Montclair has a crowded food scene, and it can be difficult to pick through the various cuisine options for a dinner out on the town, or even for a delivery night. If you are looking for an authentic Mexican bite plus a rotating cast of seasonal menu items to try, then look no further than Puebla de Noche Mexican Restaurant — located at 6 Park Street in Montclair. This establishment opened in May 2020 after overcoming setbacks due to Covid-19, so keep reading for more on this Mexican spot right here in Montclair.
About the Owner
This is not Rosalba’s first rodeo with owning and running a restaurant. She also co-owns Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant in Passaic, New Jersey. Rosalba saw opening a new location in Montclair as an independent venture for herself.
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Originally, she planned to open the doors of Puebla de Noche earlier in 2020, but with the looming concerns over Covid-19, she had to wait. Finally, in May 2020, Rosalba opened the restaurant to the Montclair community, first offering takeout before opening some indoor and outdoor dining options.
The staff is another important part of Puebla de Noche. They have been with Rosalba since the beginning. She “appreciates [the] staff being supportive from day one… They have been through the roughest times and they are still here.” Rosalba says she “feels blessed.”
What to Try
There are many classic and authentic Mexican menu items, including guacamole, flautas, barritos, tacos, and enchiladas.
“This food is authentic, it’s not like Taco Bell,” said Puebla de Noche owner Rosalba Tapia, “I just gave the menu a couple of different touches.” Rosalba wants to encourage customers to come to try something new too, and she recommends ceviche or any seafood.
If you’re looking for something specific to get you in the fall spirit, last year, Puebla de Noche served pumpkin spice horchata beverage that“customers have really been liking,” Rosalba said — which we’re hoping they’ll bring back for this season. Keep in mind the horchata is alcohol-free as this eatery is BYOB – hello DIY margs, Modelo, and tequila on the rocks.
Some other fan favorites include enchiladas, your choice of filling rolled inside a soft tortilla, filled with tinga or mole poblano (both different types of sauces). Customers also enjoy tostadas, which are hard shell tortillas with chicken or steak.
What’s great is that you can dine in, take out or even get your meal delivered (if you fall within the restaurant’s delivery radius). Puebla de Noche uses ZippEats, a local delivery service that doesn’t take high commissions like the larger delivery companies.
The Vibe
Speaking of decor, this restaurant has bright colors and beautiful Mexican-inspired murals everywhere you turn, including a tribute to Dia De Los Muertos and Frida Khalo.
You’ll never be bored eating here. Even the chairs and tables have fun designs. Perhaps even more interesting is that they were all brought from different parts of Mexico.
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The walls have beautiful and colorful murals to brighten the space, and Rosalba wants customers to feel like they are in central Mexico when they dine here. Check out Puebla de Noche’s Facebook page for more photos capturing the color of this place and more information.
