Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in New Jersey

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in New Jersey? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Casa de Montecristo - Whippany

4.9

4.9 (276)

$31 to $50

Pub

Whippany

About the restaurant

Casa de Montecristo is a premier modern cigar store and lounge featuring a full service restaurant and bar. Casa features a large selection of premium cigars from brands such as Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Arturo Fuente, Macanudo and more! Casa also offers a variety of smoking accessories, large walk-in humidor, and full bar. It’s the perfect venue for a luxurious yet relaxing smoking experience. We also offer Private rooms for parties and events.

Top review

Bob

Dined 1 day ago

The jewel of this place is Emily. She is professional, efficient, friendly and personable. JR's wouldn't be the same without her. I look forward to going there because of her way of making you feel like you're in a good place with friends. Please covey my thoughts and compliments to her. Happy Holidays, - Bob

Mission Spirits

4.9

4.9 (199)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Millville

About the restaurant

Mission Spirits is an artisan, small-batch spirits distillery. We produce & bottle hand crafted spirits made from our proprietary fermentation, distillation and aging processes. Using a practice we call 'technique blending', we modify and employ a variety of different techniques, new and old, to create original flavors. We take bold risks and learn from trial & error - all in the name of good spirits. Join us in drinking our successes and let our spirits elevate yours for whatever Mission you may be on.

Top review

Deanvip

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Mission Spirits is one of our favorites and we stop in every chance we get. The cocktails are always amazing and strong. The staff is top notch!!

Mompou Tapas Bar - Newark

4.9

4.9 (184)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Newark

About the restaurant

Inspired by the creative and energetic essence of the tapas culture of Spain, Mompou endeavors to introduce our guests to the beauty of our vibrant homeland through a combination of modern interpretations of traditional Spanish cuisine, innovative cocktails, and small vintner wine selections. Our thoughtful and heartfelt approach to menu development, flavor combinations, and plating, take center stage. This is complemented by our focus on extraordinary service and our guest’s overall experience.

Mompou: redefining the Ironbound experience since 2005.

Top review

Mihirvip

Dined on Nov 17, 2024

The food was fantastic, as well as the drinks, ambiance and music. The staff was friendly and attentive. Excellent experience.

Orale Mexican Kitchen - Morristown

4.8

4.8 (14)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Morristown

About the restaurant

ORALE MEXICAN KITCHEN IN MORRISTOWN
Located in Morristown, Orale is the perfect spot for Happy Hour, Taco Tuesday, Boozy Brunch, or Mexican-themed events. Join us in for a unique dining and cocktail experience.
e you looking for an authentic Mexican experience with excellent restaurant service in Morristown? At Orale Mexican Kitchen, we’re proud to offer a fantastic menu filled with your Mexican favorites, all in the convenience of a local restaurant. We pride ourselves on using high-quality ingredients to create delicious dishes that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for taco tuesday or happy hour specials, or just an authentic Mexican meal with a twist, you can count on our Mexican restaurant to give you the experience you deserve. You’ll quickly see why we’re a local favorite.

Top review

Christinavip

Dined on Nov 22, 2024

Yummy food. So loud yet not 50% full we could barely talk.

Discover more

Experience

Brunch: Large Party Reservations 9+

Experience

Happy Hour (Bar Only)

Experience

Large Party Reservations 9+

Uncle Tanks Kitchen and Bar

4.8

4.8 (71)

$30 and under

Pub

South Bound Brook

About the restaurant

Somerset's favorite locally owned eatery! Burgers, Wings, Sandwiches, Fancy Fries, homage desserts and a full bar. Join us for lunch or dinner. Come watch the games here and have a great meal with family & friends. Classic Americana pub fare and a friendly staff will make your visit excellent.

Top review

Kenvip

Dined 7 days ago

Great bar food, friendly attentive service, and fun casual neighborhood place

Park West Tavern

4.7

4.7 (1007)

$31 to $50

American

Ridgewood, New Jersey

About the restaurant

The Park West Tavern is a modern American tavern serving only the finest and freshest ingredients designed to be approachable, relatable, and intriguing menu.

Top review

Roe

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Right from the start our waiter Richard, our waiter was friendly, knowledgable, and fun! Appetizer melted mozzarella with Calabrian peppers was outstanding. We licked the bowl clean. Our party loved the 4 different mains. Portion size more than enough. Sadly, no room for dessert. We most certainly will be back.

Clydz

4.6

4.6 (1018)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

Clydz is a lively New Brunswick destination with a subterranean atmosphere, reminiscent of a 1920's speakeasy. At Clydz, the fare is anything but ordinary. The menu is comprised of small plates and entrees, ranging from a selection of steaks, scallops, duck, house made pastas and desserts.

The cuisine is not the only element that sets Clydz apart from the rest. The trendy bar, enhanced by fish tanks and fireplaces, offers adventurous martini and cocktail selections.

When making a reservation please keep in mind, tables will only be held 15 minutes past the reservation time.

***Please be advised-If you are dining with us pre-theater, please allow two hours minimum for your stay!

If you are making reservations for parties larger than 8 or do not see a reservation available, please call the restaurant at 732-846-6521.

We look forward to seeing you.

Cheers!

Top review

Linda

Dined on Nov 25, 2024

Had a great meal before a show at the State Theatre! The grilled oyster appetizer was delicious. My daughter had the duck and I had the duck confit gnocchi. Both were perfect!

Lulu Mediterranean Grill - Englewood

4.6

4.6 (33)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Englewood

About the restaurant

Lulu Englewood is a charming Mediterranean restaurant that beautifully blends Greek and Turkish cuisine to tantalize your taste buds. Situated in a cozy corner, this restaurant boasts a full bar where you can enjoy a selection of refreshing beverages to complement your meal. One of the unique features of Lulu Englewood is its outdoor seating area equipped with hookahs, offering a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere for guests to unwind and enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean.
Whether you're craving classic Greek dishes or Turkish delights such as kebabs and baklava, Lulu Englewood has a diverse menu that caters to every palate. The fusion of flavors and spices in their dishes will transport you to the shores of the Mediterranean, creating a memorable dining experience. So, gather your friends and family, and immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of Lulu Englewood for a truly delightful culinary journey.

Top review

Tony

Dined on Nov 14, 2024

First time here. Nice Mediterranean cuisine. Well prepared. Wait staff was mostly Turkish and was helpful in explaining menu choices and recommendations. Bottles wine choices were marked up a little higher than I thought they should be. But that is not a reason to avoid this Mediterranean gem.

The Madison Bar and Grill

4.5

4.5 (486)

$30 and under

American

Jersey City

About the restaurant

The Madison Bar and Grill is filled with an ambiance and class that is usually reserved for Manhattan eateries. The dining room is cleverly decorated in a 1940s style reminiscent of a chic roadside inn. The décor works an evocative, magical mood, with bare wood floors, wainscoted walls, soft lighting and subtle touches from a bygone era.

Patrons can also enjoy The Madison’s eclectic American Cuisine at the bar or outdoors in an al fresco cafe that wraps around the street corner.

Be sure not to miss The Madison’s Weekly Events, including the Sunday Jazz Brunch, First Seating, Tuesday Night Martini Madness, Thursday Taco Night and Endless Happy Hour. The restaurant also offers Private Parties and Off-Premises Catering.

The Madison Bar and Grill is a great place for families, professionals, romantic dinners or anyone who likes to unwind and enjoy great food, drinks and service in a sophisticated, comfortable eatery.

Top review

Charles

Dined on Nov 14, 2024

It was the first time going to the Madison in a long time, and everything was very good: Food, Service, and Ambiance.

Carro Cafe NJ

4.4

4.4 (24)

$50 and over

Contemporary Latin

Union City

About the restaurant

With over a decade in the culinary industry, our restaurant has been a beloved gastronomic destination in Brooklyn since its humble beginnings. Now, we are thrilled to expand our passion for great food and a welcoming atmosphere to Union City, New Jersey.

Our commitment to culinary excellence and exceptional hospitality has become the hallmark of our brand over the years. In our new home, we take this legacy even further, offering a dining experience that blends the authenticity of Modern Latin Fusion Cuisine cuisine with modern touches and a warm, inviting ambiance.

Each dish tells a story of dedication and creativity, while our setting invites guests to feel at home from the moment they walk through our doors.

Top review

DORAIDA

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent! service, food everything. We had an awesome experience, all staff went above and beyond.

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