Uptown 596
596 Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ, 07043
Uptown 596 Menu
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Address :
596 Valley Rd
Montclair, NJ, 07043 - Phone (973) 744-0915
- Website https://uptown596montclair.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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V. K.
Delicious, healthy fare - very fresh vegetables, excellent salads and sandwiches. Have only been for lunch but have gone three times.
(4)Fabienne P.
Unfortunately I had a bad lunch experience here. I got the uptown burger; the onions was uncooked and drowning in grease while the fries were un-eatable. The whole place smells like old fried oil (greasy spoon) Not pricy but too pricy for the re-re -e used oil!!! Ate there a year prior and it was very nice. They must have gone under new management :(
(1)Steve M.
It is really hard to find a restaurant that hits it on all notes for my friends. This American style restaurant offers something for everyone -- from burgers -- to fish sandwiches to salads to design your own meal. My favorite is the red snapper with the garlic/white wine sauce over spaghetti squash (sorry I not a big pasta fan). The atmosphere is really nice -- and the staff is always helpful. I highly recommend you give this restaurant a try!
(4)Cindy B.
I met my sisters here for brunch on one of their recommendations. The restaurant is a quaint BYOB with nice service. But truth be told, and I hate to say so, the food was blasé blasè. I ordered the Eggs Florentine with roasted potatoes. As much of a foodie as I am, and I AM...my inner gordita chic battles me daily and usually wins...I didn't have a satisfying experience. While my experience was not that of my sisters, whom enjoyed their meals, I like to think that perhaps it was just an "off day" for the Eggs Florentine! Their dinner menu looks appetizing. May have to give it another try:)
(2)Natavia H.
My boyfriend and I intended on trying Uptown 596's brunch, but we didn't make it before their 4 pm cut off time. We were starving, so we decided to give their dinner menu a try. Before I dive into the negatives, I will say that the staff here is really great. Very friendly and attentive. Also, the chicken cobb salad was good, and their food portions are generous. Now for the bad: Since it was a beautiful day, we opted to sit outside in the little "alley" next to the restaurant. This space has so much potential, and it's a real shame that it hasn't been realized by management here. When we sat down, there were dirty napkins and cups of jelly strewn around the ground in the dining area. There were also a ton of dead leaves in this area. A staff member did come to pick the trash up about 20 minutes after we'd been seated, but it doesn't seem like much attention to detail is being paid with regards to keeping the outside dining area attractive and neat. And while the chicken cobb salad was good, the rest of the food was not. My boyfriend got a turkey burger which he did not enjoy. I got the chicken with the teriyaki marinade (can't remember the name), asparagus and fries. The chicken was not as flavorful as I would have liked; maybe it needed some salt? The fries and asparagus were edible, but nothing remarkable. Bill came to almost $60 for a cobb salad, turkey burger, chicken entree, iced tea and small pelligrino, so it wasn't exactly cheap eats. I am tempted to give them another try, only because I heard the brunch is good, and the staff was great. But I would definitely pass on their dinner options.
(3)Emily R.
Uptown has apparently lowered their prices since my previous review. In that case, their food absolutely merits 5 stars on its own.
(5)Chelsey B.
Cute interior, super pleasant staff! This place definitely deserves higher than 3.5 stars. Their menu is unique, their location is prime, the service is on point and you can even order online!
(5)Herbie H.
I was surprised when 3 of us walked in to an empty restaurant at peak-brunch time on a Saturday. The three of us were seated right away at the gorgeous table right near the window. I ordered the Farmer's Omelet (leeks, ham, gruyere) and really enjoyed my dish. The omelet was a nice size and the leeks and ham worked well together. The roasted potatoes were crispy (but tender on the inside) and the multigrain toast was a nice addition. Others in my party got the french toast and some eggs - everything was pretty good. Our service was what probably got them a 4 star review instead of a 3. The service was very friendly and attentive - making sure each customer felt welcomed and important. Our waitress was really nice and accommodating. Our food came out very quickly.
(4)Lillian M.
My daughter and I had lunch at this restaurant on Thursday, April 30, 2015. The service was polite and attentive. The restaurant was clean. I had the arugula salad with lump crabmeat salad, with tomato and avocado. It was delicious! The salad dressing, which I cannot recall the flavor, complimented the crabmeat salad wonderfully. My daughter had a 'build your own salad' that was huge! Her grilled chicken was cooked fresh at the time of her order, which I love. This is a definite for a return visit!
(5)Michele G.
I live in the neighborhood, so we frequent Uptown a lot. I can honestly say that it is one of my favorite restaurants! First of all, there food is amazing. I don't think I've ever had a meal there that I didn't love. I especially love their brussel sprouts and quinoa for the choice of sides. All of their protein choices are huge portions, even if you order shrimp! (Which is rare at some places) The pesto cream sauce is great, but my absolute favorite sauce choice for the entrees is the garlic wine sauce which they frequently have as a special. So good! Dessert is awesome as well. I recommend the cheesecake and chocolate lava cake. In terms of service, they have some of the nicest servers who work there too. Whenever we have guests visit, we always take them to Uptown and they rave about the food and service as well. Another added bonus is that it's BYOB. Cheers!
(5)John L.
I love this place. I think it's cute inside and their dishes are fresh and well proportioned with nice menu combinations. I'm a bigger fan of their breakfast/lunch menu than dinner. Surprised with all the avocado they don't sell guacamole, seems like easy money. Staff is superb- come by enough (right timing) but not too much where it's obnoxious.
(5)Benjamin C.
Went there for brunch and really enjoyed the whole vibe. Sitting outside on a perfect summer weekend day, I wondered why I hadn't come there sooner... Great food, nice location, and really nice staff...
(4)That Girl M.
I live in Montclair and somehow have driven past this place a million times and never noticed it before! Thanks to some updated decor and great new windows, it really stands out in the neighborhood now. I had the Cobb Salad and a side of brussels sprouts which I seriously couldn't get enough of. The portions were huge and everything was fresh. The food also came out really quickly for a big group. The atmosphere was relaxed and casual but really nice. We never felt rushed or like they were trying to throw us out, and we had a REALLY leisurely dinner there. Our server was kind, knowledgeable and accommodating of special requests and toed the really difficult line of always being there when you needed him without hovering or being annoying. Get in here before you can't get in here anymore!
(5)Ari J.
A solid burger and turkey Burger can be found here.. I suggest adding bacon of course... They will even give you Brussel sprouts instead of fries... And you may be surprised that you'll be glad u did.
(4)Vanessa R.
This place seemed nice on the outside and reviews were ok, though a bit mixed. Went with the boyfriend and another couple on a Saturday morning. The biggest issue with this restaurant is that they nickel and dime every menu item. I ordered the Belgian waffle and a side of apple sausage. There aren't exactly meals on the menu - almost every item comes alone so you have to order eggs or bacon or other sides to go with it (for breakfast at least). The waffle and the coffee was decent. Sausage was meh. The bill was $90 for 4 people. The food was just ok - at those prices it was not worth it at all. I would not go back.
(2)Sumaiya A.
Good food, love the eggplant salad
(4)Jennifer M.
I really wanted to give this place a better rating. My boyfriend and I came here on a Saturday morning for breakfast/brunch. We arrived upon opening and noticed, well at least me, noticed that we were the only ones in the whole establishment from the beginning to the end of the meal. Food was ordered, brought us to in a timely fashion, still hot and plates still warm. All in all I would say it was a decent meal. THE DEDUCTIONS Value. Compared to all the brunch places in town, their prices were a little higher than your average. An extra two bucks for mixed fruit instead of toast and home fries. Another extra two bucks for egg whites. Your $12 meal automatically goes up to $16 for the healthy alternative. That doesn't include drinks. Service. You would think since we were the only patrons seated that they would check to see if you needed condiments, lay off taking away your plates if you were done. NO. I felt a little neglected and a little rushed at the same time. The third employee behind the counter. On her cell phone on and off. SMH.
(3)Jessica J.
Just moved to the area and tried this for lunch. Decent salads and nice atmosphere. Portions were large- we had enough to take half home. The ingredients were fresh, but I felt it was a bit bland, even for a salad. Have also ordered dinner take out which was similarly lacking something in the seasoning department, but still good. Downside - do not think they have a child's changing table which for an area so highly populated with families is unfortunate.
(3)Kat Y.
I used to really enjoy this place in college but the food really went down hill. I went over there with my boyfriend a few days ago because I remember it was a pretty good place. We had the Calamari, Crab cake appetizer, and a margarita pizza. Everything was pretty mediocre. For what the charge the food is extremely low quality! The pizza is literally a tortia wrap with sauce and cheese sprinkled on... for 13 bucks I think they can do better!
(1)April S.
Went to lunch and they gave a choice of two tables. When we sat down we immediately got a bad smell of cleaning products. We asked to be moved and they told us they were cleaning. Why would they offer this table then? :/ I got the lentil salad. The salad itself was flat and warm. Cucumbers and tomatoes all dull. Disappointed to say the least. Too many choices in town to offer this kind of service and meal.
(1)Regina R.
Hubby and I have come here a number of times. They also happy are knowledgeable about and offer gluten free optionsto my daughter who has celiac! Vegetarian options are available as well. Salads are quite good and we love the hearts of palm salad as an appetizer. Staff is attentive and friendly-the restaurant decor is bohemian chic and comfortable. Win win for a great night out!!
(5)Kim K.
I love Uptown for lunch. They have a terrific assortment of salads that are large enough to get you through the afternoon at work, and their choices go beyond the typical. Their omelettes are also terrific. I am not as big a fan of their dinner choices, but they were solid.
(4)Maria E.
OK place. Came here for dinner but felt like it was more of a lunch/brunch place or a place to grab a healthy meal after the gym or something. Just didn't work for me as a dinner place. I appreciated the menu - had organic options, make your own salad, vegetarian/vegan friendly. The execution was just OK. Decent food but not great. A bit crude at times. My mom's pasta was served in a small dish (overflowing) with a large plate under it, we weren't sure if it was intended to overflow or what? either way, not feeling it. Kitchen was kind of loud at times - heard a lot of clanging coming from that direction. I did like the atmosphere, table near the window was nice and liked the art hanging on the walls (for sale).
(3)Tricia S.
I'm so excited to go back here and try the spaghetti squash! I had the warm lentil salad and loved it and my boyfriend had the creamy pesto chicken dish with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus and couldn't say how much he loved it enough. The brunch here looks super amazing, too, so I will definitely be going back for that as well. side bar- I loved the outdoor seating area!
(5)Carol R.
My family really loves the food at Uptown. The salmon is delicious and perfectly cooked. My husband is a burger snob, and he says their burgers are fantastic. We especially love the antipasto salad which we share as an appetizer. They will make it with or without chicken. In fact, they will happily accommodate your palate by customizing your entree or salad. We have gone there for brunch and really enjoyed the omelets. We also order their creamy balsamic dressing for our holidays at home. The people are very nice, and you can tell they take pride in giving good service. I love the new comfortable seat cushions. Uptown is one of my favorite places to eat!
(5)Dexter V.
Don't judge a book by it's cover is a phrase used so often it's become cliche, but this couldn't be more true of Uptown 596. Walking into the place with family I was somewhat disappointed with the decor and atmosphere of the restaurant. It felt outdated and downright old. The seats were VERY used and needed some cleaning. The whole of the restaurant needed some overall makeover. But enough about the look...that's just one part of the experience. I came here for the food. And wow was it delicious. I ordered the small plate to share with big sis. We decided to try scallops saltimbocca. The protein was fresh and the bacon accentuated it superbly. It's always true that everything goes well with bacon. For the main entree I had the swordfish prepared in Asian tequila sauce with roasted brussels sprouts and mushroom risotto. The fish was fantastic and cooked to perfection. The brussel sprouts had enough sea salt to complement the wonderful taste of the fish and the mushroom risotto added a much needed earthy contrast. Now I'm very picky with anything risotto because most restaurants tend to screw it up but not Uptown 596. They did it just fine! I was very pleased with the dinner and so was the rest of the family. The place isn't that bad for kids either judging from my little nephew's lack of complaints during dinner service. Overall great food experience but the look of the restaurant leaves more to be desired.
(4)David Z.
This place is a constant winner for me. I have never had a bad experience. The food is diverse and clean. I strongly recommend it!!
(5)Stephanie Y.
My friends live in Montclair and just had a baby, ultimately resulting in us calling up and picking up to eat at home. They love this place. I was excited about the extensive menu. I was really excited for the squash spaghetti. I was even more excited that you can exchange that for the pasta the was in my dish. I did feel the food was a smidge over priced but, when thinking about it, there was quite a bit of food. I went with the piquant with chicken (similar to Asian spots they let you choose your protein - chicken or fish). It was sauteed in garlic, white wine & red chili flakes, tossed with baby arugula. This dish you get to choose one side which I went with the brussel sprouts. It was solidly good. A little bit more buttery and a litte more bland than anticipated but, overall decent. Everyone was extremely satisfied with their meals especially the spaghetti squash! Would I rave about this meal for days to come? No. But, for a menu with tons of options for everyone especially for those looking for no carbs, definitely a solid choice.
(4)Joshua E.
Nice atmosphere and lighting at night. Pleasant dining. Do not get the crab cocktail unless you like catfood. Cobb salad was great. Service very good. Would go back.
(4)Allyson D.
My boyfriend & I found this place while walking through upper Montclair, looking for a spot for lunch. Luckily we hopped in during their brunch hours on a Sunday! I really am so glad I found this place and equally sad that I found it so late, since I will be moving from the area next month! I highly recommend coming here for a cheap but high quality meal. The lunch time menu was gigantic (brunch, even bigger - waffles, pancakes, french toast, omelettes, etc!) They also have a design your own salad type menu which was enticing! They have vegan/vegetarian food here. I got a delicious homemade hummus sandwich which came with a side salad & delicious roasted shallot dressing. The hummus was stuffed onto the bread which was messy but I oddly loved that. The dish was only $8! I got a side of roasted potatoes - delicious and only $2! (In NY, you can easily imagine a place charging you $6 for the same) My boyfriend had a burger that he adored and they didn't charge him for cheese. It came with fries in one of those cute cone baskets. For both of our food it was only $21. I couldn't believe how inexpensive a lunch it really was. The ambiance was wonderful - the sun came right in through their big open windows. Seating was so comfortable (though I can see that maybe large groups may be hard) Someone below said the decor was pretentious looking but I think they are extremely wrong - the decor is very warm and welcoming and not too distracting. I noticed they had delicious looking desserts including vegan chocolate cake but I had to pass from feeling full. I highly recommend this place though I guess I will have to try dinner now just to make sure!
(5)Rachel A.
Great restaurant! We stopped by here for lunch and had a great sandwich and salad (turkey club and Cobb salad). Our waiter Michael was so kind and helpful. This will be our go to local eatery in Upper Montclair.
(4)April S.
I've been in montclair several years and just tried this place for the first time. Had dinner with a friend and although she liked her meal- pasta with Bolognese sauce- my dish, the fish tacos weren't great. They were very bland. The waitress was very nice and service was quick and it's a cozy atmosphere, but for me the food didn't make up for it.
(3)dave w.
Have been to this place for brunch and it was much better. Dinner was pretty bad. They clearly don't care much about their food. The fish tacos were totally flavorless - tasted like frozen/defrosted minced fish with some flavorless dices tomatoes. Event the burger we ordered was sub-par. Disappointing.
(2)Brian C.
First time I took my wife to Uptown she had the crab burger.. my wife loved it! So today I decided to surprise her & take her again.. she wanted crab cakes.. My wife is 4 months pregnant & I was hoping to satisfy her craving for some crab. Well unfortunately it was a breadcrumb burger & was cold as well. There was 0 crab meat and the "burger" was ice cold! She was so disappointed! After this experience I do not think we'll be back again.. one of my pet peeves is consistency! Every time I go to a restaurant I want to know what to expect & I expect a great meal. Next time my wife wants a crab cake burger I guess I'll be making it myself! Disappointing!!
(2)Rach K.
Yay! Lovely little restaurant in Montclair that I'm so glad to have found. My friend and I decided to get dinner one evening. We shared the crab tower and the pesto swordfish with mushroom risotto with a side salad. The crab tower was really fresh and delicious with a generous serving of crab. The swordfish was delicious but the risotto was more like a rice pilaf and not creamy like a real risotto. The side salad was huge and fresh, but v. typical. The decor was v. sweet and cute and we really enjoyed ourselves here. Staff was friendly and attentive and our water glasses were always full, which was nice. It's definitely a place you could bring a date.
(3)Michelene E.
Sunday brunch in Montclair for a party of 6 can be a nightmare. After being placed on an hour waiting list, we decided to check for other options. We called Uptown 596 who said they can seat up promptly and they did. The ambience was very inviting, bright, spacious and full of energy. Our party had a variety of omelett and quiches which everyone enjoyed. The ginger pear drink was a hit as well. Prices were reasonable and staff was very polite. We are glad that we found this place.
(4)So A.
Great brunch spot! Great ambiance..My family goes there every once in a whole and the staff is so attentive and friendly, they remember our regular orders and make you feel very welcome. My little Neice joined and despite her being a little rowdy, they were so pleasant and accommodating. Best salmon eggs Benedict Anywhere!!!
(4)Layla C.
Love this place! I have only been for brunch/lunch. I'm not sure what some of the reviewers below are complaining about re: the decor. I think it is quite cute and well kept. That aside, they have a fantastic assortment of teas, fresh squeezed juices, creative omelets and interesting salad choices. The food all feels light and healthy and looks beautiful. Service was excellent, even though there were two larger parties in the restaurant with us the last time, they never forgot a water refill or to check to see how our orders were.
(4)Liz D.
I enjoy brunch here. I definitely prefer it over dinner. Sitting outside at around 10:30 am, orange juice and champagne, ahhh... nice. Their signature omelet is delish - asparagus, havarti cheese?! Yes, perfection, it is attainable. Rustic, earthy, classic. The sandwiches during brunch definitely do not disappoint. The croque monsieur is ..... one of my favorite things I have ever eaten here. For reals. Dinner options? There is a whole plethora... not everything I have had has been really that great (ahem, the pizza, yeah it was meh). I like the mussels to start - or the coconut shrimp. One of the better entrees I have had actually was the steak au poivre. Classic, cooked to a perfect mid-rare... the test was passed, as far as I am concerned. My companion said the salmon cooked with tequila, soy sauce, and ginger was pretty good, but maybe a smidge past medium so the fish wasn't super-super moist. My dad ordered the bolognese. Not a traditional bolognese, from what I recall, but then again there is a widely varied opinions as to the "best" .... and dozens & dozens of ways to approach this dish.. Flavorful although cooked a bit shy of al dente. This is a good place overall - not hitting home runs consistently, however, but I won't hate. I am surprised that there have been really nasty reviews, to be honest!... Oh well, to each his own.
(4)Amanda A.
Yesterday on our way to Clifton we were looking for a nice lunch spot and came across this place on Yelp. I loved the vibe and decor of the restaurant.. very cute little spot with friendly wait staff and cozy booths. Didn't know what to expect when we got here as far as size and wait time so made reservations just in case (and to double confirm they were open on Sundays). They reserved a cute corner booth by the front windows for us. Food selection was nice - large brunch menu as well as sandwiches and burgers - just what we were in the mood for. I got the 596 Burger and my boyfriend got the Grilled Chicken sandwich. Burger was very good, juicy and tasty. The grilled chicken sandwich was overcooked - very dry and too charred for my liking. Would give this place another shot if in the area, but wasn't overly impressed with the taste of the food on our first visit.
(3)Brian C.
I had gone here before they changed the name (and ownership) and was pleasantly surprised with the reboot. The menu is a little nuanced putting me into choice overload, but after taking a second to understand what is going on, it is quite easy. We were with a big group and were able to get the front booth by the window which is nice. BYOB which is great. We started with the mussels and the lump crab meat. Both were very good. I ended up going with the creamy pesto salmon. It was very good, even as lunch the next day. For the sides I had the parm potatos and side salad. Both were good. I stole some fries from my friends which were good too. Got some coffee after dinner with the creme brulee cheesecake, both were very good. The ambiance is modern and clean, the staff is friendly and attentive. Would go again and bring others.
(4)Antonio I.
Nice American fare in a friendly environment. Food: Enjoyable and a good variety of options. Ideal for brunch. Most recently enjoyed the farmer's omelet (good amount of ingredients included) and the Mexican salad was also delicious (also, a very kind portion). Refreshingly, they don't take themselves too seriously which leads to good diner food in a non-diner setting. Service: Generally attentive and very kind, though, they seem understaffed during peak hours. Food comes out quickly. Decor: Nice exposed brick and comfy seating. Walls are decorated with nice (albeit, pricy), local photography. Overall, dependable bang-for-your-buck fare. (Side note: they do great private parties) 4/5
(4)Doug G.
Fantastic Bowtie pasta with prosciutto. The service was excellent and the portions of food were very generous. Don't miss the roasted brussels sprouts.
(5)Amy H.
Very enjoyable all around. My mom and I had been meaning to try this place for a while and we finally made it. Good atmosphere is never something I require in a restaurant, but it's always something I appreciate. That said, Uptown's atmosphere is great for a date or dinner with your friend- it has good lighting, high ceilings, and most of the benches have nice pillows to lean back on. Our server was also very friendly, she was happy to answer questions and make recommendations; the employee that sat us was also extremely friendly. Now for the most important part: the food. Excellent. My mom and I both got a cup of the garlic chickpea soup, which we LOVED (I think this was my favorite part of our meal). The broth was garlicky (in a good way) and so flavorful. We shared two main dishes; a huge bed of spaghetti squash with sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, and grape tomatoes on top, and a shrimp linguine dish, flavored with garlic, arugula, and red pepper flakes. Both were good, though we thought the pasta dish could have used a little more garlic and a little less red pepper (mostly just a personal preference I think). For dessert, we shared a chocolate lava cake. If you're a chocolate lover, this cake is for you. So good. Overall, we thought the food was fresh and flavorful, AND the portions were quite big (we brought home half of one main dish). The menu has a variety of salads and fish dishes I want to try so I'll definitely be back.
(4)Jay C.
Never disappointed Love the ambiance,staff and food. Predictable menu but has plenty to offer. Could use one more bathroom but never a real problem.Only complaint is that more attention needs to be paid to keeping the bathroom neat and clean.
(4)Stephanie S.
My huge complaint was the coconut shrimp which was $11 for three average sized mediocre tasting shrimp. The waiter was a little spacey, but nice. Another complaint was that the trio burger sampler had no toppings on them! For example, no sauce, lettuce, tomato, etc. How is it a sampler then? I enjoyed the fries. Atmosphere was not my style, but others may find it appealing. Overall the place was overly priced for being so mediocre.
(2)Iman E.
My friend and I were looking for a place to eat and considering it's Easter Sunday we were glad something was open. I liked the ambience and the cozy decor. My friend ordered a turkey sandwich and I an oven roasted beet salad with chicken. We both enjoyed our lunches and agreed we'd definitely be back. Portions were decent and prices as well.
(3)Lisa Y.
Stopped here for brunch on a Saturday. Was crowded and packed in a little tight, but not too loud. Omelet with herbs and goat cheese was fantastic - loved the rosemary potatoes too! Staff was attentive, but we kind of felt rushed. Parking can be an issue as well, and i had a hard time finding the place at first.
(3)Matt K.
I think this restaurant is overrated. Good concept, poor execution. The food lacks flavor and is pretty one-note. Service is decent. On the positive, they have an arrangement with Magnolia's liquor store and they'll run over and pick you up a bottle of wine for your meal. Maybe if you have several bottles you won't realize how blah the food is.
(2)Stephanie R.
The menu looked very impressive but the experience was not. Service: Nothing special, not memorable but not terrible. I dined here with my best bud who is a vegetarian. The vegetarian options were mediocre. I chose the chicken francese with a side of broccoli and a side of parmesan encrusted mashed potatoes. My friend ordered a salad and the bow-tie pasta in a pesto cream sauce. My chicken arrived and my friend swore it was an omelette. I have never seen chicken francese like this in my life. Egg is obviously used to make the breading but this looked like the chicken was wrapped in scrambled eggs. It was immensely unappetizing and did not smell right. I could not eat the chicken. I asked the waiter to remove the chicken and just give me the sides. I received the sides swimming in the francese sauce that tasted like a fish sauce instead of a white wine and olive oil mixture. It was repulsive. The chicken francese dish was priced at $17 with the two sides included in the meal. Usually sides are $8, keep this in mind. My friend's salad was fine. Salad is salad. Her pasta was as gross as my chicken. The creamy pesto sauce was like a soup with little pieces of bow ties floating around. The sauce to pasta ration was off and the pesto sauce was disgusting. Please make note that my friend is not a fussy eater. She has been a strict vegetarian for over a decade, but would pick around meat if it was accidentally served to her. That said, she could not eat that pasta. When the bill came, $5 was deducted from the total. Meaning I was to pay $12 for the two sides that I ate (swimming in a fish tasting liquid) that usually cost $8. At this point, I just wanted to get out of the restaurant and did not bother arguing with the waitstaff. I should have, I regret not doing so, but I did not. Needless to say, neither my friend nor I will return to Uptown. I see other reviewers had great experiences here and enjoyed their food. Maybe my friend and I made poor choices, maybe the chef was having an off night, maybe the ingredients were not as fresh as they should be, who knows. I know that I will not return to find out.
(1)Kalonji H.
Good brunch!
(4)allison o.
LOVE this place. The review practically writes itself. Great american food, nice atmosphere, friendly service, reasonable prices, what more could you ask for? Two reasons I'm going to making more trips to uptown: Great salads and an adorable outdoor patio. The perfect place to meet up with friends for a weeknight dinner, and feel fashionable while doing so. As other reviewers mentioned, it's not the biggest place, so showing up with a group bigger than six might prove to be a challenge!
(5)Dan F.
Went on a Friday night with my wife, BYOB from a nice wine place across the street. Atmosphere: very nice and cozy. Casual but intimate enough for a date. Clean, with plenty of street parking. Service: We were promptly seated, and our waitress took our wine bottle to open. She ran off with it, and we did not see it again for another 10-15 minutes. She took our order, and we waited about 45-50 minutes for a fish and pasta dish. We were disappointed that the couple sitting next to us (who were seated later than us) not only received bread from their waiter, but were served their entrees before us. Whatever, I can do without bread. Here comes the food (finally). Food: I ordered the smoked salmon linguine. The salmon was really tasty, but the pasta was very overcooked. The pink sauce was water thin, so I could barely taste it at all. Plus I ended up with more sauce on the tablecloth than on my fork. My wife ordered salmon with pesto sauce. The pesto was delicious, but overcooked. Her side of brussel sprouts were great. She also ordered a side of french fries, which were a huge disappointment. They were cold, bland, and obviously from a frozen bag reheated. The chef was nice enough to sprinkle a little parsley on them to try to convince me otherwise. Overall, a nice place with mediocre service and lackluster food. Will probably not be back anytime soon.
(2)Crissy H.
After my friends and I took a Yoga class at Yoga Montclair, we decided to grab some food to replenish ourselves. After walking around to see the various restaurants we decided to try Uptown Bistro....We heard good things about this place (thanks to Yelp) and the restaurant looked so cute inside. Once we got inside we noticed how tiny the place really was and the long line that stretched around the front counter. Luckily we were able to give our name and number to the hostess. She said she would call as soon as a table opened up. That was no problem with us...there are a ton of cute little shops you can walk around and kill time in. About 20 minutes later we got our call. Once we sat down, we ordered right away (we were starving). Even though it was noon, they were serving both breakfast and lunch. We opted for the breakfast, since it looked soooooo good. I had the quiche with a side of fresh fruit. The quiche was amazing and the portions were on the heavy side (I still ate the whole thing). And our waitress was really nice, except she was a bit laxed at the end...making us wait a bit to long for our check. Overall it was a great time. I would defiantly come back here again!!
(4)Lola G.
This is a cute place for lunch. Food is fresh, service good, and good assortment of fresh juices.
(4)Vivian H.
Great service, reasonable prices. Great food, cute ambiance. What more needs to be said? It's solid American fare. Really good for brunch. When I went there for dinner on a Saturday night, it was completely empty, and I can't figure out why. Will definitely return to support this place!
(4)Vicki F.
Four stars for a date place, five stars if you are looking for a place to take kids, but still want a nice place. It's very cozy and the staff is very friendly, and service quick and attentive. The menu has god variety dinner salads, burgers and sandwiches, and then a variety of entrees that you pivoting own protien sauce and sides, this intrigues me, but I never end up going with it,Otho k o want the chef to be the expert and make the choices, this is why 4 for a date. The variety is a 5 for families, you can take all types of eaters and they will find something Last time I went my husband got the 596 burger, it was solid, juicy flavorful, good burger, the showering fries were not too my liking,but my 4 year old gobbled them up! I got the Mexican salad, it was big and fresh and tasty,but I could have made it myself at home, I got it to share the beans and cheese with my 14 mo old, I would have loved to get the beets and goat cheese salad yum! I think the prices are fair, with salad, burger and 20pecent tip we were at 27 so that is a win for me... Last note, my son loves the couch side of the tables! Its a warm casual atmosphere
(4)Karrin P.
I cannot believe I missed this place for so long! I'm so glad that I went with my friend this morning. The food here is spectacular with a lot of impressive ham and meat alternatives. They have great lattes and also have soy milk which is a huge plus for me. I had the eggs florentine which is a modified rendition of egg's benedict but with spinach. I asked to substitute the ham for the apple chicken sausage and they happily obliged me. The potatoes were also fabulous. The service was friendly and they never pressured you to leave. The atmosphere is cozy and a much more desirable alternative to a diner. I am now a fan and will be going here more often.
(4)Christina E.
Absolutely IN LOVE with this place since the new owners took over! The atmosphere has completely changed from a sterile, uninviting aura to having a warm and earthy ambiance! Comfy cushions on chairs, cute little candles on the tables at dinnertime. The staff is young and hip, and the chef is incredible! He works back there with just one other person it seems, and is capable of pulling off a unique and flavorful menu: tequila marinated halibut, delicious vegetarian chili, amazing crab cakes, etc. There were families seated as well as couples. My last visit was specifically for dinner, though their brunch before 4 is great. The outdoor seating has changed dramatically with an adorable little courtyard adorned with landscaping and rustic touches! It's a BYOB place -- if you forget to bring it, they offer a wine list to choose from and then add it to your bill, then the wine is delivered to the restaurant from right down the street! All in all, I love this place. Perfect little date-night spot any night of the week, and I love it for a family brunch on the weekends. I would suggest it to anyone. Cheers to the new owners and amazing transformation!!!
(5)Frank L.
As a native Montclair-ian.. (is that the term?)... I am thoroughly impressed with the growth of solid eateries in my parents' quaint little town! The Uptown has become a staple for snagging an excellent smoothy and a super fresh salad 1-2 times per visit! I generally shoot for the Cobb Salad which is always filled with fresh ingredients presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Montclair has become a serious haven for quality food in the NYC area and Uptown is on my list for lunch!
(5)Mollye R.
Very good food! Very good menu! I've been here twice in one week for lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is cute and the waiters are always attentive and friendly. I love the menu with fresh food and new twists on traditional meals. The burger menu is so vast, anyone can feel like they're cheating on their diet. I had the tuna burger which was delicious, but theres a mahi mahi and sirloin burger too. They have a great selection of salads too, with a very convenient "make your own" option too. This restaurant has seriously improved with the new owners.
(4)Robu D.
Uptown is one of our local (meaning Upper Montclair Village) faves. It has very nice, comfortable decor, is cozy without being a shoe box, and serves a fairly sophisticated, well thought-out American menu. I also like the fact that while it is a nice place, it is very family friendly and has a healthy kids menu. The only knock on Uptown is at times the service can be slow, and sometimes the small kitchen gets backed up when the place is crowded. Still, you will find us there on the random weeknight in one of the window booths with our kids and our bottle of wine, enjoying the view of St. James Church across the street.
(4)Michele D.
I went there Saturday night for dinner with a friend of mine. We had reservations. I was pleasantly surprised that they had a "reserved" sign on the table for us. Which is nice that they didn't overbook. The service was alright, no complaints but not memorable either. I had the halibut with mushroom risotto & grilled zucchini. The halibut had so much rosemary on it, I couldn't taste the fish at all. The risotto was lumpy & overcooked. The zucchini were cooked but not seasoned at all. Overall I wouldn't go back. They are many great restaurants in the area for comparable prices.
(1)Z S.
I don't usually rate restaurants, but my boyfriend and I came here last night for our 5 year anniversary after reading some reviews online and checking out the menu. The service was fantastic and the food was delicious. The place itself is kind of small and the tables are pretty close together, but aside from that everything from the calamari, to the salads and our entrees was fabulous. You could tell that everything was fresh. I especially liked how you could mix and match different things on their menu instead of just getting a "this is what comes with your meal." BYOB a definite plus!
(5)Sonia A.
Not being from this area, and meeting up with family & friends for a late-ish dinner, I Yelped this place and found it to meet what we needed. Nothing too casual, nor stiff at all. All around, average American bistro. The portions were fairly huge and absolutely acceptable. Nothing stellar. I would come here for a weeknight dinner or a casual date.
(4)Ken D.
My son and his wife treated me to breakfast at UPTOWN in Montclair for Father's Day. We arrived around 10:30AM and were seated right away. (The 11:00AM Brunch seating had not yet begun.) Being first timers here, we immediately felt very comfortable within this very clean, and bright Bistro. (I chose the restaurant, after conducting several phone interviews of other breakfast places in the Montclair area.) Fresh, delicious coffee was served without any delays, and we were assisted with our menu selections in a very cheerful, helpful manner. We ordered salads as a starter which were very fresh, substantial, and could have easily been substituted for our breakfast. Once our entre's were placed on the table, we were very pleased with the generous portions and wonderful flavors. There is an open kitchen off to one side of the dining area where everything seemed to be under full control. A very confident and helpful staff was nearby to attend to our needs. Coffee re-fills were accommodated without hesitation as were our requests for supplementary breakfast fixings. Our food was served quickly, and presented beautifully. Families with small children began to arrive as well as other adults and couples, all of whom appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the quality of the fare that UPTOWN was serving. We will definitely return to UPTOWN and gave it high marks all around as Management is certainly doing it correctly!
(5)Mike P.
What a great find! My girlfriend and I met here for lunch since it was equidistant between each of us. There were two specials, so we ordered both and split them between us. The food was fantastic and the ambiance was great! The prices were reasonable and the service was fast and polite. I would definitely make the trip again!
(4)A B.
Not terrible, but also not spectacular. Dropped in on Fathers day and the staff was mildly accommodating. They seated us, but seemed flustered with the amount of reservations they had. The staff was a younger crowd and so was the cook. Decorations and atmosphere are pretty modern and pretentious looking. Last but not least, the food did not impress me. I ordered a salmon and cream cheese omelet with potatoes on the side. The omelet was dry and thick, while the potatoes were seasoned well but had a hair on them. (Very nice touch)
(2)Crissy W.
who knew a neighborhood spot like uptown bistro would get so crowded on the weekends. many patrons made reservations - even for parties of 2. the restaurant is fairly small with a lot of cozy seating. the decor is warm and modern with pillows lining up the bench seating around the perimeter of the restaurant. what caught my attention was the window display whenever i walked by - they have tall strands of grass/straw-like material covering the bottom of the window. quite creative. i ordered "The Mexican" salad. it was HUGE. i probably could have eaten it for at least 2 meals. but instead, i decided to over indulge myself and eat it all along with a side of fries. i can't forget my fries...especially when i order something as healthy as a salad. don't expect to get a bargain at uptown bistro just because of it's locale. the food and ambiance are reminiscent of a nyc bistro and the owners know it.
(4)Edward I.
I've been there for brunch: great place, albeit a little pricy. I love the bread they use for their sandwiches. four stars. Just had dinner there. So so. I would give it two stars. Food was ok, there was nothing wrong with it per se. It just wasn't great. Service was great. I would give that four stars for both.
(3)Jaye R.
A small and cozy diner that's upscale. What a concept! They serve the basic fare -- burgers, pizzas, pastas, large entrees. However, I applaud the chef for adding a twist to each dish to make it interesting. For instance, they serve many varieties of burgers like crab, mahi mahi, and turkey. The menu isn't overwhelming, and it feels approachable. They are friendly and attentive. I truly enjoyed my time there! The only heads up I'd give is that the tables can feel a little *too* cozy. It's not easy having a personal conversation there!
(4)Nina W.
Overrated. There is absolutely nothing special about the food here, and the space, with it's awkward seating, is nowhere I'd like to go back to, unless someone really insisted. Not really sure how they've stayed in business this long.
(2)Ghada A.
This place is a neighborhood gem. I've gone for dinner a few times. The menu is nice, allows you to customize to your liking. It is set up so that you choose your meat (salmon, chicken, shrimp, etc.) and your preparation (aka the seasoning the food is prepared in). Then you have a choice of sides. So if you're feeling bad you can go for the french fries, or you can be good and go for the veggies. They are great. The best part of this place is the desert! I LOVE the chocolate lava cake. It's def for a chocolate lover. A warm, moist cake, just delicious. The mango mousse cake is new and awesome. Probably my new favorite. The red velvet cake def tops many other places.
(4)K R.
Tiny, yes but not bad. (hopefully, the nest table isn't obnoxious) I haven't had to wait for a table, but I avoid the obvious peak times. Good omelets, nice service, decent pricing.
(4)Croapino G.
My husband and I absolutely love this place. Its the best place to go for Smoke Salmon Eggs Benedicts. The service is great and the prices and menu choices are awesome.
(5)Sally S.
While the bisro is a bit small, large groups (we were 6) are well accomodated because of well thought out use of space. Each of us had a different entre and one was better than the other. Service excellent. A welcoming wait staff and great food made for a memorable brunch. You must try the lemon tart made by a local woman for the restaurant. Thank you,
(4)J S.
Stopped here on Wed morning and looking for breakfast. Montclair being so close I love coming into town for a new place. My main man Tom suggested this place so we brought the wifes and we are ready for a good meal. We sat and YES we want COFFEE. (And it hit the spot) ..and then we checked the menu. Pretty good menu though I went with something you can't do no wrong cheddar cheese egg white omelet. The omelet was thick and good amount of cheese done the way I like it. But I really was in the mood for some hash browns but it came with roasted potatoes which I like with my steak dinner not as much with my bfast. The ladies both had Eggs Benedict and even though Im not down with eggs like that they seemed to like theirs. And the last dish that came was Uptown Rancheros which Tom said had some kick and was good and came with a healthy portion cause he didnt even finish it (rare for us). We all split the french toast which was tasty but bite size. The place is kinda of on the small side but had character and I had no problem with the service. It was a great way to start off my day of hockey store shopping, a walk through Freaks Peak and seeing the one and only Tool.
(3)Food L.
This place is great. It is small and cozy. I great place for a date. And the food is great as well. I am looking forward to returning soon!! The spaghetti squash is a must try!
(5)Anne S.
Great spot for a lite, healthy lunch! Salads, you can pick & choose ingredients. Soups are flavorful and hearty. Awesome option for vegetarians & vegans! Friendly, courteous and accommodating wait staff!
(5)Michael L.
I had the Steak Frites and was disappointed; the steak was thin and tasted burnt and was full of gristle and about one third of the fries were overcooked and inedible. I won't go here again.
(2)Megstar R.
I've been here several times for brunch and lunch. It is consistently delicious. There are options for a healthy light lunch and a heavy hangover-curing breakfast. Great salads, Huevos Rancheros, Benedicts, and the side order of bacon is probably enough for 4 people plus its super crispy which I love! I've never had a bad dish or a nary word from my companion.
(4)Stephanie C.
A really cute place and our waitress was super sweet but the food wasn't so great. Went for lunch with my husband I ordered the grilled chicken cobb salad and the chicken was incredibly bland he ordered a grilled chicken wrap, same issue, bland chicken. IMO if you're going to have simple lunches the flavor still needs to be there.
(2)Randi C.
Snobby feel. Went with a coworker and I'm overall not a fan of many people in the area and the restaurant menu just didn't make sense.
(3)