The 'World Famous' Waiting Room Introduce
For decades, New Jersey locals in Union County and beyond have known exactly where to go for a vibrant atmosphere, fantastic comfort food, and a top-tier bar selection: The 'World Famous' Waiting Room in Rahway. Established in 1979, this legendary spot has provided a welcoming respite from the everyday hustle, offering a dynamic fusion of a traditional bar, a classic grill, and a lively local restaurant. It's more than just a place to eat; it's a true neighborhood institution in the heart of downtown Rahway, perfectly suited whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a lively dinner, or a spot for late-night food and drinks.
The establishment prides itself on being a haven for everyone, from college students and local families to groups of friends and tourists passing through. The atmosphere is routinely described as casual, cozy, and trendy, contributing to a lively and unpretentious vibe that patrons appreciate. As one customer noted, it is a "traditional example of a Neighborhood Bar" where the drinks and food are reasonably priced, the portions are generous, and the mood is always set for a good time. It’s an ideal setting to relax, catch a game on the extensive screens, or enjoy some lively conversation.
Location and Accessibility in Rahway, NJ
Conveniently nestled in the vibrant downtown area, The 'World Famous' Waiting Room is located at 66 E Cherry St, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA. Its central position makes it a standout dining and nightlife option in the Rahway Arts District. The location is easily accessible for anyone in the Union County area and provides an excellent stop for those utilizing Rahway's robust transit options. Being in the heart of downtown, guests are close to other local attractions, including the Union County Performing Arts Center and Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts, making it a perfect spot for pre- or post-show dining.
Accessibility is a key priority for the establishment, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons. The location features a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot options, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating throughout the dining area. For parking, guests can find both paid street parking and a paid parking garage nearby, providing straightforward options when visiting.
Comprehensive Services Offered
The 'World Famous' Waiting Room offers a full spectrum of dining and bar services to accommodate various needs and schedules throughout the week.
- Dining Options: Available for lunch, dinner, brunch (depending on the day), and late-night food. They offer both table service and seating options for dining.
- Off-Site Service: Catering is a specialty, with both half and full trays available for pickup for events, parties, and gatherings. Takeout and delivery services are also offered for those who prefer to dine at home or the office.
- Beverage Program: Features a great beer selection, great cocktails (including inventive options like The Jersey Devil and Cherry St. Mule), hard liquor, and a great wine list, alongside coffee. The bar is fully stocked with an extensive selection of alcohol.
- Special Events & Entertainment: Regular entertainment includes popular events like Trivia Night and the showing of various Sports games on large screens, creating an electric atmosphere for fans. Bar games are also available for casual enjoyment.
- Planning & Payment: The venue accepts reservations, which is helpful for groups and peak dining times. They accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a convenient transaction process.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Recognized as good for kids and family-friendly, the bar and grill also provides high chairs and a dedicated kids' menu.
Key Features and Highlights
This bar and grill stands out among local New Jersey venues for a variety of reasons, ensuring a memorable and high-quality experience for every visitor.
- The 'World Famous' Menu: The menu offers exceptional variety, ranging from comfort food classics to specialties and even options for small plates and quick bites. Highlighted dishes include the truly 'World Famous Wings' (satisfying Rahway for over 40 years), Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, the Birria Quesataco, and the Maple Buffalo Bao Buns. The Sandwiches section, which includes the Cowboy Burger and French Onion Burger, is also extremely popular.
- Extensive Food and Drink Offerings: Beyond the signature wings, the menu includes hearty entrees like the 14oz. Ribeye, Grilled Lamb Chops, and Seared Citrus Salmon, served with a choice of two sides. The bar features happy hour drinks and happy hour food specials, making it an excellent spot for after-work relaxation. Late-night food is a major draw, ensuring a full menu is available long after many other kitchens close.
- Fast and Friendly Service: Customers consistently praise the staff for their quick service and friendly demeanor, enhancing the overall dining and drinking experience. As one review states, the staff is “pretty much busy throughout the evening” but always goes above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.
- Inviting Atmosphere: The combination of a casual, cozy, and trendy setting, complete with bar games and lively crowds, creates an engaging, fun atmosphere perfect for groups. The space also offers a pleasant outdoor seating area for enjoying the weather.
- Great Dessert Options: Though known for savory items, the venue is also highlighted for its great dessert options, providing a satisfying end to any meal.
Contact Information and Location Details
For New Jersey residents looking to visit, order takeout, or inquire about catering and reservations, The 'World Famous' Waiting Room can be reached at the following details:
Address: 66 E Cherry St, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
Phone: (732) 382-0900
What is Worth Choosing The 'World Famous' Waiting Room?
If you are in the Rahway area or throughout Union County, choosing The 'World Famous' Waiting Room means opting for a guaranteed good time with great food and strong drinks. This establishment delivers a rare blend of quality restaurant dining and an authentic, high-energy bar experience. It is particularly worth choosing for its famous, decades-old recipes, like the 'World Famous Wings' and the various takes on classic comfort food, from the Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese to the Penne Vodka. Patrons consistently mention the generous portions and reasonable prices, which, combined with a great beer selection and creative, strong cocktails, offer exceptional value.
Whether you are planning a family dinner, a casual lunch, a game day gathering, or a late-night outing, the lively, yet welcoming, casual atmosphere makes it a go-to spot. The convenience of easy parking, a full range of services including takeout and catering, and a staff dedicated to fast service truly make this a Rahway gem. Simply put, it's a legendary local spot that continues to live up to its name by offering a perfect blend of food, fun, and New Jersey neighborhood tradition—a must-visit destination in Union County.
The 'World Famous' Waiting Room Menu
Starters
- French Onion Soup $7.00
Rich beef broth and caramelized onions topped with melted provolone. It's gooey!
- Fried Calamari $16.00
Fresh calamari seasoned with our cajun breading. Served with homemade marinara and sriracha aioli
- Mozzarella Sticks $8.00
Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside. Served with homemade marinara
- Salsa & Chips $9.00
Our "world famous" salsa served with nice warm chips. Fun for the whole table
- Cherry Street Flatbread $15.00
Pesto base topped with crispy chicken, fresh mozzarella, roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Finished with balsamic drizzle
- Buffalo Shrimp $16.00
Crispy shrimp served with a side of our famous Buffalo sauce
- The Big Pretzel $12.00
Wow that's big! Served with queso dip and spicy brown mustard
- Spanktown Nachos $17.00
Forget the diet! Homemade chili, queso, pico de gallo, and jalapenos. Finished with sa'mokin aioli and crema. Substitute Chicken or 1/2 Chicken & 1/2 Chili
- Boardwalk Basket $13.00
Crispy waffle fries topped with mozzarella cheese, bacon, jalapenos and chipotle aioli
- Breaded Chicken Fingers $14.00
A children's classic for all ages. Served with French Fries and Honey Mustard
- Quesadilla $9.00
Two flour tortillas stuffed con queso. Served with salsa and crema. Build your own
Salads
Dressings: House Balsamic Vinaigrette | Blue Cheese | Honey Mustard | Ranch | French | Russian | Caesar | Oil & Vinegar | Italian | Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | Lemon Ginger Vinaigrette. Additions: Chicken +$6 | Shrimp +$9 | Salmon or Flank Steak +$9
- Garden Salad $12.00
Fresh romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, carrots and cucumber. Served with your choice of dressing
- Chicken Caesar Salad $18.00
Fresh romaine tossed in our homemade caesar dressing topped with grilled chicken, garlic croutons and shredded parmesan
- The Harvest Salad $13.00
Spring mix, sliced apples, candied walnuts, feta cheese and craisins served with house balsamic vinaigrette
- Blackened Shrimp Cobb Salad $24.00
Fresh romaine loaded with feta cheese, avocado, hardboiled egg, cherry tomatoes and bacon. Served with fresh lemon and your choice of dressing
- Fire Roasted Steak Salad $25.00
Fresh romaine, topped with sliced flank steak, red onion, corn salsa, avocado, black beans and cheddar jack. Served in a fried tortilla bowl with cilantro lime vinaigrette
- Sesame Glazed Salmon Salad $25.00
Spring mix, wonton strips, cucumber, carrots, mandarin oranges and sesame glazed salmon. Served with lemon ginger vinaigrette
Specialties
- World Famous Wings $15.00
Satisfying Rahway for over 40 years! Buffalo | BBQ | Teriyaki | Angelo | Sa'Mokin | Sriracha Dry | Sriracha Wet | Lemon Pepper | Mango Habanero | Sticky Thai | Cajun | Maple Buffalo | Honey Chipotle | Bourbon BBQ
- Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese $15.00
A comfort classic with crispy chicken and blue cheese crumbles
- Birria Quesataco $17.00
Tender beef, mozzarella cheese, onions and cilantro stuffed into a crispy tortilla. Served with birria consommé and fresh lime
- Fish & Chips $22.00
Yuengling battered cod served with its partner in crime. Comes with house made tartar sauce and malt vinegar
- Flank Steak Chimichurri $22.00
Tender 8oz flank steak sliced and served with rice & beans and housemade chimichurri on the side
- Southwest Chicken Bowl $21.00
Mesquite chicken, rice, black beans, corn salsa and avocado. Finished with sa'mokin aioli drizzle
- Maple Buffalo Bao Buns $15.00
Sweet and spicy has never tasted so good. Fried bao buns stuffed with crispy chicken tossed in our homemade maple buffalo. Served over a bed of spring mix
- Penne Vodka $19.00
Penne tossed in our homemade vodka sauce served with garlic bread
- Steak Frites $24.00
10oz ribeye grilled to perfection. Topped with rosemary compound butter and served with parmesan truffle fries
Sandwiches
Served on a roll, white, rye, 7 grain, or in a wrap. All sandwiches come with a choice of french fries, rice, salad, or tortilla chips. Upgrade Your Side: Waffle Fries | Sweet Potato Fries | Parmesan Truffle Fries | Onion Rings | +$2
- El Queso Grande $16.00
8oz Certified Angus Beef® burger topped with American cheese and roasted garlic aioli
- Cowboy Burger $18.00
8oz Certified Angus Beef® burger stacked with cheddar jack cheese, bourbon bbq, bacon and an onion ring
- French Onion Burger $18.00
Blackened 8oz Certified Angus Beef® burger topped with provolone cheese, house mushrooms, caramelized onions and roasted garlic aioli
- Sante Fe Turkey Burger $17.00
Homemade turkey burger topped with cheddar jack cheese, pico de gallo, avocado and chipotle aioli
- Pastrami Reuben $15.00
Lean pastrami with sauerkraut, Russian dressing and melted swiss. Served on rye toast
- Chicken Deluxe $17.00
If you know, you know. Grilled chicken topped with American cheese, bacon and roasted garlic aioli. Served on a toasted molete
- Chicken Caesar Wrap $15.00
Ask for it blackened! A classic wrap made with homemade Caesar dressing, croutons and Parmesan cheese
- Vodka Parm $16.00
A chicken Parmesan walks into a bar
- Tuscan Sliders $16.00
Grilled chicken sliders topped with fresh mozzarella, roasted red pepper and pesto aioli. Served on toasted ciabatta slider rolls
- Nashville Chicken Sandwich $17.00
Crispy chicken tossed in spicy Nashville sauce and topped with home made cole slaw. Served on a toasted brioche
- Cheesesteak $16.00
Marinated steak mixed with sauteed peppers & onions. Served with your choice of cheese on a toasted French Baguette
- Carne Asada Wrap $17.00
Marinated flank steak, cheddar jack cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo and samokin aioli. Wrapped in a flour tortilla
- French Dip $18.00
Shredded beef melted with caramelized onions and provolone cheese. Served on a toasted French baguette with a side of au jus
- California Club $17.00
Oven roasted turkey stacked high with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and roasted garlic aioli. Served on seven grain toast
- Cod Sandwich $17.00
Yuengling battered cod fried to golden perfection, tossed in lemon juice and angelo seasoning. Topped with house made cole slaw. Served on a toasted brioche
Entrees
Entrees served with choice of two sides. Sides ($4 each on own): French Fries, Tortilla Chips, Sweet, Potato Fries, Waffle Fries, Onion Rings, Rice & Beans, Baked Potato, Mashed Potato, House Salad, Caesar Salad, Seasonal Veggies. Specialty Sides - +$4 each ($8 each on own): Chili, Parmesan Truffle Fries, Disco Fries, Loaded Mashed Potato, Loaded Baked Potato, Mac and Cheese +$2
- Chicken Fajita $24.00
Sizzling chicken, pepper and onions topped with melted cheddar jack cheese. Served with pico de gallo, grilled flour tortillas and fresh lime
- 3/4 Rack Dinner $26.00
Somewhere between a half rack and a full rack stands our rack. Tender pork baby back ribs finished with bbq sauce. Substitute bourbon bbq, honey chipotle or angelo dry rub
- 14oz. Ribeye $32.00
Tender ribeye steak grilled to perfection. Topped with rosemary compound butter
- Seared Citrus Salmon $27.00
Seared salmon with a hint of orange and lemon
- Grilled Lamb Chops $36.00
Three tender double cut chops marinated in garlic and fresh herbs. Topped with rosemary compound butter
The 'World Famous' Waiting Room Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Bar games
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
- Trivia night
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
- Parking
The 'World Famous' Waiting Room Photos










The 'World Famous' Waiting Room Location
The 'World Famous' Waiting Room
66 E Cherry St, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
The 'World Famous' Waiting Room Reviews
wingsatmospheretriviasportsfrench onion soupentertainmentribssalmonprime ribschool
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We were looking for Friday night drinks, food, and mood music. No need to look anywhere else. Greeted with smiles, seated right away, reasonable prices, generous portions. Everything was delicious!
June 08 · Sharon McDonaldA traditional example of a Neighborhood Bar. Drinks and Food at a reasonable price, TVs with different games in the background, loud atmosphere with everyone talking, and Staff pretty much busy throughout the evening.Not my cup of tea but that is just a personal choice, and there is nothing bad to say about this place. Everything we ordered tasted pretty good, and the Cocktails were very strong.
April 08 · Hema KLocated on East Cherry Street in Rahway, New Jersey, the Waiting Room is a friendly bar with reasonably good sandwiches and burgers. Sports is usually on, the hours are good: 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Excellent service and old school atmosphere.
September 18 · Brian KernanStopped in for a drink while I was in Jersey visiting my sister. I was intrigued by the reviews and the name of the bar. Especially with the designation "World Famous!" The atmosphere was really cool and had a Cheers vibe to it. The food was good but I wouldn't say it was anything deserving of the name "World Famous". However, the staff and the drinks were absolutely on point. Everyone was very polite and inviting, and their Spanktown Old Fashioned drink was amazing! I would say that if you are in the area that this is a great place to stop in for a bite and a drink!
May 23 · L. McCulloughWings were amazing !!! Calamari was on point too. Really good food. Wait staff was a little inundated but they were all around great. They did the best they could I feel. Great food and great selections here. Was the perfect stop after watching the Jets Tank. Great place for drinks wings and watch the games
September 16 · A (A)
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