I tried the Prudential Center’s new menu and have thoughts

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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 for everyone who comes through The Rock,” said Dana Seiden, Vice President, Partnerships at New Jersey Devils & Prudential Center.

On Monday, Sept. 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 Devils faithful were looking for.

“We added some new stuff, we changed some things around,” executive chef Aaron Zaks said. “I just wanted to add a little more of the shore, all the different parts of Jersey into it.”

The East Back Kitchen is the arena’s newly launched white label hospitality brand and features a slew of mouth-watering dishes and tasty beverages that deliver an elevated culinary experience that’s heavy on the grit, boldness and flavor that make the Garden State great.

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 culinary 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 choosing at the beloved Newark arena, here’s a little bit about the newest Prudential Center food offerings.

Funnel Cake Fries
Available at Downtown Diner and the Boardwalk, Sections 1, 118 & 126.

These lightly powdered dessert fries are simultaneously chewy and soft with a deft, subtle sweetness that would make for the perfect side to any particularly spicy entree. They’re a bit like a waffle in fry form (but nothing like a waffle fry) and served with syrup on the side. Word on the street is there may be a strawberry topping, too. If so, we can’t wait to try.

Chicken and Waffles
Available in Section 107

A nouveau classic beautifully executed. Prudential’s C&W have a nice sweet, spicy and savory flavor combo, without one tipping the scales and overwhelming the taste buds. Gotta give them points for infusing the waffles with syrup rather than making this dish a dipper, too. Nice touch, Prudential. We see you. Credit for the Mike’s Hot Honey and Chipotle mayo as well. Lots of tastes colliding here all at once. Be careful though, diners. Once you have one of these, you won’t be able to stop.

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Steak Sandwich

I cannot tell a lie. This was easily the undisputed MVP of the tasting and, yes, I secretly went back for seconds. The smoky, bold Pat LaFrieda sando on an oily focaccia is sneakily spicy and bolstered by caramelized onions and what I believe was a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Equal parts satisfying and sophisticated, I already can’t wait to buy another one or two at a Devils game 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 mellow frank adorned with crunchy slaw and bacon is deceptively complex; by fusing the two textures, there’s a surprising oomph and urgency to each bite.

Cheesesteak
Available at the Boardwalk, Section 126

Served on a hearty hero, the Prudential Center’s cheesesteak’s has a surprising lightness to it. The thinly cut Pat LaFrieda ribeye steak and rich cheese along with peppers and onion is an excellent complement to its bread-y roll. I’d argue this is the perfect substitute for those suffering from hot dog fatigue.

Cheesesteak Empanada

I’d call this snacker a close MVP runner-up. The artfully-fried empanada will make you never want to eat a cheesesteak on a hero again (our apologies to the cheesesteak pictured right above, we still love ya, pal). Full stop, Pat LaFrieda beef inside a crispy casing just hits different. It’s almost playful? Certainly delectable. Even if you’re a fair weather empanada fan, I’d make the case that this is a can’t-miss item if you’re at the Prudential Center.

Taylor Ham
Available at Downtown Diner, Sections 1 & 118

This ain’t no pork roll (even it ‘s made from scratch shaved pork roll). Like any good Taylor Ham straight from a deli, this iconic breakfast staple was clearly made with love by chef Zaks and has the perfect meat to egg to cheese ratio to boot.

Cheese Pizza

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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 gladly buy a jar or three.

Ranch House Burger
Available at Smash by Pat LaFrieda, Sections 12 & 111

Flaky challah bun and a robust Pat LaFrieda patty? Can’t beat it. The Ranch House Burger, topped with ranch (duh), pickles, bacon jam, white cheddar and fried onions, is a maximalist delight.

Chicken Finger

Hoo boy, these have a kick. They taste angry hot, like something the devil himself may munch on. Generously sized, I’d guesstimate two fingers would fill any Devils fan right up. For those that are extra hungry though, I suggest pairing the fingers with the funnel cake fries (told you there would be a pairing earlier). That duo just might be better the ultimate Prudential Center meal.

Chicken Tinga Tacos

Mayo-based Chipotle sauce over shredded chicken and cotija cheese? Sign us up. This soft taco is a nice respite from the American fare on the menu (other than the exceptional empanada) and quite delicious. I didn’t see one at the tasting but I believe a pulled pork option is available as well.

Buchanita Cocktail

To wash it all down was this tropical pineapple juice and whiskey drink that straight up hit the spot. Just like the funnel cake fries, a Buchanita in your cup should serve as the perfect partner to any Prudential Center main.

Bonus: Mighty Quinn’s is returning to the Prudential Center. Located at Section 4, they’ll serve a honey hen fried chicken, brisket and pulled pork sandwiches and fry-topped Jersey Shore Dog as well as mac and cheese.

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.

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While we can’t speak for everyone, here are 15 Prudential Center events (!) we can’t wait for in the next few months.

• Billie Eilish (Oct. 9)

• Brick City Fight Night (Oct. 12)

• Disney On Ice (Oct. 30 through Nov. 3)

• Iron Maiden (Nov. 9)

• Maverick City Music (Nov. 26)

• Rod Wave (Dec. 3)

• El Alfa (Dec. 5)

• Aventura (Dec. 11)

• Mariah Carey (Dec. 13)

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Dec. 20)

• Disney On Ice: Frozen and Encanto (Jan. 2-5, 2025)

• Monster Jam (Jan. 24-26, 2025)

• Aespa (Feb. 11, 2025)

• Sebastian Maniscalco (March 8, 2025)

• Deftones (April 9, 2025)

Who else is on the road? Take a look at our list of the 50 biggest concert tours in 2024 to find the show for you.

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