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Row homes in Camden NJ
Row homes in Camden NJ
Blake Bolinger

Where To Eat in Camden, New Jersey

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Row homes in Camden NJ
| Blake Bolinger

Camden is often times a sore subject, but it's a city in development that's worthy of attention for its food. For the full picture, direct your attention to our list of shamefully underrated places to eat in our neighboring city: some of them are destinations, others boast foods hard to find in Philadelphia proper. All of them are very good.

It's a mixed bag of eating options — places like Rocco's Steaks could just as easily be part of Philly, while Reggae Grill outdoes almost anything jerk-style available west of the Delaware River. Also among the myriad culinary options: soul food at Corinne's Place, some excellent and cheap taquerias, and even the odd Korean-American (but not totally fusion) Friends Cafe

Check out our post about why eating in Camden is just as important as it is delicious. Got any thoughts about places we missed? Send us a note via the Eater Philly tipline.

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Tan Phat Noodle House

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You might say, "We have great Vietnamese right here in Philly!" And you'd be right — we do, but so does Camden. Pho Tan Phat closes at 7:00 p.m., so plan accordingly. Seafood egg noodle soups, and crispy, crunchy bhan mis are sure fires, but a plate of crispy spring rolls and summer rolls studded with bright pieces of shrimp on pork are musts while you're here.

Corrine's Place, Inc.

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Corrine's has become somewhat of a neighborhood icon in Parkside. They do soul food right: large portions, nothing's greasy, and the fried chicken can rival even the best Philly has to offer.

Donkey's Place

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What can we say that already hasn't been said? Donkey's Place is the home of the poppy-seeded kaiser roll cheesesteak, and many (including King Tony Bourdain, himself) claim it might be the best cheesesteak in the Philly area. Give it a go, and tell us what you think.

Reggae Grill

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Go for Saturday-only brunch, and you'll find ackee & saltfish, Jamaica's national dish, and one of the rarest finds in Philadelphia. Reggae Grill serves it with a side of fried dumplins (as is tradition) and greens. If not brunch, try the curry goat or jerk chicken for dinner. You'll end up embittered by the lack of good Jamaican in Philadelphia.

San Lucas Mexican Restaurant

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Fresh, clean, authentic Mexican, and comparable to some of the best Mexican restaurants on 9th Street. Tacos al pastor are prepared like they should be: shaved off a rotating spit. Super-saucy enchiladas, crispy taquitos dorados, and fat cemitas are all reasons to go, but definitely splurge for the piña colada — it comes inside of a pineapple with whipped cream, cherries, and, of course, a few umbrellas.

Old San Juan Resturant

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This is where to go if you're craving mofongo (a fried, porky plantain mash), and this is where to go if you're specifically seeking a seafood mofongo (the same, but with shrimp, clams, and fish). Pair it with some churassco (steak), and you'll find new meaning to surf 'n' turf.

Freddy's Spanish Restaurant

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Ignore the title, Freddy's ain't Spanish. They're more of a mix between Caribbean/Latin American restaurant, specializing in grilled steak, meaty stews, whole fish, and a roast pork so fatty and crisp, you'll be daydreaming of it weeks later.

Latin America Restaurant

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Latin America Restaurant has two grills, covered top to bottom with freshly butchered, whole chickens (quite the spectacle). A few ladies run the line, some spooning arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon beans and green olives) into styrofoam containers, and others cleaving away at chickens hot off the grill. The chicken skin is charred hard and crisp, and the meat — as juicy as can be. Adding a side of tostones might be overkill, but you'll regret it if you don't.

Rocco's Steaks

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The name says it all — Rocco's is a cheesesteak place, through and through. It's technically not in Philly but can compete with the city's best sandwich artists. Their breakfast game is decent, too.
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Friends Cafe

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This oddball spot serves up a mixed bag of American (burgers and fries) and Korean food (bibimbap), alongside a handful of dishes that fuse the two — their Seoul burger is key. You might even get your face on the Friends wall if lucky.

La Calpeña

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A no-fuss kind of place for authentic tacos and tortas, ticking a great triad of boxes: cheap, tasty, and with non-skimpy portions.

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Tan Phat Noodle House

You might say, "We have great Vietnamese right here in Philly!" And you'd be right — we do, but so does Camden. Pho Tan Phat closes at 7:00 p.m., so plan accordingly. Seafood egg noodle soups, and crispy, crunchy bhan mis are sure fires, but a plate of crispy spring rolls and summer rolls studded with bright pieces of shrimp on pork are musts while you're here.

Corrine's Place, Inc.

Corrine's has become somewhat of a neighborhood icon in Parkside. They do soul food right: large portions, nothing's greasy, and the fried chicken can rival even the best Philly has to offer.

Donkey's Place

What can we say that already hasn't been said? Donkey's Place is the home of the poppy-seeded kaiser roll cheesesteak, and many (including King Tony Bourdain, himself) claim it might be the best cheesesteak in the Philly area. Give it a go, and tell us what you think.

Reggae Grill

Go for Saturday-only brunch, and you'll find ackee & saltfish, Jamaica's national dish, and one of the rarest finds in Philadelphia. Reggae Grill serves it with a side of fried dumplins (as is tradition) and greens. If not brunch, try the curry goat or jerk chicken for dinner. You'll end up embittered by the lack of good Jamaican in Philadelphia.

San Lucas Mexican Restaurant

Fresh, clean, authentic Mexican, and comparable to some of the best Mexican restaurants on 9th Street. Tacos al pastor are prepared like they should be: shaved off a rotating spit. Super-saucy enchiladas, crispy taquitos dorados, and fat cemitas are all reasons to go, but definitely splurge for the piña colada — it comes inside of a pineapple with whipped cream, cherries, and, of course, a few umbrellas.

Old San Juan Resturant

This is where to go if you're craving mofongo (a fried, porky plantain mash), and this is where to go if you're specifically seeking a seafood mofongo (the same, but with shrimp, clams, and fish). Pair it with some churassco (steak), and you'll find new meaning to surf 'n' turf.

Freddy's Spanish Restaurant

Ignore the title, Freddy's ain't Spanish. They're more of a mix between Caribbean/Latin American restaurant, specializing in grilled steak, meaty stews, whole fish, and a roast pork so fatty and crisp, you'll be daydreaming of it weeks later.

Latin America Restaurant

Latin America Restaurant has two grills, covered top to bottom with freshly butchered, whole chickens (quite the spectacle). A few ladies run the line, some spooning arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon beans and green olives) into styrofoam containers, and others cleaving away at chickens hot off the grill. The chicken skin is charred hard and crisp, and the meat — as juicy as can be. Adding a side of tostones might be overkill, but you'll regret it if you don't.

Rocco's Steaks

The name says it all — Rocco's is a cheesesteak place, through and through. It's technically not in Philly but can compete with the city's best sandwich artists. Their breakfast game is decent, too.
Google Maps

Friends Cafe

This oddball spot serves up a mixed bag of American (burgers and fries) and Korean food (bibimbap), alongside a handful of dishes that fuse the two — their Seoul burger is key. You might even get your face on the Friends wall if lucky.

La Calpeña

A no-fuss kind of place for authentic tacos and tortas, ticking a great triad of boxes: cheap, tasty, and with non-skimpy portions.