Discover all about the garden state parkway cheesequake service area in 2025 — including its location, offerings, nearby food joints, travel tips for this stop, and answers to the most frequently asked questions for road trippers and commuters.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!One of the Garden State’s most important arteries, traversed by thousands of drivers daily, the Garden State Parkway meanders more than 172 miles and links the north and south of New Jersey. For many of the Parkway’s countless drivers — from daily commuters to families on vacation, and no doubt out-of-town visitors revisiting family in suburbia — it is more than a road; it is the line that stitches beaches, cities, and suburbs together.
Along this long road, there are several service areas where you can take a break from driving, refuel your car, grab a snack, or stretch your legs. A middle-of-the-road (highway) name at the top of the list—and it may well be the most strategically located—is the Cheesequake Service Area. Located at mile marker 123, just north of the Raritan River, Cheesequake has been a convenient pit stop for people travelling north to New York City or south to the Jersey Shore.
Please continue reading below to learn everything you need to know about the Cheesequake Service Area in 2025, from its history to amenities, food, accessibility, and why it’s one of the best stops on the Garden State Parkway. We’ll also go through the most commonly asked questions to ensure that your experience is seamless, convenient, and enjoyable.
Facts on Cheesequake Service Area Here is a little history of the garden state parkway cheesequake service area:
The service area is named for Cheesequake State Park and the old Cheesequake Creek. The word “Cheesequake” is thought to come from the Lenni Lenape people who once lived in the area and used the term “Cheseh-oh-ke,” meaning “upland,” to describe the local area where salt-water and fresh-water marshes meet.
The Cheesequake Service Area has been accommodating travellers since the early days of the Parkway in the early 20th century. It has undergone multiple renovations and some upgrades over the decades to keep up with evolving traveller tastes and advances in highway travel. Its position, at a key intersection near the Parkway’s junction with the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 9, makes it a vital stop for drivers travelling north to the New York metro area or south to the Jersey Shore.
Location and Access
Where Is the Cheesequake Service Area?
- Mile Marker: 123 (on the northbound side)
- Between Exits: Just north of exit 120, near the Raritan River Bridge
- Coordinates: 40.4406° N, 74.2676° W
- Served From: Northbound (Southbound travellers need to use another service area or turn around)
Tip: If you are driving southbound, the closest service area is located in Monmouth, at mile marker 100.
Why Is Cheesequake Important?
- It’s one of the last large service areas for drivers heading northbound before entering the metropolitan New York area.
- It’s a frequent gathering place for carpools as well as bus routes.
- Its position in the middle is convenient for topping up, eating on the go, or taking a break.
2025 Amenities and Services
The Cheesequake Service Area is new and improved, making it fresher, greener, and more focused on you! These are the amenities you already have and some of what you’ll find in 2025:
1.Charging Infrastructure for Both Fuel and Electric Vehicles
- Gas: Several pumps offering regular and premium types
- Diesel: For trucks and buses
- Electric Vehicle Charging: Fast-charging stations used for EVs work for most vehicle models; Tesla adapters included
- Air and Water: complimentary air and water to maintain tyres and mobile auto sustenance
2. Dining and Food Options
The food court is one of the most popular features in the service area. Here’s what you’ll find at Cheesequake in 2025 — a mix of national brands and local New Jersey flavours:
- Starbucks: Coffee, morning meal, and afternoon.
- Shake Shack: Burgers, fries and shakes.
- Jersey Mike’s Subs: Fresh hoagies and salads
- Auntie Anne’s: Pretzel bites and lemonade
- Dunkin’: Coffee and doughnuts, plus other breakfast items
- LOCAL DELI COUNTER: Specialties from NEW JERSEY
Salubrious options: A number now offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
3. Restrooms
- Spacious, new, and cleaned every day.
- Family bathrooms and changing stations
- Fully accessible stalls for travellers with disabilities
4. Retail and Convenience
- Mini Mart: Snacks, beverages, travel items, over-the-counter medicines, and souvenirs.
- ATM: On-site for cash withdrawals.
- Lottery tickets: Sold at the stop’n’buy
5. Pet Relief Area
Pet-friendly, fenced-in area complete with waste bags and seating, great for guests travelling with their pets.
6. Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
- Free, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building
- USB and plug-in power stations at seat locations
7. Seating and Relaxation
- Inside and outside seating areas
- Covered picnic tables to eat outside and stretch your legs
8. Safety and Security
- security patrols and cameras 24/7
- Well-lit parking areas
- Emergency call boxes
What Makes garden state parkway cheesequake service area Unique?
1.Strategic Location
For those headed north towards New York City, Cheesequake is ideally positioned as a vital last-chance stop before urban gridlock. It’s also a favourite meeting spot for friends on the Shore in summer or for multigenerational family road trips.
2. Modern Facilities
Recent upgrades demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, including solar panels, LED lighting, and water conservation, as well as accessibility and comfort for travellers — elevating the service area to the level of the best highway stops in the country.
3. Local Flavor
You’ll find the usual suspects of national chains, but Cheesequake favours New Jersey’s food lexicon with local snacks, fresh deli options, and Jersey-based products.
How to Navigate the Cheesequake Service Area
Expect Crowds at Peak Times:
Friday afternoons, summer weekends, and holiday travel periods can be particularly hectic. Expect longer lines at gas pumps and in front of food counters.
EV Drivers:
The fast-charging stations are popular there — search for charging apps for up-to-the-minute availability before you go.
Traveling with Kids:
Use the family restrooms, changing stations, and outdoor picnic area to let kids stretch and play.
Plan Your Route:
Just a reminder, Cheesequake is a one-way northbound route. If you need to stop while heading south, the Monmouth or Forked River service areas are your best options.
Pet Owners:
Take your pup out to the specifically designated pet relief area to stretch their legs safely.
Directions and Nearby Attractions
Getting There and Nearby Attractions
How to Get to the Cheesequake Service Area
- Northbound Garden State Parkway: Keep to the right as you approach mile marker 123, where service area exit signs are located.
- There are no local road connections to the service area, as it can only be accessed through the Parkway.
Nearby Attractions
If you want to see more of the surrounding area, you might like to visit.
- Cheesequake State Park, located just a few miles west, offers hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and unique ecosystems.
- Raritan Bay Waterfront Park: Scenic vistas and footpaths on the bay.
- Matawan/Old Bridge: Both have historic towns with charming downtowns and restaurants.
- Jersey Shore: Keep heading south for the beaches New Jersey is famous for.
garden state parkway cheesequake service area Seeks Greener Tomorrow with Focus on Sustainability
In addition to serving as an enhancement to the environment, the Garden State Parkway is an excellent example of environmental stewardship; these green features will also be fully integrated into the facility and include:
- Solar : Starve the grid
- LED lights throughout the building and parking lot
- Rainwater Harvesting: Uses for Landscaping and Cleaning
- A little recycling station, easy for visitors to see and use.
- EV Charging: Promotes clean driving
These initiatives reduce the carbon footprint of the service area and set an example for rest stops across the country.
Future Plans and Developments
Service Area Modernisation: The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is investing in its service areas. Some of the upgrades that are expected for Cheesequake over the next couple of years include:
- Adding More Outdoor Seats: More shaded picnic areas and family play areas
- More EV Chargers: Keep up with growing demand as more drivers go electric
- Local Vendor Pop-Ups: Rotating local food and craft stalls, especially during high travel periods
- Interactive Kiosks: Travel info, maps, Parkway updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cheesequake Service Area open 24 hours?
Yes, the Cheesequake Service Area is open 24/7. Note that specific food stalls may have different hours, particularly during late hours. Gas, restrooms and the convenience store are always open.
May I enter the Cheesequake Service Area southbound from the Parkway?
No, only the northbound Parkway leads to Cheesequake. Southbound motorists are advised to use the Monmouth, Forked River, or other service areas.
Can I charge my electric vehicle at Cheesequake?
Yes, there are several fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) stations in the service area, and they accept most electric cars. Charging options can be found using apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint.
What types of food are available at the Cheesequake Service Area?
You will find a range of options, including Starbucks, Shake Shack, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, and a local deli counter. Most stores offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Are pets allowed in the Cheesequake Service Area?
Yes, Cheesequake has a pet relief area where dogs can stretch, take a rest, and relieve themselves. Please pick up after your pet and use the supplied waste bags. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Conclusion
The garden state parkway cheesequake service area Service Area on the Garden State Parkway isn’t just a run-of-the-mill pit stop. It’s a crucial one-stop shop for travellers — a comforting haven for fuel, food, rest, and a dose of New Jersey hospitality. With its convenient location, state-of-the-art facilities, sustainability initiatives, and family- and pet-friendly services, Cheesequake is the prototype service area for 2025 and beyond.
For daily, whether you’re a daily commuter, a summer road-tripping-road-tripping family, or a traveller new to the Garden State, Cheesequake Service Area is here to help make your trip a little nicer. So the next time you’re cruising the Parkway headed northbound, don’t hesitate to take the off-ramp at mile marker 123 – where everything you’re looking for is right up the road.