Bonds Tavern

Bonds Tavern
West Orange
643 Eagle Rock Avenue
973-731-5309

Open: Mon–Thurs from 4 pm; Fri–Sun from noon.

Price: $$

Style: Bar and grill serving pub fare in a retro-mod space with subway tiles, slate-colored floor and a long, sleek bar with flat-screens. Seating at tables or chartreuse banquettes, and in the bar area.

The Scoop: Bonds, a sister property of the Verona Inn, is tucked into a bank of stores beside the anchoring, been-there-since-1960 Walter Bauman Jewelers.

The Menu: Fried calamari, nachos, wings and burgers, of course, but also imaginative grilled cheese sandwiches and main-course salads. The burgers are a blend of brisket, short rib and chuck, and the fixings are varied, such as the Pleasantdale with avocado, Swiss and sprouts (pictured). Fries come in eclectic modes, such as the Hola, with chopped jalapeños and melted Monterey jack; the Vermont, with bacon and melted cheddar; and the Seaside, sprinkled with Old Bay. The king-sized grilled cheeses—basically oozy paninis—are comfort food at their best. Try the Cape Cod: melted brie and cranberries on French bread. (I’m hoping they’ll add soup to to the menu as winter nears.)

Heads Up: Bonds has 32 beers on tap, plus 24 bottles and eight in cans. Happy hour is daily, 4 to 6 pm. And there are daily drink and food specials.