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Belmont Tavern is unlike any other Italian restaurant in town, or even in the state of New Jersey — and that’s saying something. Just ask Clint Eastwood, who’s visited the famous place and raved about the popular dish, the Pork Francaise. What makes Belmont unique is that it remains the same since it opened in 1967, especially the menu, which includes the talk-of-the-town Chicken Savoy and Shrimp Beeps. Located at 12 Bloomfield Avenue in Belleville, Belmont is open for dinner and is first-come, first-served. Read on for the history behind Belmont Tavern in Belleville, New Jersey.
History of Belmont Tavern
The original owner of Belmont Tavern in 1967 was Charles “Stretch” Verdicchio. The infamous Chicken Savoy was named after him. He initially got the recipe from his mother, and he passed it along to his daughter, Annette Wroblewski, who is the owner today.
^ Owner Annette Wroblewski with her father, Charles “Stretch” Verdicchio. Photo Credit: Belmont Tavern’s Facebook
She, her husband, and their daughter, Kim Sorrentino, are the faces behind the restaurant and also help make the one-of-a-kind sauces. Chef Leo Lukar, who is not related to the Wroblewski’s, has worked in the kitchen and been part of the restaurant for over 20 years. Separately, the bar and the building are owned by someone else entirely: James Cuomo. This ownership agreement was made when it first opened and has remained the same over the years.
Read More: Nicolo’s: Montclair’s OG Italian Bakery + Deli
The owners are serious when it comes to ensuring their restaurant’s traditions stay intact. For one, the restaurant only accepts cash or checks. After all, there were no credit cards back in the day. Another tradition they carry on is that the restaurant still looks like an old-time tavern, and even the dust, the owners joked, is 50 years old. Customers will notice a music jukebox upon entering and an old cash register behind the bar.
“We didn’t talk about expanding. We haven’t even thought about it. If you look at the place, it’s geared to an old-time tavern, and that’s how we want it to stay,” Annette Wroblewski previously told The Montclair Girl.
The Menu
Due to the small size of the restaurant, the menu is very simple and does not include desserts or coffee, except for espresso. The menu includes four appetizers, two chef specials, cavatelli with pot cheese and eggplant, and six pasta, seafood, and meat dishes. Everything is à la carte, meaning the meat doesn’t come on top of pasta, and everything is freshly made. An escarole salad, however, is served with all the meals.
As mentioned, most people come in for Stretch’s Famous Chicken Savoy, which includes a whole chicken cut into pieces and topped with secret ingredients. “You can find Chicken Savoy at a number of restaurants, and none of them tastes like ours at the Belmont,” Annette previously shared. “If you look at every table, you’ll see either the Chicken Savoy or Pork Francaise.”
On the menu, diners will also find the Chicken Murphy, a half chicken cut up into six pieces, accompanied by potatoes, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Other dishes are named after special people in the owners’ lives, including Belmont’s Famous Shrimp “Beeps” (fried shrimp tossed in spicy homemade fra diavolo sauce), Scrod “Di Giacomo” Oreganato, and “Marco” Scungili and Spaghetti Guliano (made with hot shrimp, scungilli, and clams).
Famous Faces
Given that the Belmont Tavern has been around for over 50 years, it’s no surprise that many famous people have walked through its doors. There are pictures displayed on the wall of celebrities, famous figures, athletes, journalists, and more. There are also small statues behind the bar of people like Dean Martin, comedian Groucho Marx, and Jackie Gleason.
The list goes on, but some famous people who visited include: The Four Seasons, The Midtown Men, Jersey Boys, singer Connie Francis, Judge Jeanine Pirro of FOX News, and Giants players like Tiki Barber, Knicks’ Ernie Grunfeld, and Frank Vincent.
^ Owner Annette Wroblewski with former NJ Devils player Ken Daneyko
Annette told The Montclair Girl: “When Clint Eastwood was here, one of his producers said that he would eat at some of the finest restaurants in NY and never had a franchese as good as ours. We don’t put cornstarch in it, and we use good ingredients.”
The owners said that sometimes the celebrities call in advance to give them a heads up. Still, after they visit once, they normally just come right in a second time without calling, given the restaurant’s friendliness and hospitality.
Worth the Wait
Belmont is only open for dinner, and it does not accept reservations. Although some people have to wait for a table, the bar — which is fully stacked — is accommodating, and the food is served quickly because the owners strive to “get people in and out” due to the capacity.
“We have people coming from Australia and England here, but generally, our business is localized to the extent that we go as far as Ocean County and as far as Bergen and Hudson County,” Annette previously told The Montclair Girl.
See More: Hoboken’s Oldest Family-Owned Italian Eateries + Restaurants
The Montclair Girl was once told that Belmont Tavern hosted a birthday party with a headliner from Vegas, as he wanted to experience the restaurant firsthand. So, as a customer, you may never know who will walk through the doors, but it can be someone unexpected at any given time.
Belmont Tavern is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5PM to 9PM, Friday and Saturday from 5PM to 9:30PM, and Sunday 4:30PM to 9PM. The tavern is closed on Tuesdays and major holidays.
Wining and dining at fancy restaurants like steakhouses is a favored tradition. For some, having a steak cooked to their personal level of perfection is all that’s right in the world. For others, it’s knowing steakhouses are also known for creative seafood dishes or those perfect Caesar salads. Read on for a roundup of the best savory steakhouses across Northern New Jersey.
Bergen County
The 130 Club | 130 County Road, Tenafly
The 130 Club provides an upscale dining experience with premium meats, an impressive wine selection, and expertly crafted cocktails. The ambiance takes you back to the Gatsby era, so dress to impress. MG especially enjoys the ribeye options.
Read More: Where to Take Your Parents Out to Eat in North Jersey
354 Steakhouse | 354 Lawton Avenue, Cliffside Park
354, nestled in Cliffside Park, is a local favorite. The menu boasts a variety of steak options, along with standout Cuban appetizers like guava and beef patties to perfectly complement your cut.
The Brick House | 179 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff
The Brick House has about 15 different options for a steak dinner, as well as some options for two. What makes this place truly unique is its cigar menu and lounge. This is where customers can enjoy their steak, smoke a cigar, and watch a sporting event on the large-screen TV located on the lower level. The Brick House also has great menu options for planning events. From bar/bat mitzvahs to weddings, this place has a menu for every occasion.
The Park Steakhouse | 151 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge
This steakhouse has 21-day aged meats on its menu under “The Meat Locker.” Its side dishes also do not disappoint. Whether it’s homestyle mac + cheese or buttermilk onion rings, customers are sure to find a great-tasting comfort food dinner.
The River Palm Terrace | 1416 River Road, Edgewater
Serving the Edgewater area for 40 years, The River Palm Terrace knows what it’s doing when it comes to steak. prime rib, rack of lamb, African lobster tail, and surf and turf options are available. Regardless of the order, patrons who enjoy their spirits will easily find a great pairing from its extensive wine list of 100+ wines to choose from.
Segovia Steakhouse + Seafood | 217 Main Street, Little Ferry
Segovia is a refined Spanish chophouse known for its abundant plates made with seasonal ingredients. MG pro tip: Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends, as it gets busy.
Steve’s Sizzling Steaks | 620 Route 17, Carlstadt
Located right on Route 17, Steve’s Sizzling Steaks has served the Bergen County area for more than eight decades. The interior has a comfortable lodge-like feel. Steaks range in size from 10 ounces to 24 ounces. We suggest ending a meal at Steve’s with a slice of pie.
Essex County
Assado Portuguese Steakhouse | 222 North Livingston Avenue, Livingston
Assado provides a different style of meat cooking than others on this list, as it brings traditional Portuguese entrees to the Livingston area. Traditional dishes such as Grilled Octopus, Beef a Portuguesa, and Shrimp in Garlic Sauce are available. This Steakhouse is BYOB, so customers can bring a favorite bottle from home to savor with their meals.
Bloomfield Steak + Seafood House | 409 Franklin Street, Bloomfield
This family-owned + operated steakhouse has been serving the Bloomfield area for over 20 years. From a raw bar to stellar seafood options (angry fish tacos), to wet-aged beef for 14 days, Bloomfield Steakhouse has variety for all. The restaurant is located in one of the oldest buildings in Essex County, and the basement was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Prime 94 SteakHouse + Grill | 94 Fairfield Road, Fairfield
A steakhouse with a modern twist, Prime 94 has an expansive menu with steaks, sandwiches, salads, and pastas. Steaks range from 10 ounces to 24 ounces, and there are shareable plates for two. Plus, there are craft cocktails and a wine list, perfect for pairing with your entree.
Woodcroft Steakhouse + Seafood | 24 Washington Avenue, Nutley
Woodcroft Steakhouse + Seafood is located just past the corner of Hancox Avenue and Washington Avenue. This steakhouse takes its meat to the next level. The menu holds 28-Day Dry-Aged Steak options in Prime Rib, Porterhouse, and Tomahawk. MG pro tip: order steak at least medium-rare to well done to get that perfect grilled crust.
Hudson County
Blu on The Hudson | 1200 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken
Blu on the Hudson in Weehawken is a fantastic spot for both dinner and stunning views. It provides an extensive meat selection, with the Japanese A5 Wagyu being a standout favorite for MG.
Dino + Harry’s Steakhouse | 163 14th Street, Hoboken
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the OG steak spots in New Jersey, Dino + Harry’s in Hoboken. From the classic floor tiles to the 150-year-old clock to live piano music, customers are sure to get a classic vibe alongside a delicious meal. This spot is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Dino + Harry’s has options to share (or not) such as the Porterhouse for one, two, or three people, ranging in size from 16 ounces to 48 ounces. From there, top it off with a mouth-watering sauce such as au poivre, roasted garlic aioli, or sauce béarnise. Petit filets, sirloins, rib-eyes, and more round out the ‘chops’ section of the menu, and there are plenty of salads and sides to create an incredible meal.
Edward’s Steakhouse | 239 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City
Edward’s is located on Marin Boulevard in the Historic Downtown area of Jersey City. This place does it right when it comes to its seafood and steak options. Some of the steak options (Kansas City Sirloin + Porterhouse) have been dry-aged for 28 days. Fish options include Chilean sea bass, stuffed shrimp, + sesame crusted Ahi tuna. The appetizer options do not disappoint. Try starting with filet mignon burgers, smoked salmon carpaccio, or a wedge salad. For those more daring, try the escargot bourguignon.
Felina Steak | 2 Chapel Avenue
Felina Steak is an upscale steak restaurant from the Landmark Hospitality Group, and the Stork Club is its chic rooftop cocktail bar. Both spaces have incredible views of the NYC skyline.
Morris County
1776 by David Burke | 67 East Park Place, Morristown
Top Chef meets Top Golf in this establishment. Celebrity Chef David Burke, who has appeared on programs like Top Chef, is the brain behind the menu. He’s created mouth-watering options like the lobster dumplings for starters. Main courses include pistachio-crusted lamb chop and fire-roasted cauliflower. Vegan options are also available here. This place has a suite with golf simulators as well as a special menu just for this area.
Arthur’s Tavern | 700 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains
With some of the most affordable prices, Arthur’s Tavern is known to be a steakhouse for all. This restaurant is one of the coziest on this list. Arthur’s Tavern showcases bottle lamps, checkerboard tablecloths, + wall-to-wall photos of customers and celebrity visitors over the years. Arthur’s posts its daily special on its Facebook page. For dessert, don’t miss the homemade cheesecake.
Rails Steakhouse | 10 Whitehall Road, Towaco
Rails take the cake (or maybe the steak) when it comes to the aging process. The beef for steaks is dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days. That’s not all that makes this place special. Rails also has its own butcher shop, which sells meal kits and whole cakes. So, for all of the at-home grill masters, this is a hidden gem for meats that will wow guests. Butcher shop orders require a 24-hour notice.
Rod’s Steak + Seafood Grille | 1 Convent Road,Morristown
Rod’s Steakhouse + Seafood Grille boasts a classic elegance with its rich wood paneling and polished brass. The sophisticated dining experience features excellent steaks and chops, with MG particularly loving the Delmonico steak and blackened cowboy chop.
Roots Steakhouse | 40 West Park Place, Morristown
With locations in Morristown, Summit, Ridgewood, and Princeton, Roots is an old-fashioned New York-style steakhouse that serves up USDA-aged prime beef sourced from the highest quality ranches in the Midwest. The name comes from the iconic Roots clothing store, which once served as the location current Roots in Summit. Some of the steak options here include a 16-ounce prime NY strip steak, a 20-ounce dry-aged cowboy steak, and a 42-ounce prime porterhouse steak for two, among others. MG pro tip: be sure to order the famous mac and cheese with your dinner.
Passaic County
Rare: The Steakhouse | 440 Main Street, Little Falls
This Best of Essex-winning restaurant produces wet-aged steaks for 21 days and also serves up Italian cuisine. Guests can dive into the homemade pasta dishes, chilled seafood raw bar, a fresh fish option, or a steak for two. This steakhouse also has two private rooms available.
Sear House Grill | 1 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls
Sear House Grill in Little Falls provides an an upscale steakhouse experience with a touch of Italian pasta delights. The spot also have an abundance of side dishes to complement your steak.
Sussex County
Mohawk House | 1 Mohawk Lane, Sparta
Mohawk House may be one of the larger properties on this list, as it sits on three acres of land. Seeing these rolling hills from a window seat brings entertaining scenery with a meal, regardless of the season. There is a variety of dry-aged meat to choose from (Porterhouse, NY Strip, + Tomahawk, to name a few). These dishes pair well with savory sides like crispy Brussels sprouts or truffle fries. Mohawk House also has a small menu for rustic flatbreads, which will pair well with a Hummingbird, or really any of the handcrafted cocktails on the menu.
The Sizzle BBQ | 216 Woodside Avenue, Newton
Located near Route 206, The Sizzle BBQ is an Argentinian-style restaurant that provides a cozy environment to customers. From flank to filet, The Sizzle has steak options for all members of the family. Kids can enjoy pork ribs and rice, while parents dine on Argentinian Skirt Steaks with chimichurri sauce, Mollejahs, or a meat combo. The evening can end on a sweet note with churros with Dulce De Leche, or flan for dessert. The Sizzle BBQ also has one additional location in Hackettstown.
See More: A Look at Darke Pines in Jersey City + How to Find the Perfect Steak
The Walpack Inn | 7 National Park Service Road, Walpack
Locals know, but The Walpack Inn is still a hidden gem to many New Jersey residents. The Walpack Inn is a generationally-owned restaurant that serves delicious food. There’s also a ton of seafood and chicken on the menu, plus its must-visit salad bar, and the steaks are worth an order.
Union County
Sweet Waters Steakhouse | 43 Elm Street, Westfield
Sweet Waters Steakhouse, is an old-school, dark-wood-paneled charm and is renowned for its steaks, seafood, and cocktails.
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