Raymond’s has been a staple of Montclair, and more specifically the Church Street scene, since 1989 when Raymond Badach opened the luncheonette. From the moment you step into Raymond’s, you’re transported back to a time when “happening” establishments such as this one were on every corner, complete with white tile walls and a classic bar adorned with leather barstools. The reputation and vibe of Raymond’s may be what draws you in but trust us, you’ll end up staying (and coming back) for the food. Read on for a look inside Raymond’s an upscale diner located at 28 Church Street in Montclair.
(Photo credit: @raymondsnj)
The History
(Photo credit: @raymondsnj)
When Raymond Badach first opened this establishment in 1989, some may argue it was a hole in the wall, albeit an amazing one at that. Locals gathered to sit at the counter to enjoy a coffee and read the newspaper on quiet Church Street. Once the buzz of Montclair began to reach residents across the river in NYC, expanding Raymond’s became necessary.
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Raymond added a manager to his team in 1996 and a larger version of Raymond’s was created and opened in 2004. With this expansion came a second location in Ridgewood to serve the Bergen county area. Today, Raymond’s is a nice balance of modern updates combined with the charming interior from 1989 we know and love.
The Menu
(Photo credit: @raymondsnj)
The menu at Raymond’s is often pleasantly surprising to patrons who walk in expecting diner-esque dishes to match the vibe and decor. Whether you’re going for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night dessert, Raymond’s menu is expertly crafted to offer something that any t diner may want.
Let’s start with the breakfast menu, which is served all day for those of your breakfast-for-dinner lovers. In addition to a variety of egg dishes such as eggs Norwegian and huevos rancheros, you can expect to find other breakfast classics like French toast, steak and eggs, and more.
(Photo credit: @raymondsnj)
The lunch menu has everything from Cobb, chopped, and Caesar salads to burgers and sandwiches. For all of those meatless eaters out there, the black bean veggie burger with a cashew-based patty is to die for.
Raymond’s doesn’t stop serving it up with breakfast and lunch. The dinner menu offers appetizers such as matzo ball soup, “Rhode Island-style” calamari with pickled cherry peppers and lemon aioli, and mussels “Thailandaise” with lemongrass, coconut curry broth, and grilled country bread. While the dinner menu includes the same salads and sandwiches that are also on their breakfast and lunch menu, they kick it up a notch in the entree department.
(Photo credit: @raymondsnj)
For seafood lovers, the honey-soy glazed salmon and Baja fish tacos are a must. However, you can never go wrong with classics that Raymond’s does oh so well, such as steak frites, buttermilk fried chicken, and rigatoni Bolognese.
This spot certainly does not back itself into the metaphorical corner of limiting itself to one type of cuisine. As promised, they have something for everyone, even those with a sweet tooth.
(Photo credit: @raymondsnj)
At first glance, the beverage and dessert portion of the menu seems low-key but the choices most certainly are not. Dishes like warm ricotta donuts, sticky toffee carrot cake, or caramelized cheesecake take your usual slate of desserts and make them more interesting. Diners can even drink their desserts, with a Belgian hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or turmeric almond latte.
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Raymond’s always has specials on the menu. Depending on the season you’ll see choices such as e a warm sugar snap pea salad, soft shell crab sandwich, chorizo, and charred ramp hash, and more.
(Photo credit: @raymondsnj)
The next time you’re strolling down Church Street or simply searching for a delicious dining experience, Raymond’s is a spot you have to say you’ve been to at least once in your life. A classic Montclair staple, your taste buds certainly will not be disappointed.
Keep up with Raymond’s latest happenings via Instagram.
