There are tons of excellent restaurants in Northern Jersey, but finding a place to eat with a group of friends can be…challenging. Don’t worry, we’re about to help you become the hero of your group chat. These are some of the best places in Northern New Jersey to dine with friends, so think of these as a group dining cheat sheet. Keep reading to discover where to make a reservation for the next girls’ night out or group hang in the Northern New Jersey area.
Bloomfield
Fanny’s + Ladyfingers | 1109 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Fanny’s Restaurant is a modern bar + eatery with shareable plates, like Baked Clams + Wagyu Meatballs. This is not a place to skip dessert. Its sister restaurant, Ladyfingers Bakery + Bar, makes the sweets and the gluten-free Limoncello Cheesecake is hard to beat.
Popolari | 1047 Broad Street
Popolari is a retro-chic pizza + pasta restaurant in Bloomfield. The crispy Neapolitan Pizzas + flavorful pasta dishes make this a go-to in the neighborhood. Gluten-free pasta is available. The wine list features a selection of reds + whites from California.
The Brookdale | 1099 Broad Street
The Brookdale is a sports bar with a one-pound mozzarella stick. This is not for the faint of heart (or stomach), so bring some friends to see if everyone can finish the oversized appetizer together. The Brookdale is a go-to brunch spot and, trust us, it is hard to pass up the sweet Cinnamon Rings.
Read More: Where to Take Your Parents Out to Eat in Northern New Jersey
State Street Grill | 9 State Street
State Street Grill is a classic American diner with breakfast specials, burgers, + chicken fingers. It’s a spacious restaurant with a tempting pastry case. Trust us on this, it’s going to be almost impossible to leave before ordering at least one slice of pie.
Montclair
Ah’ Pizz | 7 North Willow Street
Ah’ Pizz is a popular Neapolitan-style pizza chain with a full menu of wood-fired pies. It’s BYOB, so make sure to grab a bottle of wine before coming in. The restaurant accepts reservations for groups of all sizes, so there’s no stress about finding a table big enough for everyone.
Alto Rooftop | 690 Bloomfield Avenue
Alto Rooftop is a go-to place for girls’ nights — the cocktail menu here is super. In addition to drinks, this spot has light bites + brunch on Sundays from 12PM-3PM. Groups of 10 or more can make a reservation by emailing [email protected].
Bar Franco | 5 Church Street
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Bar Franco is a high-end cocktail lounge owned by Hollywood TV producer Franco Porporino. (Yes, Franco also owns the lively Italian restaurant Fresco Da Franco.) Bar Franco is a sleek, stylish bar where friends can sip mixed drinks like the Bar Franco Spritz + Pera Carmellata. Anyone feeling extra fancy can order the La Bomba Dessert, a cookie topped with chocolate mousse, vanilla cream, and 24-karat gold.
Cafe Giotto | 42 Church Street
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Cafe Giotto is an authentic Northern Italian restaurant with homemade, seasonal dishes for lunch + dinner. The signature Lasagna Bolognese is always worth an order + the sandwiches are served on bread that tastes like it was baked with love.
Cornbread Farm-to-Soul | Montclair, Maplewood, + Newark
Cornbread Soul is a casual soul food restaurant with locations in Maplewood, Montclair, and Newark. The menu covers all comfort food needs with fried chicken meals, BBQ pork ribs, and, of course, original made-from-scratch cornbread.
The Corner | 115 Grove Street
The Corner is a cozy breakfast + brunch cafe that opened in Montclair in 2015. The restaurant is known for its fresh-pressed juices and fresh berry pancakes. Everything in the restaurant seems ready for an Insta-photo shoot (in the best way possible) + so keep it in mind for those times you want an aesthetic meal.
Dan + Day’s Burgers and Shakes | 598 Valley Road
Dan + Day’s Burgers and Shakes opened earlier this year in Upper Montclair and quickly became a go-to spot for All-American comfort food. There are some big outdoor tables for larger groups to sit + enjoy Grass Fed Beef Burgers, Wagyu Hot Dogs, Homemade Veggie Burgers, and, of course, creamy milkshakes.
De Novo | 275 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair + 1257 River Road, Edgewater
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De Novo is an elevated restaurant in Montclair, with another waterfront location in Edgewater with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s a nice place to go for a group celebration + there are a variety of drinks including cocktails, mocktails, beer, + wine. To secure a table, make a reservation online in advance.
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street
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Egan + Sons is a laid-back Irish pub that opened almost 20 years ago. The bar has happy hour specials from 3PM-5PM Monday to Friday, so consider meeting some friends here for a post-work drink.
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
Faubourg is a modern French brasserie + cocktail lounge with patio seating for sunny days. Reservations can be made in advance on Resy for indoor or patio tables. The menu is updated seasonally, but there are always some delicious plant-based and nut-free options.
Halcyon | 114 Walnut Street
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Halcyon is a chic, seafood spot that feels like it would belong in NYC. There is live jazz on Tuesdays from 6PM-9PM, which could add some flair to the next group dinner. Reservations can be made in advance on OpenTable.
Just Jakes | 30 Park Street
Just Jakes is a casual neighborhood bar with live music every Friday + Saturday night (make sure to bring cash since there is a cash cover charge). The patio is dog-friendly + there are plenty of flat-screen TVs throughout the restaurant to watch sports with friends. The happy hour specials run Monday to Friday from 12PM-6PM.
La Rocca Osteria | 21 Midland Avenue
La Rocca Osteria is a BYOB Italian restaurant named for a medieval castle. With a vast menu of pasta, fish, steaks, and salads, it is the type of place where a group of friends can feel like they are dining like royalty.
Le Souk | 51 Watchung Plaza
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Le Souk is a Syrian restaurant made for family-style meals. Favorites include the Pomegranate Chicken, Monk Baba Ghanoush, and Traditional Hummus. Many of the dishes are gluten-free, which is a perk for anyone in the group with dietary restrictions.
Luigino’s Parmigiana | 173 Glenridge Avenue
Luigino’s Parmigiana is a fun place to celebrate with friends. It’s a large restaurant + reservations can be made online in advance. This restaurant was chosen as the Best Chicken Parm in Montclair in 2023 according to The Montclair Girl readers.
Mesob Restaurant | 515 Bloomfield Avenue
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Mesob is a BOYB Ethiopian restaurant that was recognized for having the best vegan/vegetarian-friendly menu in 2022 by The Montclair Girl readers. The menu also has gluten-free options and they accept reservations online. It’s a fun spot to go with a large group because so many of the menu items are made to share.
Nami Nori | 378 Bloomfield Avenue
Nami Nori is a temaki bar from NYC that brought signature open-style sushi hand rolls to Montclair. There are classic + vegan options to satisfy everyone. It is BYOB (so grab some wine or sake before coming in) or enjoy one of the non-alcoholic cocktails on the menu, like the Yuzu Palmer or Strawberry Sting.
Pasta Ramen | 6 South Fullerton Avenue
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Pasta Ramen is a Wafu Italian restaurant with dishes that blend Italian and Japanese flavors and cooking styles. The restaurant was co-founded by James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist Robbie Felice who first started the restaurant as a pop-up in 2020. For large groups, make a reservation online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street, Montclair + 101 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Raymond’s is an upscale diner with locations in Montclair + Ridgewood. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it’s a great place to meet friends at any time. We love going for a casual weekend breakfast to order the Huevos Rancheros or Raymond’s Original French Toast.
Samba | 7 Park Street
Samba is a certified gluten-free Brazilian restaurant with options for everyone. On Fridays + Saturdays only, the restaurant serves the Brazilian national dish called Feijoada, a black bean stew with pork sausage and pork rib stewed for 24 hours.
Tacoria | 367 Bloomfield Avenue
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Tacoria is a go-to Mexican restaurant in North Jersey with vegan and gluten-free options. The flavorful tacos, burritos, and nachos are all customizable. The Montclair location has some big tables to accommodate larger groups.
Tierney’s Tavern | 138 Valley Road
Tierney’s Tavern is a go-to Irish dive bar with live music + comedy nights. The menu includes classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches. For drinks, there is a selection of bottled and draught beer.
Zeugma Grill | 44 South Park Street
Zeugma Grill is a Mediterranean restaurant with mezze, salads, and gourmet entrees to share. The cold mezze options, especially the Labneh Za’atar + Babahanoush, are great and all worth the order.
Surrounding Towns
Avenue Bistro | 558 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
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Avenue Bistro is a relaxed pub that always seems to have a special event going on. Whether it’s Oktoberfest, a Mardi Gras Party, or bottomless brunch, this is the place to go in Verona for a fun time with friends.
The Barrow House | 1296 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton
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The Barrow House is a traditional farmhouse restaurant with rustic American farm fare + craft cocktails. Meet some friends at the bar for happy hour, which runs Monday to Friday from 3PM-6PM. We especially love coming for the discounted Crispy Cauliflower and $10 specialty cocktails.
Belmont Tavern | 12 Bloomfield Avenue, Belleville
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This old-school Italian tavern famously served Clint Eastwood when he was in town. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but there are large tables for big groups of friends. Many people come to Belmont Tavern to try Stretch’s Famous Chicken Savoy or Pork Francaise.
Biagios | 299 Paramus Road, Paramus
Biagios is a family-owned Italian restaurant that hosts football + baseball watch parties. The bar stays open late (yes, it closes at 3AM) to keep the party going in Paramus.
Bitol Mexican Handcrafted Cantina | 1061 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton
Bitol is a Mexican restaurant with a super cocktail menu. The refreshing margaritas, which come frozen or on the rocks, can be served in a pitcher for larger groups. This is a fun place for a special meal with friends, especially when ordering the steak cooked tableside on a lava stone (Yes, it is as epic as it sounds).
Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Cowan’s Public is an elevated neighborhood pub that hosts special events for holidays, like Oktoberfest, Halloween, and Christmas. It’s a cozy space with a great cocktail menu. The menu even features creative mocktails for a fun, booze-free night with friends.
Elia Mediterranean | 240 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford
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Dining at Elia feels like being transported to Greece. The menu is full of gluten-free, seafood, and meat-free options. Elia’s has burlesque nights on Thursdays, which can be a fun watch to shake up a regular girls’ night out.
Gus’ Last Word | 191 Valley Boulevard, Wood-Ridge
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Gus’ Last Word is a retro-style eatery with board games + specials throughout the week. Mondays are $1 wing nights and Wednesdays are $10 burger nights. On Tuesdays, Gus’ Last Word hosts trivia nights so gather up some friends for a fun (maybe challenging) night together.
The Hudson Rose | 238 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
Hudson Rose is a new restaurant in Nutley that is sure to become a go-to for burgers + Boardwalk-style fries. The cocktail menu has some classics, like a solid martini, along with seasonal specials. Reservations can be made online in advance to secure a spot.
Lefkes Estiatorio | 495 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs
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Lefkes Estiatorio is a chic Mediterranean restaurant with a live DJ on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It’s a top-tier spot so save it for a nice night out with friends. Mrs. Jackie Goldschneider, of the Real Housewife fame, even dined here last year.
ORA | 304 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
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ORA, which means “right now” in Italian, calls itself a “freestyle” Italian restaurant because it blends old-world traditions with modern techniques. On sunny days, enjoy a cocktail on the patio while catching up with some friends.
The Parkside Social | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
The Parkside Social is a laid-back tavern with happy hour specials, brunch, and dinner options. With oysters, gluten-free buffalo cauliflower bites, and blackened pork chops, this satisfying menu has something for everyone. If there is room for dessert, the seasonal sorbet or the classic carrot cake won’t disappoint.
See More: All-You-Can-Eat Spots in Northern New Jersey
Sofia | 36 Engle Street, Englewood
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Sofia is a farm-to-table restaurant + steakhouse that serves one of the best espresso martinis around. It’s a popular two-story nightlife spot with DJs and live music for dancing with friends.
Taverna Veranda | 725 River Road, Edgewater
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Taverna Veranda is a chic Mediterranean restaurant with happy hour on Monday to Friday from 5PM-7:30PM at the high tops + bar area. There are tons of gluten-free and vegetarian options on the menu for everyone to enjoy. The patio seats provide an excellent view of the waterfront and NYC.
Ventanas | 200 Park Avenue, Fort Lee
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Ventanas is a modern bar + lounge in Fort Lee with a packed events calendar and a dinner menu that features sushi and steak. From Truffle Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays, Fuego Thursdays + live DJ sets on Thursdays, Fridays, + Saturdays, there is always something exciting going on here.
23 News Stories You Missed This Week in Montclair + Beyond
November-like temperatures and rain have finally graced the Garden State this week as the holiday season is about to commence. It’s been another busy week in Essex County and we’ve got all the news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: 144 trees are planted throughout Belleville; Montclair’s Winter Wonderland at Wellmont Plaza returns next weekend; and MG's 2024 Holiday Shopping Guide is now live. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending November 24th, 2024.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Popular Annual Holiday Lights Display Returns to Turtle Back Zoo
- South End Gardens Gifts $20k to Montclair Ambulance Unit
- 144 Trees Planted Throughout Belleville
- Jenny Mundell Sworn Becomes Mayor of Bloomfield
- Montclair’s Winter Wonderland at Wellmont Plaza Returning on 11/30
- Essex County Names Its New Sheriff
- 92NY’s Extraordinary Women Awards Honors Jazz House Kids Founder
- Robert Randolph Opens New Community Center in Newark
- Newark Museum of Art CEO to Step Down
- Montclair Sets Date for Christmas Tree Lighting
The Montclair Girl’s Holiday Shopping Deals Guide 2024 is Now Live
If you’re like us over here at The Montclair Girl, it’s never too early to get into the festive spirit. To help you cross some names off of your gift-giving list and get into the groove of the holiday season, we’ve put together a holiday shopping guide so readers can get acquainted with local businesses in the Northern New Jersey area — ranging from food + drink to wellness, beauty, health, fitness, and so much more. Plus, most of the businesses included in our downloadable guide have an exclusive code, just for MG readers. Click here to find out more about where to shop for local gifts, support small businesses, eat, drink, be merry, and ring in the 2024 holiday season in Northern New Jersey.
Popular Annual Holiday Lights Display Returns to Turtle Back Zoo
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The popular + free annual holiday lights spectacular returns to the Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County this year. Nearly 50 animal and holiday-themed figures – composed of more than a million lights – are brightening up the zoo and the surrounding South Mountain Recreation Complex for 2024. The light show began this weekend and will continue from 5PM-9PM on Friday, November 29th through Wednesday, December 4th; then daily from Friday, December 6th through New Year's Eve (but closed on Christmas Eve and Day). Turtle Back Zoo will also collect non-perishable food items, new and unwrapped toys, and new or gently used winter coats and donate them to several organizations that provide assistance to in-need residents. Click here for more about the holiday lights spectacular.
South End Gardens Gifts $20k to Montclair Ambulance Unit
The board of South End Gardens made a $20,000 donation to the Montclair Ambulance Unit in appreciation of the Unit’s service to its residents and the citizens of Montclair. Retired Montclair fire chief, Kevin Allen, presented the check on Tuesday, October 29th, at the Montclair Ambulance Unit headquarters on Walnut Street, per Montclair Local. Montclair Ambulance Unit (MAU) has been an independent, nonprofit agency since 1953 and has been raising funds for another ambulance to better serve the community.
144 Trees Planted Throughout Belleville
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A $249,639 grant through the state’s Trees For Schools program made the recent planting of 144 trees throughout Belleville possible, courtesy of the public schools. According to Patch Belleville-Nutley, the school district and its dedicated team of groundskeepers worked with the township manager and the Department of Public Works in planning for the planting and caring of shade trees, ornamental trees, and shrubbery located on or near township rights of way. The municipal and school Green Teams plan to organize community outreach efforts to promote the importance of the newly planted trees, and encourage planting even more. The groups also plan to host demonstrations at each school, showing how to properly plant and care for a tree as future events will be linked to Arbor Day, community clean-up day, Community Bike Day, a healthy lifestyle day, celebratory days, and the township’s annual Green Fair.
Essex County Names New Sheriff Election
On Tuesday, the Essex County Clerk's Office confirmed the results from the 2024 general election that Amir Jones will be the new sheriff. This year’s contest for Essex County sheriff was unusually competitive due to Armando Fontoura’s retirement, per Patch Newark. Amir won the election by a 50 percent difference.
Nostrana, Sister Restaurant of Sorellina, To Open This Week in Boonton
Photo Credit: Nostrana Ristorante + Bar
Nostrana Ristorante + Bar, located at 91 Elcock Avenue in Boonton, will open its doors tomorrow, November 25th. Nostrana, the sister restaurant of Hoboken's Sorellina, will serve a seasonally inspired menu featuring local ingredients, homemade pasta, and a curated selection of fine Italian wines + cocktails. Reservations are now live and can be made here.
New Workout Spot, HotWorx, Holds Grand Opening At Livingston Town Center
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HotWorx held its grand opening event for its location at The Livingston Town Center, located at 1140 Town Center Way, on Saturday, November 16th. HotWorx is an innovative heated exercise program that combines infrared heat with an Isometric 30-minute workout or 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training workout, per Patch Livingston. HotWorx is membership-focused as members have 24/7 access to max saunas with exercise options ranging from hot yoga, barre, pilates, HIIT, and stationary bike workouts.
Jenny Mundell Becomes Mayor of Bloomfield
On Monday, November 18th, Jenny Mundell was officially sworn in as Mayor of Bloomfield Township. She was sworn in following a special election to complete the term originally won by former Mayor Michael Venezia, who is now serving as a member of the New Jersey State Assembly. Monica Charris Tabares was also sworn in the same evening as an At-Large Council member. According to a press release from the township, there will be a Ceremonial Swearing-in in the Council Chambers open to the public on Tuesday, November 26th at 5:30PM.
Rutgers University Launches Free Dental Program for Essex County Veterans
Rutgers University's School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) is launching the Vet Smiles Program, which will provide free dental treatment to Essex County veterans (excluding implants) and free dentures for all New Jersey veterans. Its compassionate team of dental professionals delivers exceptional oral healthcare tailored to the unique needs of each veteran, "with a deep appreciation for their service," per Rutgers University. Vet Smiles at RSDM is committed to restoring smiles, enhancing overall well-being, and expressing profound gratitude to those who have selflessly served our nation.
Restoration On Paterson’s Hinchliffe Stadium Earns 2024 National Preservation Award
Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson has been awarded a 2024 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award, presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The stadium is one of five remaining Negro League ballparks and was rehabilitated and modernized and celebrated its grand reopening in 2023. Trenton-based architecture and planning firm Clark Caton Hintz handled the design for the remarkable restoration. The completely revamped 7,800-seat stadium features a new playing surface, an upgraded running track, with new locker rooms and team facilities. Modern touches also include a digital scoreboard, stadium sound system, and state-of-the-art lighting. Architects kept in mind to keep to the original stadium as possible, per JerseyDigs.
Essex-Hudson Greenway Aiming for 2025 Groundbreaking, Design Plans Revealed
Governor Phil Murphy and the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project announced on September 15th, 2022 that they had achieved a major milestone: the purchase of a northern New Jersey inactive railway. Per NJDEP’s website, groundbreaking for the Newark section of the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project is expected to take place in 2025. NJDEP and NJ Transit hosted an open-house-style event on Wednesday, November 13th from 6PM-8PM at Park Elementary School — located at 120 Manchester Place in Newark — to inform locals about project updates, see artistic images of the Greenway, and share thoughts. The design plans revealed at the open house include a map of the initial greenway development + construction that includes three community areas in the Newark section — which will span 0.8 miles from Branch Brook Park to Broadway. Click here for what to know about the plans for the Essex-Hudson Greenway.
5th Annual Scarecrow + Pumpkin 'Friends in the Gardens' Announced Winners
Van Vleck House + Gardens was the backdrop for an exhibit of handcrafted scarecrows and pumpkins created by scout troops, nonprofits, local businesses, families, classes, and schools for a fifth year in a row. According to Montclair Local, more than 900 visitors voted in real-time online for the best submission in each category. Winners received $500 each from the Montclair Foundation to donate to the nonprofit of their choice while Montclair BID also donated five $100 gift cards to local businesses for each of the winners. A check presentation ceremony also took place earlier this month.
Montclair’s Winter Wonderland at Wellmont Plaza Returning on 11/30
Photo Credit: Montclair Center
Add the Winter Wonderland at Wellmont Plaza, an annual festival in Montclair, to this season’s list of things to do. This event, featuring shopping, live music, and more, returns on Saturday, November 30th from 12PM to 4PM at 5 Seymour Street. Click here for more details about the 2024 Winter Wonderland at Montclair’s Wellmont Plaza.
Robert Randolph Opens New Community Center in Newark
The Robert Randolph Foundation (RRF) — the organization that was founded by Grammy-nominated musician Robert Randolph — opened its new community innovation center in Newark on Saturday, November 23rd. The Foundation will host its signature CRE8 Your Future Academy at the new center. Cre8 Your Future is a youth-in-STEM accelerator, a blended hands-on learning experience that builds pathways for youth into STEM careers. According to a press release from The Press House, RRF will also utilize the new space as a catalyst for collaboration with other community leaders who are also working to improve the lives of residents and close the equity gap in Newark.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill Enters Race for NJ Governor
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Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, is now officially aiming for the state’s top office. The former Navy helicopter commander and Montclair mom of four announced on Monday, November 18th, that she is running for governor in 2025. According to Montclair Local, Rep. Sherrill is the second Democratic candidate from Montclair to enter the race and the third from Essex County after former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller announced in June, and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced in February. Her announcement follows Democrat Rep. Josh Gottheimer announcing his governor run last week.
Lidl Supermarket Coming To Livingston
A new Lidl supermarket will host its grand opening at 599 West Mount Pleasant Avenue – near Route 10 — in Livingston on Wednesday, December 11th. The official ribbon cutting will take place at 7:40AM, per Patch Livingston. It will be open from 8AM-9PM daily.
92NY’s Extraordinary Women Awards Honors Jazz House Kids Founder
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On Monday, November 8th, Montclair resident and Jazz House Kids founder Melissa Walker was honored with the Inspiration through the Arts Award at 92NY’s Extraordinary Women Awards which took place at 92NY’s David Geffen Stage in the Kaufmann Concert Hall. In addition to Walker’s Inspiration of the Arts Award, the other 2024 92NY Extraordinary Women Award honorees were Zibby Owens for the Champions Award; Erin Pond Friedman for the Community Award; Marcella Hymowitz for the Next Generation Leadership Award; and Sally Tannen for the Impact Award in Memoriam. The Extraordinary Women Awards has been celebrating trailblazing women "leading the way and making a profound impact on the community and are changing the world for good," per Montclair Local. JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is the only community arts organization in New Jersey and New York City that has exclusively dedicated to using the power and legacy of jazz through world-class education, resources, and performances for over 30 years.
Montclair Officials Seeking Ways To Get Public Feedback On Initiatives
The Montclair Township Council is expected to consider a contract with Zencity after it tabled approval on Tuesday, November 12th, of $17,500 annually for three years for the technology it needs to solicit public feedback on township initiatives such as streetscape projects and other infrastructure improvements. According to Montclair Local, the company’s chief strategy officer, Michael Simon, has commented that the Essex County Health Department, Princeton, Edison, Howell, and Middletown use Zencity in New Jersey. Mayor Renee Baskerville has stated that she would like to have a one-year trial run before committing to the three-year contract on the agenda.
Montclair Native Earns NJ Hall of Fame Honor
Former NBC Entertainment president Warren Littlefield was among 21 famous Garden State residents recently inducted into the 16th annual New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) ceremony. In his role, he once oversaw the groundbreaking “Must See TV” lineup, including Seinfeld. This year's ceremony was filmed at the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream in East Rutherford and hosted by actor Danny DeVito, per Patch Montclair.
Montclair Earns Maximum Possible Score On Human Rights Campaign's Municipality Equality Index
On Thursday, November 21st, the Human Rights Campaign released its annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which measures over 500 municipalities nationwide on how inclusive their laws, policies, and services are for the LGBTQ+ community. Montclair has achieved the maximum possible score of 100 for the fourth year in a row. The index looks at five criteria: non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and a city’s leadership on LGBT+ equality. The MEI produces a public snapshot of how committed a given municipality is towards equality for its LGBTQ+ residents, and provides a framework for local leaders with tangible steps they can take to protect LGBTQ+ residents and employees, per a press release.
Newark Museum of Art CEO Set To Step Down
It was announced on Thursday, November 21st, that the Newark Museum of Art Director and CEO Linda Harrison is stepping down after a six-year tenure. According to NJ.com, Linda is leaving after accomplishing several goals with plans to move back to the West Coast for “family reasons.” She will officially step down on May 31st, 2025, and then serve as a consultant for three months to ease the transition to a new leader. A board committee is now starting the search for a new director. The Newark Museum is New Jersey’s largest museum of fine arts with 300,000-plus works focused on African, Asian, and American paintings and sculpture, including an extensive collection of Tibetan art.
Essex County Families Celebrate 11 Adoptions At Special Event
The Essex Vicinage announced that it has put a final stamp of approval on 11 adoptions as of Friday, November 22nd. They marked the special milestone with a day of activities for the families. Throughout Friday, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and the Junior League of Montclair-Newark hosted a celebration at Rutgers Law School, where the families and their guests were treated to lunch, games, gifts, activities, a photo-booth, and music. The event also included books, toys, and gift cards for the children; supermarket gift cards for the families; and the Essex County Surrogate’s Office providing each family with bookbags, per Patch Montclair. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed foster or adoptive parent in New Jersey can call 1-877-NJFOSTER or click here.
Montclair Sets Date for Christmas Tree Lightings
Three different holiday tree lightings will take place in Montclair this December. The Upper Montclair Business Association is hosting its Upper Montclair Business District Tree Lighting on Tuesday, December 3rd, from 5PM to 7PM, on the Lawn of St. James’ Church (581 Valley Road). Montclair Township’s Holiday Tree Lighting is happening Wednesday, December 4th during Montclair Recreation + Cultural Affairs’ Winterfest Snowflake Spectacular. The tree lighting starts at 6PM, but activities kick off at 5PM in Edgemont Park. Montclair’s South End Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, December 13th from 5PM to 7PM at 306 Orange Road. Click here for more about each event.
