Home Food + DrinkBars Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Dining in Montclair

Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Dining in Montclair

by Kim Schu
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In the past few years, outdoor dining has become a year-round staple in North Jersey and beyond. Summer 2023 is here and restaurants are ready to once again open their outside areas in full force. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down brunch, quality seafood, a quick grab-and-go dessert, or specific ethnic cuisine, Montclair has endless options. Read on to learn more about these eateries with amazing outdoor dining options in Montclair.

Disclaimer: This is a growing list, and further suggestions are welcomed. Please email hello@themontclairgirl.com with any additions.

Bareburger | 480 Bloomfield Avenue

Whether you’re craving a ‘Blazin’ Bacon Burger’ with organic beef, a vegetarian burger, a gluten-free Southwestern salad, or one of the large assortment of delectable sides, this chain restaurant’s spacious location has an outdoor section ready for walk-in customers all day.

Read More: Bars in the Montclair Area to Visit Based on Your Drink Preferences

Bonjour Montclair Cafe | 254 Park Street

This cozy cafe inspired by everyday family cooking has over three dozen sweet + savory crepe options, ranging from a steak, onion, and pepper combo to more classic cinnamon and sugar. The eatery also has a full menu of sandwiches, an indoor dining room, and outdoor tables open to the public daily. No waiter service is available, but anyone is welcome to grab a seat.

Cafe Moso | 307 Orange Road

 

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Open Tuesday through Sunday, this Montclair South Bistro serves up an eclectic fusion of American cuisine with elaborate lunch and dinner menus.

Cuban Pete’s | 428 Bloomfield Avenue

Cuban Pete's

With daily outdoor BYOB dining available from 11:30AM-11PM (and midnight on the weekends), it’s always five o’clock somewhere. Cuban Pete’s encourages patrons to bring bottles of wine or rum so the staff can make custom sangria or mojitos. The restaurant is also known for its nonalcoholic versions of these fan-favorite cocktails.

De Novo European Pub | 275 Bellevue Avenue

 

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This family-friendly European-inspired gastropub is located directly next to the Montclair train station, with outdoor tables a safe distance away from the tracks. There’s no place better to grab a flatbread and beer while waiting to head out on a trip, or simply just decompressing after a long day of work.

Efi’s Gyro | 521 Bloomfield Avenue

greek food efis gyro montclair

Efi’s Gyro is a Bloomfield Avenue restaurant that serves up authentic Greek gyro as well as other Greek dishes like bowls, pies, Greek iced coffee, and more. The spot has quite a few tables outside the storefront for customers to enjoy Mediterranean food with a view of downtown Montclair.

Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street

Egan + Sons

Photo Credit: @eganandsons

There is heated outdoor seating regularly available if you are looking to check out this location’s fish ‘n’ chips, pizza, signature cocktails, or beer on tap.

Faubourg Restaurant + Bar | 544 Bloomfield Avenue

This elegant bi-level, indoor-outdoor location is best known for its French-inspired cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and its separate plant-based menu featuring dishes like vegetarian orecchiette and mushroom tarte flambee.

Fresco da Franco | 15 Church Street

There’s no better way to spend a night than eating Italian comfort food in a refined, sophisticated setting. Reservations are available for indoor tables, but outdoor patio seating is first-come, first-served.

Jack’s Seafood Shack | 718 Bloomfield Avenue

Located across the street from the Montclair Art Museum, Jack’s brings beloved Maine lobster to the heart of New Jersey. For those who aren’t seafood fans, the menu has a “Land Lovers” section with comfort food such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, and grilled cheese. All diners also have the option to BYO beer or wine. 

Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street

 

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With TVs, tents, and heaters, the patio at Just Jake’s is the perfect spot to watch weekend sports games, or gather with co-workers for weekday happy hour, Monday through Friday 3PM-6PM.

Laboratorio Kitchen | 615 Bloomfield Avenue

Laboratorio Kitchen is a modern American restaurant and has an outdoor patio that’s open so long as the weather is nice enough. Should there be inclement weather, diners may be moved inside if there’s availability. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal and local ingredients, and it features seafood, steak, pasta, meatballs, and more.

La Rocca | 23 Midland Avenue

 

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The restaurant is named after a medieval castle in Italy where chef Robert Pantusa’s fell in love with Italian food. In true Italian style, the team at La Rocca wants patrons to feel that they’re at home when dining there.

Leone’s | 19 South Park Street

This pizza place has a lovely outdoor seating area to enjoy Italian-American cuisine outside. With salads, pastas, a large list of Italian entrees, and — of course — pizza, this is a great stop for delicious and comforting food while enjoying the summer breeze. Leone’s also has an indulgent dessert menu — we’re talking Oreo cheesecake, cannolis, and more.

Le Salbuen Cafe | 97 Walnut Street

If you’re looking for a night out on the town while still keeping a health-conscious diet, Le Salbuen is known for its locally sourced meat and vegan dishes. Outdoor dining is available Tuesday through Saturday 9AM-9PM (closed 3PM – 5:30PM), and Sunday from 10AM-2PM for brunch.

Marcel Bakery + Kitchen | 631 1/2 Valley Road

Marcel Bakery + Kitchen, conveniently located in Upper Montclair, is home to Jerusalem bagels, pastries, rotisserie chicken, daily vegetables, and breakfast specials that regularly change. The restaurant is set up for customers to order and purchase the items inside, and then the hardworking staff will bring all food to the outdoor tables if one prefers to dine on-site rather than grab + go.

Mattarello Bakery + Cafe | 254 Bellevue Avenue

Mattarello Bakery

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mattarello with dozens of baked goods and specialty coffees. There are currently small tables set up outside the front sidewalk area so guests can leisurely enjoy the dessert. Some delicious menu items include Nutella bites, ‘St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs’, and gluten-free chocolate Caprese.

Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street

Montclair Brewery

Established in 2014 by a husband and wife duo, the microbrewery and tasting room was born from a passion for home brewing and hosting. Now, the brewery is a go-to for unique brews and a unique experience. Patrons can enjoy a beer inside the tasting room or in the outdoor patio area.

Montclair House Grill | 12 Church Street

Weather-permitting outdoor dining is set up at the front of this Church Street location branching out to the sidewalk area during all business hours, 9AM-8:30PM Sunday through Thursday and 9AM-9PM on Friday and Saturday.

Paper Plane Coffee Co. | 194 Claremont Avenue

Paper Plane Coffee

Established in 2015, Paper Plane Coffee Co. is more than your average, run-of-the-mill coffee shop. With drinks like the “Vincent Vega” coffee soda and multiple flavors of hot chocolate, Paper Plane serves up a creative and diverse menu. There are currently white benches set up outside so customers can enjoy their drinks during this beautiful weather.

Pappardelle Ristorante | 77 Walnut Street

Whether looking for a romantic night out or a traditional Italian dinner with the fam, Pappardelle opens its doors, and outdoor front area weather permitting, starting at 5PM Tuesday through Saturday and 2PM on Sunday. It’s also open for lunch from 11AM to 3PM Tuesday to Friday. Every Tuesday diners can partake in a unique Pasta Night menu, and every Thursday features special prix-fixe seafood selections.

Raymond’s | 28 Church Street

 

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This upscale BYOB bistro is serving up delicious comfort food in a whimsical environment and people line up every weekend for a bite. There are a few dishes that every visitor must try, and that includes French toast, huevos rancheros, pancakes, and breakfast burritos. It’s all about fresh ingredients at Raymond’s.

Samba Montclair | 7 Park Street

samba

Samba will once again showcase seasonal staples including weekend brunch, hand-made placemats from Brazil, five banana trees, and nighttime lanterns. This is a great spot for everyone, but especially those with gluten sensitivities, as the entire kitchen is gluten-free.

Sweet Kitchen | 533 Bloomfield Avenue

Sweet Kitchen

There are very few things in this life that are sweeter than brunch. Except maybe brunch in the sunshine with a side of fresh-made pastries. This is exactly what Sweet Kitchen, located in the heart of Montclair, can provide with the daily outdoor dining option.

Uncle Momo | 702 Bloomfield Avenue

 

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Uncle Momo’s serves up an award-winning fusion of French and Lebanese cuisine. Outdoor reservations, which can be made on OpenTable, are only currently available on warmer days, weather permitting.

See More: Best Outdoor Dining with Floral Displays in Hoboken + Jersey City

Zeugma | 44 South Park Street

 

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Zeugma, a delicious Mediterranean restaurant, has an outdoor patio available only in the summertime. The patio is first-come, first-served, and reservations are for indoor dining only. Whether you’re craving hummus, falafel, halloumi, lamb, or more, this is a great spot for good eats outdoors.

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