The ultimate summer foodie bucket list for North Jersey and beyond

Fireworks, tram cars and hour-long waits at your local ice cream shop — welcome to summer in Jersey. With less than three weeks until the season's solstice, we can already taste the Polish Water Ice (and hear the Frank Sinatra). We might be biased, but July and August in the Garden State kinda just hit different.

Each year, Jersey residents clock their vacation days, pack up the kiddos and head out to experience the best the area has to offer. From sports games to Six Flags, there's no shortage of warm day activities to enjoy statewide. With such an awesome local food scene, however, the best of these outings include food. And — let's be real — we know all those extra rounds of Top Golf have you hungry.

So, if you're ready to spend the next few months chowing down under the sun, read on.

Here is our summer foodie's bucket list for North Jersey and beyond.

Have ice cream at Bischoff's

After closing its doors at the end of 2022, 90 year-old Teaneck ice cream shop Bischoff's recently announced that it would reopen as a pop-up shop for the summer of 2023. Operating at its classic fourth-generation location on Cedar Lane, the shop is open Wednesdays through Sundays until Labor Day.

Go peach picking

New Jersey has plenty of pick-your-own produce farms offering all sorts of fruits and veggies. In summer, however, peaches are the name of the game. We like to pick ours up at Phillips Farm in Milford, or Alstede Farms in Chester.

Dine on the lake at The Windlass

Jersey may be known for its shores, but its lakes are just as beautiful. At The Windlass in Lake Hopatcong, diners can enjoy a meal at private tables on a dock surrounded by freshwater, or on a sprawling lakeside patio.

Eat the Sweet Corn Ravioli at The Pasta Shop

To celebrate corn's growing season, Denville's iconic The Pasta Shop serves Sweet Corn and Mascarpone Ravioli every July and August. Featuring hand-folded pasta pockets in rich truffle butter, this sweet and salty dish is one of the best summer plates around.

Slurp down some oysters

Our favorite place to do this? Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen.

Have a picnic at the peak of the Tourne Park

The Tourne Park in Boonton has several miles of trails that lead to the top of a small mountain. Carry a picnic basket up to the peak (with a sandwich from Don's Sandwich Shop), and hikers can enjoy lunch with scenic views of Rockaway Valley and New York City.

Sample every flavor of Polish Water Ice

If you've ever been to Wildwood, you've heard the Polish Water Ice guy's recorded voice booming out of a speaker onto the boardwalk. If you've listened closely (we tune him out sometimes, too), you know that he's offering you a sample. This year, take him up on his offer. If you try every flavor, you've pretty much eaten a free cup.

Eat a lobster roll

New England is famous for its lobster rolls, so it makes sense that Jersey — being directly below the region — serves some great ones. Some of the best we've tried were at Jack's Lobster Shack in Edgewater and Bahrs Landing in Highlands.

Try the outrageous fried foods at the State Fair

Gator, funnel cakes and pickle pops — oh my!

Make a day trip to Woodstock, New York

Only a short drive north of Jersey lies Woodstock, New York; an eclectic town stuck somewhere in the 1960's. With a population of primarily hippies, however, the city is very focused on farm-fresh produce and edgy, artistic plates. If you're into vegan food, we suggest visiting the Garden Cafe on the Green. For carnivores, Dixon Roadside serves colorful takes on barbecue, fried chicken and more.

Grab a burger from White Manna

Summer makes us think of cookouts, and cookouts make us think of burgers. And when we think of burgers? We can't help but think of the famous sliders at Hackensack's White Manna.

Enjoy Manhattan views at Batello

Dining al fresco in the summertime is always great, but it's even better with a view. At Jersey City's chic Italian restaurant Batello, the outdoor dining space looks directly at the Manhattan skyline.

Indulge in an omakase

Fresh, cold sushi is a light and refreshing meal option perfect for the summer months. We suggest, therefore, indulging in a multi-course omakase tasting menu; a Japanese sushi experience where the chef takes control and serves many small, sequential dishes to the customer. These experiences can be expensive, but we totally think they're worth the splurge (especially at DOMODOMO).

Shop at a Farmers' Market

Jersey Farmers' Markets are generally open from late spring to early fall, but the summer is definitely the best time to visit one. In July and August, the air is warm, the vendors are plentiful and the produce selection is at its most diverse. If you haven't shopped at one yet, we suggest starting with Sparta or Princeton's.

Have a waffle with ice cream

"Under the boardwalk," of course.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ restaurants: Summer foodie bucket list for North Jersey