Metuchen’s population may be a relatively small municipality, but as it serves as the downtown for surrounding Edison Township, it draws regionally from more than 115,000 local residents. This strong population base helps sustain the many shops and restaurants lining both the downtown commercial district and those found throughout Metuchen as well. Services like cleaners, banks, tailors, salons, barbers, and pharmacies abound, rounding out the commercial district with an excellent mix of offerings. In this ideal walkable village, residents walk downtown for errands, and end up doing some shopping and stopping in for a bite with friends they meet along the way.
Locals and visitors are drawn to dozens of restaurants and cafes in the Metuchen area. Fine dining establishments, casual eateries, and coffee shops, plus an astounding range of international cuisines offer something for everyone. Many restaurants offer New Jersey wines, and just as many are licensed for full bar service.
The local pub, rated in the top 10 in New Jersey, offers regular live music and is an ideal spot to meet with friends for a drink or bite before catching the train into Manhattan for a game or show. In recent years, the Chamber initiated a Restaurant Week each summer, tempting both locals and regional visitors to try something new or visit an old favorite.
Further cementing Metuchen’s reputation as a culinary destination are the many bakeries, specialty delicatessens, candy shops, and ice cream parlors. A grocery story is just steps away from Main Street, and the Metuchen Farmers Market brings locally-grown fresh produce and artisanal gourmet products to our Plaza every Saturday from June through November.