Back in February 2022, Porta opened up in Montclair — making it the bar + restaurant’s third location in New Jersey in addition to Jersey City and Asbury Park (FYI: check out @thejerseyshoregirl_ on Instagram). Located at 499 Bloomfield Avenue, the Montclair location of this bar and restaurant is in the former Social Club Space. In July 2023, it was announced that Porta received the green light on a new project — a second-floor outdoor deck for outdoor dining. The new outdoor space has now been open for Montclair locals for almost a month now — and we recently stopped by to check it out. Read on for more about the new rooftop space at this MTC locale, and what we love about Porta.
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The New Outdoor Space
Montclair locals now have another rooftop space to enjoy food and drinks at. Baristanet (now a part of Montclair Local) reported in July 2023 that the township of Montclair’s planning board approved Porta’s application for a 1,106-square-foot second-floor deck in the rear of the building. Per the application, the space would be about 62 feet long and would seat up to 48 people at tables with removable umbrellas. The space would be accessed by two overhead garage doors at the back of Porta’s upper level, and also includes an enlarged trash enclosure, new lighting, landscaping, and re-striping the five parking spaces.
Per Porta’s Instagram, the outdoor deck is now open for locals as of this May, just in time for the summer weather. The outdoor area is adorned with flowers, and provides a little escape from the hustle and bustle of Bloomfield Avenue.
Read More: Must-Visit Rooftop + Outdoor Bars in the Montclair Area
About Porta
Porta’s motto is “Eat, drink, be honest” which rings true to locals who frequent the locations for brick oven pizza, craft cocktails, live music, rooftop views, and an overall great time. 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.
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Our sister site The Hoboken Girl did a deep dive into Porta’s history, culture, and what makes it such a sought-after food and entertainment venue in Jersey City that opened in 2014.
“Porta means doors. Here the doors are open to everyone.” Marianne Pinaha, hospitality leader at Porta Jersey City, told the team.
The Food
Pizza, pizza, pizza — Porta’s love language. The Neapolitan flaky-crusted pizza is one of the reasons the restaurant draws crowds. “The thin, black-freckled crust juts out even when a loaded piece is lifted up. Tear open the crisp, puffy outer lip, the interior is steamy, and soft, with a complex savory flavor. Equally excellent are the toppings. Of course, one can always go with the classic Margherita, expertly prepared with bright and sweet San Marzano tomatoes and blobs of buttery mozzarella — Yiwei, contributing writer for MG, explained.
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“Our specialty ingredients are imported from Italy. The seasonal vegetables are sourced from local suppliers. The pizza doughs and fresh cheese are made in-house daily,” Marianne said. “It requires a lot of attention to detail. The pizza chef taste tests every batch of Margherita sauce to ensure consistent saltiness and acidity. The server checks the crust of every single pie before sending it out (even for pick-up) to make sure it is fired correctly.”
Porta also serves up sandwiches, pasta, and salads, among other food.
Expanding to Montclair
On November 6th, 2021 a post popped up on a new Instagram page @portamontclair, signaling the first formal announcement of Porta Montclair.
See More: Outdoor + Rooftop Bars in Hoboken + Jersey City
The space at 499 Bloomfield Avenue is where the Social Club, another restaurant, had operated for about two years. It temporarily closed in March 2020 and officially closed in November of 2020. Prior to the space becoming a restaurant, it was vacant for nearly a decade after being a go-to venue for comedy in the area. Now, Porta has reimagined the two-story space. The spot officially opened up in Montclair in February 2022.
To stay in the know about all of the local happenings, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter that shares the top stories to your inbox here.
Where to Find Passover Dishes in New Jersey
Spring in New Jersey has arrived, and for many locals this also kicks off the start of Passover. This Jewish holiday honors the celebration of freedom with an eight day tradition. During this time many Jews avoid eating leavened bread products. This list features many New Jersey businesses with traditional Jewish catering options, including unleavened bread products to enjoy during Passover. Read on to find out where to get everything matzo as well as other treats for this year’s Passover in Northern New Jersey.
Babka Bailout | 476 Central Avenue A, Jersey City
True to its name, Babka Bailout sells babkas — a sweet braided bread or cake that originated in the Jewish communities of Poland and Ukraine — along with other sweet treats.
See More: The Ultimate Guide to Desserts in Montclair
Butterflake Bakeshop | 448 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
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For Passover, Butterflake Bakeshop is serving up items that are nut-free, sesame-free, and gluten-free. Featured items for the holiday include chocolate chip cookies, coconut macarons, rainbow cookies, and a seven-layer cake. The full Passover menu can be found here.
Cedar Market | 646 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
Cedar Market is a Kosher supermarket with everything from meats, produce, baked goods and more, Cedar Market also sells pre-prepared foods for easy Passover pick-up.
Chabad Young Professionals
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The Chabad Young Professionals, a community organization, delivers handmade shemurah matzah to those in Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken, and Union City during the Passover season. Residents can claim a box of Matzah courtesy of Chabad Young Professionals and Chabad Jewish Center. Get your box here.
Eppes Essen Deli + Restaurant | 105 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston
The Livingston establishment makes all sorts of Jewish specialties, including stuffed derma (a sausage filled with meat, matzo meal, chicken fat, + spices), blintzes (cigar-shaped pastry), and potato kugel. A special Passover menu is being served here and includes items like matzo boxes, charoses, seder plates, and more — along with a large selection of traditional Jewish dishes. You can find the full Passover menu here.
Fair Lawn Roadhouse | 22-08 Morlot Avenue, Fair Lawn
Popular eatery and Kosher deli Fair Lawn Roadhouse will serve Passover-friendly meals this season. Locals can grab pre-prepared Passover foods like schnitzel, brisket, and more.
Foster Village Kosher Deli | 469 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield
Foster Village Kosher Deli is prepared for all of your Passover needs. From family-style meals with Kosher entrees to Seder plates and a la carte options.
Grand + Essex Market | 98 New Bridge Road, Bergenfield
Grand + Essex Market is a Kosher grocery store with a fish market, deli, bakery, produce, catering, and more. The market will be providing plenty of pre-prepared Passover meals for easy serving.
Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen + Appetizing
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This local deli and bakery operates out of a ghost kitchen in Jersey City. The Passover menu here includes chopped liver, vegan chopped liver, salmon tartare, and Matzo tiramisu.
Harold’s New York Deli | 1173 King Georges Post Road, Edison
The Jewish deli, named a top Jewish deli in the country by Food + Wine, is known for its humongous pastrami sandwiches and delicious matzo ball soup year-round. The giant matzo ball, which is almost the size of a grapefruit, is fluffy and moist. Come hungry or order with a big group to sample a few of the deli’s famous sandwiches, soups, and knishes.
Hobby’s Delicatessen + Restaurant | 32 Branford Place #2723, Newark
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The downtown Newark establishment, which has been serving Eastern European delicacies since 1962, is the go-to place for house-cured briskets, homey latkes, and Jewish pastries. Its matzo ball soup, served with a rich chicken broth, is also delicious. Pair it with the deli’s famous pastrami or corned beef sandwich on hearty rye bread.
La Promenade | 137 Piermont Road, Tenafly
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La Promenade in Tenafly is serving up classic Passover dishes this year. With items like Israeli salad, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, brisket, and more, La Promenade is here to make this season a breeze. Click here for the full menu.
Liv Breads | 184 Essex Street, Millburn + 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills
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Liv Breads in Millburn + Short Hills is ready for Passover with one-of-a-kind desserts. With menu items such as fudge cake, individual lava cakes, Basque cheesecakes, Florentine cookies, and dairy-free orange cakes, items are available for pre-order to ensure the availability of these popular treats.
Manischewitz Food Truck
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Manischewitz Food Truck is taking Jewish treats on the go. Since 1888, Manischewitz has been a leading Jewish food and lifestyle brand headquartered in Bayonne. Now, the company is heading to the streets of New York + New Jersey with special Passover menu items such as knishes, matzo ball soup, and more. Click here to find out where to catch the Manischewitz Food Truck.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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Mikki + Al’s serves up the best of the best nosh around and that’s not all, patrons can also pick up a generous bowl of matzo ball soup. The spot has a Passover menu that includes dishes like latkes, matzo balls, homemade apple sauce, and more. You can find the full menu here.
Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant + Catering | 894 Prospect Street, Glen Rock
This long-standing deli has served classic deli eats, including sandwiches, platters, and matzo ball soup for years.
Mikki + Al's Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
Mikki + Al's is a cornerstone for many local families as they prepare for the holidays. The spot has a Passover menu that includes dishes like latkes, matzo balls, homemade applesauce, and more. You can find the full menu here.
Nana's Deli | 127 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston + 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City
For over 40 years, Nana's Deli has been a family-run staple in the North Jersey community. Recently, the company expanded to Jersey City where locals can grab bites on the go. For Passover, Nana's is prepared with classics like matzo ball soup, brisket, flourless chocolate layer cake, and more. Click here for the full menu.
Raymond's | 28 Church Street, Montclair
A go-to in Montclair for classic dinner fare, Raymond's serves up matzo ball soup with pulled chicken, parsnips, carrots, and dill.
Royal Wine Corporation | 63 Lefante Way, Bayonne
Royal Wine Corporation is the leading importer, manufacturer, and distributor of the finest Kosher wines and spirits in the world. Headquartered in Bayonne, the company has a wide selection of Kosher wines for customers to choose from.
Tenafly Kosher Deli + Caterers | 22 Washington Street, Tenafly
This little gem has been serving hefty pastrami sandwiches since the 1950s and is still a neighborhood hotspot. The matzo ball soup, which is made fresh daily, is also delicious.
See More: 7 Foodie Items in Hoboken + Jersey City That We’re Obsessing Over
Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace | 1711 NJ-10, Morris Plains + 10 Triangle Plaza, Ramsey + 990 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton Falls
Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace has Passover Dinner Packages that serve up to 14 people. The packages include traditional favorites such matzo ball soup, matzo bread, and fresh salads. Click here for the full menu.
Yuki’s Bakery + Coffee | 720 Monroe Street Store E101, Hoboken
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Located in the Monroe Center, Yuki’s is an Israeli bakery and cafe that's become a local favorite over the years. The spot is serving up a variety of Passover treats, including pistachio lemon cake, flourless chocolate cake, triple chocolate cups, and flourless praline cake.
