Spring ushers in blossoms on tree branches, a soft verdant hue spreading across the slopes, extended daylight hours aglow, accompanied by balmy sunlight mixed with refreshing gusts of wind. There’s an urge to venture outdoors despite the occasional chill; spring has arrived, signaling it’s time to soak up some sunshine and boost your vitamin D levels.
Recollections of the deeply fulfilling experience of being outdoors flood back in March, and although it’s still too soon for a jacket-less picnic in the park,
North Jersey restaurants
are transitioning from winter mode and unlocking their patios and decks for al fresco dining.
Of course, spring can be unpredictable, and over the next few months, we might still experience chilly, gloomy days. As a result, several restaurants are delaying their outdoor seating plans until warmer weather becomes more reliable. However, if you’re as eager as I am to venture outdoors, here’s a list of North Jersey eateries offering alfresco dining now and others set to do so within a couple of weeks.
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Restaurants in North Jersey offering outdoor dining that’s currently available now
Cuban Pete’s, Montclair
Head to Cuban Pete’s for the empanadas, tapas dishes (especially try the goat cheese fritters), and the vibrant ambiance. When you go, make sure to check out their expansive terrace; it likely exceeds the size of the interior seating area. This venue shines during pleasant weather and offers an ideal setting for al fresco meals, complete with retro street lamps, ornamental bulbs, and a fantastic mood on the patio.
Go:
428 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair; 973-746-1100,
cubanpetesrestaurant.com
.
Lola’s Waterfront Tex-Mex Restaurant, located in Hopatcong
Lola’s Tex-Mex
Lola’s is a vibrant, lakeside Mexican cantina featuring an excellent outdoor patio perfect for dining. Boasting generous portions of comforting dishes to select from amidst beautiful surroundings, Lola’s stands as a secret treasure worth visiting on a pleasant spring day.
Go:
300 Lakeside Avenue, Hopatcong; Phone: 973-264-4231
eatlolasnow.com
.
South & Pine, Morristown
The acclaimed chef Leia Gaccione leads this American restaurant, emphasizing ingredients that are both seasonal and locally sourced. Guests can now relax at their newly unveiled patio area, which debuted earlier this week as part of spring reopening efforts. Drop by daily for midday meals and evening fare; however, should you find yourself blessed with pleasant weather over the weekend, consider joining us for our brunch menu featuring options like chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, along with an array of fresh salads among others delights.
Go:
90 South Street, Morristown; 862-260-9700
southandpine.com
.
Verona Inn, Verona
This approximately 80-year-old sports bar offers traditional American pub fare such as burgers, sandwiches, bowls, fries, wings, and more. It’s an ideal place to unwind with a couple of drinks, enjoy some hearty cuisine, and either watch a game or socialize with buddies.
Go:
624 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona; 973-239-0544,
veronainn.com
.
Faubourg, Montclair
Faubourg’s got an elegant indoor dining room and a sophisticated, lively bar, but the patio, which creatively uses the long and narrow space with multiple levels and is decorated with string lights and fountains, makes for a lovely outdoor space to enjoy French bistro fare. The sunroom keeps the heat and the light in, but the cold air out, so it’s ideal for the capricious weather of March and April.
Go:
544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair; 973-542-7700
faubourgmontclair.com
.
DeNovo, Edgewater
Offering stunning vistas of the Hudson River and the majestic George Washington Bridge, DeNovo’s patio provides a perfect setting for enjoying cocktails, soaking up live tunes, and relaxing in the pleasant spring breeze. Once you navigate through their extensive selection of specialty drinks, you’ll find a delicious array of dishes like house-made pastas, classic Italian entrees, fresh seafood, grilled steaks, and much more.
Go:
1257 River Road, Edgewater; 201-496-6161,
denovoeuropeanpub.com
.
The Highlawn, West Orange
Experience breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Manhattan skyline from the multiple open-air areas available at this sophisticated American eatery. The terrace additionally features live performances, making it perfect for sipping cocktails and soaking up a vibrant spring night at this legendary location.
Go:
1 Crest Drive, West Orange; 973-731-3463,
highlawn.com
.
Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill, located in Fair Lawn
The waterfalls at Oceanos provide, as stated by the restaurant, “a Zen-like reminder that the Garden of Eden truly exists and can be found right here throughout the entire year.” Dine beside the azure lagoon surrounded by lush tropical plants and these mentioned cascades; during colder periods, additional heating ensures you won’t have concerns about enjoying al fresco meals prematurely.
Go:
2-27 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn; Phone: 201-796-0546
oceanosrestaurant.com
Matisse 167, Rutherford
The patio at Matisse 167 is a botanical dream; we’re still a few weeks away from the full, verdant experience, but stop by now for igloo-dining to get a taste of what’s to come. Then, from spring to fall, bring in a bottle of wine, order a prix-fixe meal and enjoy the environs.
Go:
167 Park Avenue, Rutherford; Phone: 201-935-2995
matisse167.com
.
Restaurants in North Jersey featuring upcoming outdoor dining areas will be opening shortly.
The Station at Mountain Lakes, located in Mountain Lakes. Late March to Early April.
Within a week or so,
The Station at Mountain Lakes
The charming outdoor patio will be available for guests once again, offering cozy seating areas among the trees. Enjoy al fresco dining with dishes such as wasabi panko-coated ahi tuna, peppered steak, pasta selections, and various others.
Go:
99 Midvale Road, Mountain Lakes; Phone: 973-335-5330
thestationatmountainlakes.com
.
D’Boathaus Restaurant, Hewitt. Early April.
Not many places offer a superior vista and ambiance like D’Boathaus. Coming here during spring acts as an appetizer for summertime with its pleasant sunlight, gentle gusts from the lake, and chilled beverages at your disposal. Drop by after a couple of weeks to enjoy their budget-friendly, laid-back selection of seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and more—all available al fresco.
Go:
322 Lakeside Road, Hewitt; 973-657-5757,
dboathaus.com
.
The Windlass, Lake Hopatcong. April 15.
Situated along the banks of Lake Hopatcong, The Windlass offers an excellent vantage point to appreciate the transition into spring. Patrons can relish seafood dishes while taking in the scenic views from the waterside terrace. Although they will not launch their outdoor dining area for about a month, make sure to visit during their extended St. Patrick’s Day festivities (from March 14 to 16) to get a preview of what awaits later this year.
Go:
45 Nolans Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong; 973-663-3190,
thewindlass.com
.
Haven, Edgewater. Mid-April.
As suggested by its title, Edgewater offers riverside amusement. Check out Haven once they start serving outdoors in mid-April for farm-to-table seasonal cuisine featuring refined yet accessible options such as pretzel-battered squid rings, lobster-infused arancini, and braised beef tartines. (Just so you know, it’s an excellent place for weekend brunch too.)
Go:
2 Main Street, Edgewater; 201-943-1900
havenedgewater.com
.
Lefkes Estiatorio, Englewood Cliffs. April.
Lefkes offers seafood, Greek cuisine, frozen cocktails, and al fresco dining experiences. Enjoy your brunch, lunch, dinner, or happy hour (available daily until 7 p.m.) seated in their outdoor garden area where you can savor small-sized gyros, souvlaki, calamari, along with budget-friendly drinks.
Head to: 495 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs; Phone number: 201-408-4444.
lefkesnj.com
.
Ventanas Restaurant & Lounge, Fort Lee. Spring.
Ventanas is waiting for warmer temperatures to unveil its patio, which might happen as early as April, so we must bide our time until this distinctive outdoor area becomes accessible. Adjacent to a meticulously maintained park featuring a contemporary fireplace and a serene stream, the location offers an enchanting backdrop (with cuisine that matches the excellent ambiance).
Go:
200 Park Avenue, Fort Lee; 201-583-4777,
ventanasatthemodern.com
.
La Pergola, Millburn. Spring.
Chef and proprietor Driola Kaloshi mentions that this excellent Italian restaurant will welcome diners indoors once people begin requesting it (let’s make it happen, everyone!). Upon opening, visitors should stop by for vibrant, seasonally inspired salads, creative pasta dishes, and skillfully prepared traditional Italian main courses.
Go:
120 Essex Street, Millburn; 973-376-6838
lapergolanj.com
.
Be sure not to overlook these additional North Jersey outdoor dining locations as spring progresses.
-
The Jefferson House, at Lake Hopatcong.
Various cuisines including Mexican dishes, traditional pub meals, classic American options, and more can be enjoyed on the deck. Located at 139 Nolans Point Road, Lake Hopatcong; phone number: 973-663-3063.
jefferson-house.com
. -
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, located in Ho-Ho-Kus.
A large bluestone terrace along with an expansive sandstone hearth can be found at this historically significant tavern. Located at 1 E. Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus; phone number: 201-445-4115.
hohokusinn.com
. -
Farmhouse Cafe & Eatery, located in Cresskill and Westwood.
Rustic farmhouse ambiance with delicious stand-out soups, salads, and more available on their vibrant outdoor seating area. You can find them at 15 E. Madison, Cresskill; phone: 201-266-8931 and also at 301 Center Ave., Westwood.
farmhousecafenj.com
. -
Tree Tavern Wine Bar, located in Wanaque.
This charming woodland location offers more than just frozen pizzas, including dishes like pasta, seafood, sandwiches, and much more. You can find them at 17 Park St., Wanaque; phone number: 973-835-2033.
treetavern.com
. -
Il Vecchio Cafe, Caldwell.
Customers speak highly of the outdoor dining area (as well as the Italian cuisine) offered by Calandra’s. You can find them at 234 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell; their phone number is 973-226-8889.
ilvecchiocafe.com
.
Matt Cortina serves as a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. You can contact him at mcortina@gannett.com.
The article initially appeared on NorthJersey.com.
Here are some North Jersey eateries offering outdoor dining options in March.
