Some summer habits never go out of style in New Jersey, and a cold root beer in a frosted glass mug is one of them. Stewart’s has been part of the American road food scene since 1924, and a handful of Garden State stands still serve it the old-fashioned way.
That means burgers, hot dogs, crinkle fries, and root beer floats, often brought right out to your car. These four spots in Matawan, Burlington, Howell, and Somerset each keep the drive-in spirit going in their own way.
Some lean into carside trays and retro charm, while others add chili dogs, pork roll, or orange cream soda to the mix. If you grew up on these stands, this list is a trip down memory lane.
If you never have, consider it your excuse for a very tasty road trip this weekend.
1. Stewart’s Root Beer of Matawan, Matawan, NJ
Main Street in Matawan has a stop where carside service is still a real thing. Pull in at 347 Main St, and the staff can bring frosty mugs of root beer right to your window.
The stand carries a true 50s root beer stand look and feel, and it fits right in on warm evenings when classic cars show up in town. It is a casual, quiet place with outdoor seating and a free parking lot, so there is usually room to park.
The menu goes past the basics. Hot dogs, cheese steaks, California cheeseburgers, sweet potato fries, and a Chicago Philly Steak all appear here, plus chicken fingers with crinkle fries.
I like that this location has also expanded its options, including a full vegan menu, so mixed groups can all find something. Kids get their own menu and high chairs are available.
Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday and until 7 PM on Sunday. Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest, so a weekday lunch is the calmer pick.
2. Stewart’s Drive-In, Burlington, NJ
Food on a tray hooked to your car window is the whole point in Burlington. This retro drive-in on US-130 brings orders straight out to your car, just like the old days.
Pork roll fans, take note. The menu includes a Pork Roll Sandwich and a Cheese California Pork Roll, which gives this stop a proper South Jersey accent.
Beyond that, it sticks to a simple lineup of hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, crisp onion rings, cheese fries, and ice cream treats. The root beer arrives in a cold mug, and the root beer milkshake is a fun twist on the usual float.
Prices stay friendly, around 10 to 20 dollars per person, and the kids’ menu makes it an easy family dinner. Plan ahead, though, because it closes on Sundays and runs 11 AM to 8 PM the rest of the week.
3. Stewart’s Root Beer, Howell Township, NJ
Chili dog lovers along Route 9 have a reliable answer at 2999 US-9. The Howell stand is small, but its chili dogs, burgers, and fries carry a big reputation.
It is set up as a classic drive-up restaurant with frosted mugs, and the menu covers hot dogs, onion rings, burgers, and root beer floats. The flavors go beyond regular root beer too, with diet root beer and black cherry among the choices.
Service here is friendly and personable, and the space is kept clean. Outdoor seating and a free lot make it an easy detour.
Long hours help. It is open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM, the latest closing time on this list.
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds, so a weekday visit means less waiting for your float.
4. Stewart’s Root Beer & Drive-In, Somerset, NJ
Orange cream soda gets equal billing with root beer in Somerset. Both are poured into frosty mugs at this old-fashioned drive-in on NJ-27.
Many people know Stewart’s only from the bottled root beer at the store, so finding a working stand here comes as a pleasant surprise. The vintage style fits the name, and food is made fast and to order.
Popular orders include chili dogs with cheese, hamburgers, hot dogs, and cheese fries. The onion rings are listed as vegan, a handy detail for plant-based eaters.
With Rutgers nearby, it draws college students along with families and groups. Free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, and plenty of parking make it a relaxed hangout.
It opens daily from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. Whether you pick a float or an orange cream, this is a sweet way to wrap up a drive-in tour of New Jersey.
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