Best Southern American Restaurants in Clifton

87 restaurants available nearby

1. Halcyon Brasserie

4.6

Exceptional(1970)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Montclair

Booked 2 times today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Montclair, Halcyon Brasserie is a gem for those seeking exceptional Contemporary French / American cuisine. With its tranquil atmosphere and a focus on the freshest local seafood, this restaurant consistently impresses. Guests rave about the "superb" food and "excellent" service, highlighting dishes like the charred octopus and macadamia halibut as show-stoppers. The vibrant energy and meticulous attention to detail make every dining experience memorable. Whether it's the raw bar's delights or the innovative cocktails, Halcyon is lauded for its "fantastic food" and "wonderful first time" experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Montclair.

A photo of White Castle - Clifton restaurant

2. White Castle - Clifton

3.7

Very Good(6)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Clifton

At White Castle - Clifton, the art of crafting the perfect slider is taken to new heights, making it a standout destination for burger enthusiasts. Renowned for their steamy, succulent sliders, this Clifton gem serves up an unforgettable dining experience, especially on special occasions like Valentine's Day with their unique "Love Clutch Collection." Patrons rave about the iconic sliders, with one fan noting they are "the most glorious/succulent fast food chain in all of New Jersey and or the world." The dedication to maintaining a clean and modern environment, coupled with quick, friendly service, ensures every visit is as delightful as the food. Whether you're seeking a classic taste or something adventurous like the jalapeño cheese slider, White Castle - Clifton promises to satisfy your burger cravings in a memorable way.

3. Vesta Wood-Fired

4.5

Awesome(379)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • East Rutherford

Booked 10 times today

Vesta Wood-Fired in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is a beacon of American cuisine with its delightful twist on classic dishes, all prepared on a wood-fired grill. The restaurant is celebrated for its "perfectly charred" wood-fired pizza and "homemade pasta," making it a must-visit for those craving authentic American flavors with a touch of Italian flair. Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and the "cozy and welcoming" ambiance that complements the mouthwatering dishes. As one diner put it, "Vesta Wood Fired is hands down the best pizza place in town," highlighting the unique smoky flavor and perfect crust of their pizzas. Whether it's for a casual dinner or a special event, Vesta Wood-Fired promises a consistently delicious and enjoyable dining experience.

A photo of Tio Taco + Tequila - Clifton restaurant

4. Tio Taco + Tequila - Clifton

4.6

Exceptional(14)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Clifton

At Tio Taco + Tequila in Clifton, you're in for a truly authentic Mexican experience! This vibrant spot not only offers an exciting atmosphere but also dishes out some of the best Mexican cuisine around. Patrons rave about the "undeniably best" guacamole and the "amazing" Mango Habanero shrimp, highlighting the quality and creativity of the menu. Whether it's the "flavorful" Birria Tacos or the "excellent" Carne Asada fries, every bite is a testament to genuine Mexican flavors. Coupled with a wide variety of tequilas and cocktails, it's no wonder visitors keep coming back, with one noting, "The best Mexican food we've had ever. Authentic great price, service and staff." Tio Taco + Tequila is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch Mexican culinary adventure!

5. Matisse 167

4.7

Exceptional(1272)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Rutherford

Booked 1 time today

Matisse 167, nestled in the charming town of Rutherford, stands out as a pinnacle of American cuisine. With its artful ambience and BYOB option, it's a favorite for special occasions, offering a seasonal four-course Prix-Fixe Menu that captivates and delights. Diners rave about the "outstanding service," "beautiful decor," and "excellent food," with dishes that are as visually appealing as they are flavorful. The meticulously crafted menu by Chef Greg features choices that cater to a wide range of palates, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Patrons consistently praise the lovely garden setting and the intimate, romantic atmosphere, making Matisse 167 a true gem for those seeking a top-tier American dining experience.

6. The Brookdale

4.0

Excellent(346)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Bloomfield, New Jersey

Booked 3 times today

Kitchen Hours:Sunday - Wednesday 11:30am - 10pmThursday - Saturday 11:30am - 12amBar Open later then kitchen every night Happy Hour only at the Bar Area is Monday - Friday from 3-6pm. All Bar area seating is first come, first serve.Brunch is Saturday & Sunday from 11:30am - 3pm

7. Biggie's

4.8

Exceptional(379)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Carlstadt

Booked 1 time today

Biggie's in Carlstadt offers a quintessential American dining experience that has been delighting patrons since 1946. Known for its commitment to quality and consistency, Biggie's serves up American classics that are both delicious and authentically prepared. Customers rave about the exceptional food, highlighting dishes like the "juicy rib eye steak" and "perfectly cooked sautéed Broccoli Rabe." The service at Biggie's is frequently commended, with special mentions of friendly and attentive staff making every dining experience memorable. As one reviewer puts it, Biggie's is what "Applebee's wishes it could be." Whether it's the "best seafood in NJ" or the warmly recommended "Shrimp Po Boy," Biggie's ensures every dish is a hit, making it a must-visit for those seeking genuine American cuisine in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

A photo of The Shannon Rose of Clifton restaurant

8. The Shannon Rose of Clifton

4.3

Awesome(290)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Clifton

Booked 1 time today

Step into the heart of Dublin without leaving Clifton at The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, where the authenticity of its Irish fare is as delightful as its ambiance. Patrons rave about the traditional Irish dishes like the shepherd’s pie and Guinness beef stew, emphasizing their quality and taste. Reviews glow with praise, noting that it's a place where you can "feel continents away from America!" with its “mouthwatering appetizers” and “traditional Irish fare.” The pub’s atmosphere and friendly staff add to the dining experience, making each visit memorable. It’s no wonder guests frequently exclaim they’ll “definitely come back,” especially for treats like the acclaimed Irish Soda Bread. Dive into this Irish culinary adventure and savor a true taste of Ireland right in Clifton at The Shannon Rose.

A photo of Walnut Street Kitchen restaurant

9. Walnut Street Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(361)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Montclair

Booked 1 time today

At Walnut Street Kitchen in Montclair, NJ, the fusion culinary prowess of Executive Chef-Partner Beverly Lacsina shines brightly with each dish served. Nestled near Walnut Street Station, this BYOB spot offers a symphony of flavors that are both innovative and deeply comforting. Patrons rave about the eclectic menu, highlighting dishes like strawberry pasta and cacio Pepe arancio as "absolutely delicious" and "stellar." The restaurant's ability to fuse diverse culinary elements into cohesive, mouth-watering meals sets it apart. Guests also appreciate the welcoming ambiance and the celebration of local art, adding a unique cultural touch to their dining experience. With its creative flair and commitment to quality, Walnut Street Kitchen is a gem worth discovering for an exceptional meal.

10. DelMonico

4.7

Exceptional(589)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Cedar Grove

DelMonico in Cedar Grove stands out as a beacon of superb American cuisine. This local gem isn't just a steakhouse; it's a culinary experience praised for its perfect steaks and vibrant atmosphere. Guests rave about the "flawless service" and the "filet wrapped in bacon with gorgonzola sauce" that’s simply "Yummy!!" Regulars love the consistency, from the "terrific seafood" to the "high-quality" tapas-style appetizers. The personal touch from staff like Gustavo and the owner, Brad, who often greets diners personally, makes every visit memorable. Whether it's a birthday celebration or a casual night out, DelMonico promises and delivers an exceptional American dining experience with every plate served.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Explore OpenTable

Clifton

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Clifton

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

87 restaurants available nearby

1. Halcyon Brasserie

2. White Castle - Clifton

3. Vesta Wood-Fired

4. Tio Taco + Tequila - Clifton

5. Matisse 167

6. The Brookdale

7. Biggie's

8. The Shannon Rose of Clifton

9. Walnut Street Kitchen

10. DelMonico

Explore OpenTable