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When it comes to the best places in America to grab a bite, one New Jersey restaurant is a can’t miss, according to online review platform Yelp.

Released Jan. 21, this year’s ranking of the top 100 restaurants in the U.S. includes 618 in Freehold at No. 95.

Launched in 2016, 618 offers modern American cuisine by award-winning chef Christopher Dutka. According to Yelp reviewers, the most popular dishes are short rib ravioli, crab cakes, skirt steak, crispy pork belly, angry shrimp & pasta, and toffee cake.

It is also a popular venue for weddings and other special events.

Open Table has included 618 several times in its annual roundup of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the U.S., too.

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The team behind 618 also owns recently opened Mexican steakhouse Mezcal in Old Bridge. According to NJ.com, they plan to open an Italian restaurant in Old Bridge later this year.

‘Unique culinary experiences’

To generate a diverse compilation of eateries, Yelp says it reviewed factors including total volume and ratings of reviews from its community of users. Editors noted that Yelp’s 13th annual list includes a mix featuring fast-casual eateries, food trucks, fine dining establishments and food halls across 34 states.

Topping the ranking is Ci Siamo, a modern Italian spot in New York City from restauranteur Danny Meyer’s team. Four other Big Apple eateries made the list, too:

• L’industrie Pizza – No. 27
• Charoen Krung Thai – No. 35
• Gurume – No. 38
• Da Andrea – Chelsea – No. 45

Altogether, Texas led the Top 100 with 17 restaurants, followed by California (nine). Regional hotspots like Nashville and Las Vegas each had four honorees, Yelp said.

Yelp trend expert Tara Lewis believes the list “shows what happens when real people guide the conversation about restaurants.”

“By sharing honest reviews and photos, diners have surfaced a mix of cozy neighborhood favorites, brunch and sandwich shops, and unique culinary experiences you won’t find on any other list,” Lewis commented.

Other trends observed by Yelp include:

• 65% of the restaurants included in the ranking are priced under $30 per person. The shift highlights strong demand for high-quality, budget friendly meals
• Diners have embraced nostalgic comfort food; elevated sandwiches; all-day breakfast and brunch; Japanese and Nikkei cuisine; and dress-up, special occasion restaurants