The best bars & nightlife in Essex County

“Contemporary restaurant & bar serving cocktails & New American fare in a stylish, casual setting.”

“Brick-lined bar & grill in a functioning 1907 train station serving hearty, eclectic American eats.”

“Brewpub making its own beer & serving familiar pub grub in a laid-back, sports-barlike setting.”

“The New Atmosphere V nails the bar-and-grill sweet spot with gourmet burgers, artisanal flatbreads, and a serious craft cocktail lineup in a polished yet low-key room. Solid for a casual catch-up or a work thing you might actually enjoy, with service that treats you like a regular.”

From the Newark newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Upbeat Irish mainstay with a fireplace providing creative pub fare & premium whiskeys in comfy digs.”

“Thin-crust pizza, pasta, burgers & more served in an easygoing tavern with sidewalk seating.”

“Sophisticated restaurant & martini bar serving New American fare in a modern space with live jazz.”

“Traditional & creative Italian fare is on offer in this elegant haunt with a "Godfather" connection.”

“When you want juicy tikka and a proper burger on the same table, Royal Mint Bar and Indian Fusion Restaurant nails it with craft cocktails, a late-night kitchen, and TVs for the game, plus smoky tandoor plates, wings, and wraps that make weeknights feel like a tiny celebration.”

From the West Orange newsletter, September 8, 2026

“The Landmark is that tiny red tavern doing burgers, wings, and draft beer right, with sports on TV and a friendly, hometown pub vibe that makes a quick Jersey detour feel worth it. Easy choice when you want comfort, cold pints, and zero fuss.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, October 13, 2026

“Guys & Dolls Billiards & Sports Bar is the local move when you want great pool on well-kept tables, darts and ping pong, plus 21 TVs for the big games. Expect a laid-back crowd, solid cocktails and a few serious players honing skills on heated Gabriels and Diamond tables.”

From the Belleville newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Cowan's Public pours a rotating lineup of 15 craft beers and cocktails built with artisanal spirits and seasonal ingredients. Pair that with a modern spin on wings, burgers, and tacos in a 1938 art deco gem, and suddenly weeknights feel special.”

From the Fair Lawn newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Whether you're team juicy steak or fresh-off-the-grill seafood, Columbia BBQ Restaurant & Bar keeps it simple and satisfying with classic Colombian sides that taste like home. Easy pickup or delivery when you want a no-fuss, big-flavor dinner.”

From the Newark newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Relaxed spot that serves up seafood boils, fried fare, Cajun mainstays, cocktails and beer.”

“Varitage Brew Works is North Jersey’s soccer-centric brewery pouring classic, balanced beers.”

From the East Orange newsletter, October 14, 2026

“If you’ve been meaning to treat yourself this week, Il Vecchio Cafe serves up Tuesday Pasta & Lasagna Flights, plus wood-burning-oven pizzas and homemade classics. Grab a seat in La Taverna Lounge with a cocktail, or lean into Sunday brunch with live jazz.”

From the West Orange newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Avenue Steak House: ASH Bar & Grill has a marble-topped bar, six jumbo screens, and an exceptional sound setup that actually lets you hear the play. Swing by this week for buffalo or philly wonton rolls, then settle in with friends for a laid-back, lively night.”

From the East Orange newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Relaxed eatery + bar for classic cocktails and eats.”

“Montclair Brewery is a community-minded microbrewery pouring a lively tap list and hosting music, cornhole bragging rights, and private events. Bring your own takeout, settle in with friends, and feel good supporting a spot that truly builds community one beer at a time.”

From the West Orange newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Since 1945, Star Tavern has been the neighborhood spot for crackly thin pies served hot in a lively, no-fuss room loaded with local character. Swing by this week for a proper Jersey classic, the kind of pizza that makes “just one more slice” inevitable.”

From the East Orange newsletter, October 10, 2026

“Whether you're meeting up after work or stretching the night a little longer, Adega Lounge delivers polished cocktails, a chic vibe, and that Newark energy you can't fake. Slide in, claim a corner, let the night sort itself out.”

From the Ewing newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Jimenez Tobacco pairs handrolled cigars with a cozy speakeasy feel and proper cocktails, plus a courtyard if you prefer some fresh air. It’s the kind of low-key spot locals keep in their back pocket for unrushed catchups and weeknight decompression.”

From the Newark newsletter, September 30, 2026

“Adega Grill does upscale Portuguese and seafood with cozy flair, think grapevine murals and a fireplace setting that actually feels like a treat. It’s the local move when you want a solid bar scene and plates fancy enough for date night but familiar enough for Tuesday.”

From the East Orange newsletter, September 25, 2026

“Craving something not-basic this week? Consigliere is a one-of-a-kind wine, cocktail and sound bar serving funky wines, unique cocktails, and small plates and charcuterie crafted with intention, all set to great music. It feels like hanging with friends who know their bottles, then put on the perfect record.”

From the Newark newsletter, October 14, 2026