Series: A Local’s Guide to North Jersey BYOB Restaurants
Make no mistake – just because you may be bringing your own bottle of booze, does not mean that the food will not be bringing the flavor. If our list of some of the best North Jersey BYOB restaurants have anything to show you it’s that what they lack with the bar, they make up for in the kitchen – two-fold!
No matter what you’re craving, one of these BYOB restaurants in North Jersey will hit the spot. From Mexican to Italian, seafood and Cuban, there’s nothing left to be desired (except for a trip to the liquor store on your way there). We’ve got award winning chefs, restaurants that have won praises from all over, and of course, our personal favorites.
So it’s time to pop open some of your favorite bottles of wine and beer and find out just how spectacular these BYOB restaurants really are. You can also download our Locals InMotion iPhone® app for hundreds of events, restaurant specials, happy hours and more throughout New Jersey.
Can’t Miss North Jersey BYOB Restaurants
Pictures of Merge Cafe just don’t give this North Jersey BYOB restaurant enough justice. Mouthwatering dishes that come hot out of their wood fired oven turn even ordinary eggs into a masterpiece. Local hint: bring your own bottle of wine and they’ll turn it into a delicious sangria. 4605 Park Avenue, Union City 201-590-9138 Come Merge With Us
With traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flare, Old City Café & Grill is your answer to a lunch or dinner out that not only satisfies the tastebuds, but also your love for your own wine collection. 20 North Union Avenue, Cranford 908-276-2701 www.oldcitycafeandgrill.com
Even though your wallet may not be able to bring you to the Caribbean or South America, doesn’t mean that your search for traditional Latin cuisine isn’t just a short drive away. Pueblo Latino serves classic dishes that you would only find in places like Guatemala and Peru. Oh, and don’t worry if you forgot your “b” to your BYOB, there’s a liquor store that’s actually connected – no need to walk outside. 314 Clifton Avenue, Clifton 973-928-4168
If you can take your eyes off the colorful chandeliers and décor for a few minutes, to look down at your plate, you’ll find that your plate matches the décor. Thanks to the artful platings and recipes of Chef Peter Loria, Café Matisse offers vibrant French dishes with plenty of whimsy. 167 Park Ave, Rutherford (201) 935-2995 http://cafematisse.com/
Step into Casserole Bistro and you’ll find that you’re not only getting a great meal, but you’re also becoming part of the family. Order up the fan favorite Short Ribs and the Onion Soup Dumplings and you’ll be a regular in no time at all. 377 Broad Street, Bloomfield 201-742-3529 https://www.facebook.com/casserolebistro/
With a menu that stays true to traditions, Zafra Kitchen is full of charm (think bright plates in a cozy atmosphere) and flavor (Cuban and Latin dishes that will entice your palate). From Yuca Fries to Tostadas, Empanadas, and an Argentinean skirt steak, there’s plenty to love here. 301 Willow Avenue, Hoboken 201-610-9801 http://www.zafrakitchen.com/
We’re not sure what we love more about Mambo Tea House – their name, their extensive loose-leaf tea menu, or their classic Cuban Sandwich. Luckily, no one has to choose. 98 Park Ave, Rutherford (201) 933-1262 http://www.mamboteahousenj.com/
A casual, family friendly restaurant featuring perfectly seasoned Mediterranean dishes, Zendiggi Kebab House should be high up on your list of North Jersey BYOB restaurants to try. Don’t leave without trying the Hummus and Pita or any of the meat platters. 228 Closter Dock Rd., Closter 201-768-0644 https://zendiggi.com/
Linger over a plate of Disco Eggs, Red Velvet Pancakes and more as you and your friends enjoy glasses of spiked OJ and grapefruit juice. After all, they’re motto is “Peace, Love, and Pancakes!” Tip: Locals InMotion iPhone® app subscribers can get 10% off their bill with every visit to any of Toast’s 3 NJ locations. 700 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair (973) 509-8099 https://toastmontclair.com
Hailed as one of the best brunches in Montclair, Samba is that and so much more. Featuring authentic Brazilian cuisine from brunch and lunch to dinner, this North Jersey BYOB restaurant is worth a visit any time of the day (even if it’s just to admire the vintage table accessories). 7 S Park Street, Montclair 973-744-6764 www.sambamontclair.com
Chef and Owner Lauren Hirschberg, a Montclair native, (who also became the culinary director for Tom Colicchio’s restaurants) teamed up with fellow Montclair native, Matt Trevenen to open up Turtle + the Wolf. The dream has been realized and it’s menu tends to change based on the season, but what never changes is the euphoria in your mouth after every bite, no matter what the dish. 622 Valley Road, Upper Montclair 973-783-9800 https://turtleandthewolf.com/
From airy popovers with lavender butter to Moroccan Orange Tagine, and Chilean Seabass Maki, Laurel & Sage covers a number of flavor profiles from various regional cuisines. Think of it as a dinner out where everyone can travel to a different country and still sit around a rustic wood table – together. 33 Walnut Street, Montclair 973-783-1133 www.laurelandsage.com/
Special, unique, delicious – just three of the words used to describe Mesob, an Ethiopian restaurant that makes eating with your hands a lot of fun. We’re not sure what’s better, the food itself with its many spices, or the experience of feeling completely immersed in another culture, if only for dinner. 515 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair (973) 655-9000 https://mesobrestaurant.com/
Step inside of this hip hidden gem and you’ll be greeted with a chic atmosphere, enticing aromas, and dishes that live up to the hype. Whether you enjoy Thai food or you don’t, you’ll find something to love at SLA Thai Restaurant. 38 Upper Montclair Plz, Montclair 973-509-0111 www.slathai.com/
Consistently voted one of the best restaurants in New Jersey, Fascino, exceeds expectations with its soft as air ricotta gnocchi to their homemade pastas, and mascarpone fries. Diners describe it as a heavenly experience and we agree. its 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair (973) 233-0350 http://www.fascinorestaurant.com/
Handmade pastas, locally sourced ingredients, and a warm and rustic Italian ambiance, Viaggio Ristorante lives up to hundreds (and counting) of five star reviews. Diners swoon over everything from the excellent service to the seasonal menu, and of course Chef Robbie Felice’s passion for delicious dishes. 1055 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne 973-706-7277 https://viaggioristorante.com/
Just like the name states, Robert’s Scratch Kitchen makes everything in their “from scratch” kitchen. A true Totowa hidden gem, if you eat here once, chances are you’ll be back to not only order up another seafood entrée, but also to keep chatting with Robert himself. 400 Minnisink Rd., Totowa 973-638-1405 robertsscratchkitchen.com
If it’s good enough for The Sopranos, it must be good enough for us – I mean who would want to serve them bad food? At Nori, there’s no chance of that happening. This cozy North Jersey BYOB restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy close company while dining on sashimi, specialty rolls, and of course, hibachi. 87 Berdan Ave, Wayne 973-709-1190 www.norisushiwayne.com
If you’ve been lucky to dine at Basilico, then you most likely had Mario, the owner, strike up a conversation with you while you’re licking your plate clean… don’t worry, he won’t mind. 324 Millburn Avenue, Millburn 973-379-7020 basilicomillburn.com
Ranked one of the best restaurants in New Jersey, it should come as no surprise that Common Lot is a must visit on our list. With praises from the NY Times in their back pocket, Executive Chef and Owner Ehren Ryan continues to make big impressions with his menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients in “unexpected and exciting ways.” 27 Main Street, Millburn 973-467-0494 commonlot.com
Farm to table cooking in a family run restaurant, Tillie’s, is yet another must visit for the curious foodie. Executive Chef and co-owner, Wirt Cook, embraces his ingredients in a way that has even the most discerning palette adding multiple dishes from the menu to their all time lists. 519 Millburn Avenue, Short Hills 973-564-9700 www.tilliesonmillburn.com/
If you’re looking for an upscale, five-star experience, that also happens to allow you to BYOB, then look no further than Restaurant Lorena’s. With just under 20 tables, you’ll feel like you’re a Parisian who’s in the know. 168 Maplewood Avenue, Millburn 973-763-4460 http://restaurantlorena.com/
From spicy curries to drunken noodles, there’s plenty to love at Lamoon’s Thai Restaurant, where you’ll feel just as cozy eating in their dining room as your own (just way better food). 64 Market St, Clifton (973) 928-6777 https://www.lamoonsthairestaurant.com/
Three decades and counting, Café Panache continues to be known for offering elegant dishes featuring boldly flavored seasonal cuisine from Chef and Owner Kevin Kohler. Its minimalistic interior helps your dishes (and even that colorful dress your wearing) pop even more. 130 E Main St, Ramsey (201) 934-0030 http://cafepanachenj.com/
Hailed as being one of the best restaurants for foodies and rated as “excellent” in the New York Times, Saddle River Inn was transformed in 2013 by Jamie Knott and Peter Lioia to bring a French fine dining restaurant that would catapult this vintage inn into an unforgettable dining experience. 2 Barnstable Ct, Saddle River (201) 825-4016 https://saddleriverinn.com/