Known as the hub of Morris County and one of the top-rated places to live in New Jersey, Denville is a suburban town near Rockaway Township and Mountain Lakes. About 17,000 residents live within the 12-mile radius of the town, which lies just under an hour west of New York City. There’s lots of charm in this quaint spot, and so much to explore. From nature and local farms to shopping and delicious food, this town has it all. Read on to learn more about Denville, New Jersey, and the spots you should try on a day trip here.
Places to Eat
Anthony + Son’s Bakery | 20 Luger Road
This bakery is tucked away just off East Main Street, so while it’s a bit hard to find, it’s definitely worth the effort. This authentic Italian market, bakery, cafe, and deli serves up freshly-baked bread, delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and a variety of other freshly-made products like pasta sauce and Italian cookies. MG Pro Tip: try the homemade vodka sauce. This spot is truly an Italian food lover’s dream, and a must-go while in town. In addition to the Denville location, there’s also an Anthony + Sons in Succasunna on Route 10.
Beignets | 45 Broadway #1
Beignets’ is the spot for doughnuts and coffee drinks in downtown Denville. These aren’t just regular doughnuts though — customers can choose from a variety of specialty and seasonal kinds along with ones that are always in the cases. The specialties right now include kinds like maple bacon, Fruity Pebbles, and Cinnabun, and for coffee flavors, the choices include honey lavender, rose, and raspberry mocha.
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Cafe Crevier | 25 East Main Street
Newer to the downtown Denville food and drink scene is Cafe Crevier — a modern bistro serving up brunch, lunch, and dinner. The BYOB restaurant’s indoor and outdoor areas are IG-worthy, with ample seating out front for locals who want to enjoy a meal with a view of downtown. On the menu, customers will find a variety of pizza; brunch items like short rib eggs benedict and quiche; lunch items like a Caprese hummus flatbread and tacos; and dinner items like chipotle penne vodka and flounder oreganata.
Casa D’ Pizza | 276 East Main Street
The smell of woodfired pizza isn’t in your imagination: it’s coming from Casa D’Pizza. This family-run restaurant is located on East Main Street and serves up all the favorites. Just a regular plain pie here will satisfy anyone’s taste, but there are other classic options like eggplant rollatini, chicken parmigiana, and cheese ravioli. Casa also has a full section of wraps, paninis, and hot and cold Italian sandwiches — we love the prosciutto, roasted peppers, and fresh mozzarella cold sandwich.
Chocolatine | 23 East Main Street
Chocolatine is a French patisserie and viennoiserie that comes from the mind of Cedric Hosy — a native of France who has 20+ years in the food and beverage industry along with formal training in baking and pastry arts. This newer addition to downtown Denville serves up a wide selection of French pastries and food, along with coffee, tea, juice, and retail items. Some of the food options include croissants, pan au chocolat, macarons, danish, quiche, and tartlets, among other delicious options. Our go-to order is an almond croissant with a hot cappuccino.
Dante’s of Denville | 29 Broadway
Dante’s is another spot to get classic Italian fare. There’s a variety of pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, and vegetarian options to choose from on the menu, and dishes like the baked ravioli and eggplant parmigiana are hard to beat. Dante’s also serves up wings from the well-known chicken chain Cluck-U.
Denville Dairy | 34A Broadway
Denville Dairy is a staple of the town. The downtown spot has been open for over 50 years and sells handmade ice cream that always seems to draw a long line, especially on summer nights. In addition to the classic flavors, Denville Dairy also sells vegan, sugar-free, and non-fat diet ice cream, along with custom ice cream cakes, dessert cakes, and pre-packed frozen desserts.
Denville Dog + Grill | 99 Bloomfield Avenue
Denville Dog + Grill serves Stewart’s Root Beer on tap, along with a variety of other American food. It is only open for the spring and summer, and there’s both indoor and outdoor seating. The classic hot dog spot fits the Stewart’s vibe with colorful awnings and an outdoor ordering counter. As for ordering, obviously, try a hot dog — but there are other choices like burgers, fries, cheesesteaks, popcorn shrimp, onion rings, milkshakes, and root beer floats, among other items.
Denville Seafood + Codmother’s Cafe | 61 Broadway
Denville Seafood serves fresh fish from a locally-sourced market daily. It’s a family-run business that describes its products as “If the fish were any fresher, they would still be swimming!” Patrons can shop directly at the fish counter, or enjoy a meal in the Cafe. Choose from options like broiled or fried fish sandwiches, fish dinners like farm-raised Arctic charr and red snapper, lobster bisque, calamari, and lots more.
Diamond Spring Brewing Company | 50 Broadway
Diamond Spring Brewing Company is a newer spot with a large outdoor area in the front that gives customers views of Broadway. The brewery is a 1960s service station transformed into a chill downtown taproom, and features brews like Lakeside IPA, The Long WKND Pale Ale, Par 4 Light Lager, and Island Hibiscus Strawberry Blonde Ale, among other options.
El Mejicano Tex-Mex Grill | 36 1st Avenue
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El Mejicano is a Tex-Mex restaurant serving up every kind of dish you can think of — from tacos, tostadas, and fajitas to burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. There are 16 different types of burritos, five different types of fajitas, five different types of tacos, and a whole section of the menu dedicated to Abuela’s recipes — which includes dishes like pork ribs, mole con Pollo, and Baja chicken, among other items. You can’t go wrong with the barbacoa tacos traditional-style (just onions + cilantro), but some of our other favorite dishes here include the chipotle chicken burrito chimichanga-style, or any kind of quesadilla. There’s also guacamole, queso blanco, and other sides on the menu.
Hunan Taste | 67 Bloomfield Avenue
With locations in Denville and Montclair, Hunan Taste is not just about the food, but the experience. The inside of this Chinese restaurant is decorated with fish tanks on the wall, along with lots of red, bamboo, and florals. The menu is pretty classic — dumplings with house-made sauce, Hunan duck, sesame chicken, General Tso’s chicken, and Szechuan-style shrimp, along with a variety of other options. The restaurant also has a full traditional Chinese menu for those looking for a more unique taste.
Miga Sushi | 559 East Main Street
Between Dunkin’ and Dollar Tree sits Miga Sushi, a new-style sushi restaurant with locations in Denville, Wayne, and Livingston. Here, diners can have a sit-down all-you-can-eat sushi dinner, or order dishes to go and enjoy at home. Some of the favorites noted on the menu include sashimi, maki, shrimp and vegetable tempura, fresh grill teriyaki, and udon noodles, among other options.
The Pasta Shop | 13 1st Avenue
The Pasta Shop is both a sit-down Italian-American restaurant and a store. The spot serves homemade pasta like rigatoni alla vodka and linguine + clams, along with a slow-cooked pork shoulder dinner, other dinners, and various Italian appetizers for those dining in. On the retail side, homemade pasta and sauces are available to order and take home for a pasta night. We love the classic chicken parmesan (pictured above), but everything here is worth a try.
The Second Half on Main | 5 East Main Street
The Second Half on Main is a good restaurant for any occasion. There’s indoor and outdoor seating here, along with specials like Wine Wednesdays. The fare here is American style, with options like avocado rice balls, sliders, fresh salad choices, wraps, and burgers. The Second Half also has a full bar, and there’s an endless drinks menu with house specials like a Spicy Paloma, Main Street Tea, and red, white, or pink sangria. MG Pro Tip: try the French dip sandwich — it’s delicious.
SmartWorld Coffee | 41 Diamond Spring Road
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Previously located on Broadway, SmartWorld made the move around the corner to Diamond Spring Road a few years back, and also houses Church Street Bagels. On the java side, there’s a variety of basic coffee, espresso, “Smart Swirl” blends, iced drinks, and tea — from classic options like a vanilla latte and iced chai to specialty drinks like a hazelnut mudd pie swirl, a raspberry chocolate swirl, and a white chocolate mocha hot espresso, among other options. The Church Street Bagels menu includes a selection of hand-rolled bagels, breakfast sandwiches + burritos, and omelets, as well as lunch items like sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. SmartWorld also has another location in Morristown.
Summit + Main | 1 West Main Street
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Summit + Main calls itself “Denville’s Hometown Deli”, and is a favorite among locals. The menu includes typical deli fare — everything from breakfast sandwiches, specialty sandwiches, and cheesesteaks to salads, soups, and sides, as well as catering options. Some of our favorites here include the classic Taylor Ham, egg, + cheese on a roll, the Beacon Hill (breaded chicken cutlet, fresh mozz, mixed greens, roasted red peppers, + balsamic), and the Union Hill (roast beef, provolone, horseradish spread, + mixed greens) — but everything on the menu is worth a try.
Thatcher McGee’s | 53 Broadway
Thatcher McGee’s is one of Denville local’s favorites in town. Sit inside and experience the classic Irish pub vibes, or if it’s nice sit outside and enjoy the views of Broadway — we recommend sitting outside for a late lunch or dinner. The fish and chips here are a must-try, and other solid choices include the corned beef sandwich, chicken pot pie, and delicious onion rings. There’s also an entire menu of traditional Irish fare here, with options such as shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and corned beef and cabbage, to name a few. MG Pro Tip: Order a crock of French onion soup with your meal.
Places to Shop
Bluebird by Bullet Boots | 8 Broadway
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This unique shop is New Jersey’s first Southern boutique and hat bar, located right in the heart of downtown Denville. Here, customers will find all things Southern — graphic tees, fringe shorts, flare jeans, boots, and various accessories, among other things. The store is decked out in pink, and the custom hat bar lets customers create their own cowboy, flat brim, or trucker hats one-on-one with a stylist, or by booking it for a custom hat party. The hat bar can also be booked for off-site events, with the option for a mobile boutique add-on.
California Beach Hut | 21 Broadway
California Beach Hut is a little slice of the beach in Northern New Jersey. This local spot has been operating for over 30 years and is open year-round. The Beach Hut carries swimwear and accessories for everyone from children to adults. Along with a variety of bathing suits, there are also beach bags, towels, hats, and more to shop from, with new arrivals daily.
Dash of Thyme | 49 Broadway
Dash of Thyme carries gourmet food and gifts for various types of occasions. The specialty here is olive oil and balsamic vinegar, with many options to choose from. The store also sells seasonings, salts, rubs, and sauces made into gift baskets, along with custom baskets and flavors. The amazing, herbal scent of the store lures shoppers, but it’s the incredible assortment of products and great customer service that makes the experience special.
Sisters Denville | 23 Broadway
Sisters is a local boutique that sits on Broadway. This spot sells gifts, home products, accessories, and clothing, which you can shop both online and in-store. While everything in the shop is charming and well-curated, the store’s business model makes it all sparkle a little more. Sisters has an emphasis on brands that support women’s empowerment and give back to charities.
Wish | 26 Broadway #1
This colorful storefront is inviting and fun. Wish sells jewelry, accessories, and clothing on Broadway. The vibes here are trendy and lighthearted, and the inventory changes frequently to keep up with the seasons. In addition to the Denville location, there are also storefronts in Madison, Manasquan, Beach Haven, Spring Lake, and at the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets.
Things to Do
Denville Famer’s Market | 51 Bloomfield Avenue
The Denville Farmer’s Market takes place every Sunday from November to May in the parking lot beside Hunan Taste. Shop fresh produce and products from 8:30AM-1PM from over 25 local vendors. Some of this year’s participants include Greenwood Lake Roasters, Jersey Girl Cheese, Picklelicious, Hyssop Beauty Apothecary, and Silver Birch Kitchens.
Evolve Med Spa | 33 Broadway
Evolve is a boutique medical spa. The spot offers face, body, and injectable aesthetic treatments focused on individualized, natural results. The spa’s first location opened in Hoboken in 2020, and has since expanded to multiple New Jersey locations — including Denville.
Local Farms
^ Cedar Gate Farms
The local farms are a gem of Denville, and connect the suburban and rural atmospheres that this Morris County location provides. Across from Lakeview Elementary School is Union Hill Farms, which has a roadside farm stand that sells fresh produce sourced from the larger part of the farm located down the street. Next to this lies the oldest continually operating farm in Morris County, Ayres/Knuth Farm. The spot has been running since 1793 and is on both the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places. Cedar Gate Farms is located at 104 Parks Road (pictured above) and includes a roadside farm stand along with adorable goats and mini horses to look at. The classic red farmhouse and white home on the property have all the right vibes.
Local Outdoor Activities
^ Cooks Pond. Photo Credit: Mackenzie Robertson
The local parks, fields, and outdoor facilities in Denville provide a variety of activities for those looking for a morning workout or a casual game of baseball. Some of the more popular ones include Gardner Field — located at Route 46 and Savage Road — which has baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, as well as football and soccer fields. Cooks Pond is at 19 Entrance Way and has family-friendly activities like swimming and a picnic pavilion for a fun day in the sun.
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Prana Yoga Center | 78 Broadway
Prana is a highly-rated yoga center that has a variety of classes “for those seeking greater health, vitality, and ease,” as described on the website. The vibes here are welcoming and inclusive, and there are classes for all levels of difficulty. There’s both in-studio and online instruction to choose from, with options like Aligned Flow, afternoon contemporary mat Pilates, breathwork classes, workshops, special events, and other classes.
The Urban Muse | 82 Broadway
The Urban Muse is a top-rated Morris County day spa. Services here include massages, body treatments, facials, and waxing, along with a salt room and infrared sauna. The spot also provides holistic services with a team of holistic practitioners.
