Charming Finds in Chester, NJ

From Easter egg hunts to music festivals, car and crafts shows, this town promotes community and family. But its hidden treasures are not included in the town calendar; they are the eateries that you will find in the "downtown area" along with many unique retail shops.

Described as a "delightful discovery," Once Upon a Table (105 Main Street) is a gem. This unique café is actually located in a Victorian furniture store that sells "distinctive home accents and fine furnishings" Pasta, soup, sandwiches, salads, and other gourmet specialties fill a cozy little nook designated for the café. Take a flight of stairs and walk through the cramped hallway adorned with oil paintings to get to the dining area. The dining area is a simple but yet charming arrangement of mosaic tables and chairs. Here, at Once Upon a Table, there's no rush you can finally enjoy an afternoon of coffee, culinary delights, and a long chat. On the second floor, there are more showrooms displaying bedroom furniture. You will find beds with grand bedposts, decorated wooden armoires, porcelain dolls, treasure chests, and other home accents. As expected, The Star-Ledger describes Once Upon a Table as "culinary artistry in an enchanting setting."

Across the street is a Dairy Queen and KC's Coffee Place, a cozy little nook to get a good cup of coffee. In this small shop you could soak in the aroma of coffee beans amidst some tasteful decorations and crafts and other small gifts available for purchase. But most importantly, Sally Lunn's Tea Room and Restaurant (15 Perry Street) is right around the corner. This English teahouse has been in business for over 20 years. Just before the restaurant is a small shop dedicated to imported English snacks and tea and selection of fine antiques, china, and collectibles. Walk further into this quaint, little shop and you'll be greeted by a man with an English accent--he will be your waiter. Sally Lunn's, giving an impression of an old Country Home, is a place of mismatched furniture, teapots, teacups and saucers. This unique eatery serves a delicious quiche but many people come here for tea as it is served from 10:30 till closing time. Sally Lunn's has many regulars who still remember the year this restaurant opened. They even still recall the time when the owners (two middle-aged women) got into intense arguments right before their customers! Now, at Sally Lunn's there are no longer heated debates in the middle of afternoon tea. It has transformed to a place to get away from it all.