It’s safe to say that there can never be enough “trendy” spots in the Montclair area to check out, and there’s another one to add to MG’s ever-growing list. The Brookdale, located at 1099 Broad Street in Bloomfield, is home to a sports bar and restaurant fit for any occasion. Read on to learn about the restaurant’s different menus — featuring its famous one-pound mozzarella stick — and the sister restaurants that sit right next door.
The Backstory
Brothers Anthony and Joseph Cinque are the epitome of New Jersey natives, having lived in Edgewater, Glen Ridge, Hoboken, Montclair, Morristown, Paramus, and Wayne. After years of experience in the dining industry, they teamed up with head chef and co-owner, Jonathan Kavourakis, who grew up working in diners. “I’ve always loved the camaraderie of the diners, and how important it was to have regulars and learn as much as you can about them. It’s nice meeting people from the community, helping support them any way we can, and seeing the community show us the same love back!” Jonathan said. Combining the three owners’ love for the community and work ethic in the restaurant business, The Brookdale opened its doors in 2020.
Read More: George Washington Once Dined at This Bloomfield Restaurant
The Brookdale is a “hybrid-style restaurant,” as Anthony likes to put it. “We took a sports bar and a restaurant and meshed them together — then made it a ton of fun. There is something for everyone. If you just want a nice meal for a date or the family, you can sit in our dining room and not feel like you are in a sports bar,” Anthony said.
Photo Credit: Anthony Panella
The sophisticated vibe is evident upon entry. Another room fit for additional seating or a private party can be found to the left. To the right, the bar is complete with modern accents, barside and barstool seating, and multiple televisions for viewing live sports.
What to Expect
From weekend brunches to special events, the restaurant provides an extraordinary experience for any guest alongside its already memorable menu. While The Brookdale is known for its one-pound mozzarella stick — nicknamed “The Big Cheese” (which is paired with its noteworthy sweet homemade marinara sauce) — other items are just as unforgettable. The thick hand-cut chips with herb and truffle mayo are a must-order shareable for the table; the Korean barbecue tacos with pickled daikon and creamy salsa verde will cure any sweet-and-savory craving; and customers can never go wrong with spins on American classics like “The Burger” (with cola braised onions, fancy sauce, + cheddar cheese on a sesame seed bun) or the “Steak Sammy” (complete with filet, mozzarella provolone mix, kale, butter, onions, mushroom, + Better Than A-1 sauce).
^ Thick hand-cut chips + “The Big Cheese”
And that’s just the dinner menu. The restaurant serves slightly different menus for brunch, lunch, and dessert, complete with a cocktail and beer list as well as an extensive gluten-free menu. The owners like to freshen up the regular menu often by changing the fixings on dishes like the grilled salmon or the eight-ounce hanger steak. “We try and keep it fresh, new, and exciting. We have people that eat at our restaurant multiple times a week, so giving them something new, or making small changes helps keep our guests excited and coming back!” Anthony said.
^ Korean BBQ Tacos ‘Birria Style’
The fun doesn’t stop at The Brookdale, either; the owners — dubbed the 5LC Group along with other partners Lauren Kavourakis, Samara Sulin, and Cheyenne Intindola — have also opened two other eateries right next door. Fanny’s Restaurant + Bar, named after Anthony and Joseph’s nonna, serves traditional Italian dishes with a Jersey flair. The eatery serves desserts from its other establishment, Ladyfingers Bakery + Bar, which delivers delicious pastries alongside unique cocktails in a 70s-style ambiance. The 5LC Group is also looking to expand its brands out of state in the future.
See More: The Best Cocktail Bars in Hoboken for a Self-Guided Cocktail Crawl
The kitchen is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11:30AM-10PM and Thursday through Saturday 11:30AM-12AM. The bar doesn’t have a designated close time but is open late daily.
