Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner On Station Avenue!

As a fellow Haddon Heights resident and local Realtor®, I get asked all the time from friends  and clients, “ Where is a good spot to eat?” Having lived in Southern NJ my whole life, there are plenty of great spots across all the counties. Coupled with the fact that many homebuyers seek out towns with charming downtowns, Haddon Heights offers an ideal blend of unique shops and inviting eateries. 

Our town is fortunate to offer a wide variety of excellent dining destinations, from the Black Horse Pike to Kings Highway. This article narrows its focus to the two-block stretch of  Station Avenue, celebrating the area while welcoming our newest additions—The Booch House and the new space that Lula`s Empanadas is now located in. 10 out of 10 for munching my way down Station! 

1. The Booch House (517 Station Ave. 856-617-0034): The atmosphere is inviting, and the menu offers plenty of healthy options for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan dishes. During my visit, owner Michael Broz and Chef Marco Passante were both on site and were a pleasure to speak with, generously sharing their knowledge and passion. It was my first time trying kombucha—a fermented beverage rich in probiotics known to support gut health and immunity—and it was a welcome introduction. The Booch House offers an impressive variety of flavors as well as creative mocktails. I especially enjoyed the zucchini fritte sticks and a delicious burger. They’ve also recently expanded their hours to Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 am – 7 pm, with additional dinner entrées now on the menu, including the beautifully seared salmon pictured. 
2. Lula’s Empanadas (516 Station Ave. 856-548-5442). Now settled into a much larger storefront on Station, this bright and welcoming space is perfect whether you’re sitting down to enjoy a meal or popping in for a quick takeout. I sampled the Philly Cheesesteak and Chorizo signature empanadas—both bursting with flavor—along with one of Lula’s Bowls, which are as cool as they are customizable. Start by choosing your base (white or brown rice, quinoa, or lettuce), then pick two proteins like chorizo, chicken, beef, or paneer. Three sides are included, with options such as fresh veggies, pico de gallo, and guacamole, plus the ability to add on a few extra goodies if you’re feeling indulgent. Bonus points for offering gluten-free empanadas, too! They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am – 8 pm, and Sundays from 11 am – 4 pm.
3. Trouble Brewing (514 Station Ave. 856-617-6638). There is just something special about a great coffee shop! Stepping into this cozy, always-buzzing space feels like settling into the heartbeat of the neighborhood. There’s a steady hum of locals meeting up, professionals camped out with laptops, parents juggling toddlers, and friends lingering over long conversations. I stopped in with my best friend, Sue, for breakfast and ended up chatting with Katie, the friendly manager, which only added to the welcoming feel. Open daily starting at 7:30 am (8 am on Sundays), they’ve recently extended some weeknight hours until 7 pm, and folks can enjoy their signature items such as pizza, bagels, and paninis. We went classic with egg and cheese on a bagel and couldn’t resist the Spinach Danish—absolutely delicious. The coffee and tea selections are equally smooth and satisfying, making it easy to stay awhile. Even better, they support local artisans and organizations, so there’s always fun,  meaningful merch to browse while you sip. 

4. Anthony`s Creative Italian Cuisine (512 Station Ave. 856-310-7766). For more than 46  years, Anthony’s has remained a beloved dining institution—steadfast in its commitment to flavor, tradition, and consistency. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 to  10:00 p.m. and Sundays from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., reservations are recommended. The dining room is classically appointed with crisp linen tablecloths, creating a warm yet refined atmosphere. As a BYOB establishment, Anthony’s is equally suited for intimate date nights, celebratory family dinners, or any occasion that calls for timeless Italian comfort. Having dined here for decades, this visit felt especially meaningful as I brought my daughter along for the evening. We were seated at a cozy table for two on the upper floor—an inviting setting that felt both personal and elegant. Our meal began with warm,  crusty bread, followed by a traditional Caesar salad and a comforting meatball appetizer topped with shaved Parmesan and creamy ricotta. For our entrées, we savored a classic chicken Parmesan alongside Anthony’s signature sausage and pasta dish. From soups and mussels to house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and expertly prepared beef, there is something creative and satisfying for every palate. Homemade desserts plus take-out are available.  

5. Local Links Market Cafe (533 Station Ave. 856-617-6227). This is a great all-day cafe that has been open and serving up food and fun for 11 years. Open Mondays 10 am – 3 pm,  Tuesdays to Thursdays 9:30 am – 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am – 8 pm, and Sundays for a great brunch from 9 am – 3 pm. I remember talking to Joe Gentile, the owner, when he first opened, when our kids were in kindergarten together. He really knows how to make great food and also has a nice presentation. A favorite of mine is the cheesesteaks with fried onions…no ketchup needed. For my visit for this article, I enjoyed their Green Goddess smoothie, a cheesesteak (of course!), and tried their hot and honey chicken cutlet sandwich with coleslaw. I brought a fresh garden salad with grilled chicken home, too.  Really great flavors and so many menu items, including breakfast burritos, French toast, taco trays, signature sandwiches, specials, and events, plus sweet treats. Eat in or take out. Great vibes and food.  

6. Ralph`s pizza (520 Station Ave. 856-547-0030). What can I say about a pizza place I’ve been visiting for decades? From grabbing a quick slice when my kids were toddlers, to hosting birthday parties in the back room, to enjoying countless family dinners, this spot holds so many meaningful memories. There’s nothing quite like their plain cheese pie,  fresh from the oven. Melissa, who now owns the restaurant alongside her family, has carried on its legacy seamlessly while introducing some exciting updates. Expanded hours, new menu offerings, and the reopening of the back room (Trattoria) for both dining and reserved parties have truly enhanced the experience. On this visit, my best friend, Sue, joined me again, and we enjoyed a relaxed lunch and great conversation with  Melissa. I ordered the chicken cutlet hoagie, while Sue chose a pizza steak—both generously portioned. And their crinkle-cut French fries are simply the best around. Be sure to try the garlic and tomato pie as well—it’s outstanding. In addition to dining in,  they easily accommodate deliveries large and small, making it a great option for ordering for your whole business or office crew. Open Monday to Thursday 11 am – 8 pm, Fridays and  Saturdays 11 am – 8:30 pm, and Sundays 11 am – 4 pm. 
7. Jane`s Tea House (602 Station Ave. 856-508-0080). This delightful tea house is about so much more than just tea. Opened five years ago, it has quickly become a beloved addition to Station Avenue. With no reservations required, Wednesday through Friday from 10 am – 3 pm, it’s an easy and welcoming stop for a leisurely bite. The menu goes far beyond scones,  offering breakfast sandwich options, pancakes, beignets, quiche, and satisfying lunch sandwiches. When dining in, tea is served in beautiful pots with matching cups and saucers, adding to the cozy, old-world charm. In addition to their extensive tea selection,  seasonal beverages such as matcha lattes and rich hot chocolate are also available.  Reservations are required on weekends, when they’re open Saturdays and Sundays from  11-4. The tea house also hosts both public and private events—perfect for showers,  celebrations, or small gatherings. I truly enjoyed chatting with the owners and browsing the charming gift shop as well. With a baby shower coming up, I even found the perfect book to accompany my gift. Before leaving, I ordered the scone sampler box to go. The sampler comes with delicious accompaniments like herb butter, clotted cream, and jam,  and the lemon blueberry scone was my personal favorite. What makes this tea house especially enchanting is its impressive array of teas paired with a beautiful selection of desserts, including delicate macarons, cupcakes, and petit fours. It’s a lovely space that invites you to slow down, savor, and stay awhile. 
8. Classic Asia (611 Station Ave. 856-323-8207). Chinese food is a favorite in my household, and Classic Asia is a great go-to spot for takeout or delivery. They offer plenty of seating if you prefer to dine in. Order a pot of hot tea and sugared donuts to enjoy alongside your meal. One standout for me is the crunchy noodles, which are generously packed in a huge bag—perfect for snacking. My kids’ favorite is the sweet and sour chicken, always crispy, flavorful, and delicious. The menu is full of classic options, including comforting wonton soup and fried rice, plus convenient dinner boxes that come with soup, sides, and choices like teriyaki or tempura. Closed on Tuesdays, Classic Asia is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 am – 9 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am – 10 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm – 9 pm.

9. John`s Friendly Market (622 Station Ave. 856-547-6132). How could I possibly end this journey without stopping at the beloved corner market? This is the kind of place that instantly brings back memories—where generations have popped in for a quick staple, a friendly hello, or something delicious made with care. I’m so grateful the new owners are honoring the tradition that has made this corner store such a cherished part of the community. Beyond being a fully stocked grocery and deli with just about anything you might need, it’s also a go-to spot for comforting, homemade food on the go. I ordered the meatball sub for my visit, which was bursting with garlic goodness. I get their hoagies all the time, too. That leads me into the countless hoagie trays I have ordered for family gatherings, broker opens, and work events, and they are always a hit. This season’s lineup of daily specials feels like a hug in a bowl: Italian wedding soup on Mondays, broccoli cheddar on Tuesdays, meatball subs on Wednesdays, chicken noodle on Thursdays, lobster bisque on Fridays, and chili on the weekends. Open every day from  7 am – 8 pm, this corner market is more than just a store—it’s one of the first places that comes to mind when people think of the warmth, charm, and heart of Haddon Heights.