Open Mic at Montclair Brewery with The Broken Builds
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Exploring Bloomfield’s Broad Street: 36 Spots to Visit
One place in Essex County that is not short on things to do and spots to eat is Broad Street in Bloomfield. The entirety of Broad Street is about four miles in length. Broad Street borders Clifton in Passaic County and runs through Bloomfield until the Bloomfield Avenue Intersection. Keep reading for spots to explore on Bloomfield’s Broad Street. Many of us use this road regularly, but have never stopped to truly explore all there is to it. Read on for The Montclair Girl’s guide to Broad Street in Bloomfield, NJ.
Broad Street (from Clifton border to Brookdale section)
Bella Napoli | 1640 Broad Street #3110
Italian restaurant Bella Napoli has menus available for lunch + dinner, as well as banquet hall space if looking to plan an event. Happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 4PM to 6:30PM. If stopping by for a meal, try the linguini with white clam sauce + a glass of white wine.
Read More: 10 Montclair Spots for Picnic Goodies for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
La Belle Vie Salon + Spa | 1405 Broad Street
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La Belle Vie Salon + Spa provides services for hair, lashes, brows, + spa experiences. If strolling on Broad Street looking for a spot to relax, pop in and try one of its facials, like an Infrared Blue Glow Therapy, a Hot Stone Therapy Massage, or a Chocolate Body Scrub. The salon also has a boutique with items including candles, soaps, hand creams, + shower steamers.
Christo’s Cheesesteaks | 1290 Broad Street
Christo’s Cheesesteaks is a great place to grab lunch on a Broad Street excursion. Breakfast + lunch options are available. If stopping by for breakfast, try the Woke Up Hungry (breakfast sandwich with two meats). For lunch, MG recommends the Chicken Chipotle Cheesesteak (50/50 spicy jack cheese, chicken, + chipotle aioli).
Mario’s Famous Pizzeria | 1279 Broad Street
If looking to grab a slice or to split a pie in the area, stop by Mario’s Famous Pizzeria. The restaurant has spaces to eat inside, but take-out options are also available. A classic option here would be a plain pie + an order of garlic knots. If looking for something a little less traditional, try the white Sicilian pie with grilled chicken or a BBQ chicken pie.
Aki Sushi | 1273 Broad Street
Aki Sushi cooks up Japanese cuisine + sushi rolls for its diners. Hand rolls include Tokyo Roll (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, red caviar), Spicy Crunchy Scallop Roll (scallop, cucumber, tempura crunch, + spicy mayo), + cooked rolls like Spicy Mango Shrimp Roll (shrimp, mango, cucumber + spicy mayo). If looking for something other than sushi, try the Chicken Katsu Don (served with miso soup + a green salad).
Broad Street (from the Brookdale section to the Bay Avenue intersection)
The Original Hot Bagels Abroad | 1129 Broad Street
A local favorite to visit is The Original Hot Bagels Abroad. Most people say there’s something in the water that makes the tri-state area bagel special, + Hot Bagels Abroad is no different. With over 15 different flavors, everyone is bound to find their favorite. In addition to traditional bagel flavors, The Original Hot Bagels Abroad also has flavors visitors might not see in every bagel shop, like honey wheat + super egg. Mini bagels are also available. Other than bagels and breakfast sandwiches, the shop also sells lunch items like wraps, paninis, + items from the grill like hamburgers + grilled chicken.
Holsten’s | 1063 Broad Street
A Brookdale-section favorite is Holsten’s. Known for its vintage furniture, candy shop, + being the scene of The Sopranos’ series finale ending, this restaurant also makes some of the best ice cream in town. Ice cream + milkshakes are available to grab at the old-style barstools, to enjoy after a sit-down dinner in its booths, or to go. Holsten’s also has lunch and dinner options like double decker club sandwiches, burgers, + grilled chicken. MG suggests trying the onion rings.
Stamna Taverna | 1055 Broad Street
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Stamna Taverna has menus for lunch, dinner, + dessert. This spot provides casual Greek dining to its guests. MG recommends trying the Spanakopita for lunch (spinach + feta cheese pie with phyllo dough, with choice of side) or the Lavraki (imported Greek branzino) with a side of Oven Roasted Lemon Potatoes for dinner. Stamna is also BYOB.
Agora Cafe | 1045 Broad Street
Agora is open for breakfast, lunch, + dinner. If stopping by for breakfast, try the avocado + feta toast. For lunch or dinner, taste the Chicken Madeira (pan-seared chicken breast with wild mushrooms + mozzarella) or the steak quesadilla.
Boonsong Thai | 1040 Broad Street
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Boonsong Thai has options available for lunch + dinner. The establishment also has a special vegetarian menu. The menus include options like soups, noodles, fried rice, + salads. Menu options to consider are Po-Tak Seafood Soup (combination of shrimp, scallop, calamari, + salmon with lemon-grass, galangar, basil leaves, + hot chili), or pineapple fried rice (stir-fried Jasmine rice with shrimp, pineapple, onion, scallion, + cashew).
Cafe Mobay | 1039 Broad Street
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Cafe Mobay serves Caribbean cuisine to guests from a chef with over 25 years of culinary experience. The restaurant has a main menu for lunch + dinner as well as a brunch menu. Options to try are Cafe Jerk Chicken (with coconut rice + fried sweet plantains) + curry goat stew (steamed white rice and candied yams).
Blue Oak Dispensary | 1025 Broad Street
This woman-owned establishment is open seven days a week and is located within a medical office building. The dispensary has pre-rolls, topicals, flower, concentrates, vapes, + edibles like taffy, tablets, chocolates, + beverages available for shoppers. This shop also has delivery options available.
Tacos Los Gringos Broad Street | 872 Broad Street
This establishment has a large menu available to diners including tacos, sandwiches, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, + dessert. Meal starters include chili cheese nachos, tostados, and chips + guacamole. Options to try for entrees are Sabores Fajitas (steak, pork, bacon, sausage, ham, green peppers with Mexican cheese, onions, pastor, avocado, + pineapple) or Pastor Tacos.
Brookside Garden Center | 551 Broad Street
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If looking for a gift for a special someone or something to spruce up living quarters, stop by Brookside Garden Center. This center has bouquets, plants, + home decor options available. For those with a green thumb, grab a Succulent Garden or a Peace Lily. For those with a not-so-green thumb, grab a bouquet to add a pop of color to any space or a wreath.
Broad Street (from Bay Avenue to Bloomfield Avenue)
Brookside Park | Parallel with Broad Street
If looking to explore outside on a sunny day, Brookside Park is a great spot to relax during the day. Brookside Park’s actual address may not be on Broad Street, but it runs parallel to it. The park has over 5.5 acres of land + includes a baseball/softball field, walking paths, + picnic areas. For light rain, there’s a gazebo to hang out and stay dry.
Gencarelli’s Bakery | 446 Broad Street
Gencarelli’s has been serving the Essex County area since 1975. family owned + operated bakery makes pies, pound cakes, cheesecakes, bread, pastries, cupcakes, breakfast items, + cookies. Custom cakes can also be purchased at the bakery, + it’s best to call ahead for these.
Obal’s Inn | 439 Broad Street
Sometimes, when walking around on a warm day, the best thing to have is an ice-cold beer. Obal’s Inn is an Irish pub on Broad Street with a dive bar feel. If sticking around for a meal, try the ribs on the menu.
El Matador Mexican Restaurant | 418 Broad Street
El Matador serves up Mexican cuisine seven days a week. Seating is available indoors + outdoors. Menu options to try are chimichanga (deep fried burrito served with rice + beans, crema, pico de gallo + guacamole), red snapper (whole fried red snapper breaded lightly, served with salad, rice + beans), + Tiger Breaded Shrimp Tacos (three corn tortillas with breaded shrimp served with guacamole, crema + pice de gallo).
Shake + Pour Bartending School | 405 Broad Street
It has been said it’s important to learn something new every day. There’s space to learn a lesson or two on Broad Street in Shake + Pour Bartending School. Class options include a 40-hour pro bartending class, a quick shake class, a flair class, + tasting seminars. If unsure where to start, try signing up for a one-hour free class.
Colia’s Cafe | 391 Broad Street
This coffee shop is open seven days a week and serves coffee, tea, + food options. It’s a quiet space inside, making it a nice spot to get work done if needed. Menu options to try are Colia’s Baked Eggs (pasture-raised brown eggs served with arugula and multigrain toast) + “Farm to Table” Oatmeal (organic ancient super grain with the choice of chia, original, and maple with brown sugar served in a bowl).
Brookside Thai Restaurant | 380 Broad Street
Brookside Thai takes pride in claiming that it is the first Thai restaurant in Bloomfield, NJ. The establishment has family recipes passed down to create an authentic way + feel of cooking. If stopping by for lunch or dinner, consider the Yellow Curry (yellow curry paste cooked in coconut milk with onion, potatoes, + carrots) or Moo Yang (grilled tender sliced pork marinated with the chef's special sauce served with spicy green sauce and jasmine rice).
Town Pub | 378 Broad Street
The Town Pub is a bar + sit-down restaurant in one. This casual spot has a menu with a variety including salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, paninis, + entrees. If grabbing lunch, try the southwestern chicken wrap (breaded chicken, southern mix, tomato, Monterey cheese + chipotle mayo) or the arugula chicken salad (arugula + spinach, breaded chicken, red onions, avocado, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, with oil + lemon dressing). If sitting down for dinner, try the fajita platter (grilled chicken with sautéed onions + peppers, rice, cheese + tortilla wrap).
Chalet Coffee Shop | 373 Broad Street
Chalet Coffee Shop is located at the corner of Broad Street + James Street, and is across the Street from Emerald Tea Company. This coffee shop is a small spot with a vintage diner feel. Visitors can stop by for breakfast and order the Cinnamon Roll French Toast (cinnamon roll battered up for French toast + thrown on the griddle).
Emerald Tea Supply Company Dispensary | 368B Broad Street
If looking to shop at a dispensary, + keep it on the discreet side, take time to explore Emerald Tea Supply Company. The dispensary has in-store shopping, same-day delivery (location dependent), + online ordering. The shop has options like flower, vapes, topicals, + edibles such as gummies + chocolates.
Momoya Ramen | 336 Broad Street
Every town needs a good Ramen spot for those chilly + rainy days. Momoya Ramen has different types of ramen, mochi ice cream, + bubble teas for customers. If looking for something to warm up, try the Spicy Miso Ramen (pork chashu in rich + creamy tonkotsu broth with spicy miso paste, ear mushroom, sweet corn, scallions, + bamboo shoots). For something to cool down, try the mango mochi ice cream or the matcha latte bubble tea.
Mr. Equisito Restaurant | 338 Broad Street
Mr. Exquisito prides itself on excellent quality food with over 14 years of experience from its chef + staff. Latin + Caribbean dishes can be found here + are available for dining in, picking up, or delivery. Fish lovers should try the Camarones al Ajillo (garlic shrimp). Beef fans should give the Ropa Vieja (braised shredded flank steak in tomato sauce) a try.
Angelo’s Pizzeria + Restaurant | 303 Broad Street
Whether it’s a slice or a whole meal, stop by Angelo’s Pizzeria to see what’s cooking. The front of the establishment is a pizzeria. While this is more of a grab-and-go storefront, the back of the building is a sit-down restaurant. A meal can begin with fried calamari or stuffed mushrooms. Then, move on to Chicken Giambotta (sautéed in garlic, mushrooms, potatoes, peppers, + onions) or shrimp scampi. No Italian meal is complete without dessert, so consider having a tartufo to complete it.
Nevada Diner | 293 Broad Street
A classic New Jersey spot is a diner. While Bloomfield has a few to choose from, many locals hold the Nevada diner close as a favorite. The Nevada diner is also a bar + bakery. Its menu, like many diners, is extensive + likely has something for everyone. There’s also a separate late-night menu available every day after 9PM, including options like omelettes, wraps, salads, + quesadillas. Although it’s not open 24 hours, this diner is open late seven days a week from 6AM until midnight.
Manouche + Co Mediterranean + Lebanese Restaurant | 176 Broad Street
Manouche prides itself on delivering Mediterranean + Lebanese dishes to the Greater Bloomfield Community. Three menu options are available: a main menu for lunch and dinner a kids’ menu, + a family-style menu. Breakfast is served on weekends only. Options to consider are the falafel sandwich (fried chickpea croquettes served in a pita with turnip, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes + tahini sauce) + the Zesty Feta (served with baked pita chips).
Sweet Trail Vegan Cafe | 170 Broad Street
Sweet Trail is a vegan lover’s delight on the corner of Broad Street + Belleville Avenue. The cafe has breakfast options like a biscuit sandwich (flaky biscuit sandwich with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a fluffy omelette) + banana bread, lunch options like empanadas + lobster rolls, and of course, sweet treats. Sweets are available as cupcakes, scones, + cheesecakes. As far as beverages go, the shop also has coffee + smoothies.
Bloomfield Green | Parallels with Broad Street
Since Broad Street has a lot going on, there’s not always enough time to see it all. Smaller activities can help visitors see as much of the area as they can. The Bloomfield Green is a smaller park in Bloomfield Center. It’s a short stroll that runs parallel to Broad Street. There are also benches available to sit down and have lunch or enjoy a cup of coffee, + people watch.
Historical Society of Bloomfield | 90 Broad Street #3
History buffs should check out the Historical Society of Bloomfield. This non-profit organization has a goal to bring people in neighboring communities together, particularly those interested in history + preservation. The museum holds moments of history through clothes, books, newspapers, + memorabilia.
BGR Bloomfield | 56 Broad Street
There’s nothing like finding a good burger spot. If in the mood, grab a burger at BGR. Burgers are available as traditional, in addition to craft style burgers, sliders, + the option to start from scratch. GF buns + lettuce wraps are also available for burgers. For those who dare, try the Western BBQ (BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, applewood bacon, crispy onion strings) or Wagyu Wellington (truffle-infused Wagyu, deep roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, bleu cheese, mojo).
Gloria’s Bar + Grill | 36 Broad Street
Gloria’s Bar + Grill looks like a party on the outside before guests even walk inside. Lights are strung by the storefront, creating a welcoming vibe. The bar + grill has tapas, entrees, + tex-mex options available. Opinions worth considering are Chipotle Chicken BLT (grilled chicken with bacon, lettuce, tomato, + chipotle mayo) or Crazy For You from the tapas menu (plantain basket stuffed with guacamole and choice of roast pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, or pork chunks). If passing by for a cocktail, try the Blue London Mule (gin, ginger beer, fresh blueberries, fresh lime juice).
Brandon’s Coffee Shop | 32 Broad Street
Brandon’s Coffee Shop is open six days a week (closed on Sundays). The Coffee Shop is available to diners for breakfast + lunch, and also has takeout available. For those coming on an empty stomach to start the day, try the French toast with eggs + meat (served with syrup + butter). For lunch, try the grilled chicken club sandwich (grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, + homemade chipotle sauce).
See More: A Guide to Farmers’ Markets in Hoboken + Jersey City
So Juicy | 24 Broad Street
So Juicy provides Asian cuisine to its guests. Menu options include sushi rolls + hibachi. Beverage options include bubble teas available in milk, fruit juice, and + slushy forms. For lunch, split any of the special rolls with a friend to start. Then, move on to a Japanese fried rice or a lo-mein option.
