Long a haven for artists, actors, musicians and writers, Montclair’s coolness quotient got a post-pandemic boost when young outer-borough residents flocked to town. A new theater, art galleries, music venues, and dozens of new restaurants have joined the town’s already long list of dining and entertainment options, making it the perfect getaway for anyone looking for a fun, action-packed weekend.
[MORE: Weekend Getaways to Take Right Now]
WHAT TO DO
Start off the new year on a light note with improv, a movie, a story slam or a sing-along. Montclair Film headquarters hosts story slams and improv nights, or you can catch a documentary or new release at their newly renovated Clairidge Theater.
Craving music? Listen to one of the live bands at the Montclair Brewery, Porta restaurant or Outpost in the Burbs. Vanguard Theater stages plays with top Broadway talent and hosts Sip & Sings of Broadway show tunes.
The Wellmont Theater hosts weekly concerts and comedy shows. In January, there’s a Beatles tribute band, South Orange comic Jessica Kirson and more.
Don’t forget the Montclair Art Museum. On the national historic register, MAM is one of the few U.S. museums devoted to American and Native American art and has the only gallery dedicated to George Inness, the father of American landscape painting.
Leave time to stroll the grounds, designed as an arboretum and dotted with sculptures. Art lovers will also want to visit Montclair’s two new galleries, the Leach Gallery and Studio Montclair.
WHERE TO EAT
You can see the chocolate being made at Vesta Chocolate. Photo: Kate Albright
With more than 200 eateries in five business districts, Montclair has earned its moniker of the Restaurant Capital of New Jersey. A bonus: Most are BYO. Forgot your bottle? Ask the maÎtre d’ to have a local wine shop deliver one to your table. For an upscale evening, try Faubourg, Scala del Nonna, Gioia Mia, Laboratorio, Pasta Ramen, Da Pepo, Nami Nori, Mesob (a vegetarian favorite), Dhamaal or Halcyon. Reserve ahead, especially for restaurant-of-the-moment pastaRAMEN, run by top chef Robbie Felice.
More casual, but equally delicious, are Boschetto and Ani Ramen, plus standout pizza from Fiamma, Ah’Pizz, Brick + Dough and Bivio.
Faubourg and Halcyon have excellent cocktails with an upscale ambience, or grab a beer and watch the game at Egan’s pub or Pineapple Express.
Got a sweet tooth? Wander Church Street for cookies at Chip City or Milk N Cookies, and find exquisite pastries at Jayce Baudry or Le French Dad.
Warm up with hot cocoa from Vesta Chocolate in Upper Montclair. Photo: Courtesy of Vesta/Roger Rodriguez; styling by Julia Choi-Rodriguez
Chilly? Head to Vesta Chocolate in Upper Montclair for hot chocolate. Like all their confections, the chocolate is made on premises.
For brunch, it’s Walnut Street. The Corner doesn’t take reservations, but it’s worth the wait for the best scones in town. Line too long? Try Red Eye Cafe or Le Salbuen. Build in time to browse the year-round farmers market at the train station.
WHERE TO STAY
The cozy study at The George Hotel. Photo: Courtesy of The George
Staying at The George, owned by makeup mogul Bobbi Brown and her husband, entrepreneur Steven Pfloker, is like visiting a friend with exceptional taste. Some of the 32 rooms in the 1902 building have fireplaces; all have Nespresso machines and photos of an iconic George. With books, games, a fireplace and a candy closet, the inn’s study is a cozy place to curl up on a cold January evening.
The 159-room MC Hotel is a Marriott with a local focus. The lobby bar displays dramatic artwork by area artists and serves local wine and spirits. There’s a ground-floor restaurant, Allegory, and rooftop bar, Alto, with New York City views.
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