Abuja International Restaurant

- 1784 Burnet Ave, Union, NJ 07083

Abuja International Restaurant, nestled in Union, NJ, serves as a significant cultural and culinary destination for residents across New Jersey seeking an authentic taste of West Africa and the Caribbean. This establishment is recognized for its broad menu that showcases the indigenous traditions and rich flavors of African cuisine, with a strong focus on popular Nigerian and other West African staples. The restaurant’s multi-faceted identity as an African and Caribbean restaurant provides a diverse and exciting culinary experience right in the heart of Union County.

The dining experience at Abuja International is designed to be vibrant, social, and immersive. Patrons can enjoy their meals in a setting that is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, complete with an on-site bar. The atmosphere is frequently enhanced by Live music, creating a lively backdrop for dining, which also appeals to a wide crowd including College students, Family-friendly groups, and Tourists. The establishment is a favored spot for a range of occasions, popular for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining, and is a recognized LGBTQ+ friendly space.

The menu is a comprehensive journey through West African culinary arts, featuring cornerstone dishes that draw people from all over the Garden State. Highlights include the highly acclaimed Jollof Rice, available with various proteins such as chicken, goat, or tilapia, and a selection of hearty stews and soups like Egusi (melon seed soup), Okra Ladies Fingers, Edikang Ikong, and Bitter Leaf Soup. These entrees are traditionally served with Nigerian staples like Pounded Yam or White Rice. Seafood lovers can indulge in various preparations of Red Snapper and Tilapia, either fried or grilled, often paired with traditional sides like Attieke (a cassava couscous) or Fried Plantains. The Pepper Soups, available with Goat, Tilapia, or Red Snapper, are also a popular choice for a spicy, comforting meal. Appetizers like the popular Suya Platter (spicy grilled skewers) and Moi Moi (steamed bean pudding) complete the authentic experience.

While the restaurant is celebrated for its authentic and flavorful food and lively ambiance, it is worth noting that customer service and consistency, particularly with takeout orders and during busy periods, have occasionally received mixed feedback. The advice from some patrons is that the overall experience may be better enjoyed by dining in, where the atmosphere and bar service can fully enhance the visit. The fact that the restaurant 'Usually a wait' suggests its popularity, and for this reason, Brunch reservations are recommended, as are Dinner reservations.

Beyond food, Abuja International Restaurant offers a full-service experience with a Great beer selection, Great cocktails, and a Great wine list, catering to those looking for a complete night out. The 'Late-night food' offering and the lively bar scene make it a perfect place to hang out into the evening, especially with the 'Sports' highlight available.

Location and Accessibility

Abuja International Restaurant is conveniently situated at 1784 Burnet Ave, Union, NJ 07083, USA. This location makes it easily reachable for diners throughout Union County and the surrounding New Jersey area.

The restaurant provides necessary accommodations for accessibility, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests:

• Wheelchair accessible seating is available within the dining area.
• A Restroom is on-site.

For drivers, parking is made hassle-free with Free street parking available nearby.

Services Offered

Abuja International Restaurant is designed as a full-service dining and entertainment venue, offering a variety of services to accommodate all patrons:

• Dine-in service with comfortable Seating and Table service, often in a social atmosphere.
• Takeout and Delivery options for enjoying meals at home.
• Offers a full Bar onsite, including Hard liquor, Beer, Cocktails, and Wine.
• A variety of dining options for all day parts, including Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
• Dedicated Catering services for large events and parties.
• Features special offerings such as Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food.
• Guests can choose the All you can eat option on certain occasions.
• Quick bite and Small plates are available, alongside larger Comfort food and Healthy options.
• Family-friendly amenities include a Good for kids designation and High chairs.
• Accepts various payment methods, including Checks, Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The unique features and highlights of Abuja International Restaurant solidify its reputation as a distinctive dining and social destination in Union, NJ:

• Authentic West African & Caribbean Cuisine: Specializes in serving local specialty dishes from Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, including staples like Jollof Rice, Egusi, Edikang Ikong, and various Pepper Soups. It also incorporates elements of Caribbean flavor.
• Vibrant Entertainment Hub: A notable highlight is the provision of Live music, creating a dynamic, engaging, and social atmosphere, often in conjunction with the Bar onsite. The restaurant also broadcasts Sports.
• Full-Service Bar: Distinguished by a Great beer selection, Great cocktails, and a Great wine list, making it a destination not just for food but for a complete night out, including Happy hour drinks.
• Late-Night Dining: Offers Late-night food, catering to a crowd looking for delicious meals beyond typical dinner hours.
• Extensive Menu: The menu’s depth covers all categories from Soups (Pepper Soup variants) and classic Entrees to various Rice and Grilled preparations, ensuring a new dish to explore on every visit.
• Social and Inclusive Atmosphere: The establishment has a Casual, Cozy, and Trendy ambiance, and actively welcomes a diverse Crowd, including being LGBTQ+ friendly and a great space for Groups.
• All-Day Service: Catering to all meal schedules, offering Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, with reservations recommended due to the 'Usually a wait' during peak times.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or to place a takeout or delivery order, please use the contact details provided below:

Address: 1784 Burnet Ave, Union, NJ 07083, USA

Phone: (973) 821-4212

Mobile Phone: +1 973-821-4212

What is Worth Choosing

Abuja International Restaurant is the premier choice for New Jersey residents looking for an authentic and immersive African dining experience. It is worth choosing over competitors for several key reasons that cater directly to the local user's desire for genuine flavor and a lively atmosphere.

Firstly, the sheer breadth and authenticity of the menu are unparalleled in the immediate region, offering everything from savory, rich Pepper Soups and traditional Swallow (like Pounded Yam) with classic stews (Egusi, Edikang Ikong), to perfectly seasoned Jollof Rice. The ability to find dishes that Serves local specialty, like the Nigerian-style entrees and appetizers such as Suya, makes it a true cultural experience.

Secondly, the restaurant functions not just as an eatery but as an entertainment venue. The combination of Live music, a full-service Bar onsite with great drink selections, and a welcoming, social atmosphere creates an ideal destination for a date night, a celebration with Groups, or a fun weekend outing. It is a place where you can enjoy fantastic food and then linger over Happy hour drinks or Late-night food.

While the occasional customer has reported service delays or quality issues with takeout, the consistent popularity and the highly praised flavor of core dishes—like Jollof Rice and various pepper soups—make the Dine-in experience, especially with a reservation, the recommended way to fully enjoy what Abuja International Restaurant has to offer. For an authentic West African feast in a lively setting right here in Union, NJ, Abuja International is a standout selection.

Abuja International Restaurant

1784 Burnet Ave, Union, NJ 07083, USA