Montclair and surrounding areas like Newark to West Orange are home to a diverse variety of bars that you may not even have known existed. These spots serve up either a glass of wine or unique cocktails. If looking to go out for drinks, there are many places to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a glass of wine, a craft cocktail, or a pint in a pub full of friendly locals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Read on for a list of bars to visit based on your mood, vibe, or simply drink of choice.
Wine Bars
Amanti Vino | 30 Church Street, Montclair
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While this spot is more of a stop-and-shop for all wine needs, Amanti Vino offers interactive experiences to bring out the sommelier inside. The calendar is always updated with upcoming events, from wine dinners to tastings. Purchases can either be picked up or delivered right to your door.
Read More: Where to Enjoy Happy Hour in Montclair + Beyond
Divino Tasting Room | 38 Maiden Lane, Newark
Wine lovers will definitely appreciate this spot. Divino Tasting Room has several choices when it comes to wine. There is a host of wine-tasting events to attend and enjoy this classic drink. This spot is not only a tasting room but an eatery and lounge as well. Grab n’ go snacks as well as artisanal food is available to pair while sipping on wine.
Spuntino Wine Bar + Italian Tapas | 70 Kingsland Road, Clifton
Spuntino Wine Bar is unlike any other in the area. While it advertises a stellar selection of wines (which does live up to the hype), Spuntino offers an exquisite Italian menu to pair with those wines. In addition to its core menu, the Happy Hour and brunch menus offer more opportunities to pair different flavor combinations.
Cocktail Bars
Alto | 690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Come for the cocktails, stay for the views. Located on the top of The MC Hotel, guests will feel as though they’re in the city with sweeping views from this rooftop bar. Trust us, this bar is one-of-a-kind in Montclair. Alto offers beer, wine, cocktails, and light bites and reservations are currently encouraged to guarantee a table.
Bar Franco | 5 Church Street, Montclair
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Italian cocktails are a specialty here at Bar Franco. This spot takes original cocktail recipes and adds its own twist to the drinks. If feeling bold, Mamma Mia is a drink made of bourbon, bitter reduction, and chocolate smoke.
Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
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Located in Nutley, Cowan’s Public has a variety of drinks for everyone who has different kinds of preferences. Craft cocktails and 15 draft beers make up the drink selection here. Cowan’s Public has a food menu as well that shouldn’t be skipped over. Dinner options like burgers, tacos, salads, steak, and pasta are great to pair with the drink of your choosing.
Faubourg Restaurant + Bar | 544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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At Faubourg, there is a dedicated menu of bar items. However, Faubourg doesn’t only specialize in serving cocktails, as you can also get wine here. Featured cocktails to try out include the White Cosmo, made of Prairie Vodka, Cointreau, Elderflower White Cranberry, and lime; the Elvis Parsley, made of Alicia 15 Prairie vodka, watermelon, parsley cucumber, and lime; and more.
Halcyon Brassiere + Bar | 114 Walnut Street, Montclair
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Known to serve fine American dining, Halcyon’s drinks are a must-try along with its food dishes. There is the best of both worlds here for wine and cocktail lovers, as this spot serves these two styles of drinks. Cocktails like Halcyon Days is a drink made of elderflower and lemon. Halcyon also has what is called “Wine by The Glass.” This is when wine is served in 6-ounce pours.
Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen | 398 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This American eatery serves up some awesome cocktails. All of the drinks, including the draft cocktails, have memorable, music and cinema-inspired names such as the Watermelon Sugar High and the Bittersweet Symphony. This is a lovely, intimate spot with old-timey vibes — so guests can kick back with a cocktail and have a chill evening.
Pub/Gastropub
De Novo European Pub | 275 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
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This gastropub located in Upper Montclair truly has it all. From specialty cocktails to an extensive beer and wine list, it’s a perfect spot for a night out with friends or a cozy date night.
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street, Montclair
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When you think of Irish gastropubs in the Montclair area, Egan is one of the first things to come to mind. This classic spot has 28 draught beers, wines, and craft cocktails for whatever drink mood you’re feeling. There’s also awesome Irish cuisine here to go along with your drink.
Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street, Montclair
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This bar has been around for years but the welcoming atmosphere has always remained the same. Live music is back and there’s a performance on the calendar every weekend. There’s something for everyone, including cocktails, draft beers, and wines.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
This local brewery is a must-visit. If beer is your thing, this is the place to go. It’s a BYOF establishment (bring your own food), so you can bring along your favorite nosh to have alongside these delicious brews. There’s a nutty dread peanut butter stout, a jubilee red ale brewed with hibiscus, and a hava guava IPA on tap, among lots of other options. Plus, the brewery is constantly changing up its brews so things never get boring. It also has a ton of craft beer to try as well.
Oak Barrel Pub | 440 Main Street, West Orange
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This spot opens its bar space on Monday to Friday from 3PM to closing time and Saturday + Sunday from 12PM to closing time. Happy hours are also available on weekdays from 3:30PM to 6:30PM. Oak Barrel has 12 kinds of beers on tap and a wine list with classic favorites like Merlot or pinot noir.
See More: Outdoor + Rooftop Bars in Hoboken + Jersey City
Tierney’s Tavern | 136-138 Valley Road, Montclair
Another bar that is a Montclair staple is Tierney’s, the go-to Irish dive bar in town. Everything we know and love about a classic pub can be found at this local watering hole, including a jukebox, live music, darts, and your favorite brews.
