21 Best Things to Do in Montclair, New Jersey

© Van Vleck House & Gardens

Established more than 140 years ago as a private estate, the Van Vleck House & Gardens was the creation of successful businessman Joseph Van Vleck Sr when he moved to Montclair in 1868. While there have been several changes to the property in the decades since, the exquisite U-shaped Italianate villa and landscaped grounds have remained the same.

The gardens are home to mostly ericaceous plants that have been developed over generations, including hybrid species of rhododendrons and azaleas. The private gardens are open to the public all year round from dawn to dusk and play host to a variety of special events, fundraisers, and other occasions throughout the year.

21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-744-4752

© Montclair Art Museum

The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is dedicated to engaging and inspiring the community with art through its incredible collection of American and Native American art. Home to a collection of more than 12,000 items comprised of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints dating from the 18th century to the present, the museum also showcases a variety of contemporary artworks highlighting life in a global context.

The museum is home to the only gallery in the world solely dedicated to showing the work of the 19th-century American painter George Inness, who called Montclair his home between 1885 and 1894. The intimate space, known as the George Inness Gallery, features a curated selection of paintings and etchings by the artist, as well as works by famous sculptor William Couper.

The Montclair Art Museum sponsors a wide variety of educational programs together with local organizations, as well as formal instruction for both students and amateurs at the Yard School of Art.

3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-746-5555

© Wellmont Theater

Built in 1922 as a theater, the Wellmont Theater was converted into a motion picture theater in 1929 and saw the likes of famous inventor Thomas Edison as one of its haloed guests. Initially opening onto Bloomfield Avenue and later Seymour Street, the theater was triplexed in the 70s, and the original lobby is now a restaurant.

The Wellmont Theatre went through a multi-million dollar renovation and is now a popular concert venue with new bars in the orchestra and mezzanine areas, flexible seating, and a dance floor. The Wellmont Theater has a seating capacity of 2,600 for standing shows and is the largest venue in the area.

5 Seymour Street, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-783-9500

© Montclair Historical Society

Originally founded in 1965 to save the Israel Crane House, the Montclair Historical Society (MHS) is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and appreciating the local history of Montclair. The MHS consists of two important historic sites, namely the Israel Crane House, a Federal Revival style landmark home built by a local entrepreneur in 1796, and the 1818-built Nathaniel Crane House.

Together, the two Crane Houses are open to the public as historic museum houses that showcase the history of the buildings and the surrounding town and provide space for educational workshops, lectures, and classes for the public and students alike. The society also owns Charles S. Schultz House on North Mountain Avenue known as Evergreens. Built in 1896, the Clark House is home to an excellent research library that serves as a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and local teachers.

108 Orange Road Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-744-1796

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The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is the world’s largest non-commercial garden dedicated to irises. Spread over 6.5 acres in a park-like setting on Upper Mountain Avenue in Montclair, the unique gardens are open to the public without charge.

Established in 1927 to honor noted horticulturist Frank Presby, the gardens feature a world-class collection of over 10,000 individual plants representing 6 species and over 3,000 different named varieties of irises.

The Walther House, an excellent example of Victorian architecture, sits adjacent to the gardens, which are also home to a museum shop and the headquarters of the Citizens Committee that oversees the gardens.

474 Upper Mountain Ave, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043, 973-783-5974

© Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center

The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center is a museum based on the campus of Montclair State University that serves to honor the career of world-renowned baseball player and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Yogi Berra.

The Yogi Berra Museum stands next to the Yogi Berra Stadium and is home to a variety of artifacts and items from Berra’s career, as well as the history of baseball and his contribution to the game. The museum also offers a variety of summer camps and a three-day sports and business academy designed to give high school and college students advice and insights into careers in sports.

Established to preserve and promote the values of respect and sportsmanship, the Learning Center offers culturally diverse sports-based educational programs to empower students and learners to take an interest in sports.

8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls, NJ 07424, 973-655-2378

© Vanillamore

Vanillamore is a lively Montclair cafe opened in 2017 by executive chef Risa Magid Boyer, inspired by her passion for the infusion of vanilla as a flavor enhancement in unique and unexpected ways. The beautiful restaurant doubles as an art gallery space, showcasing the works of regional and national artists like Carrie Graber, Aldo Luongo, and Amy Nedler in its lovely dining space, which is also home to a six-screen video wall highlighting additional artwork. Diners can enjoy delicious entree options like red wine-braised short ribs, crispy skin barramundi, and quinoa-infused buddha bowls at lunch and dinner, complemented by a selection of the restaurant's signature and seasonal cakes and desserts. Unique dessert selections include chocolate and vanilla-infused charcuterie platters, dessert tapas, and sweet shooter flights.

349 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, Phone: 973-707-5373

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The Montclair Film Festival is a community-based film festival that showcases filmmakers from around the world and helps put Montclair on the map. Established in 2012, the film festival is in its fourth year, and thousands of film-lovers, aficionados, and critics flock to the city each year to take in more than 80 films screened at multiple venues around Montclair.

The Montclair Film Festival also presents a growing schedule of dynamic educational and public programs and events for children and students alike, including Kidz Shortz Filmmaking Competition, Free Summer Series Under the Stars, and free African American Heritage Month screenings.

© Watchung Booksellers

Watchung Booksellers is Montclair's favorite community bookstore, founded in 1991 by Kathy Linsk. The bookstore, which is located above Bradner's Pharmacy, specializes in general collections of fiction, nonfiction, biography, and history volumes, with a focus on educational titles, travel books, and poetry and arts selections. Books are chosen carefully to reflect the character and values of the Montclair community, with input from local readers. The works of more than 60 published local authors are showcased on the bookstore's shelves, making it an important home base for New Jersey's literary community. A charming children's room offers family reading spaces and a lively Teen Corner. Special events hosted throughout the year at the store include poetry readings, children's storytime events, book groups, and author signings.

54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07043, Phone: 973- 744-7177

© Da Pepo

Da Pepo is a delightful Italian comfort fare joint in Montclair, owned and operated by Pasquale Orrico. The restaurant is known for its high-quality Southern Italian fare, which is crafted with fresh ingredients according to longstanding Orrico family recipes. It is located within popular local bookstore Watchung Booksellers, showcasing a rustic, family-friendly dining space with comfortable decor. Hearty pasta selections include penne puttanesca, gnocchi telefono, orecchiette barese, and ravioli funghi trifolati, available with vegan mozzarella cheese upon request. Panini sandwiches are also served up, stuffed with delicious ingredients like pears, fresh mozzarella, grilled chicken, and pesto mayo. The restaurant is open for dinner service Mondays through Saturdays.

54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07042, Phone: 973-655-8825

© Costanera

Costanera is a celebrated Peruvian restaurant in the heart of downtown Montclair that serves authentic and bold Peruvian cuisine in a warm, casual atmosphere. Owned by Executive Chef Juan Andres Placencia, whose deep love of authentic Peruvian cuisine was cultivated at an early age, the intimate and inviting restaurant serves lunch and dinner six days a week and has guests returning time and again to enjoy a culinary journey into South America.

Presenting a refreshingly new take on one of the world’s most distinctive and revered cuisines, the menu features starters of fresh ceviche of grouper, lump crab, or ahi tuna marinated in Leche de Tigre and aji chilies and served with yams and choco. Mains include signature dishes of pan-roasted Atlantic Cod with Spiced pickled onions and yam, Peruvian seafood stew, and a grilled Black Angus rib-eye steak served with tacu-tacu, Maduro's, and a fried egg.

511 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-337-8289

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The Yogi Berra Stadium is the official home of the New Jersey Jackals, a professional baseball team in the Northeast League and the Montclair State University Red Hawks. Opened in 1998 and named after New York Yankees catcher and Hall of Fame inductee Yogi Berra, the stadium has a capacity of 5,000 people with permanent seating for 3,784 people and lawn seating for 1,500.

The stadium is flanked by the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center on its first-base side and enjoys a reputation as “the home of champions.” All dimensions in the field of the stadium end in the number 8 to honor Yogi Berra, who wore the number 8 when he played for the New York Yankees and the stadium has two picnic areas, an outdoor birthday party area, a game arcade and Kid’s Zone area, and a souvenir shop.

One Hall Drive, Little Falls, NJ 07424, 973-746-7434

© Samba

A tiny Brazilian restaurant in the heart of Montclair, Samba serves home-style Brazilian fare in a stylish, rustic space. Boasting weathered rustic décor, vintage tableware, antique pots, and soft lighting, Samba’s young, easygoing staff presents the eclectic menu created by ebullient owner Ilson Goncalves. Inspired by the simple, home-style dishes he grew up with in southern Brazil, Goncalves uses the same home-style spirit in his dishes.

Picture a trio of lightly fried fritters called salgadinhos sortidos made with yucca flour, mandioca frita (deep-fried yucca served with Brazilian sausage and sauteed onions), and salada de rúcula com manga, a marvelously balanced salad of arugula, mango, and caramelized pistachios with an orange vinaigrette. Three huge ornate mirrors reflect the sultry ambiance of the restaurant while bossa nova and other Latin music play softly in the background.

7 Park Street, Montclair NJ 07042, 973-744-6764

© Greek Taverna

Enjoy a culinary journey to the magnificent Mediterranean country of Greece by visiting the Greek Taverna on the vibrant Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Steeped in old world charm, the cozy restaurant oozes the timeless tradition of the Mediterranean through its authentic décor and mouth-watering cuisine. The open-air kitchen allows guests to see what goes on behind the scenes in the preparation of the delicious genuine Greek specialties found on the menu.

Made from fresh, hand-selected ingredients, signature dishes include Ouzo Keftedes (special meatballs from the island of Mytilini in a tomato ouzo sauce), Kalamarakia Sharas (tender chargrilled calamari drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice), and Lamb Glovetski (braised lamb and orzo pasta in a delicate white wine sauce). Greece has some of the best desserts in the world, so don’t miss the homemade Baklava, Greek Bougatsa, and Galaktoboureko.

292 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-746-2280

© Exit Strategy

Previously known as Last Minute Escape, Exit Strategy is a fun-filled, real-life whodunit mystery game that is played out in richly detailed settings.

Designed for groups of two to eight people, the game has different scenarios with unique themes, concepts, and missions, and teams have to figure out how to enter the game via a series of clues, complete the mission, and get back out– all within one hour. Exit Strategy is ideal for a relaxed corporate team-building occasion or a fun night out with friends, Exit Strategy.

© Egan & Sons

Egan & Sons is an authentic Irish pub with a vibrant atmosphere and a menu of traditional Irish fare. Situated on Walnut Street in the heart of Montclair, the lively bar is an ideal spot for casual drinks with friends or a quiet bite after work.

The menu features dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding farms, and it includes starters of jumbo crispy chicken wings, steamed Newfoundland Moules Frites, freshly shucked oysters, and falafel platters. Mains include cider-glazed salmon, pan-seared scallops, traditional fish and chips, and chicken pot pie.

Beef burgers are a popular choice and come with with thick-cut fries, onion rings, and garden salads. Homemade house dressings include lemon mustard, shallot vinaigrette, and blue cheese, and delicious toppings range from farmhouse cheese and bacon to jalapeno peppers and cheese rarebit.

118 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-744-1413

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© Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant

A favorite for vegetarians, Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant is a delightful restaurant that serves delicious authentic Ethiopian food. Located in the bustling Bloomfield Avenue, Mesob boasts casual, comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy mouth-watering Ethiopian fare for the whole family.

The menu features dishes prepared from fresh ingredients and seasoned with spices imported from Ethiopia, and the popular Injera (warm sourdough Ethiopian flat bread) is freshly baked on site every day. Their vegetarian dishes are prepared in the authentic Ethiopian way without the use of animal products.

Signature plates include choices such as Gomen Be’Siga (diced lamb tossed with fresh greens, seasoned with spices and herbs and simmered in a mild sauce) and Doro Tibs (marinated and sautéed scalloped chicken breast sautéed with red onions, garlic, jalapeno pepper, fresh tomato, herbs, and spices). The interior of the restaurant is adorned with works from the Mengistu’s collection of Ethiopian and Eritrean art, including traditional tribal papooses made from leather and trimmed with seashells from the Red Sea.

515 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-655-9000

© The Woodhouse Day Spa

The Woodhouse Day Spa is a spa and wellness center that offers more than 70 rejuvenating treatments, ranging from a variety of therapeutic massages and massage therapy to a variety of skin and body treatments such as microdermabrasion, body waxing, Vichy shower body treatments, seaweed body wraps, manicures, and pedicures.

Indulgent massages include essential oil treatments to induce deep relaxation and foot cleansing rituals, with each massage focusing on releasing tension, enhancing circulation, and overall health and well-being. The spa offers a variety of packages that are perfect for gifts and special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings.

56 South Park Street, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-509-8488

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Edgemont Memorial Park is a large children’s playground with an array of structures that provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages. A rubber ground covering provides safety for the little ones, and a giant spider web structure with a variety of slides is a favorite among young visitors.

The eastern section of the park features a tranquil pond, which is fed by fountains and flows into Toney’s Brook. The park is renowned for its famous World War I memorial, which stands on an island in the middle of the pond. Created in 1924 by Charles Keck, the monument is a tall obelisk surrounded by bronze sculptures on which the names of those who fell in the First World War are etched. In front of the memorial are small plaques to commemorate those who died in the Vietnam, the Korean War, and World War II.

Other park amenities include a baseball/softball diamond, bikeways and footpaths, ice-skating in winter, and a concert pavilion for bands in the summer.

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© Mishmish Cafe

Mishmish Café is a cozy little eatery and artisanal food shop that serves healthy Mediterranean-style cuisine made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Owned by Chef Meny Vaknin, who neatly weaves his family’s Moroccan Jewish tradition with the influence of having grown up in Israel into all of his food, Mishmish (apricot in Arabic) serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner to a crowd of regular diners.

Flavors are clean and crisp at Mishmish – think 48-hour cured salmon marinated in olive oil and served with labne and wedges of green olive or the delicious Shakshuka, which consists of Moroccan-style runny egg yolks, stewed tomatoes, soft feta cheese, and za'atar, all mixed together and served in a cast iron pan. Lunch and dinner menus boast delights such as Marrakesh mussels with dried shatta peppers, garlic, cilantro, and oven dried tomatoes and local shishito peppers with fleur de sel, olive oil, and a hint of fresh lemon.

215 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-337-5648

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© Alexander Kasser Theater

Owned and operated by Montclair State University, the Alexander Kasser Theater is a contemporary performance venue that presents student dramas and music and dance performances. Designed in the Spanish mission style similar to that of the University's historic buildings, the modern, intimate venue boasts a sweeping plaza and broad, arcaded loggia.

Guests enter into a 4,600 square foot lobby with gallery and exhibition space and an elegant grand staircase, which flows into the heart of the theater – the beautiful 500-seat auditorium.

Featuring an oversized stage, orchestra pit, and state-of-the-art technical characteristics, the auditorium has outstanding acoustics, as well a variety of extra rooms and suites, including scenery/props construction shop, a makeup and wardrobe room, an electric shop and control room, and a guest artist suite. The theater is also home to a recording studio, green room, and the unique Harry Parch Institute.

1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043, 973-655-5112