If parenthood wasn’t hard enough, it always seems like a hard feat to find trendy and just as delicious restaurants to go to on any given day without having to worry if children are (or rather, should be) permitted. Have no fear — The Montclair Girl is here to round up the best places to bring your kids to for a meal. Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment brunch or an attempt at a ‘fancy’ night out, everyone deserves a meal where they feel a little special and at home. Keep reading to discover the best kid-friendly spots in Montclair and Bloomfield, NJ.
Ah’Pizz | 7 North Willow Street, Montclair
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This authentic Italian restaurant and pizzeria has been bringing the fresh taste of Napoli to its customers for 14 years. With a make-your-own pizza option and an extensive dessert menu, this eatery provides the full Italian experience for the whole family in downtown Montclair. Feel free to ask about its specials, catering, and party packages, as well.
The Brookdale | 1099 Broad Street, Bloomfield
The Brookdale is home to a sports bar and restaurant fit for any occasion, including a night out with the kids. While it is known for its one-pound mozzarella stick — nicknamed “The Big Cheese”— other items like the thick hand-cut chips are just as unforgettable. Make dinner an adventure of trying new eats at this one-of-a-kind establishment.
Read More: The Best Kids’ Menus at Local Essex County Restaurants
Cuban Pete’s | 428 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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The entire family can indulge in yummy Cuban food at this iconic Montclair eatery. The kids’ menu at this lively hotspot includes Cuban dishes modified for tiny palettes, including Kids Frita Cubana (a mini burger with ground beef and pork) and Kids Platillo Voladores (Cuban grilled cheese). For adults, Cuban Pete’s will even make sangria with BYO wine. Its island vibe is fun for kids and adults alike.
Greek Taverna | 292 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This authentic Greek restaurant brings together the best ingredients for a ‘wonderfully sophisticated’ comfort food experience. Both of its locations in Edgewater and Montclair are designed to be ‘modern yet familiar to Greek tradition.’ Its ambiance is inviting to even the tiniest customers and is fit for hosting all kinds of celebrations.
Holsten’s | 1063 Broad Street, Bloomfield
The beloved Bloomfield spot is a perfect old-school-style shop for a quick bite to eat. From homemade ice cream with classic flavors to candy and chocolates, Holsten’s can satisfy any sweet cravings and nostalgia. With American classics like burgers and fries to grilled cheese and chicken nuggets, anyone can find something they like at this famous shop.
Meet Me at Madison’s | 121 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
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This eatery in the heart of Montclair serves up a mix of Mediterranean dishes with a Latin flair. The Sanchez family was inspired to open the eatery by their love for travel and Latin culture and welcomes other families from all walks of life to experience the food that brings them joy. The bistro serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as brunch on Sundays and baked goods and gelato daily.
Napoli Trattoria + Pizzeria | 11 Park Street, Montclair
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The Arito family has served the Northern New Jersey community for 20 years through its family-owned restaurant making delectable Italian food. Take the kids for a nice meal that features a charcuterie board fit for the whole table and specials that change weekly. The kids’ menu also highlights delicious staples like pizza, pasta, and chicken fingers.
Pineapple Express Barbecue | 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
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This barbecue joint is a restaurant and beer garden at the historic Lackawanna Railroad Terminal in Montclair. The menu highlights smoked heritage meats by the pound, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, hot links, and wings — not to mention rotisserie chicken, seasonal vegetable sides, and salads. With a slew of monthly events including live music, bingo, trivia, and open-mic nights, kids will for sure be entertained as they indulge in some waffle fries or mac and cheese.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street, Montclair
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Families from the Montclair area have been going to Raymond’s for over 30 years. Patrons can enjoy all kinds of classic diner dishes at either breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner. Kids will especially favor its baked macaroni and cheese, Raymond’s Classic Hamburger, or its warm ricotta doughnuts with a side of Belgian hot chocolate.
See More: 22 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Hoboken + Jersey City
Toast City Diner | 700 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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This trendy yet homey brunch spot is a great choice for taking the kids to while meeting up with friends or to change up the morning routine. The diner serves up pancakes, sandwiches, scrambles, specialty coffee, and more to satisfy anyone’s cravings. The kids’ menu has selections like eggs, french toast, and chicken fingers with an extensive selection of drinks like milkshakes, juices, and milk or chocolate milk.
Turtle + the Wolf | 622 Valley Road, Upper Montclair
This hot spot is an American eatery that provides a modern setting while serving bistro fare. It is known for a variety of family-style meals that must be ordered in advance, featuring Lo’s Famous Fried Chicken dinner for two featuring ten pieces of fried chicken. It also has a Whole Roasted Suckling Pig meal or a Whole Roasted Chicken meal that feeds six to seven guests and comes with sides including baked BBQ beans, buttermilk biscuits, mashed potatoes, and brussels sprouts coleslaw.
Date Ideas for Dry January in Northern New Jersey
After the indulgence of the holiday season, many people choose to participate in Dry January as a way to start the year on a cleaner note. Luckily, cutting out alcohol doesn’t mean sacrificing your dating life, as there are plenty of great date activities in the Montclair area that can be enjoyed booze-free. Whether you’re participating in Dry January or are just looking to spice up date night sans alcohol, we have you covered with options that are unique, fun, and either get you moving or get your creative juices flowing. Read on for our list of date night ideas in Northern New Jersey for Dry January + beyond.
Candle + Fragrance Making at Alchemy Scent Bar | 30 Church Street, Montclair
Playing with scent is one way to cozy up, and Alchemy Scent Bar is the perfect place to do it. This scent shop provides the unique experience of creating custom candles and fragrances. Guests start by choosing their favorite scents from the candle wall, then head to the fragrance bar where one of the alchemists will help craft a custom-scented creation. In addition to being a great bonding activity, guests also get to take a memento home with them — to be burned or spritzed later in remembrance of the shared experience.
Read More: A Cozy Winter Activity: Candle Making in New Jersey
Coffee + Browsing the Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
The Montclair Art Museum is an amazing piece of history and culture, and with the opening of its Cornerstone Café, this is an all-in-one date option for a Friday afternoon. Open only on Fridays, the cafe serves coffee from Java Love Roasting Co along with other drinks and snacks. The museum itself features rotating exhibitions in addition to its permanent collection, which keeps things fresh for frequent museum-goers. For those who are feeling extra artsy, the museum has classes and workshops for adults such as collaging, painting, and pottery.
Gaming at Hometown Arcade | 85 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Hometown Arcade is a family-friendly spot in Bloomfield where guests can play all sorts of games, including retro ones like Donkey Kong, Frogger, Asteroids, and Pac-Man. The arcade also partners with local food businesses like Six Points Pizza for patrons to enjoy a bite.
Get a Couple’s Head Massage at Aura Head Spa | 28 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Aura Head Spa in Montclair specializes in Japanese-style head massages. At this spa, visitors can choose from multiple massages, all of which can be done with a partner. The Classic Head Spa treatment can be for 50 or 75 minutes and comes with a face cleanse, scalp exfoliation, scalp massage, shampoo cleanse, aura shampoo massage, and more. The Head Spa with Mini Facial + Jelly Mask package comes with face exfoliation, gua sha, scalp exfoliation + massage, neck + shoulder massage, and more.
Indoor Rock Climbing at Gravity Vault | 8 Seymour Street, Montclair
A climbing gym is the perfect backdrop for mixing up your dating game, especially for the sporty types. Gravity Vault Montclair is a bouldering-only climbing gym (a form of rock climbing that is done on shorter walls that are scaled without ropes or harnesses) that caters to all abilities and experience levels. Navigate through countless climbing patterns (clearly labeled with the difficulty level) for a fun and challenging experience (plus a killer workout). Day passes are $28 for adults.
Live Music Shows at Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint | 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
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It’s all about community at Cedar Bean’s, giving the patrons of Essex County a taste of small-town charm that feels reminiscent of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls. This quaint local coffee shop welcomes patrons in for live music performances. Cedar Bean’s has an extensive menu of both caffeinated and decaffeinated beverages (even non-alcoholic beer), with many seasonal options.
Mystic Pizza at Paper Mill Playhouse | 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn
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Paper Mill Playhouse is one of the leading theater destinations of the tri-state area, and is widely recognized for its showings of world-class musical theater. The production that we’re eying for January is Mystic Pizza, a musical adaptation of the beloved 1988 rom-com that starred Julia Roberts. The show is playing from January 29th to February 23rd. See more information about tickets here.
Partake in a Craft Class at The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The Eclectic Chic Boutique is a collective of different local artists, makers, and small businesses. Guests can shop for handmade, original products — and there is even a chance to make some yourself. The Eclectic Chic Boutique hosts different craft classes and workshops like crocheting, candle making, or creating a collage. The boutique updates its events frequently on its website here.
Play Darts at DartsGood Social House | 293 Glenwood Avenue, Bloomfield
This dart arena in Bloomfield can make for a great date, especially for competitive couples. While guests are welcome to bring their own darts, the business provides them. DartsGood has games such as 501, 301, cricket, Around the Clock, High Score, and more.
Play a Round at Montclair Indoor Golf Club | 369 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced golf connoisseur, Montclair Indoor Golf Club is home to two virtual golf bays for members to use. The courses are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year. This indoor golf simulator brings the outdoor setting of an actual golf course indoors — without having to bear with the January weather.
Pottery Class at Mud Clay Studio | 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, 409 Main Street, Boonton + 6 Main Street, Madison
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Look no further than Mud Clay Studio if you want to make your date a “claydate”. With locations in Montclair, Boonton, and Madison, and a robust programming schedule of Creative Clay Nights, Couples Nights, and more, Mud Clay Studio has an array of options for taking your date to the wheel. Classes begin with a quick introduction to hand-building with clay, then move to the potter’s wheel for the creation phase, and end with folks picking their glaze colors for the final product.
See More: Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Test Your Skills at Amazing Escape Room | 281 Liberty Street, Bloomfield
The Amazing Escape Room is home to several themed rooms that each have interactive puzzles and riddles to solve. Couples can make it a group date-night kind of situation, to make the escape room experience more lively. Adrenaline will be at an all-time high but once customers complete the escape room, photo ops with signs are available to show off your win.
