Weekend Getaway to Metuchen

Explore "The Brainy Borough" - A 3-Day Itinerary

View Itinerary About Metuchen

About Metuchen

Welcome to Metuchen, New Jersey - affectionately known as "The Brainy Borough" for its intellectual heritage and vibrant arts scene. This charming mile-square community offers visitors a perfect blend of small-town charm and cultural richness.

Originally inhabited by the Raritan people of the Lenape Native Americans and named after Chief Matouchin, Metuchen has evolved from its historical roots into a thriving residential community with a vibrant downtown area. The town gained independence as a separate community around 1900 and has since preserved its distinctive historic and architectural character.

Our 3-day itinerary guides you through the best activities and dining experiences in this historic community, from classic arcade games at YESTERcades to the architectural beauty of St. Francis Cathedral, from the vibrant Farmers Market to the town's excellent dining scene.

Downtown Metuchen Main Street

Your 3-Day Itinerary

Experience the best of Metuchen with our carefully curated 3-day itinerary. Click on each day to explore the activities and restaurants we've selected for your visit.

Day 1: Friday

Arrival and introduction to Metuchen's downtown charm

10:00 AM - Arrival in Metuchen

Check into your accommodations and prepare for your weekend adventure.

12:00 PM - Lunch at Meximodo

Meximodo Restaurant

Start your trip with delicious Mexican cuisine at this popular downtown restaurant.

  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Price Range: $$ ($20-$50)
  • Address: 5 Pearl St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: meximodo.com
  • Phone: (732) 395-7767
  • Notable Items: Pork belly tacos, Classic Mexican dishes with modern twists
  • Hours: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM (Friday)

2:00 PM - Visit St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral

St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral

Explore this beautiful Gothic Revival cathedral, an architectural landmark of Metuchen.

  • Address: 32 Elm Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: stfranciscathedral.org
  • Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
  • Hours: 6:00 AM - 1:10 PM (Friday)
  • Rating: 4.8/5 (244 reviews)
  • Opened: 1963

4:00 PM - Old Colonial Cemetery of Metuchen

Old Colonial Cemetery of Metuchen

Step back in time at this historic cemetery dating back to 1715, featuring graves of Revolutionary War veterans.

  • Address: 359-363 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Historical Significance: Founded in 1715, contains graves of 66 Revolutionary War veterans
  • Visiting Hours: Dawn to dusk
  • Size: Just over 1 acre
  • Special Features: Plaque on Main Street listing Revolutionary War veterans

6:30 PM - Dinner at Ram & Rooster

Ram & Rooster Restaurant

Enjoy an upscale dining experience featuring New American cuisine with Chinese influences.

  • Cuisine: New American with Chinese influences
  • Price Range: $$$$ ($100+)
  • Address: 83 Central Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: ramandroosternj.com
  • Phone: (732) 662-1041
  • Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Friday)
  • Notable Items: Eight-course tasting menu, Crispy skin trout with hot and sour soup-inspired sauce
  • Chef: Sean Yan (formerly of Heirloom Kitchen)

9:00 PM - Evening stroll through downtown Metuchen

Take a relaxing walk through the charming downtown area to end your first day.

Day 2: Saturday

Immerse yourself in local culture and entertainment

9:00 AM - Metuchen Farmers Market

Metuchen Farmers Market

Experience local culture at this vibrant community market offering fresh produce and artisan goods.

  • Address: 33 Pearl St, Metuchen, NJ 08840 (Metuchen Town Plaza)
  • Website: metuchenfarmersmarket.org
  • Hours: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Saturdays, June 14 - November 16, 2025)
  • Offerings: Fresh produce, local goods, artisan products
  • Parking: Free parking available in nearby garage (3 hours)

12:00 PM - Lunch at The Greek on Main

The Greek on Main Restaurant

Savor authentic Greek cuisine in an art-filled casual space.

  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Price Range: $$ ($20-$50)
  • Address: 419 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: thegreekonmain.com
  • Phone: (732) 515-9457
  • Hours: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Saturday)
  • Rating: 4.4/5 (655 reviews)
  • Atmosphere: Casual space with art-filled walls and sidewalk seats

2:00 PM - YESTERcades of Metuchen

YESTERcades of Metuchen

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon playing classic arcade games and pinball machines.

  • Address: 442 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: yestercades.com
  • Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Saturday)
  • Typical Visit Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Rating: 4.8/5 (94 reviews)
  • Phone: (848) 295-4481
  • Features: Classic video games, pinball machines, pool table

5:30 PM - Rest and refresh at accommodation

Take some time to relax before your evening activities.

7:00 PM - Dinner at Mangia Toscano

Mangia Toscano Restaurant

Experience upscale Tuscan Italian cuisine at this highly-rated restaurant.

  • Cuisine: Tuscan Italian
  • Price Range: $$$ ($50-$100)
  • Address: 422 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: mangia-toscano.com
  • Phone: (732) 744-0100
  • Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Saturday)
  • Notable Items: Truffle gnocchi, Kale salad, Fried pizza dough
  • Rating: 4.8/5 (1,099 reviews)

9:30 PM - Drinks at Hailey's Harp & Pub

Hailey's Harp & Pub

End your day with drinks and possibly live music at this popular Irish pub.

  • Address: 400 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: haileysharpandpub.com
  • Hours: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Saturday)
  • Features: Outdoor seating, cocktails, live music
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (1,441 reviews)
  • Phone: (732) 321-0777
  • Price Range: $20-30

Day 3: Sunday

Relaxation and final explorations

10:00 AM - Brunch at Lola Latin Bistro

Lola Latin Bistro

Start your day with delicious Latin fusion cuisine.

  • Cuisine: Latin Fusion
  • Price Range: $$ ($20-$50)
  • Address: 87 Central Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: lolalatinbistro.com
  • Phone: (732) 548-5652
  • Sunday Hours: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Notable Items: Soups, Quesadillas, Latin fusion dishes
  • Features: BYOB, Outdoor patio, Vegetarian dishes

12:30 PM - Explore downtown shops and galleries

Discover local boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores in Metuchen's downtown area.

3:00 PM - Visit to Hailey's Harp & Pub

Hailey's Harp & Pub

Enjoy the warm atmosphere and classic Irish fare at this local favorite.

  • Address: 400 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: haileysharpandpub.com
  • Hours: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Sunday)
  • Price Range: $20-30
  • Description: A popular Irish pub offering classic fare like shepherd's pie and corned beef, along with frequent live music

6:00 PM - Dinner at Nauti Cajun Crab

Nauti Cajun Crab Restaurant

Experience Cajun-style seafood boils and other delicious offerings.

  • Cuisine: Cajun-style seafood
  • Price Range: $$ ($20-$50)
  • Address: 7 New St, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  • Website: nauticajuncrab.com
  • Phone: (848) 229-2956
  • Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Sunday)
  • Notable Items: Cajun-style seafood boils, Garlic noodles, Wings, Fried rice
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (827 reviews)

8:00 PM - Evening relaxation

Unwind and reflect on your weekend experiences in Metuchen.

Day 4: Monday

Departure day

9:00 AM - Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a final meal before departing.

10:30 AM - Final downtown stroll

Take one last walk through Metuchen's charming streets.

12:00 PM - Departure

Check out and head home with wonderful memories of Metuchen.

Explore Metuchen

Use this interactive map to locate all the attractions and restaurants featured in our itinerary.

Price Guide

$ Under $20
$$ $20-$50
$$$ $50-$100
$$$$ $100+