Emersonions – residents of “The Family Town,” live their lives as one community. They bond over shared interests, including favorite sporting activities and townwide festivities. The most successful method of bonding Emersonions, however, is food. Here are some favorite local hangouts for those in Emerson. 

“Matthew Avery bunker in his house. It is so special because it’s a very unique room that a lot of houses do not have. I feel comfortable there because no intruders can get in.” – Brian Rodriquez

“I think Franco’s Pizzeria on Kinderkamack Road is my favorite hangout for after half-days or just whenever my friends and I want to hang out. It’s so simple because, in a small town like Emerson, the only big restaurant is the Emerson Hotel, which is too big for just a hangout. Franco’s is close to the middle of the town and we can all walk there for pizza. It’s very simple and that’s why it is so popular in Emerson.” – Christian Hirth

“My favorite local hangout would probably be my car because it’s fun being able to drive anywhere I want with all of my friends. Since getting my license I have a lot more freedom and I feel comfortable in it because it’s more of a private area for me and my friends to go places and talk.” – Jeniece Joseph

“Starbucks is my favorite hangout spot. It is so special because I go there with my friends. I feel comfortable there because of the setting, workers, and people around me.” – Angelina Moschella

“My favorite local hangout spot is Applebees or we call it “half apps” because at 10-11, they have half-off appetizers – perfect my and my friends’ budgets. I feel like it has a young atmosphere and a lot of people my friends and I know. The food is cheap, fast, and delicious – perfect for a late night snack, and it gives my friends and I something to do.” – Victoria Spinelli

“My favorite local hangout is Starbucks because we are able to get drinks there and then we get to do work or just talk. I feel comfortable there because I’m with my friends and we always have a good time.” – Kate Sroka

“My favorite local hangout is probably my friend’s houses or cars. It is comfortable and easy to hang out there because we can drive around and do whatever we want.” – Sarah Dooley

“My favorite local hangout is Quickcheck or Lolitas. Both places offer a lot and are very down to earth. I feel comfortable there as the employees aren’t in a rush to leave or want someone our age out of their store; they like having people in their store.” – Matthew Avery

“My friend’s house because it represents a place where my friends and I spend most of our time. It is special because there is so much to do at his house. You can swim, play cards, watch TV, and play in the backyard. The house makes me feel comfortable because I am with all my friends.” – Gabriel Cannici

“Quickcheck! It’s close to my house” – Skyler Shook

“My local hangout is Starbucks and it is special because I have been there so any times with many people and I feel safe there.” – Taylor Shook

“My favorite local hangout is Dunkin Donuts because my friends and I like the drinks there and it is a peaceful place in case you want to study. I feel comfortable there because it is another place where I can relax and talk uninterrupted with my friends.” – Jimena Reyes Ramirez

“Starbucks. I feel comfortable there because I am very familiar with the environment. It’s special because I’ve been there at least once with all the important people in my life. I’m also always there at least once a week. Many other students hang out there as well” – Daria Lynch

“There is a restaurant I like in Hackensack called Green Papaya. It is an Asian Fusion restaurant, and because of this, they have different dishes and drinks they serve from Asian countries (ex: Malaysia, Taiwan, etc.) The food is very good, and the people are very kind. I have been going there for around five years now, and they sometimes give my family and I free food. They also talk to us about their lives. I recommend everyone go if they can :).” – Briella Donahue

“Any park with a swing set. I like these sorts of places because of the serenity that comes with them for me.” – Marileidy Buffa

Personally, my favorite local hangout is the bagel store, Goldberg’s, in the next town over. The menu is small, but the workers are accommodating of any wishes you may have. I feel comfortable there because of the homey hospitality and the fact that it is in a friendly, bustling town. 

What’s your favorite local hangout?