New Jersey Devils fans know what they want.
This year, the Prudential Center came through in a big way for them.
“We’ve spent time listening to our fans and are committed to providing a world-class food and beverage experience to everyone who comes through The Rock,” said Dana Seiden, Vice President, New Jersey Devils & Prudential Center Partnerships.
Monday, September. 30, the Newark-based venue – ranked as one of the top five arenas in the world by Pollstar – unveiled their new menu based on what the Devils faithful have been asking for.
“We added some new things, we changed some things around,” said chief executive Aaron Zaks. “I just wanted to add a bit more of the coast, all the different parts of Jersey to it.”
The East Back Kitchen is the arena’s newly launched white label brand of hospitality and features an array of delicious dishes and delicious drinks that deliver an elevated culinary experience that’s heavy on the grit, boldness and flavor that make the Garden State excellent
And, yes, I tried 11 (!) menu items (plus a cocktail to wash it all down).
What were the can’t-miss MVPs? Any dream item pairings? Which was the most innovative?
I’m here to answer all your kitchen questions and more.
So whether you’re a Devils fan or want to see Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Cody Johnson, Jeff Dunham or another artist of your choice at Newark’s beloved arena, here’s what the newest Prudential Center has to offer. food.
Funnel Cake Fries
Available at Downtown Diner and Boardwalk, Sections 1, 118 and 126.
These lightly dusted sweet potato chips are both chewy and soft with a deft, subtle sweetness that would make the perfect side to any particularly spicy meal. They are a bit like a waffle in fried form (but nothing like a waffle fry) AND served with syrup on the side. Word on the street is that there might even be a strawberry topping. If so, we can’t wait to try.
Chicken and Waffles
Available in section 107
A beautifully executed nouveau classic. Prudential’s C&W has a nice combination of sweet, spicy and savory without one that leaves the scales and overwhelms the taste buds. You have to give them points for topping the waffles with syrup instead of making this dish a dip. Nice, careful touch. We see you. Credit to Mike’s Hot Honey and Chipotle Mayo as well. Many flavors collide here all at once. Be careful though, diners. Once you have one of these, you won’t be able to stop.
Steak sandwich
I can’t tell a lie. This was easily the undisputed MVP of the tasting and, yes, I sneaked back for seconds. The smoky and bold Pat LaFrieda sandwich on a buttery focaccia is deliciously spicy and enhanced by caramelized onions and what I believe was a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. Equal parts satisfying and sophisticated, I’m already looking forward to buying another Devils game or two in the near future. Just take my money already.
Devil dog
As all-American as you can get. Don’t write this off as a standard dog, though: the tender sincerity adorned with crunchy slaw and bacon is remarkably complex; fusing the two textures, there’s a surprising buzz and urgency to each bite.
Cheese steak
Available at Boardwalk, Section 126
Served up to a hearty hero, the Prudential Center’s steak has a surprising tenderness. Thinly sliced Pat LaFrieda ribeye steak and rich cheese along with peppers and onions are a great complement to its bread roll. I would argue that this is the perfect substitute for those suffering from hot dog fatigue.
Cheesesteak Empanadas
I’d call this snaker a close MVP runner-up. The expertly fried empanada will make you never want to eat a cheesesteak on a hero again (apologies to the steak pictured above, we still love you, friend). Full stop, Pat LaFrieda beef inside a crispy casing just looks different. Is it almost playful? Certainly pleasant. Even if you’re a fair-weather empanada fan, I’d argue that this item can’t be missed if you’re in the Prudential Center.
Taylor Ham
Available at Downtown Diner, Sections 1 and 118
This is not a pork roll (it’s even made from scratch shaved pork roll). Like any good straight-from-the-food Taylor Ham, this iconic breakfast staple is clearly made with love by Chef Zaks and has the perfect ratio of meat to egg to cheese to boot.
Pizza with cheese
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This simple classic is perfect for any picky eater in your group. Truth be told, we were quite fond of the marinara sauce chef Zaks used. If the Prudential Center wants to let the world know their secret ingredient (is it love? I bet it is), I’d happily buy a jar or three.
Ranch House Burger
Available in Smash by Pat LaFrieda, Sections 12 and 111
Crispy challah buns and a Pat LaFrieda stout? You can’t beat it. The Ranch House Burger, topped with ranch (duh), pickles, bacon jam, white cheddar and fried onions, is maximalist indulgence.
Chicken fingers
Hoo boy, these pack a punch. They taste hot anger, like something the devil himself could chew on. Generously sized, I think two fingers would fill any Devils fan. However, for the very hungry, I suggest pairing the fingers with the funnel cake fries (I told you there would be a pairing earlier). This duo just might be the Prudential Center’s best meal.
Tinga Chicken Tacos
Mayo-based Chipotle sauce over shredded chicken and cotija cheese? Sign up for us. This soft taco is a nice break from the American food on the menu (except for the incredible empanada) and quite tasty. I didn’t see one at the tasting, but I believe a pulled pork option is also available.
Buchanita cocktail
To wash it all down was this tropical pineapple juice and whiskey drink that was an instant hit. Like funnel cake fries, a Buchanita in your cup should serve as the perfect partner for any Prudential HQ.
Bonus: Mighty Quinn’s is returning to the Prudential Center. Located in Section 4, they’ll be serving up a honey fried chicken, brisket and pulled pork sandwiches and a Jersey Shore Dog topped with fries, as well as mac and cheese.
You can’t miss events at the Prudential Center
Now that you know what to eat, all you have to do is find the game or show that suits you best.
While we can’t speak for everyone, here are 15 Prudential Center events (!) to look forward to in the coming months.
• Billie Eilish (October 9)
• Brick City Fight Night (October 12)
• Disney On Ice (October 30 to November 3)
• Iron Maiden (November 9)
• Maverick City Music (November 26)
• Rod Wave (December 3)
• From Alpha (December 5)
• Adventurous (December 11)
• Mariah Carey (December 13)
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra (December 20)
• Disney On Ice: Frozen and Enchantment (January 2-5, 2025)
• Monster Jam (January 24-26, 2025)
• Aespa (February 11, 2025)
• Sebastian Maniscalco (March 8, 2025)
• Deftones (April 9, 2025)
Who else is on the way? Take a look at our list of the 50 biggest concert tours in 2024 to find the show for you.
This article was written by Matt Levy, live events reporter for the New York Post. Levy stays up to date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since beginning his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that offers may expire and all prices are subject to change.
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