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Guest “Best of 2025”: Pre-show eats with The Jukebox Romantics

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Curious what notable personalities in the scene think was great this year? So is TGEFM! So we reached out to some of our favorite luminaries ranging from musicians, label personnel, and more for their “Best of 2025” lists. Now, listen: TGEFM is not a taskmistress. Contributors can write these out however they want. So if it doesn’t actually look or read like a list… and sometimes it really is just a list with no other observations! Who cares?

You can’t kill the Jukebox Romantics… and why would you want to? The long-running New York punks are back to remind us that earnestness and energy still matter, pairing big hooks with even bigger hearts on their latest chapter. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, where do these gents get this energy… well, wonder no longer, because Mike Terry and the dudes have treated TGEFM to their list of best pre-show eats.

“Most will give top albums/songs. Not here. This pimp daddy is rollin up a phatty of Best/Worst Pre Show eats. 

See, when you are on the road and playing shows, much of the joy of road life and traveling is visiting a sick food spot you went to last time you were in town or one you want to try. Here’s some grub spots that were rad or meh. And some music that pairs with it well.

Lim’s Kitchen – Astoria Queens, NY on 11/14/25
Song Pairing – “Crystalized” – Poppy
We had a one off show move venues. New venue was this rad bar with a sick basement. Basement had vfw vibes. But the vibes at Lim’s… straight K Pop vids on screens at this Korean bbq hot pot spot. The food was fire. We had plenty of time before we played to eat a bunch and drink some sake and that’s all we could ask for. Solid. 

Nah Dog. – Gainesville, FL at Fest 10/25/25
Song Pairing – “ran that scam” Dead to me
I’m all about a delicious dog. But not matter how you dress up a vegan hot dog. It’s still a weird texture and consistency. My kids wouldn’t eat theirs. My wife either. I had to eat 4 mid to meh dogs. Not for me dawg. 

Afternoon – Gainesville, FL at Fest 10/26
Song pairing –“don’t go” – The Dualers
This is a go to every time we are in town. Elevated breakfast but not pretentious. Good ingredients and portions. Great staff. They changed the menu a bit bit still bangin. Afraid to put this on there cause it’s kind of a hidden gem outside of the festival crowd. Being a New Yorker having the best restaurants and service in the world there is definitely an elitism here for many food genres. Afternoon would crush in NYC. 

Talkin about NYC…

Bleeker Street Pizza – july 10, 2025. 
Song pairing – “Paperwalls” – Strung Out
We had just played a sick show with Death by Stereo and Strung Out. Early day with load in and playing first. So didn’t eat until after the show. Bleeker street is possibly my favorite slice in NYC. Post show bliss. Heaven. Yeah. It’s my favorite. 

Jamaican Food Truck. 
Somewhere around 33rd street and the west side highway. -Aug 23 ,2025
Song pairing – “Night on Earth” – Bouncing Souls 
Another post show eats. We played with Unwritten Law and Zebrahead. Super fun show. Needed some major eats. The area where the show was at the highline has some decent food spots but I just needed to get in the road and grab something quick. I started driving and was gonna grab a dirty water dog from a cart on the west side but I saw this truck. Brand new business. Wish I knew the name. So ficken good. Ate it on the hood of my car. Jerk chicken. Cabbage. Rice and beans. Plantains. Here’s a pick of the view that night. Blasting the Soul’s from the stereo as normies headed past me to clubs and bars but were vibing strong. They too were getting this food truck later.