New restaurants and eateries pop up all of the time in our area and while that’s very exciting, it’s always good to remember what we had in the past and take a trip down memory lane every so often. One such person keeping tabs on “cool vintage places” that still exist today is Beth Lennon AKA Mod Betty.

Beth created Mod Betty’s Retro Roadmap as a handy directory for nostalgia enthusiasts who want to discover places that have stood the test of time while still retaining their authentic charm.

I’ve known Mod Betty for quite a few years now. We met in the tiki community, at various tiki-related events, and as I’ve gotten to know her, I admire her genuine passion for all things retro. It’s downright infectious!

She’s put all of her travels and knowledge into a series of Retro Roadmap Travel Guides. These books serve as a checklist of places to visit for unique vintage architecture and more. If you’re looking for special roadtrip adventures, these books have you covered. The latest, and fourth book in the series, Retro Roadmap Roadbook of South Jersey was just released.

I asked Mod Betty if she would highlight ten of her favorite Retro Roadmap Eateries in South Jersey for me to share with you. If you’re looking to take a road trip to some great spots in South Jersey, consider this your guide!

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So hard to limit to 10! To spread the love I ensured I listed at least one for each county, but know that it broke my heart to not include them all. After all, they made it into my book, they must all be good!

– Mod Betty

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White House Subs – Atlantic City / Atlantic County

Love their Italian Subs (hoagies) and that they’re a little scrappy family-owned sandwich shop filled with memorabilia from their decades in business, standing strong representing authentic vintage Atlantic City.

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Stewart’s Drive-In – Burlington / Burlington County

There are many Stewart’s in the state but this is one of my faves, because of its meticulously-kept vintage drive-in restaurant and white clad servers serving up frosty glass mugs of root beer the old fashioned car-hop way.

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McMillan’s Bakery –  Haddon Township / Camden County

Now that I know about this family-owned downtown bakery I can’t help but stop by and pick up a sweet treat when I’m in the area – they’re famous for their cream-filled donuts but everything is delish.

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Weber’s Drive-In – Pennsauken / Camden County

Oh how I love to see the spinning “lollipop” sign when driving down busy Route 38! So many things have changed in the decades, but this Weber’s (one of only 2 left in the country) is just as good as it was when it opened in in 1951.

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Cool Scoops Ice Cream Parlor – Wildwood  / Cape May County

While Cool Scoops has only been open for a few decades, their overwhelming collection of 1950s memorabilia (including booths made from vintage cars!) is a treat for the eyes, when partaking of one of the many icy treats on their extensive menu.

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Haars Health Food Center – Vineland /  Cumberland County

I am not a healthy eater to say the least, but I always stop into Haar’s when near Vineland. Not only do they make hoagies with authentic German coldcuts, but I love picking out imported candies and unusual treats you can’t find elsewhere.

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Angelo’s Glassboro Diner – Glassboro / Gloucester County

There are only a handful of diners that make it into Mod Betty’s faves, because I’m a bit of a purist, but Angelo’s is right up there on the list! A tiny stainless steel diner with a handful of counter stools and booths, you immediately feel like part of the community as you order one of their fresh made daily specials.

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Forked River Diner – Forked River / Ocean County

When you step inside the Forked River Diner you will swear that you’re back in time. No need to muck up this gem with Elvis and Marilyn-abilia, this clean and pristine vintage diner is a great place to stop for a sandwich or meal whenever you’re heading down the shore.

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Holiday Snack Bar – Beach Haven / Ocean County

Wow what delights await off the main drag in Beach Haven! Delicious burgers fried up on a tiny corner grill, and more pies and cakes than you could ever imagine. With counter and outdoor seating, this is a must-visit during their all too short season.

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Pennsville Custard – Pennsville / Salem County

One of the first Retro Roadmap entries to open up for the season, this diminutive cottage serves up homemade ice cream and custard, with many of the flavors created using the seasonal fruits from the adjacent farm stand. You can’t get more fresh than that!

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Have you been to any of these vintage places in South Jersey? What are your favorite retro places in South Jersey for good eats? Let us know!

And don’t forget to pick up Mod Betty’s Guide to South Jersey! Get the City of Philadelphia Retro Roadbook while you’re at it.

Have fun discovering and exploring good retro eats in Philadelphia and South Jersey!