Easter is just around the corner, and aside from tasty brunch foods, we’re all looking forward to warmer weather and spending quality time with family and friends. For those looking to enjoy a nice Easter meal out, we’ve compiled a guide of eateries in the Essex County area that deliver a strong brunch game. Read on for a list of spots for Easter Sunday brunch in Montclair + Essex County, New Jersey.
Montclair
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
The French brasserie, known for its menu of seasonal French cuisine, will provide a $48 prix-fixe brunch menu and specials at both its Weehawken and Montclair locations. The menu consists of options like its Eggplant Baba Ganoush; Overnight Oats; and the Brunch Basket made with croissants, pain au chocolate, blueberry muffins, and more. See the full menu here.
Read More: Montclair + Northern NJ Restaurants Open on Easter Sunday 2025
Fresco Da Franco | 15 Church Street
Fresco Da Franco, which has been a hot spot for brunch with Real Housewives of New Jersey since season seven, will serve an Easter brunch all day starting at 11AM. Diners can look forward to classic Italian dishes like Crostini Con Sarde, made with imported sardine, stracciatella cheese, calabria first press E.V.O.O., Cornetto Nutella + Latto Caldo, a traditional classic Italian croissant served with hot milk, Spaghetti Pomodori, which comes with San Marzano tomato, garlic, and micro basil, and more. See the full brunch menu here.
Halcyon | 114 Walnut Street
This modern, upscale Walnut Street eatery serves a seafood-centered brunch menu every Sunday from 11:30AM to 3PM. For seafood lovers, Halcyon has a raw bar, sushi bar, and starters such as crab cakes, paella, and charred-grilled oysters. If you’re not a seafood lover, Halcyon has options for everyone else, including cheeseburgers, filet mignon, and tacos. Make reservations here.
Montclair Diner | 613 Valley Road
If your family is a little more casual for the holidays, don’t overlook Montclair Diner. The brunch menu of this spot includes choices like baked souffle, scrambled eggs, meat, pancakes, French toast, chicken + waffles, shrimp and grits, among many others. For those looking for lunch food, Montclair Diner’s family-style lunch menu includes a list of sandwiches and burgers to mix and match with a choice of side and soup or salad.
Porta Montclair | 499 Bloomfield Avenue
The industrial-style vintage aesthetic with raw brick walls, wines served in water glasses, and mismatched chairs are all a part of Porta’s charm. The brunch menu here includes options like almond-crusted French toast, eggplant parm, sweet potato risotto, a variety of pizzas, and more.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street
Raymond’s bright and cheerful vibe pays homage to New Jersey’s greatest diners with a modern twist. The waitstaff is friendly, the décor is retro, and the food is on point. Locals can create custom omelets, eat every homemade potato chip on the plate, and indulge in the restaurant’s specials. Raymond’s will be open until 4PM on Easter Sunday.
Uncle Momo | 702 Bloomfield Avenue
HG readers may be familiar with the name of this Lebanese + French spot from its sister location in Jersey City. With a brunch menu that has everything from Momo’s Breakfast, two eggs served with hummus, tabouli, labneh, pita, and mixed greens, to French toast, you can’t go wrong celebrating a festive Sunday at Uncle Momo.
Sayola | 38 Valley Road
Sayola, featuring an expansive menu of traditional Spanish dishes, will host an Easter celebration at both its Montclair and Tenafly locations. The restaurant’s brunch menu includes dishes like Sauteed Chorizo, Broiled Grapefruit, Duck Empanadas, Eggs, Benedict, Claims Marinara, and more. View the full brunch menu here.
Essex County
The Brookdale | 1099 Broad Street, Bloomfield
The Brookdale is a trendy sports bar and restaurant fit for any occasion — and that includes Easter brunch. Some highlights from the brunch menu include challah French toast, PB+J pancakes, a taco salad, Nashville hot chicken benedict, a pastrami Reuben quesadilla, and grilled salmon, among other dishes. If you’re up for it, this spot even serves a one-pound mozzarella stick that is as cheesy as it is delicious.
Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Cowan’s Public serves a brunch menu of morning and afternoon classics like deviled eggs, breakfast eggrolls, nutella French toast, avocado toast, and more. This restaurant will serve brunch from 11AM to 2:30PM on Easter Sunday.
Felina Steak House | 101 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
Felina Steak House is the spot to go for a cozy afternoon brunch. Known for its cocktails and expansive menu of Italian-inspired cuisine, this restaurant will host an Easter brunch in both its South Orange and Jersey City locations. The menu will feature antipasti, pizza, pasta, and all kinds of savory brunch + Easter specials.
The Highlawn | 1 Crest Drive, West Orange
With its grand dining room, incredible view of Manhattan, and open kitchen, The Highlawn provides an ideal balance of classic, rustic, and modern — and its dishes follow suit. Brunch will be served in a buffet-style from 11AM to 2:30PM and include dishes like crab cake eggs Benedict, French toast, egg white frittata, shrimp cocktail, avocado toast, and more.
The Hudson Rose | 238 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
The Hudson Rose in Nutley will have two special brunch options for diners beginning at 11AM. The prix fixe three-course menu, which takes place in the main dining room, features dishes like beets + burrata, lamb ribs, chicken milanese, and herb-crusted lamb chops, as well as dessert options like tiramisu and cheesecake. The buffet brunch in The Harlow Room will include carving stations with porchetta, prime rib, lamb rack, a make-your-omelet bar, a fully loaded raw bar, fresh salads, a custom pasta bar, baked goods, bagels + lox, and more. Both the buffet and pre-fixe menu are priced at $55 per person and $30 for children under 10.
Il Vecchio Cafe | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
Located inside Calandra’s Italian Village, the open-concept dining room and elegant decor make Il Vecchio Cafe a great option for a holiday meal. This Easter brunch will include cold and hot stations, a children’s menu, and dessert options, featuring dishes like homemade Calandra’s bread + focaccia, Caprese salad, deviled Easter eggs, prime rib, chicken franchise, roasted potatoes, and more. Il Vecchio will also serve $8 drink specials like mimosas, Bellinis, Bloody Marys, and Screwdrivers. See the full menu on Instagram.
McLoone’s Boathouse | 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange
Located within the South Mountain Recreation Complex, McLoone’s Boathouse sits on the banks of the reservoir, which gives diners spectacular views of the water. Keeping with the tradition of owner Tim McLoone’s other locations, the menu includes tried and true American cuisine that has great choices for the entire family. Its Easter Sunday brunch buffet will be served from 10AM to 3PM, and includes complimentary mimosas, a raw bar, a hot buffet, stations from omelet to waffle, assorted desserts, and more.
See More: Where to Enjoy Easter Brunch in Hoboken + Jersey City
The Parkside Social | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
The Parkside Social, which opened to the Verona community in 2022, will host its Easter Bunny Brunch on the festive holiday. This event will include an Easter egg hunt on the restaurant‘s patio, photo ops with the Easter Bunny, and a menu of brunch options like avocado toast, deviled eggs, cinnamon roll pancakes, and more.
The Best Breweries in Montclair + Northern New Jersey
No matter the weather or the climate, beer lovers are always ready to enjoy a pint. Whether it be a shandy in the warmer months, a porter in the cooler months, or a lager for those seasons between, breweries have the beers of the seasons covered. Keep reading on for details on breweries to visit in Montclair + Essex County, New Jersey.
Anheuser-Busch Co | 200 US-1, Newark
This location of Anheuser-Busch Co. is the second oldest of its major breweries. This particular location brews core brands like Bud Light, Busch, Busch Light, and more. While this space is more of a brewing facility, it is the only one to call home in Essex County.
Read More: Must-Visit Rooftop + Outdoor Bars in the Montclair Area
Big Man's Brew | 37 North Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
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Big Man’s Brew is a tribute to Clarence Clemons, the saxophonist who was an iconic part of the E Street Band. This brewery specializes in brewing an IPA. This Hazy Groove IPA has citrus flavors + a refreshing taste. Center Stage Pale Ale is another + that provides beer lovers with a crisp taste on a warm day. While Big Man Brew’s base sits on North Fullerton Avenue, its beers are shipped and can be found in towns near the Montclair area like Fairfield, Bogota, and more.
Cricket Hill Brewery | 24 Kulick Road, Fairfield
Cricket Hill Brewery is located on Kulick Road and has been serving beer since 2001. The establishment serves beers like ales, lagers, porters, stouts, + more. The Montclair Girl suggests trying the Blonde Breakfast Ale, New Jersey Devil Red Ale, or American Spirit Pale Ale. Indoor seating is available, and outdoor space is open seasonally. Canned beers + growler options are also available.
Four City Brewing Company | 55 South Essex Avenue, Orange
Four City Brewing Company sits on South Essex Avenue and holds 4700+ square feet of brewery fun. Four City has plenty of space at the bar and tables + chairs for beer drinkers to sit and sip in its space. The brewery also holds events such as Jazz Jam, Trivia Night, Turntable Sessions, and more. Beer enthusiasts can try ordering the Four City Stout (brewed with golden promise, crystal 120L, chocolate malt, + a healthy dose of roasted barley) or the Brü Berry (sour ale brewed with blueberry and marshmallow).
Gaslight Brewery + Restaurant | 15 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
This brewery + restaurant is located in South Orange’s city center. The business is family-owned and operated, allowing diners to enjoy a pint + a slice all in one experience. Popular items to try are the Gaslight Burger (fresh ground beef, lightly seasoned and grilled to order, served with a pickle + fries) or the garlic shrimp (crock of tender shrimp, sautéed in a ridiculous amount of garlic with olive oil, bone dust seasoning and a touch of hot sauce) with grilled garlic focaccia. For pie options, try the Olde World Pie (roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, basil, + parmigiano-reggiano) or the Gaslight Buffalo Chicken Pizza (with chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, + crumbled blue cheese).
Magnify Brewing Company | 1275 Bloomfield Avenue Building 7 Unit 40C, Fairfield
Magnify Brewing Company is a reservation-free space pouring 9- and 14-oz brews for guests in a variety of options. If looking for something on the hoppier side, try Pillow Talk or It’s All Relative. Sour fans should try Glacier Freeze Flavorade (smoothie sour with vanilla ice cream and Glacier Freeze Gatorade). Magnify also has Barely Wine + hard seltzer options.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
Montclair’s very own brewery is a great spot to visit near the town’s center to try new brews. Husband + wife duo Leo + Denise took Leo’s home-brewing passion and turned it into the Montclair Brewery business. Reservations can be made and are encouraged for outdoor seating (weather permitting) on the weekends. Some brews to try are Cherry Fresh (sour ale), Hava Guava IPA, MB Bourbon Vanilla Stout, + Spicy Pineapple Pilsner. Hard Seltzers are also available. Montclair Brewery also has a second location coming soon to East Orange.
Newark Local Beer | 538 Broad Street, Newark
New Local Beer is a brewery that provides a tap room for guests to taste in-house brewed beers, and on-site tours, and has beer-to-go options in growler + can form. The brewery welcomes customers to have food delivered to enjoy with their brews. Some beers on tap to try are Easy Rider IPA, Eleanor (German Pils), + Helles Gates (Helles lager).
Redd’s Biergarten | 220 Market Street + 37 Edison Place, Newark
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Redd’s Biergarten is located in the Newark Arts District near the Prudential Center. A great place to stop before or after seeing an event, Redd’s provides a biergarten experience with beer + food menus. For dinner, try having the Boulevard Tank 7 (farmhouse ale) with a traditional Bratwurst. Redd’s also has its brews like the Hofbrau available on its beer menu.
Varitage Brew Works | 58 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Varitage in Bloomfield is known for its own brews + seltzers and for being a soccer-themed brewery in Essex County. There is space inside the brewery at long + small tables, as well as in the bar area. Pop in to watch a favorite soccer team while enjoying a Watsessing Oatmeal Stout, a Varitage Premium Dark Lager, or a Lupo (American Pale Ale).
See More: Your Guide to Wineries + Breweries Near Hoboken + Jersey City
Honorable Mention
Ghost Hawk Brewing | 321 River Road Unit 6, Clifton
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While Ghost Hawk isn’t technically Essex County, it lies close to the border. The Clifton-based brewery opened its doors in 2019 + brews beers on-site, like lagers, IPAs, Belgians, + more. The brewery also has events for guests, like dance parties + trivia nights, on its site calendar. If looking to try something on the draft list, consider the Ghost Hawk Lager, Misguided Retribution (Hazy Pale Ale), or Beira (Strong Scotch Ale).
