Cloverleaf Tavern

Cloverleaf Tavern
395 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
973-226-9812

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 am-11 pm (bar open until midnight); Fri and Sat, 11 am-midnight (bar until 1 am); Sun, 10 am-10 pm; Sunday brunch, 10 am-2 pm.

Price: $

Style: Family casual, with noisy sports bar adjacent to more sedate dining areas, including a sky-lit atrium room and outdoor patio.

Don’t Miss: The burgers—charbroiled and served with all the typical sides and toppings. Choices include a Country Bourbon burger, adorned with Maker’s Mark bourbon sauce, cheddar and fried onions ($9.59); the Cajun-spiced Blackjack burger ($9.59); and a “guilt-free” buffalo burger ($10.99). Start with a Hot Bubbling Crab Dip ($9.99), loaded nachos ($8.99) or the excellent French onion soup ($5.59). Something as simple as a grilled chicken sandwich ($8.59) is always served just right, but don’t shy away from the long list of more ambitious fare, from  tavern favorites like Irish cottage pie ($13.99) and fish and chips ($13.99 for a three-piece serving) to an assortment of steaks, ribs, chicken and seafood entrées. The signature dish is a 24-ounce sirloin for $20.99—the highest price on the menu.

Heads Up: While the food is consistently good, Cloverleaf is a pub at heart and takes pride in its extensive and ever-changing beer list. A recent roster had 26 beers on tap and another 51 in bottles. The Cloverleaf even offers classes in beer appreciation (as if you need any help).

The Scoop: Founded in 1933, this is one of those neighborhood establishments where “everyone knows your name”—if you’re a local. But it’s perfectly welcoming to all, and, while it’s generally busy, wait time is always reasonable.