2780 7th Ave, Sweetwater, NJ 08037, USAAddress: Roccos Town House, 21 N 3rd St, Hammonton, NJ 08037, USA
