DOUBLE AI
107 TERHUNE DRIVE, WAYNE,
(973) 616-5757
MOST ENTREES UNDER $15, BYO,
CLOSED MONDAYS, DELIVERY,
FAMILY FRIENDLY, TAKEOUT,
VALET
Sunset and sushi go well together at this
popular Asian fusion restaurant, which
pairs good food — Chinese and Japanese
specialties are beautifully plated — with
the tranquility of a panoramic view of
Pompton Lake and rolling hills. Outdoor
heaters allow guests to enjoy dining on
the deck in the spring and fall; it’s espe-
cially pretty during peak foliage season.
The deck is popular, and Double Ai does
not take reservations, so arrive early for
the best seats, especially on weekends.
Double Ai means “double love,” accord-
ing to manager Jeffrey Mar, who says,
“We love our customers, and we
love food.”
SUGGESTION: When it’s too hot out-
side to eat hot food, try the fresh sushi,
including the Summer Roll, featuring
tempura shrimp, lobster salad and tuna.
TAVERN 5
710 NEWARK POMPTON
TURNPIKE, POMPTON PLAINS,
(973) 835-1426
MOST ENTREES OVER $15-$20,
FULL BAR, CLOSED SUNDAYS AND
MONDAYS, ENTERTAINMENT,
FAMILY FRIENDLY, WHEELCHAIR
ACCESSIBLE, NO RESERVATIONS,
TAKE OUT
The owners of Tavern 5 apparently
love outdoor dining. Folding glass walls
along the back of a large dining room
can be completely opened to a back
deck; beyond the deck is a green lawn
bordered by picnic tables, umbrellas and
lawn games. The end result is a summer
dream for guests who like to be outside,
or at least feel a breeze. With these sepa-
rate spaces, Tavern 5 is a popular commu-
nity place for meals and special events.
It has a great brew list, burgers, pizza, and
entrees both classic and creative, and
wins bonus points for desserts that are
all homemade.
SUGGESTION: Try Day Boat Sea Scallops
accented with pecan crumble and a
spring pea broth, served with asparagus
risotto.
BROOKSIDE BISTRO
26 HAMBURG TURNPIKE, RIVERDALE, (973) 616-0606
MOST ENTREES OVER $20, FULL BAR, CLOSED MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS,
BRUNCH, FAMILY FRIENDLY, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE, TAKEOUT
The warmer months are a great time to visit this small restaurant because it has a charming patio.
Besides the regular menu and seasonal specials, there is a popular five-course “small plate” menu
— often themed — with an optional wine pairing. Menu choices are inventive and unusual, with
even a “terrine of the day” crafted from specialty meats such as duck liver and wild boar. The
chef can accommodate special diets, including gluten free and vegan.
SUGGESTION: Hot days call for cold beer and perhaps a pulled pork sandwich on a brioche
roll with tangy honey barbecue sauce, served with homemade oven-roasted fries and three
bean salad.
BLACK BULL STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD
88 NEWARK POMPTON
TURNPIKE, RIVERDALE
(973) 831-2825
MOST ENTREES OVER $20,
FULL BAR, OPEN 7 DAYS, FAMILY
FRIENDLY, HANDICAPPED
ACCESSIBLE, PRIVATE ROOM
AVAILABLE, VALET PARKING
Late last summer, this trendy steakhouse
opened a new deck dining area just off the
bar, and the owners are eager to begin their
first full season of alfresco dining. Arrive
early Monday to Friday, because from
4-6:30 p.m., you’ll find half-price appetizers,
beer, wine and house cocktails. That can
segue nicely into a dinner featuring well-
marbled prime steak, or one of the fresh seafood specials offered daily. Best of all: You’ll enjoy
high quality, New York-style steakhouse fare with attentive service, all at suburban prices.
SUGGESTION: On a warm summer night, indulge in the light and lovely Dover sole, beautifully
fileted, followed by a slice of sweet-tart key lime pie, made in-house.
WAYNE MAGAZINE MAY 2018
55