CLOVERLEAF TAVERN
EGAN & SONS
118 WALNUT ST., MONTCLAIR, (973) 744-1413
MOST ENTREES $15-$20, OPEN 7 DAYS, FULL BAR,
HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE, NO RESERVATIONS, TAKE OUT
Egan & Sons is a lively Irish pub and restaurant, but its back deck, with
full service dining as well as comfortable couches, offers a quieter
atmosphere for meals during the late spring and summer. The menu
features tasty starters, creative salads, burgers, sandwiches, bar pies and
classic pub fare, including some Irish specialties, often using ingredients
from local farms. There’s a full bar, and a stellar selection of beer: more
than 100 varieties in bottles, 34 classic and craft draft selections, and
seasonal house-brewed ales.
SUGGESTION: Sip a “Front Porch,” made from fresh lemonade,
Plymouth gin and mint that’s “slapped” to release its essence.
395 BLOOMFIELD AVE., CALDWELL, (973) 226-9812
MOST ENTREES $15-$20, FULL BAR, OPEN 7 DAYS,
BRUNCH, FAMILY FRIENDLY, PRIVATE ROOM,
TAKE OUT
“Everyone gets cooped up being inside in the winter,” says man-
ager Ryan Hayes, who notes that many customers are willing
to wait for an outdoor table in good weather. The Cloverleaf
Tavern is a Caldwell landmark, open since 1933, and the outdoor
patio is such a local attraction that when a freaky February day
earlier this year turned extra warm, the staff opened the patio,
and it was packed with happy patrons; it is even open on select
winter days for special holiday events. Loyal customers come to
the tavern for its traditional specialties, h uge beer selection and
special events, including Family Night. It even offers an “MBA”
(Master of Beer Appreciation) card that rewards loyal patrons
with gift cards and other perks.
SUGGESTION: To accompany your favorite beer, try a Prime Rib
Cheesesteak, with slow-roasted, shaved prime rib in a toasted
roll topped with American cheese, caramelized and crispy
onions, and rosemary mayonnaise.
RUTHIE’S BBQ & PIZZA
64½ CHESTNUT ST., MONTCLAIR, (973) 509-1134
MOST ENTREES UNDER $15, BYO, CLOSED SUNDAYS,
DELIVERY, ENTERTAINMENT, FAMILY FRIENDLY,
NO RESERVATIONS, TAKE OUT
For fun and tasty dining on a budget, Ruthie’s offers good food
in a casual atmosphere and live music on weekends. A chalk-
board menu hangs above the counter, and colorful art accents
wood-paneled walls. In warmer months, the outdoor patio
has cute café tables and chairs, with exposed light bulbs strung
overhead. Ruthie’s menu is focused on barbecue, thin-crust
pizza, and classic sides. Hand-cut french fries are good with the
wide variety of dipping sauces, including tarragon-Dijon, roasted
garlic-rosemary, remoulade, sweet chili, and Ruthie’s BBQ sauce.
The menu even has something “for the pup” — the Lulu slow-
roasted pork shoulder bone.
SUGGESTION: Bring your own six-pack, pair it with Ruthie’s
dry-rubbed ribs and hush puppies, and finish with their
homemade ice cream sandwich. ■
MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE MAY 2017
63