Quick Bite: Brookdale Tavern & Kitchen

Brookdale Tavern & Kitchen
Bloomfield
1099 Broad Street
973-338-0329

Open: Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sun

Price: $$

Style: Upscale tavern favorites in a spacious, modern dining room with Eames-style chairs and banquettes. Exposed brick adds a hip vibe, while a lively separate bar area features screens and high-tops. Outdoor seating in warm weather.

The Scoop: Owners Debbie and William Ricigliano, former proprietors of Rupert’s in Riverdale, opened this family-friendly spot last April. Live music, trivia nights, happy hour, karaoke and game-day specials are a draw.

The Menu: Large-portioned starters, like fried potatoes with hot peppers, provolone, Italian sausage and broccoli rabe, or seared ahi tuna, are great for sharing. Pub picks include three varieties of calamari; name-your-spice-level wings; and brisket, fish or chicken tacos. Salads include the BTK Special (pictured) of fennel, beets, radicchio, endive, cucumber and lettuce with cranberries and apples. Mains range from pastas (some house-made) to thin-crust pizzas, burgers with fries, and substantial entrées such as succulent osso bucco and rack of “kobe” pork.

Heads Up: Tuesday through Saturday, BTK offers a $9.95 lunch special with choice of salads and sandwiches.