The Underrated New Jersey Town With Top-Notch Restaurants And Artsy Attractions

You don't have to wander far from Manhattan — less than 20 miles — to visit Montclair, New Jersey,  where small-town charm meets big-city sophistication. While New Jersey certainly has its mix of cute suburbs and historical beach towns, Montclair stands out for its arts scene, amazing restaurants, and walkable downtown areas (several distinct ones) packed with indie shops and creative spaces. If you're looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway just outside New York that offers culture, food, and a laid-back atmosphere, Montclair is worth checking out.

The residential areas of Montclair are made up of shady, tree-lined streets with grand Victorian homes, while its downtown areas are full of hip cafés, art galleries, and stylish boutiques. Unlike some sleepy commuter suburbs in New Jersey, Montclair has a distinctly cool vibe, attracting creatives, foodies, and lovers of culture from all over. It's easy to spend the day wandering around this town, hopping from boutique to bar to art pop-up.

If you're into food or the arts (or both), you'll find plenty to do in Montclair. Catch an indie film at The Clairidge, browse local artists' works, or grab a bite at a restaurant just waiting for its Michelin nod. For anyone looking for a quick escape from the city without losing out on culture and excitement, Montclair is a must-visit.

Montclair punches well above its weight when it comes to satisfying foodies and art lovers. Montclair's restaurant scene offers everything from ethnic cuisine to chef-driven concepts and fine dining. Check out Faubourg, an upscale modern French brasserie perfect for a date night. For something offbeat that won't snooze your tastebuds, PastaRamen serves up "Wafu Italian," a hybrid blend of Japanese umami with classic Italian. If you're craving something cultural, Samba brings an authentic Brazilian experience to town with traditional dishes like slow-cooked feijoada (it takes 24 hours!) and pão de queijo. And you absolutely cannot visit Montclair without swinging by Montclair Bread Co., a local favorite known for its breads, pastries, and legendary donuts that have a cult following.

Beyond its food scene, Montclair is a great East Coast city for art lovers to visit. The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is a must-visit, featuring an impressive collection of American and Native American art, as well as rotating exhibitions to keep things fresh. Anyone looking for live entertainment should check out the Wellmont Theater, a historic venue that regularly hosts big-name concerts and comedy acts. 

The town's artistic spirit spills out onto its streets, with local galleries, pop-up art events, and indie film screenings on the calendar throughout the year. One of the biggest cultural highlights is the Montclair Film Festival, where filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from across the country gather to celebrate the best in independent cinema.

Getting to Montclair is easy, especially if you're coming from New York City. Multiple NJ Transit train stops connect it to Penn Station in under an hour — a direct route is available from Watchung Avenue. If you prefer driving, the town is a short ride from the city, though parking can be tricky — check the township website for info on regulations and parking passes. Once you're here, Montclair is super walkable — try starting around Church Street, where you'll find boutiques, coffee shops, and plenty of historic eyecandy.

If you're staying overnight, Montclair offers a few boutique accommodations. The George, a hotel owned by designer and beauty guru Bobbi Brown, is a local favorite that blends history with modern design. It's been featured in publications like Architectural Digest and averages $340 to $540 a night. The MC Hotel is an art-centric, pet-friendly option in the heart of downtown, and rooms are around $330 to $430 a night. For budget-friendly options, there are affordable chain hotels outside of town for under $200.

The best time to visit depends on what you're planning on doing. Spring and fall have great weather and a packed calendar of outdoor dining, art festivals, and live performances. Summer is the ideal time for rooftop dining and outdoor activities, while winter offers snowy scenes with holiday markets and warm café vibes. Before you go, keep a few things in mind: Brunch spots fill up fast, so reservations are a good idea, and having a drink on a rooftop bar gives you beautiful views of the New York City skyline. Whether you're coming for the dining, the arts, or just to get away from the hustle and bustle of NYC, this underrated NJ spot is the Brooklyn-esque escape you didn't know about.