With summer in full swing, and COVID-19 precautions loosening up around the state, now is the perfect time to enjoy a cocktail outside. Nothing pairs better with a warm day than the perfect drink to unwind with at sunset. Whether you’re looking for the perfect location for a girl’s night out or are just looking for a new place to grab a drink, Essex County is the place to be. Read on for a list of rooftop and outdoor bars in Essex County.
Caldwell
Cloverleaf Tavern | 359 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @cloverleaftavern)
The Cloverleaf Tavern is a beer lover’s dream. With a large list of beers from IPAs to stouts and porters, The Cloverleaf is bound to have something on the menu that will wet your whistle. If you’re not a beer drinker, The Cloverleaf has a selection of wine and seasonal cocktails like the Blueberry Lemonade Crush and the Tropical Whip, the light and fruity flavors are perfect for lounging in the bar’s outdoor seating and enjoying the summer sun.
Montclair
Alto | 690 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @themchotel)
Part of the MC Hotel, Alto is a rooftop bar that offers indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant serves small plates-style food for sharing, along with a variety of wine, beer, and cocktails. With views of the NYC skyline, you get all of the beauty and feel of the city without the traffic.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Dining in Montclair
DeNovo | 275 Bellville Avenue
(Photo credit: @denovomontclair)
A European-style gastropub, Denovo brings a little bit of Europe to Montclair. The outdoor seating makes for the perfect place to people-watch while sipping on a beer, a glass of one, or one of the signature cocktails.
Egan and Sons | 116 Walnut Street
Egan and Sons expanded the outdoor patio seating this past year and it takes up a good portion of the parking lot – so there’s plenty of room for large parties. There’s an extensive beer list and a cocktail menu. The pub also offers classic bar food like burgers, wings, and tacos.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street
Montclair Brewery is known for its unique microbrews and brewery tours they also have an outdoor patio where you can enjoy any combination of local beers with names celebrating Montclair like the BuzzAle, named after Buzz Aldrin who lived in Montclair, or the Watchung Hard Root Beer, named after Watchung Ave. The Brewery also offers live entertainment on the weekends.
Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street
(Photo credit: @justjakes_montclair)
Known for live music on the weekends Just Jake’s has outdoor covered patio seating. Whether you’re looking to enjoy dinner or just drinks, Jake’s provides a relaxing outdoor atmosphere equipped with outdoor TVs for watching the big game.
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @faubourgmontclair)
The Faubourg features an outdoor bar and a rooftop lounge. The restaurant serves French-inspired food and puts its own twist on classic cocktails like the spicy pineapple margarita and the mango mojito. The lounge is open Monday through Saturday from 5PM. onward and is open on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch.
Newark
Little Tijuana | 538 Market Street
(Photo credit: @littletijuananj)
Located in Newark’s Ironbound District and just a few minutes outside of NYC, Little Tijuana offers a patio and rooftop bar. Little Tijuana is known for its margaritas and the restaurant’s selection of classic Mexican food. The bar’s design is beyond IG-worthy – from Mexican wall art to a swing on the rooftop, it’s the perfect atmosphere for a fun night out with friends!
See More: Montclair Bars + Beyond to Visit Based on Your Drink Preferences
West Orange
McLoon’s Boathouse | 9 Cherry Lane
(Photo credit: @mcloones_boathouse)
McLoon’s Boathouse is located inside the South Mountain Reservation which makes the ideal place to have a drink after a day of hiking the trails or visiting the animals at the Turtle Back Zoo. McLoon’s outdoor deck offers relaxing views of the reservation’s waterfront, and the bar offers drinks perfect for summertime like the cucumber cooler and peach frose.
Shillelagh Club | 648 Prospect Avenue
(Photo credit: @the_shillelagh_)
The Shillelagh is an Irish pub that, in addition to its traditional Irish fare, has live music every Friday and Saturday night. The bar’s outdoor seating makes for a great hangout spot to enjoy the live performances or hang out with friends. The bar has happy hour during the week from 4-7PM and a new Burger of the Week, created each week by the pub’s head chef.
