Belleville, New Jersey is a town located in Essex County. This town is home to over 37,000 locals. Aside from being known as the place where the singer from the Four Seasons, Tommy DeVito, was from, Belleville has another claim to fame. Particularly in the springtime, Belleville lovingly gave itself the nickname of Cherry Blossom Capital of America giving Washington D.C.’s display a run for its money. Keep reading to learn more about exciting things to do in Belleville, NJ.
History
Belleville is a small town with a big history. The birth of Belleville was from a land mixed with agriculture, housing, and manufacturing. Dutch settlers moved from Jersey City (once called Bergen), and would later settle in what is now known as Belleville. During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington and his troops passed through Belleville’s Main Street, then called River Road.
Even today, Belleville celebrates its colonial ties. The community’s official founding is cited as July 4th, 1797. The Old Dutch Reformed Church, located at 171 Main Street, was founded in 1697 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The church is also the site of 68 Revolutionary War-era graves. Belleville was the site of the Battle of Second River in September 1777. A plaque at the battle site commemorates the events.
Belleville is located between two rivers, the Passaic River borders the town’s eastern edge, and the Second River runs through the southern portion of town. Since water power was crucial in the 1700s, it was an important factor that led to coal and other supplies. In the eighteenth century, Belleville Engine Works was established. According to the town’s official history, Belleville was the site of the first steam engine in the US in 1753.
Belleville received its township in 1839. It went back and forth from being declared a city, town, and township. Most recently, in 1981, it settled on township or the Township of Belleville.
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Where to Shop
Alpine Nursery | 291 Main Street
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Alpine Nursery is located at the corner of Main Street and Holmes Street. It’s a place for those with a green thumb can thrive. A greenhouse for both indoor and outdoor plants, this nursery has flowers and greenery for all seasons. Its website holds an In Bloom section, so shoppers can have an idea of what they can purchase for each season. Alpine also sells decor for seasons throughout the year, so patron’s plants will always be festive.
Brick City Leather | 398 Washington Avenue
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Brick City Leather provides quality leather products to the surrounding Belleville area. Styles are available for men, women, and children. Leather jackets and fur coats are available for men and women. For children, there are some shearling styles available in black and red. On Brick City’s website, there is an option to shop online so patrons have options when it comes to making their purchases.
Fabric Warehouse | 382 Main Street
For those looking for a new hobby like sewing, Fabric Warehouse is a great place for all levels. Whether patrons are searching for some small cloths to practice stitching, or fabrics to make their fashion dreams come to life, this warehouse has an array of fabrics varying in color, texture, style, weight, and feel. For those interested in learning more, or to see if the store has a special fabric, it’s best to call Fabric Warehouse at (973) 759-8080.
Hana Mission Thrift Store | 180 Washington Avenue
Located on Washington Avenue, one of Belleville’s busiest streets is the Hana Missions Thrift Store. Hana Mission is a Christian, non-profit organization that helps those in need. This thrift store takes donated items of all kinds. After accepting items they are sorted and cleaned before appearing in the thrift store. New displays in the window change often, so there’s always something new to discover here.
Motorcycle Mall | 655 Washington Avenue
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Located on Washington Avenue, Belleville’s Motorcycle Mall is the place to go for those interested in purchasing a new or pre-owned bike. Originally opening its doors on Halsey Street in Newark, the Rescinti family moved their business and has had a motorcycle/bike presence in Belleville since 1975. Some well-known brands that the Motorcycle Mall includes are Suzuki, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, and more. In addition to motorcycles, shoppers can also check out scooters, snow blowers, boats, and power equipment. Parts for vehicles can also be purchased here.
My Love Pets + Grooming | 277 Main Street
If traveling with a furry friend, pamper them at My Love Pets + Grooming. This shop is a groomer meets pet supplies meets boutique. A variety of pet needs like food, collars, and leashes can be found here. If looking for a little something special, My Love has a clothing selection for pets. It also has baked treats like doggie doughnuts, bones, cookies, and more. For grooming needs, an appointment will likely be required.
Powder Bowl | 384 Main Street A
For those interested in winter sports, Powder Bowl is Belleville’s place to grab snowboarding equipment and apparel. Snowboard sizes are available for men, women, and children including brands like Arbor, Bataleon, Jones, Nitro, and more. Additional accessories include boots, bindings, protections like helmets and goggles, and apparel (such as socks, snow pants, base layers, and gloves).
Roca Jewelry + Music Center | 151 Washington Avenue
If looking to kill two birds with one stone, stop by Roca Jewelry + Music Center. “This family-owned business has been serving customers [from the Belleville area] for over 30 years.” Jewelry includes designers such as Rolex, Cartier, and Tag Heuer. As far as music goes, this music center has a variety of instruments to choose from. Some options available are guitars, drums, and pianos. The staff on hand is also helpful if customers are looking for maintenance and repair on their musical instruments.
Soulflower Goddess, LLC | 2353 Joralemon Street
Soulflower was founded in 2019 and currently sits near the corner of Joralemon Street and Union Avenue. This establishment specializes in women’s health and natural medicine. Shoppers can find products like massage oils, detox juices, herbal teas, and more. There is also natural medicine for muscle and joint support, men’s health, kidney health, and blood + circulation. Soulflower Goddess also offers services like iridology readings and yoni steaming. If shoppers get hungry this place also has a vegan cafe included.
Things to Do
Branch Brook Park | Park Avenue + Lake Street, Newark
Branch Brook Park is the nation’s first county park. While this is the only address on this list that technically is listed as Newark, a portion of the park is owned by the Township of Belleville. This space is particularly enjoyed as winter turns into spring and all the cherry blossoms come to life. Walkers can enjoy 360 Acres of space to take their strolls. In addition to walking, the park also features a playground, tennis courts, public art, bocce courts, a roller rink and so much more.
Bowlero Belleville | 679 Washington Avenue
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Bowlero sits on Washington Avenue across from the Belleville ShopRite. This bowling alley has 32 bowling lanes, an arcade, an on-site pro shop, a sports bar, and a lounge. Bowlero is a great time out with the family or with friends. It has specials five days a week. If patrons want to have a larger celebration, Bowlero can cater to a variety of party sizes and has menus available.
Bullet Hole Shop + Range | 78 Rutgers Street
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Bullet Hole Shop + Range is located at the corner of Rutgers Street and Valley Street. It is an indoor range that is 23 yards in length with moving targets available for practice. The Bullet Hole also has a variety of classes that include various levels of training, archery, and personal protection courses.
Guys + Dolls Billiards | 524 Washington Avenue
Located on Washington Avenue, next to Domino’s Pizza, Guys + Dolls is the only billiard hall in Essex County. This space holds 10,000 square feet of fun. There are over 30 pool tables, ping pong tables, and TVs available to patrons. Guys + Dolls is open seven days a week. Those interested in checking out this billiard hall should call them directly at (973) 759 – 6217.
Hendrick’s Field Golf Course | 220 Franklin Avenue
Hendrick’s was designed and opened in 1929 making this golf course 94 years old. It is an 18-hole golf course and has some fun holes for golfers. One of its self-proclaimed best holes is “10th [hole] where golfers must negotiate a stream that crosses the fairway to reach the green.” There are rates available for adults (weekdays + holidays), seniors, and twilight times (for weekdays, holidays, + seniors).
MDN Latin Dance Studio | 289 Main Street
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Located at the corner of Main Street and Holmes Street, MDN Latin Dance Studio is a spot for those looking to practice their salsa dancing skills in the Belleville area. In addition to salsa, this studio specializes in merengue/bachata lessons as well. Classes range from beginner, beginner-advanced 1 + 2, and intermediate for salsa, beginner and advanced with partner work for bachata, lady’s body movement, and musicality jam sessions. MDN also offers private lessons as well as online classes for those who can’t make it into the studio.
Where to Eat + Drink
Agave Maria | 170 Washington Avenue
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A relatively new addition to Belleville, Agave Maria serves up delicious Mexican food with flair. In addition to having some of the best tacos in Belleville, it also has a consistent nightlife scene, as well as a rooftop terrace. Those looking for private parties should consider booking one of its private rooms with an intimate ambiance and eclectic decor. A must-try from Agave Maria’s is the al pastor tacos with a classic Agave Margarita.
Brix Restaurant Pizza + Bar | 371 South Franklin Avenue
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Diners who are looking for upscale Italian dining at a casual pace should visit Brix. This restaurant is located in a shopping complex on Franklin Avenue (diagonally across from Sunrise Hot Bagels). Diners can check out its Specials page to see what’s going on during different nights of the week. Some specials include Acoustic Fridays, + Trivia Tuesdays. Start a meal with an order of Rice Balls or Coconut Shrimp (served with an orange chili sauce). Then, move on to house-made cheese ravioli for pasta lovers, or try the Stuffed Chicken Saltimbocca (Stuffed with prosciutto + mozzarella, over mashed potatoes, and au jus sauce). Sharers should look at its pizza menu and consider trying the Pear + Gorgonzola Pizza, or the Valentina (A large square pie with fried eggplant, ricotta, plum tomato, + basil).
Coffee + Cornbread | 500 Cortlandt Street
Born and raised in the Bronx, Sisters Monique Hudson and Monica Semley moved to Montclair almost 20 years ago. In 2017 the pair opened Coffee and Cornbread. However, its Montclair location has now been closed and the duo moved to Belleville. Breakfast is served all day here and diners will find chicken + waffles, fish + grits, shrimp + grits, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches on brioche buns. Lunch here includes chicken wings, crunchy B.L.T. ‘s, fried whiting sandwiches, and fish + chips. Those who follow vegan diets can find a variety of flavorful and fresh dishes here. Coffee and Cornbread’s Crispy Chick’n Sandwich comes with two vegan spicy chicken patties, spinach, and tomatoes on white or sourdough bread. Their Vegan Pancakes Double Stack and Seasoned Grits are both made with rice milk.
Michael Roscommon | 531 Joralemon Street
Visitors can wrap up a day in Belleville by stopping by Michael Roscommon for a pint. Located on Joralemon Street, this pub is hard to miss. Outdoor seating is predominantly displayed most times of the year. The menu consists of soups, salads, apps, sandwiches, entrees, and more. There is also a brunch menu for those who would prefer to start their day here. Try the Belleville Burger (with Taylor ham, grilled tomato + onion, and mozzarella).
Sunrise Hot Bagels | 650 Joralemon Street
Spending a full day in Belleville means stopping for breakfast. Diners who are looking for a place to sit or grab and go need to stop by Sunrise Hot Bagels located at the corner of Joralemon Street + Franklin Avenue. Sunrise serves up many breakfast/brunch favorites including omelets, wraps, sandwiches, and salad platters. A must-try at this bagel spot is its French Toast bagel. It’s an egg bagel with maple syrup and sugar. Take it to the next level by getting it toasted and adding Sunrise’s cinnamon, raisin, and walnut cream cheese.
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Sweet Love Cafe | 475 Washington Avenue
This little cafe/coffee shop sits, like many others on this list, on Washington Avenue. Sweet Love Cafe has the vibes of a modern-day coffee shop with velvet couches, beautifully handcrafted milkshakes, and floral decor. This cafe features options for breakfast, snacks, and desserts. A perfect pick-me-up in the middle of the day can be found here through sandwiches, small desserts, smoothies, bars, milkshakes, cookies, and drinks like teas and coffees. Those with a sweet tooth should try the Strawberry Milkshake or the Rose Chocolate Lollipop. Savory lovers can check out the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese breakfast sandwich or Proscuttio + Pesto on a Croissant.
The Whiskey Priest | 538 Union Avenue
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The Whiskey Priest is near the corner of Union Avenue + Agnes Street. It’s a cute little spot if ending the night with dinner, or passing by for a cocktail and tapas. Catering to many types of events, this local spot is great for catching a game, partying, or a weekend brunch. For sharers, try the Buffalo Calamari (Tossed in Buffalo sauce + topped with crumbled blue cheese) or the Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Sautéed chicken, peppers, onions, mushrooms, + scallions in a light teriyaki sauce, served with iceberg lettuce cups). The Whiskey Priest takes private parties. There’s also seating available outside, weather permitting.
