Opening

Vibe BBQ, Newark

Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s newest culinary endeavor will open this Saturday, March 23, replacing his Marcus B&P restaurant. Vibe is a casual restaurant aiming to capture the “vibe” of eating fresh, classic barbecue and sides in good company. Smoked chicken wings, pulled pork sandwiches, dry-rubbed spare ribs, mac & cheese and banana pudding are some of the featured menu items.
56 Halsey Street

SQ Pizza, Montvale

The husband-and-wife team behind this fast-casual pizzeria have expanded from Mahwah to another Bergen County town. Originally opened in 2021, SQ Pizza serves Roman-style pizza made with pure flour from Italy. They come round or square with many topping options, and can be enjoyed in-shop or at home. Each location also has a selection of freshly made gelato.
200 Market Street, Suite 260

The Alps, Jersey City

From the team behind Jersey City’s Pet Shop bar and Riverview Wines store, this new bar focuses on a variety of fine spirits, wines and beers. Specialty cocktails for $15 include drinks like the Leaping Langosta, made with mezcal, mango liqueur, Thai tea, honey and lime. A compact collection of small bites includes cold peanut noodle salad, Cuban hummus and picadillo pies.
351 Palisade Ave

Dismal Harmony Distilling, Morristown

Gins, whiskeys, vodka and liqueurs are made and served at this cozy yet elegant distillery, which celebrated its grand opening earlier this month. Craft cocktails made with the fine spirits can be ordered in flights or on their own in 1.5-ounce pours. Signature drinks include a blood orange Negroni and  s’more-inspired bourbon drink. Dismal also has plenty of mocktail options. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday.
77 Morris Street

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Closing

Palato Caffe & Cucina, Montclair

Earlier this month the Bloomfield Avenue restaurant’s team announced its mid-March closure on Instagram. The eatery served a variety of Italian dishes, antipasti and gelato for nearly three years. The team has “dreams of maybe one day opening a larger space to better serve” customers, so they “decided to close our doors for the time being,” according to the Instagram post.

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