As the temperature drops in New Jersey, Montclair locals and visitors are still looking for restaurants and bars to enjoy outside while still staying warm. Many bars and restaurants have gotten creative to make outdoor spaces comfortable year-round. This means the list is growing on where diners can enjoy a day or night outside come winter months. We have compiled a list of the local Montclair bars and restaurants that offer heat lamps, so you know exactly where to go when you’re hungry, but craving some time outside. Read on to see the picks and what they offer.
Alto | 690 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @themchotel)
Known as the rooftop bar at the MC Hotel, Alto is the only one of its kind in Montclair. The chic space includes views of the New York City skyline and offers handcrafted cocktails and small bites. The outdoor area is equipped with fire pits along with heat lamps, and patrons can enjoy this spot both indoors and outdoors.
Bareburger | 480 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @bareburger_newjersey)
Enjoy this chain’s signature or build-your-own burgers in the street-side outdoor area. Located in the heart of downtown Montclair, this place offers a more casual dinner within the upbeat vibes of the neighborhood. Bareburger is great for any day and any occasion.
Cafe Moso | 307 Orange Road
(Photo credit: @cafemoso)
Cafe Moso is a casual bistro with comfortable vibes. There are many sandwiches, burgers, entrees, and more to choose from, all of which can be enjoyed from under the heat lamps in the quaint outdoor area. Brioche french toast with caramelized bananas and vanilla whipped cream or a Moso harvestry scramble – complete with Goffle farm eggs, asparagus, broccoli, roasted peppers, mushrooms, scallions, and the option for cheese – can be enjoyed for brunch here.
Read More: These Restaurants + Bars in Montclair Will Wow Your Visitors
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street
(Photo credit: @eganandsons)
A popular Montclair spot, Egan + Sons is an Irish gastropub with an indoor dining area and heated outdoor patio. The menu includes classic Irish comfort food, along with an extensive drink menu. The down-to-earth, but lively vibes make it a great choice that’s not in the busyness of Bloomfield Avenue. Egan + Sons was voted Best Bar as well as Best Sports Bar in The Montclair Girl’s “Best of Montclair 2021.”
Faubourg Restaurant + Bar | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @faubourgmontclair)
The word faubourg means small neighborhood and the cozy vibes are on point here. Faubourg’s outdoor area is partially covered and embraces comfortability. Heat lamps line the patio, with a large fire pit on one end. This modern brassiere’s menu is stocked with elegant, French-inspired dishes. Along with being voted Best Outdoor Dining Setup in Montclair Girl’s “Best of Montclair 2021,” the restaurant was also awarded four more accolades – Best Cocktails, Best Espresso Martini, Best Wine Selection, and Best Restaurant.
Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street
(Photo credit: @justjakes_montclair)
Just Jake’s has been serving customers in Montclair since 1997, and its outdoor heated area is complete with a large tent to enjoy food and cocktails. It serves traditional American fare with a mix of unique dishes in an enjoyable setting. There’s more time to explore the restaurant’s fun cocktail menu now that it’s open for lunch, including the house-made sangria or the Skinny Minni Margarita with Mi Campo tequila, fresh lime, orange juice, and agave.
Laboratorio Kitchen | 615 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @laboratoriokitchen)
Laboratorio Kitchen is an upscale, American restaurant located in the heart of Bloomfield Avenue. The menu is full of hearty dishes and the dining spaces have a sophisticated vibe. Alongside the heat lamps, the outside area is accompanied by a vibrant, plant-inspired wall mural.
Le Salbuen Cafe Market | 97 Walnut Street
Voted best vegan/vegetarian-friendly menu in the “Best of Montclair 2021,” Le Salbuen Cafe Market is a small European eatery. The selections are very health-focused and come from a list of 13 locally-sourced farms that partner with the restaurant. According to the restaurant’s website, Chefs Christina and John Salierno “take pride in crafting menus from the seasonal harvest of farmers they know & trust,” and that reflects in the menu selections.
See More: The Coolest Outdoor Winter Dining Spots in the Montclair Area
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street
(Photo credit: @montclairbrew)
The roots of Montclair Brewery come from owners Denise and Leo Sawadogo’s West African and Jamaican backgrounds. They’ve inspired flavors to set apart this spot from most, creating a flavor palette of choices that earned the best beer selection in the “Best of Montclair 2021.” The blue-green and brown outdoor area is hard to miss, making it a trendy spot to enjoy one of up to 20 beers on tap.
Salute Brick Oven Bistro | 173 Glenridge Avenue
(Photo credit: @salutebistro)
This bistro’s goal is to transport diners to an Italian hill town, capturing the rustic flavors of the area in the pasta, seafood, and meat dishes. The outdoor area includes tents to further the warmth, which can be enjoyed on both sides of the corner location. The casual setting here makes it so desirable, as the restaurants’ goal is to dine like you’re at a friend’s house.
Uncle Momo | 702 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @unclemomomontclair)
Lebanese-French fare is offered at Uncle Momo, a restaurant that is known for its brunch menu. The space aims to capture the vibes of a French bistro in a classic atmosphere, although the outdoor dining area is a bit more vibrant. Along with dishes like French toast, Uncle Momo also serves non-traditional dishes like Tunisian eggs.
