Bites on the Block
Walnut Street. Image courtesy of Kate Severance
By Brooke Harrington
The distance between the corner of Forest St and Greenwood Ave on Walnut Street is only about 600 feet. According to Google Maps it is about a 1 minute drive, or a 3 minute walk.
And that 600 feet can get you a lot.
Welcome to the heart of Walnut Street. With brunch spots, breweries, bars, and endless bites, there is so much to do on this block.
For brunch spots there is Red Eye Cafe offering unbelievable coffee (especially their specialty, the red eye) and home style french toast. Cross the street and head into Ray’s Luncheonette which has a classic, casual feel perfect for 2 eggs and toast or a turkey club for lunch. To kick it up a notch, head right next door to Le Salbuen, a French eatery with an amazing atmosphere. This is a great spot for a date or to catch up with an old friend over espresso and a delicate omelette. Another Montclair staple right around the corner is Montclair Bread Co. Now, even though this isn’t technically in the 600 feet radius, we will include her - because how could you not!! My favorite MBC donut is the Just Chocolate, but I know another staple is the Nutella!
Brewed coffee from Red Eye Cafe. Image courtesy of Red Eye Cafe
Bump it up the block for some brews. The Montclair Brewery is located at 101 Walnut and has the perfect balance of craft beers and community. Montclair Brew has a great tasting room as well as an expansive outdoor space to sip on a flight and relax with friends. It is truly a space of friendship, as they not only support their community in their brew names but also in their events and other supportive efforts. 100 feet up the block and across the street is Egan and Sons. Egan’s as stated on their Instagram is the “coming together of a Montclair townie and a Dublin publican”. This bar offers the atmosphere of a public house with a bar and food selection fit for our diverse Montclair crowd. Since the pandemic, Egans has expanded their outdoor space and created an enormous picnic area for friends to come together and make memories. Right next to Egans is Halcyon - a brasserie with beautiful decoration, hanging flowers, and immaculate cocktail creations. You can stay for dinner at these too!
Flight of beer from Montclair Brewery. Image courtesy of Montclair Brewery
Other bites on the block include Brick + Dough, Corso 98, Sal’s Gastronomia, and soon to be the Butcher and the Board right next to Montclair Bread Co.
Although a tiny space, this 600 feet offers endless options for an afternoon foodie stroll. Although not star street in town, I would say watch out Bloomfield Ave, soon there could be a new star in town!
