Imagine today what John Hammond Coffin, one of Hammonton’s earliest settlers would think about the town named after him. Since Hammond’s days in the 1800s, the ‘D” was dropped and the town eventually became known as Hammonton. The agrarian settlement, bordering the Pine Barrens and located halfway between the Jersey shore and Philadelphia, consisted mostly of Anglo-European settlers dining on basic meat, fowl, and a potato or two.
Today, the small but mighty downtown area includes art galleries, a wine bar, a theater, and even a Stockton State College satellite campus. In fact, the Hammonton downtown was one of the finalists for the Great American Main Street Award in 2013. And, let us not forget to mention Hammonton’s internationally inspired restaurants – a virtual melting pot of food options that good old John would never have expected ranging from Mexican tacos to Italian Stromboli – and then some.
Illiano's
Italian
Illiano’s
In Hammonton, one of the go-to places for authentic Italian dishes has been Illiano’s for over 30 years. Their classic-style pizzas come in three sizes – personal, 16”, or Sicilian. Toppings are up to you - like pepperoni with hot honey (a house favorite). Illiano’s signature entrees, served with your choice of minestrone soup or house salad, range from classics like Chicken Marsala to a bowl of linguini and clams in a red or white sauce.
To go along with your cocktail, glass of wine, or beer, the Happy Hour menu at Illiano’s offers personal pizzas as well as quick bar bites like the mozzarella-filled Pesto Risotto Sticks and the whipped Ricotta Honey Jar, paired with garlicky crostini. https://www.illianosrestaurant.com
Marcello’s Trattoria
Since 1997, this BYOB gem has served pizza and pasta to many pleased customers. Marcello’s, open for lunch and dinner, offers many pizza options ranging from Sicilian to pan. For a specialty pizza, Marcello’s gets creative with toppings on their Chicken Parm Pizza - homemade chicken cutlet with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and grated cheeses.
Not in a pizza mood? Try a pasta dinner with one of the family’s homemade sauces like Pasta with Garlic and Oil, or Marcello's Special Sauce - grilled chicken, mushrooms, and peas in a light cream sauce. From Eggplant Rollatini to Shrimp Fra Diavolo, don’t forget to end your meal with something sweet – like cannoli or tiramisu. https://marcellostrattoria.orderllc.com
Marquez Mexican Grill and El Mariachi Loco
Mexican
Marquez Mexican Grill
Made from scratch, Marquez uses quality ingredients to make sure they deliver authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether tacos or enchiladas, the recipes have been passed down from generation to generation – and are now available in the heart of Hammonton.
The menu offers many Mexican food favorites like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Regardless of the wrap you select, Marquez offers fillers ranging from shrimp, chicken, and beef to vegetarian options. The quaint restaurant also offers specials like the Plato El Marquez – shrimp and steak in Tequila seasoned with a variety of Mexican spices and served over rice. https://hammontonmexicanfood.a-zcompanies.com
El Mariachi Loco
If you enjoy dishes from south of the border, El Mariachi Loco offers an array of Mexican cuisine made from homemade recipes using bold flavors and spices – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located on the corner of Bellevue Avenue, the restaurant fits in perfectly in the beautifully restored and very colorful building in the heart of downtown Hammonton.
You can start your day with Huevos al Gusto - Mexican-style eggs with your choice of meat. Lunchtime options range from cheesy Super Grandes Quesadillas filled with Mexican sausage or shredded beef, on a corn or flour tortilla. For dinner, try one of the seasoned and sizzling Fajitas with chicken, beef, or shrimp.
Can’t decide? The combo works perfectly so you don’t have to choose. https://elmariachilocorestaurant.com
Funky Cow
Quick Bites
Funky Cow Cafe
Located on the corner of Bellevue and Central Avenues, you can find a “moo-vable feast of unique menu items like Lola’s Cuban Waffle Sandwich and other interesting sandwiches and platters. Inspired by his grandmother Lola’s cooking, Ricky Alverio puts funky on the Hammonton map.
The Funky Cow Café definitely does not “waffle” about sandwich styles. Picture the Udderly Vegan – baby spinach, spicy cabbage slaw, with a balsamic demi glaze in between two gluten-free waffles. For the meat lover, the Bangin' Brisket - braised shredded beef, pickled onions, and cheddar cheese, with a horseradish mousse. And, don’t leave without a funky waffle dessert like the Apple A-La-Moo! https://www.funkycow.com
Casciano Coffee Bar and Sweetery
For the Sweet Tooth
Casciano Coffee Bar and Sweetery
After 15 years of serving espressos, cappuccinos, and a bite to eat, Casciano Coffee Bar and Sweetery has become a downtown Hammonton staple. The eclectic shop, decorated by works from local artists, faithfully serves you from your first cup of coffee in the morning (so many options to choose from) to breakfast, lunch, and small bites served all day long.
And, for your sweet tooth, tempting desserts are always available. Whether Biscotti, baked from scratch, or a chock-full of chocolate chips muffin, these sweet somethings dunk perfectly into one of Casciano’s many beverages (hot and cold versions). https://www.cascianocoffee.com
Annatta Wine Bar
Libations
Annata Wine Bar
In the heart of Hammonton, Annata Wine Bar offers a comfortable atmosphere where guests can enjoy one of the 125 wines offered by the glass or bottle - international as well as regional. Other libations include signature martinis, artisan scotches, and an impressive selection of imported beer.
Need something to go along with your drink? Annata’s Chef Matt offers a Tuscan-inspired menu that pairs perfectly with a selected glass of wine. Whether lunch or dinner, Annata’s strives to use locally produced ingredients from New Jersey to serve dishes like Nonna’s Ravioli to Locatelli Encrusted Halibut.
With so many outstanding eateries, we obviously couldn't've reviewed them all but we can help with a list of some other notable Hammonton spots for a great bite to eat. We've included the links for all restaurants listed. Please click on the links to learn more.
Annata Wine Bar - https://annatawinebar.com
Joe’s Italiano Maplewood Restaurant - https://joesmaplewood.com/joe-italiano-maplewood-hammonton
Silver Coin Diner - https://www.silvercoindiner.net
Nino's Pizzarama - https://places.singleplatform.com/ninos-pizzarama-4/menu
Brother's Pizza -https://www.brotherspizzahammonton.com
Costello's Pizza - https://costellospizza.com
Andy's Pizza & Restaurant - https://order.toasttab.com/online/andyspizza
Rocco's Townhouse - https://www.roccostownhouse.com
Cacia's Bakery - https://www.caciabakery.com
Fiesta Mexicana - https://www.fiestamexicana-nj.com
Bruni's Pizza - https://brunispizzanj.com/hammonton
Kennedy Cellars - https://kennedycellarswine.com
Bagliani's - https://www.baglianis.com
Bruni's Pizza
