Dutch’s Sandwich Shop on Church Street recently opened to bring bodega culture to Montclair. Named after owner Amir Kamal’s beloved Olde English Bulldog, Dutch, the sandwich shop pays homage to a dog who stole hearts, while filling our souls with delicious grub. Read on to learn more about this casual-but-tasty spot, located at 16 Church Street in Montclair.
About the Owner
Amir Kamal grew up in New York City where he was exposed to cuisines from around the world but, according to him, “nothing beat going to your local corner bodega, and grabbing some amazing breakfast and lunch sandwiches. [It’s] kind of where my love for it all started.”
Now living nearby in Newark, Amir would frequent Montclair and realized that there was a lack of grab-and-go restaurants in the area. A father of three, he notes that eating out can be hard but being able to grab something quickly and enjoying it al fresco on a walk around town is unmatched, and needed in Montclair.
This love of easy-but-flavorful food was the catalyst for opening Dutch’s. Amir saw something the community was missing and went after it himself. Its creative sandwiches, salads, and wings are a great way to get a quick bite without sacrificing flavor or originality.
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The Menu
The menu features a bevy of meat-lovers and vegetarian sandwich options. There are dozens of choices to solve any craving you may have.
Amir says, “Dutch’s is known for the Dutch Daddy. It has pastrami, bacon, egg, and cheese with our special signature sauce.” The shop serves breakfast all day long, offering all of the classics alongside some unique sandwiches like the Becky Pollo which has a chicken cutlet, bacon, egg, and cheese, or the Grove St. with corned beef, pepper jack cheese, egg, and a hashbrown.
While the breakfast sandwiches can really kick off the day, the chicken cutlet sandwiches “steal the show,” as Amir puts it. All of Dutch’s cold cuts are Boar’s Head products and the quality can be observed throughout all of each sandwich’s ingredients.
For those who like to turn up the heat, The Rhaenyra is slathered with hot pepper spread and pepper jack cheese. The sandwich’s sweet balsamic glaze evens out the spice a bit and the salty prosciutto, pepperoni, and capicola round out the sandwich. As recommended by employee Ralph, get a side of banana peppers if you really want the burn.
Dutch’s is also introducing Mikey Likes It Ice Cream onto its menu later this month. Michael Cole, the owner of Mikey Likes It, and Amir grew up together in NYC. This friendship made it seem like a “natural and an easy decision to bring Mikey Likes It to Dutch’s and Montclair”. He continues, “Church Street needs some ice cream on it.” The shop will be making ice cream brioche bun sandwiches — an original take on the classic ice cream sandwich.
The Atmosphere
Dutch’s is a tiny shop with art featuring famous characters — fiction and nonfiction — dotted across its walls. Amir says, “We name our sandwiches off of fun music or movie titles.” The shop’s ties to pop culture make it a fun restaurant to visit. In addition, at its entrance, there are two vintage arcade games to play while you wait.
While the concept is perfect for grab-and-go food, there is outdoor seating for those who prefer to dine on-site, perfect for these Jersey summer months when we want to enjoy the few days of good weather.
See More: Where to Get Gluten-Free Sandwiches in Hoboken + Jersey City
Outside the Bun
Dutch’s recently launched Dutch’s Art Studio to give back to the community’s artists. Every month, new local artists are featured on the walls of the shop. There is a soft opening for the artist where they can invite friends and family, and people can come to view the artwork and ask the artist questions. The art is available for purchase and all sale proceeds go to the artist.
In addition, Dutch’s will be launching “Print of the Month” in which Amir will be raffling off prints he likes that are tied to a sandwich. To enter into the raffle, all customers need to do is purchase that particular sandwich. At the end of the Month, a sandwich-eating winner is chosen.
For more information on Dutch’s, follow on Instagram @dutchsmontclair.
The Best Places To Buy Perfume in Montclair + Beyond
The ideal gift for a friend, partner, or yourself can be many things. Jewelry is lovely, a gift card for a local restaurant is fun, and something special for the home is thoughtful. On the other hand, the gift of perfume evokes a mood and a memory that can last for years. Read on for a list of the best places to buy perfume in Montclair and Essex County, New Jersey.
Acorn General Store | 41 Church Street, Montclair
Customers can find everything at Acorn General Store. Along with vintage clothing, accessories, locally-made art and decor, this shop sells perfume. Acorn General Store frequently updates its inventory, so there may be different scents available in the coming weeks. As of this writing, the shop sells Bloom’s Eau de Parfum, which has a “clean, bright, and sensual” scent, according to its description, and is made with natural essential oils.
Alchemy Scent Bar | 30 Church Street, Montclair
This shop provides the experience of creating a custom scent, which can be applied to candles, room sprays, body creams, body scrubs, and custom fragrance oil blends. Simply choose your favorite scents from their extensive wall of aromas, and the bouquet specialists will guide you through an engaging process that will lead you to your very own essence. Alchemy also has a premium scent collection reminiscent of famous perfumes worldwide. This Montclair Girl named her distinctive fragrance Mementos.
Read More: A List of Must-Shop Boutiques in Montclair
Beluved Oil Fragrances + Aromatics | 754 South Orange Avenue, Newark
According to the shop’s website, “fragrance is an accessory that is often overlooked,” which is why the owner behind Beluved Oil Fragrances + Aromatics opened a store dedicated to it. At this shop, Essex County locals can find handmade roll-ons in the scents Amber Gold, Aole Vera, Black Butter, Blue Nile, and many others.
Bluemercury | 30 South Park Street, Montclair
This beauty go-to carries over seven perfume brands. Jo Malone is a long-time store staple and crowd favorite. Ellis Brooklyn Eau De Parfum has a home on the top shelf and is in good company with the likes of Maison Louis Marie and Lake & Skye. Blue Mercury’s store manager, Angela Alberti, wears Sana Jardin’s fragrance Sandalwood Temple, and Vihelm Parfumerie’s Dear Polly is a best seller. Testing perfumes in the store can be overwhelming, so the staff will make samples that clients may bring home to decide which scent works with their body chemistry.
Cosmic Perfumes | 1275 Bloomfield Avenue Building 1 Suite 7, Fairfield
Cosmic Perfumes is the go-to shop for all beauty-related needs. In addition to skincare and makeup, patrons can find a wide selection of perfumes for sale, including highly-favored name-brand scents like Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Secret Obsession by Calvin Klein, and much more.
DollyMoo | 217 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
This shop specializes in hand-made bath and body products by two sisters inspired by their Greek grandmother. The sisters also make roll-on perfumed oils that embody the magic and love of their grandmother, especially The Evil Eye Perfume, which comes with a small evil eye for protection — just like the sister's grandmother used to do. Classic Aura Oils are also available, and the cult favorite is Amber Moon Aroma Oil.
Houss Freya Apothecary | 205 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
This apothecary shop is a must-visit destination for fans of the metaphysical. Customers can expect to find crystals, balms, candles, oils, stones, and — of course — perfumes. The Love Witch Perfume, which has a fresh floral scent, is back in stock. According to Houss Freya’s Instagram, “this cult classic is your secret weapon for extreme allure and an enigmatic aura.”
Hyssop Beauty Apothecary | 674 Bloomfield Avenue, Nutley
Hyssop Beauty Apothecary in Nutley is a great spot for those who like custom scents. In a rollerball bottle, customers can choose up to two oils to create their own perfume. Some of the available oils include amber, black pepper, clary sage, frankincense, and gardenia. The shop also provides pre-made scents, such as Fleur de Lune, which has key notes of amber, jasmine, and ylang ylang; Wintre, with notes of fir needle, vanilla, and peppermint; and more.
Meus | 104 Baker Street, Maplewood
Meus is a home and lifestyle boutique that features local artists, jewelry, inspiring gifts, bath and body products, and enticing fragrances. The store has many perfumes, and Marichelle Hills, the owner, is always on hand to help shoppers pick the perfect scent. MG pro tip: be sure to try the fragrance Sweet Do Nothing by D.S. + Durga.
Monty | 12 North Willow Street, Montclair
Monty is a women’s clothing store that supports independent designers, located at 12 North Willow Street, Montclair, and carries two distinctive small-batch handmade perfume lines. Stora Skuggan, made in Stockholm, is as interesting as the beautifully crafted bottles. Be sure to try Pine. It is intoxicating. Atum Fragrance, based out of Austin, Texas, is made by the artist Kristen Scott. Her scents embody her inspirations. Be sure to walk around the corner to visit Mister, Monty's counterpart, and a men’s wear store. There you will find Mihan Aromatics. It is made in Melbourne, Australia, and has a fragrance for everyone’s taste.
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Parcel | 608 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This paper and craft store in Montclair sells handmade knickknacks, art supplies, decor, and everything in between. Parcel also sells a perfume line called Olfactory, which comes in the scents Archive, Heritage, and Nostalgia. These Parcel-branded scents come in a 10-milliliter amber glass roll-on bottle.
The Taliaferro | 28 Valley Road, Montclair
Hailing from East Orange, the owner of this perfume shop started his business with the desire “to help clients create lasting memories through personalized fragrance encounters,” as per the shop’s website. Patrons can find all sorts of unisex scents at The Taliaferro, including Room 129, which has notes of cherry, powder, and bubble gum, Queen Harriet, a floral and citrus fragrance that pays homage to Harriet Tubman, and B.E.D (Become. Everyone's. Desire), a scent inspired by “clean sheets, fresh out of the shower intimacy, and a walk through a breezy beach house.”
