Long-time Glen Ridge resident, Paul Brewster knew that the area needed a place for good food and community. In 2007, he opened Fitzgerald’s 1928 after a successful career as Senior Vice President at Compass Group. The quaint tavern located at 13 Herman Street in Glen Ridge has been serving up American food and a strong community for close to two decades. We had a chance to chat with Paul’s son, Ryan, who is the restaurant’s general manager, to learn more about the space and how Fitzgerald’s 1928 came to be. Read on to hear more about this local staple.
Photo Credit: ENGN LLC. Out of Brooklyn NY
Getting Started
In 2007, Paul Brewster and two of his friends decided to start Fitzgerald’s 1928. “My father, Paul Brewster, opened the restaurant with two friends from Glen Ridge in 2007 and we have been happily serving the surrounding community since,” Ryan shared with The Montclair Girl. Fitzgerald’s 1928 has become a go-to place in the community for local events. “Whether it’s the annual Fitzgerald’s Lager Run, our ugly sweater party during the holidays, or a Friday night after a sports game, we pride ourselves on being a fixture in the community,” Ryan said.
Photo Credit: ENGN LLC. Out of Brooklyn NY
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The Menu
Fitzgerald’s 1928 provides a comfortable atmosphere with a twist on classic, American fare. “We are probably most known for our classic pub fare – great burgers, the best buffalo wings, and a meatloaf that reminds you of your grandmother,” Ryan said. He describes the menu as “approachable and comfortable, but not always predictable.”
Photo Credit: ENGN LLC. Out of Brooklyn NY
Fitzgerald’s 1928 has lunch and dinner service seven nights a week and brunch on weekends. The menu has appetizers, salads, grilled pizzas, sandwiches, and entrees. In addition to the menu, the restaurant has specials every night of the week and Ryan says this is the highlight for many of the guests. “Our creativity shines in the specials we run seven nights a week. I think that is what keeps our regulars coming back and sparks the interest of new guests. That creativity doesn’t just stop in the kitchen. We have an unbelievably talented bar team and a menu that features not only the classics but also seasonal and weekly features,” Ryan shared.
Photo Credit: ENGN LLC. Out of Brooklyn NY
The restaurant recently made some changes to its brunch menu. Ryan gave further insight. “We just revamped our brunch menu to incorporate a little more of our classic Fitzgerald’s menu and we expanded service to both Saturday and Sunday. Brunch also features some great deals — $6 brunch cocktails and $25 bottles of wine. We have something for everyone whether you are trying to watch the game and want bar food or need a full serving of Chef Roy’s Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.”
The kitchen is run by renowned chef and New Jersey native, Chey Roy Handler. If the last name sounds familiar, it’s because his sister is celebrity comedienne, Chelsea Handler. Chef Roy is no stranger to the limelight himself. He has appeared on cooking competition shows like Chopped and Chef’s Kitchen Takeover. Ryan brags about Chef Roy saying, “his experience is extensive and his approach to his work is cool, calm, and collected with a little flair. I highly recommend getting your hands on his pignoli cookies.”
The Community
Fitzgerald’s 1928 is more than an average pub. Part of the reason Paul Brewster created the restaurant was so that locals could have a place to come and connect with family, friends, and neighbors. Whether a night out for a cozy dinner or to celebrate a life event, Fitzgerald’s 1928 always delivers.
Attached to Fitzgerald’s 1928 is an event space called The Sidecar. “We have a fully private event space known as The Sidecar adjacent to the restaurant. It is perfect for just about any occasion from a full-plated dinner to a standing cocktail reception. The room is fully equipped with an audio-visual system which is perfect for a meeting or just to put the game up on the screen,” Ryan shared.
The restaurant itself can also accommodate gatherings like private happy hours and group dinners. If hosting something outside the restaurant is more convenient, Fitzgerald’s 1928 provides catering options. “Our catering menu, available online with 48 hours’ notice is the best of what we do in-house but in a take-out format. Perfect if you’re looking to host a Super Bowl party or an event at home. Chef Roy is great to work with so if you don’t see something you want, send us a note we are happy to work with you,” Ryan said.
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Fitzgerald’s 1928 is happy to host guests from all over, emphasizing building community. Its American comfort food gives a nostalgic feel while keeping guests on their toes with unexpected flavors and offerings. Be sure to follow the team on Instagram here to keep up with events and specials.
