The North Jersey brunch round-up: Five hidden gem spots that we totally love
Ah, brunch — everyone's favorite way of eating eggs and burgers at the same time.
From bachelorettes to boomers, it's super common that Jersey residents (and beyond) settle down on a Sunday morning to a heaping pitcher of fruity cocktails and some sides of bacon. What isn't as common, though, is finding a place to do it where the mimosas aren't overpriced, TikTok-ers aren't killing the vibe and, of course, the food actually tastes good.
Luckily for you breakfast-and-lunch lovers, however, we at North Jersey Eats have compiled a list of some Garden State brunch spots where the omelets, crepes and coffee are worth the wait — and influencers' camera flashes won't blind you in the process.
So, next time you're thinking of pulling up Yelp, don't. From Succasunna to Montclair, here are five North Jersey hidden brunch gems to visit instead.
Blue Hippo Coffee Co., Verona
Don't let the name fool you, Blue Hippo Coffee Co. is so much more than a latte shop. With dishes from Banana Pudding French Toast to the Fried Egg Pimento (which might be our favorite breakfast sandwich in Jersey), there is a full menu of delicious brunch offerings.
Recently, the quaint eatery dropped a sizable list of new food items, such as a "Blueberries and Cream" pancake stack and a "Smoked Salmon and Pesto" salad. The "Jersey Croque" — a local take on the classic Croque Monsieur that features Taylor ham and french toast — was our favorite of the bunch. If you haven't been to the shop in a while, the sweet-and-salty new addition is a must-try.
Go: 662 Bloomfield Ave; 973-433-7891, bluehippocoffee.com
The Corner, Montclair
Nestled on a cozy neighborhood block in Montclair, The Corner is a gourmet cafe committed to serving fine coffees and delicious food. Known for its innovative, artisan takes on breakfast staples (from biscuit sandwiches to cheesy quiches), the spot has a team of chefs that consistently nails the balance between fine fare and good-old comfort food.
First time visitors to The Corner should try its Fresh Berry Pancakes. Fluffy, light and loaded with notes of vanilla, the locally-famous pancakes may just be the best in New Jersey.
Go: 115 Grove Street; 973-783-2400, thecornermontclair.com
Missy's Main Street Cafe, Rockaway
Go to Missy's Main Street Cafe expecting fine dining and pressed tablecloths, and you'll be disappointed. Go expecting massive French toast stacks, witty (and kind of Halloween-y) decor and tatted chefs, and the spot will become your new favorite breakfast find.
We were originally turned on to Missy's by the late Food Network personality Carl Ruiz, who loved the restaurant's hefty — yet intelligently crafted — grub and laidback team. Today, as we indulge in the cafe's juicy patty melts and crispy tater tot "smashes," we remember Chef Ruiz (and the way his tastebuds were seemingly as sharp as his skills).
Go: 181 E Main Street; 973-625-0552, missysmainstreetcafe.com
Bryan's Luncheonette, Succasunna
Bryan's Luncheonette is a textbook hidden gem restaurant. Tiny, cash-only and off-the-beaten-path, the family-owned breakfast and lunch spot looks like something between a 1920's diner and an old general store. If you sit at its stool-lined counter, you'll feel like you've stepped into the past.
Despite its humble looks, however, Bryan's Luncheonette serves some killer food. The restaurant's Chipotle Meatloaf sandwich is hearty and flavorful, while its breakfast wraps are stuffed to the brim with juicy eggs and meats (and, sometimes, house-made spicy aioli). Our favorite item on the menu is the breakfast quesadilla, which features two buttery, pressed tortillas around a variety of morning-inspired toppings.
Go: 42 Main Street; 973-584-7727, facebook.com/Bryanslunch
The Committed Pig, Morristown & Summit
Ok, so The Committed Pig isn't exactly a hole-in-the-wall, per se, but the popular breakfast and burger destination still fosters a personal, intimate environment that other brunch giants in the area do not. Though it's famous on social media, a meal at the spot won't be disrupted by influencers (or swayed by the ingredients/outrageous nature of dishes currently popular on the internet).
Since its Morristown location was opened in 2015, the Pig has been a Jersey restaurant staple. Home to some of the state's best burgers, crazy egg sandwiches and decadent dessert-stuffed pancakes, the self-titled "burger and pancake joint" serves dishes that are equal parts comforting and creative. If you haven't been to the spot yet, we recommend the Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese on sourdough, or the Baked Brie Burger with bacon and fig jam.
Go: 28 W Park Place, 862-260-9292 (Morristown), and 339 Springfield Ave., 908-277-6222 (Summit), thecommittedpig.com. This restaurant also has a South Jersey location in Manasquan.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, join our NorthJerseyEats Facebook group, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: The Jersey brunch round-up: Five hidden gem spots that we totally love
