Matilda's, Newark

Because Matilda's shares a menu with Mad-Macs, patrons have unfettered access to more than a dozen varieties of mac 'n cheese in addition to the bar's craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Reaffirming that this comfort food deserves a place in the adult diet, chefs recommend pairing the cajun-shrimp-and-crab mac with a glass of sauvignon blanc or the buffalo-chicken mac with a water balloon of pinot noir. The menu also showcases hand-patted burgers and hearty hot sandwiches, in addition to seafood entrees, steaks, and chicken. Live music and DJs keep things lively in the evenings, and karaoke nights provide the opportunity to flex vocal chords after prolonged vows of silence.