Those who weren’t born and raised in Bloomfield, NJ may only know the Bloomfield Center area well. However, other sections of Bloomfield have restaurants, parks, and activities worth exploring. Here at The Montclair Girl, we’ve devised a day-long itinerary that showcases the best of Bloomfield’s Brookdale neighborhood, all the while spending less than $50. Read on for the itinerary.

The challenge: Eat at least 2 meals and enjoy at least 1 activity for $50 or less in Bloomfield (tip + tax will be extra).

Option 2 — Total: $30.69

A car can be used to drive into Bloomfield, but all activities mentioned in this article will be within walking distance (17 minutes or less) from one another. If using public transportation to travel to Bloomfield, buses could be taken to get close to the Brookdale area. For example, the 72 and the 28 will put visitors by the Brookdale Park area at the Broad Street at Watchung Avenue stop.

Lunch: $10.75 

Mastriano’s, located at 1058 Broad Street, is a deli and butcher shop. It’s also a great pitstop to grab a sandwich for lunch. With over 40 sandwiches to choose from, customers are sure to find something they like. Most sandwiches can be purchased in halves or as a whole, while other options are available only as a whole sandwich. Ordering a half fits within this budget trip, but not to worry because Mastriano’s prides itself on using 6 ounces of meat in its small sandwiches, making this place the best bang for a diner’s buck. If you are looking for a whole sandwich-only option, try The Mooner for $10.75. This chicken salad sandwich combined with a BLT is a cool and refreshing choice on a warmer day. If looking for a half sandwich, try the Enzo for $11.25. This half sandwich is packed with Sopressata, Imported Capicola, Hard Provolone, and Roasted Peppers. 

Read More: A Guide to Meals Under $10 in the Montclair Area

Activity 1 — Free

Bring your Sandwich to Brookdale Park for a picnic, enjoy the scenery, and go for a walk. The park’s main entrance is about a 17-minute walk, but walkers can enter through the closest entrance, South Meadow, which is only an 8-minute walk from Mastriano’s Deli. Containing over 121 acres of land, there’s space to have your cake (or sandwich) and eat it too. The park has walking and running paths as well as track facilities, tennis courts, + an archery range. If looking for a shorter stroll after lunch, take a look at its Rose Garden containing over 500 rose bushes with about 150 varieties. 

Dinner: $12.94

Agora Greek Market + Cafe is about a 15-minute walk from Brookdale Park’s main entrance. This eatery sits at 1045  Broad Street and serves food for breakfast, lunch + dinner. Try the Agora Burger, cooked as wished, with tomatoes + onion, served with french fries for $12.94. Another option that fits in the budget would be the Buffalo Chicken Wrap with a side salad for $11.90.  Montclair Girl Pro Tip: For even more room in the budget, pay with cash. There is a slight upcharge for paying with a card (upcharge prices are listed here).

Dessert: $7

The Brookdale area of Bloomfield isn’t complete without a stop at Holsten’s, located at 1063 Broad Street, just a one-minute walk from Agora. Serving the area with ice cream, a candy store, and diner favorites for over 83 years, Holsten’s has also become a piece of pop culture to the area after The Sopranos series finale. Holsten’s has ice cream sundaes starting at $7, including a choice of nearly 20 flavors, 9 toppings, with whipped cream + a cherry on top. 

See More: Things to Do on Willow Avenue in Hoboken

Activity 2 — Free

Take a 3-minute walk back to Brookdale Park to stop by the Brookdale Park Conservancy. Founded in 2009, this non-profit aims to promote the park and find a voice for the community. This can be found through various events run by the conservancy. This summer, Friday nights are packed with live music. Stop by after dessert for a show. Music varies from Earth, Wind, + Fire, Motor City Review, + more.