I live in Union, next town over. There's not much in Hillside proper, but there's tons of local bars and pubs that always look like really nice places to hang out and have some good Portuguese food. It's a relatively chill town, you won't have to worry about getting stabbed unless you're going around shouting "Stab me, please".

Hit up Seabra's and get some amazing pasteis de nata and other pastries.

I havent been in the area in 15 years and even then the closest I came was S. Jersey. Ill def check out Seabra's, thanks!

One other nifty thing to try if you have a car - head to Union, grab some fantastic Nigerian food at Surulere Suya Spot.

And recommendations for a nigerian first timer?

Depends on how hungry you are. Beef suya is awesome - it's grilled lean beef topped with a spicy powder that has a lot of peanut in it and red onions. If you're still hungry after a skewer of that, try egusi. It's a thick stew made with crushed melon seeds, eaten with fufu - pounded starchy yam, steamed- or banku - pounded green plantains, also steamed. It can be spicy but it's delicious.

Snack Mania across from Seabra's does a bunch of nifty looking quick snack foods and coffee. Haven't been myself, but it looks hella legit.

I moved to hillside five years ago. Before I lived here I also thought it was the “hood,” which is further from the truth. It’s a pretty small town but feels bigger than it is. Hit Bihn Duong II for good pho. Comet pizza is a must.

Second Bihn Duong for pho. I’m a regular at the first.

Def gonna eat some jersey pizza while im in town. Be glad to try Comet!

Ive never had Pho, will give it a shot tho!

Do it! I suggest the grilled pork chop. It’s comes deconstructed so you’ll get a quart of amazing bone broth with all the accoutrement on the side for you to combine to your liking! Life changing! Let us know!