That stretch of Route 22 is a continuous string of retail stores and fast food places that collectively make up a perfect example of Chris Rock’s legendary “shopping mall where white people used to go.” I wouldn’t patronize any business establishment east of Mountainside along Route 22.
Rt. 22 west of Somerville is like a different world. The stretch through Somerset and Hunterdon Counties are actually nice and then as you get closer to Phillipsburg it gets crappy again.