CITYRUB CAFE

3 Brewster Rd, Newark, NJ 07114, United States
$$$ Cafe
(46 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

CITYRUB CAFE is a convenient and approachable spot tucked inside Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A, making it a solid option for travelers looking to grab a satisfying bite without straying far from their gate. This café blends casual dining with a bit of an upscale touch, evident in menu items like tiramisu, seared ahi tuna salad, and a well-crafted chicken sandwich—choices that suggest a step beyond your typical airport fare.

The atmosphere leans toward lively but efficient, with friendly staff who move quickly and check in to make sure you’re all set, whether you’re grabbing a quick meal or settling in for a short break. The mood is lightened by a playlist featuring Motown classics, which creates an easygoing soundtrack amid the typical airport hustle. It’s the kind of place where you can both recharge and people-watch while waiting for your flight.

Expect a mix of fellow travelers in transit, some on tight schedules, others using a delay as an excuse to enjoy a better meal on the go. The café’s bar area adds an extra layer of appeal, offering beer on tap and a selection of wines, including local options. Those who appreciate craft beverages will find this a welcome detail in an airport setting.

For meal choices, the brisket sandwich and City Rub burger are particular standouts, drawing praise for flavorful execution and fresh ingredients. The fries come seasoned and paired well with the robust burger, offering a satisfying quick lunch or dinner. If dessert is on your mind, the packaged tiramisu makes for a neat takeaway treat without sacrificing quality.

Best times to visit are during typical flight turnaround hours—early mornings for a solid breakfast sandwich or midday for a full sandwich or salad—and definitely worth visiting if you have a bit of extra time before boarding. The café fits well into the airport environment, providing a touch of comfort food with a polished edge to make long waits feel a little less tedious.

Overall, CITYRUB CAFE serves well for travelers who appreciate good food paired with quick and courteous service, alongside a convenient spot to relax briefly before heading to the gate. It’s not a place to linger for too long, but certainly one to remember for solid, thoughtfully composed airport dining.

Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Best for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
46 Reviews
Jonathan Ong

25 Nov 2025

Felt good about this place. The ladies did a good job - I was greeted while waiting in line, brisket sandwich was delicious, and they came by during my quick meal to make sure I was good. Pleasantly surprised and I would return to dine here next time I'm in Newark airport

Toni Thompson

24 Nov 2025

The cute place at Newark International Airport, Terminal A between gates A26 and A10 (yes that makes sense!) offers upscale food. I passed on salads and I saw people digging into some pulled pork sandwiches on egg buns. I went for the packaged tiramisu after I debated with the cheese cakes. Tiramisu was great for packaged. They also have a bar with lots of wine offerings, beers on tap, and local craft beers. Airport prices. CityRub Cafe offers accessible tables and chairs, some with window view of the planes and buses on the tarmac. They offer a lower accessible order counter. Accessible venue. Accessible restrooms in central airport area.

Michael Damato

14 Nov 2025

Pretty solid with fast service. Staff were nice and the food was great. Not a bad spot to wait for your flight and get a quick bite.

Daniel Carroll

13 Nov 2025

Heading to Colorado...forgot breakfast Brisket Eggs and cheese banging Music mostly Motown Definitely recommend...the other menu items look sweet Customer service nice

Mike T.

21 Oct 2025

The plus to being delayed...a fantastic place to get a delicious burger. I highly recommended the City Rub burger. Flavorful from the beef, to the greens, cheese, and sauce...love it. Best burger in years! Thank you. Fries were seasoned and tasty. I also enjoyed the Cape May IPA.

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