Local Gems

Where can you find authentic, delicious, reasonably priced Middle Eastern food in the Garden State? Gyro Express at 7 East State Street in downtown Trenton often tops the list. “This is the real halal,” explains owner Naz. “And, according to many, the best food in Trenton!”

Online reviews confirm that Gyro Express not only serves amazing food, but also has consistently excellent customer service delivered by super nice, respectful people. Portions are good. Service is fast and friendly. And the platters are plentiful, from chicken and lamb to falafel, shrimp and lentil. Other popular dishes include chicken and rice, jumbo shrimp, hummus and pita, salads and an array of gyros.

With other locations, including a new one in Ewing, we wish Naz and his crew continued success, and are grateful to his commitment to the Capital City. No matter what your plans in downtown Trenton, Gyro Express is always worth a visit.

Gyro Express is open Monday through Saturday, typically 10 am to 10 pm. Call 609-393-5555.

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Who doesn’t love a sale on your favorite sneakers or popular brand of apparel?

If you are searching for a great deal, and an even better new look for the season, head over to Snipes at 50 East State Street, where you will find hot brands, cool kicks and friendly associates. The storewide sale features select women’s, men’s and kids’ apparel and footwear!

You might event find a pair of hard-to find white Air Force Ones, or New Balance sneakers in styles and sizes for kids and adults are also in store.

Snipes is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 am to 6 pm.

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Over the past 19 years, Classics has become a favorite gathering spot for the community—a place to meet up with friends, see an author talk, enjoy poetry readings at open mic nights, or join in on a game of Scrabble. And, of course, to browse its vast collection of used and sometimes rare books.

Classics is committed to supporting its community and provides free books to kids in Trenton through a partnership with Children's Futures. This local gem is located at 4 West Lafayette Street.

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Looking for a hoagie in downtown Trenton? Don’t pass by Colonial Farms at 137 E State Street without stopping in. The unassuming grocery mart is known for its delicious hoagies and other deli favorites, including a wide variety of fresh meats (on sale in the store), salads and sandwiches. For more than 40 years, Colonial Farms has also sold just about anything else you might need, from a pack of gum to a cartload of groceries. The store is not only much larger than it appears, but clean, well organized and friendly.

“There is nothing else like Colonial Farms in the area. It’s a very nice place for both state employees and local people to shop,” says Alkesh Shah, who has owned the store for the past 7 years.

Time to try a juice cleanse? Arlee’s Raw Blends, at 25 South Warren Street, has three different types, each with varying degrees of dependence on vegetables and sweet blends.

Not sure if a cleanse is right for you? It’s always a good time to energize your day with one of Arlee's Raw Blends 100 percent organic, cold-pressed juices. Made with raw fruits and vegetables, they are full of nutrients and super tasty. Arlee’s also features nut milks, cold brews and cheesecake.

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What does it take to make it in the restaurant business? Other than really good food, consistent service, loyal customers, a willingness to work your tail off and excellent reviews? A little luck, a lot of talent and immeasurable perseverance.

Olugbala Sababu, owner of the Big Easy at 115 South Warren Street, checks all of the boxes. The Trenton native and master chef brought decades of experience to the table when he opened in 2012. Also on the table? Delicious food from a diverse menu featuring Cajun, Caribbean, Creole, Soul and American cuisines. Customers also enjoy a cozy, relaxed New Orleans vibe, keeping true to the “Big Easy” name.

Now open in Trenton 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. A second location, at 1410 Parkway Avenue in Ewing Township, opened in 2023. Congratulations to Olugbala and his team!

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Who doesn’t love a great slice of pizza? Fabio’s Pizza at 105 East State Street has been serving pizza by the slice or the pie, with all the classic toppings, for years. Check it out yourself, and while you are there, try other Fabio’s favorites like calzones, hoagies, cheese and regular fries, garlic knots, salads and more.

When you’re looking for lunch that’s fast, affordable and tasty, Fabio’s Pizza checks all the boxes

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Parents who need school uniforms for their kids know right where to go in Trenton: Bits N’ Pieces, located in a historic building at 104 East State Street in downtown Trenton. “I have been here since 2003,” says Masood Dawood, who has owned and operated the business since that time. “Trenton is a historic city with some beautiful buildings. My shop is located in the old City Hall.”Masood is excited to be launching a website this spring to make it as easy as possible for his customers to view and order merchandise. It’s one more way he provides the very best services to his customers.

Call (609) 392-6500 or stop by for more information. Masood opens the shop around 10:30 am.

For 22 years, Henry’s Jewelers has been selling stunning rings, bracelets, earrings, charms, necklaces and more, at its Capital Center location at 50 East State Street in downtown Trenton. Looking for a special gift for a special someone? Henry’s offers charms and other gifts that say "I love you" at excellent pricing. Planning on popping the question? Henry's offers diamond engagement rings from a quarter to a full caret.

The store is open Monday-Saturday, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.  Have a question? Give Henry a call at (609) 392-5334

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There is nothing quite like sitting down at the counter at a cozy luncheonette for an amazing breakfast and some friendly conversation. Sunrise Luncheonette at 26 South Warren Street has been providing attentive service and great food in a comfortable space for decades!

Next time you are in downtown Trenton, be sure to pop in and say “hello” to owner Moliere, who will welcome you with a warm smile and a menu full of home-cooked favorites like omelets, home fries, grits and more.

Open seven days a week. Call (609) 278-8994.

Reggie Hallett is a man who needs no introduction in downtown Trenton. Yet we never get tired of singing his praises and sharing his successes. As the executive chef and co-owner (with his brother Maurice) of 1911 Smoke House Barbeque at 11 West Front Street, he has seen his restaurant expand to Newark Airport and Willingboro, NJ, in recent years. Not to worry, Smokehouse is still open 6 days a week in Trenton (closed Monday, open through 3:30 pm on Tuesday). Hallett is dedicated to the community and was recognized at Greater Trenton’s 6th Annual Caren Franzini Capital City Award Celebration with the 2023 Business Impact Award.

Of course at the end of the day, you can’t “beat the meat,” as their slogan says. You can’t beat the vegan options at Smokehouse either. The food is legendary, the sauces are fire (sometimes almost literally), and the atmosphere is warm and friendly.

The Station Tapas and Bar at 14 South Warren Street in downtown Trenton is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday-Saturday.

The sleek bar and lounge area, with its historic train car vibe and welcoming atmosphere, has been intriguing curious passersby for months. It is certainly one of the most stunning spaces in Trenton, with a well-stocked bar, friendly staff, and a menu to appeal to all tastes. Start your day with an omelet, lox toast, buttermilk pancakes and other popular breakfast dishes. Or, for a special treat, try the “Station Waffle,” made with crispy pad do bono style yucca and melted cheese. It’s as delicious as it sounds!

Enjoy Empanadas, Spanish meatballs, sliders, a variety of sandwiches, Bravas Potatas and other small plates throughout the day.

The Station is open Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 8 pm, Friday, 8 am to 11 pm, and most Saturdays from 5 to 10 pm. Call 609-225-9130 for Saturday hours as the restaurant can accommodate private events on that day.

Henry’s Jewelers, this week's “Local Gem,” has plenty of gemstones and other Valentine’s Day gifts to love! ❤️ For 22 years, Henry’s has been selling stunning rings, bracelets, earrings, charms, necklaces and more, at its Capital Center location at 50 East State Street in downtown Trenton.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Henry’s is offering heart charms and heart rings at special pricing. Planning on popping the question? Henry’s offers diamond engagement rings from a quarter carat to a full carat.

The store is open Monday-Saturday, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Have a question? Give Henry a call at (609) 392-5334 💎

Dreary winter days can be hard on your soul, not to mention your soles! Shoes take a real beating this time of year. Fortunately, the fine art of shoe repair can still be found at R. Giaquinto Shoe Repair, 115 South Warren Street, in downtown Trenton.

Owner Robert Giaquinto loves what he does and where he does it. It is a passion for his craft and the camaraderie and support in downtown Trenton that keep the 62-year-old going, year after year. He hopes you stop in to say “hello” and, of course, to drop off a pair of shoes, a belt or a handbag for repair. “If it can be repaired, I can do it,” he says.