Connecting Culture and Cuisine in Paterson

Food has always been one of the most important ways that we experience and understand difference cultures. It has always been a major part of Paterson's cultural landscape, from Alexander Hamilton's 1778 picnic at the Great Falls to the Latin American, European, and Middle Eastern restaurants that line the city's streets today.

Since Hamilton's time Paterson has been a city of immigrants, opening its doors to people from around the world looking for new opportunities. Hamilton championed the "diversity of talents" that immigrants would bring to the new nation. Each successive wave of newcomers has infused Paterson with a new culture and character, making it the diverse, multicultural city it is today.

People nationwide are discovering what Paterson has to offer. The Washington Post called the city's markets, bakeries, and restaurants "a dream come true." And the Los Angeles Times describes Paterson as a must-see destination—even giving directions on how to get here from California.

In 2017 we partnered with the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and local restaurants and businesses to connect the history of the Great Falls to contemporary life in Paterson through food. The Great Falls, Great Food, Great Stories community engagement program and the Savor Paterson cultural festival invited residents and visitors to explore the city's rich culture and heritage through its many cuisines.

Paterson restaurants and businesses that participated in Great Falls, Great Food, Great Stories and Savor Paterson include: