Hey there, fellow New Jerseyans! (And perhaps a few New Yorkers who appreciate our incredible state.) There are quite a few things I enjoy, and two of those things are good food and good views. This charming cafe offers both and it’s hidden away in an alcove, often missed by those who traverse the highway nearby.
State Line Lookout Cafe offers good food, great deals, and amazing views.
Image/State Line Lookout
As you can see, there are massive glass windows designed to allow visitors to take in their stunning surroundings.
Google/Vivek Mathur
Those surroundings are the Palisades Cliffs and the Hudson River.
Flickr/Felton Davis
State Line Lookout Cafe is located along the path of several picturesque Palisades trails including the B Trail and the Short Trail. This is a great place to take a break, or start/end an adventure.
Flickr/Felton Davis
Grab a bite here and go for a hike or just sit for a bit and enjoy the views before heading home.
Google/Vivek Mathur
For even better views, head outside and peer through the coin-operated binoculars. There are also picnic tables for outdoor dining when the weather gets warm.
Flickr/Ken Lund
So, what will you find on the menu? A delicious and budget-friendly selection including hot dogs, angus burgers, veggie burgers, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
Google/IK Films
There are also teas, bottled beverages, and a small selection of baked goods. The kitchen is open daily from 9:30 until 4:30.
Google/Matt Frasier
State Line Lookout Cafe also offers a variety of books, maps, and postcards. Many are centered around nature and local history.
TripAdvisor/Thomas S.
The State Line Lookout Cafe was built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). It’s located at the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs (elevation 520 ft.), about half a mile south of the New Jersey-New York state line. There is no address but it has its own (unnumbered) exit in Alpine, New Jersey, about 2 miles north of Palisades Interstate Parkway Exit 2, accessible directly from the PIP northbound lanes and via a median U-turn from the PIP southbound lanes. It is also accessible to hikers on the Long Path and to pedestrians and cyclists via Old Route 9W. If you’d like to learn about a private (but affordable!) nature sanctuary in the Palisades, click here.
Image/State Line Lookout
Google/Vivek Mathur
Flickr/Felton Davis
Flickr/Ken Lund
Google/IK Films
Google/Matt Frasier
TripAdvisor/Thomas S.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
