Belmont Tavern Belleville NJ – Local Flavor

Mod Betty's gotta learn how to speak up more, because sometimes when she does, something unexpectedly cool happens. Like getting a tip about a throwback Italian place that she never would've imagined herself walking into, even as she walked up to it. The Belmont Tavern in Belleville NJ. (Shout-out to Ron S, who we met at the White Rose Diner in Linden NJ who gave us this tip!)

Mod B and her Retro Roadsis have an ongoing joke about "places without windows" and the dubious things that must go on inside such establishments. If we were just casually driving by The Belmont I might've thought the same thing. While there ARE windows, you really can't see what you're walking into until after you've walked into it.
But, having gotten the tip from Ron S, and having done some online reasearch, I was pretty sure that Retro Roadhusband and I would be OK once we went in the door. Hey, these are the things we have to do so Retro Roadmap Readers don't have to! It didn't hurt  that upon closer inspection one of the window spaces was taken up entirely with a sign for the signature dish at this neighborhood tavern-cum-restaurant "Stretch's Chicken Savoy".

Now as I mentioned, this is a neighborhood joint, and while the jukebox didn't suddenly scream to a stop and all heads turn as soon as we walked in, we knew at once that we did not fit in. Not in a bad way really - it was more like we had walked in on a private party of people that all knew eachother  and we were the cousins from away. If I were one to categorize folks (which I try hard not to do) I could note that some folks who have visited the Belmont Tavern have compared the locals there to the cast of The Sopranos, but I've never actually seen the show. To balance it out, I bet the regular patrons would've looked at us and immediately pegged us as NPR listeners (guilty as charged.)

The small wood paneled bar to the right and tiny dining spot to the left was abuzz with activity - not sure if it was extra busy and cheery because it was just a few days before Christmas, but most everyone who walked in was met with a hearty greeting, hug or warm handshake. It felt like we were watching a reunion of sorts, from our small 2 top table just across from the bar (there is more seating in the back, at tables with the classic red and white check tablecloths) but I'm glad we were seated here in the middle of it all.

My pre-visit research paid off, as our waitress -brusque as a New Englander - was a woman of few words, and seemed glad that we knew exactly what we wanted to order. Of course we got the famed Chicken Savoy (even though Stretch has long since left the kitchen and this mortal coil) and because of the rave reviews we ordered the Cavatelli  with Pot Cheese (localese for ricotta). A glass of wine, "Red" and a draft beer and we were good to go.

Interesting note: Ballentine Ale is on tap here! I thought that brand died out in the 60s, so  I was amazed to see this, but later learned that Pabst has brought the brand back. Still, it was originally brewed in Newark NJ, so it was a nice vintage, local touch.)

We were pleasantly surprised by the addition of salad and a bread basket to our table shortly after our drinks were served. Trying to assimilate as best we could - or at least not stick out like the sore thumbs we obviously were, I did not take any pictures of our food, and the light wasn't good for it anyways. We ate our salads and enjoyed the atmosphere, with the jukebox playing some great old standards (my fave) that totally gave it a cozy atmosphere.

To make up for the fact that I shirked on my picture taking, here are some shots of the interior - and the food from  Stacey Snacks (looks like she was there at Christmastime too!)

Our food arrived and wow, the portions. Enough that we barely finished the chicken Savoy (on the bone pieces of bird, in a kind of balsamic vinegar garlic reduction) and had enough cavatelli left over for an entire other meal.

As we were paying our bill (CASH ONLY!) the waitress outed us, saying, "So - where are you guys from?" but since they are reviewed on Zagat I'm sure we're not the only non-locals that cross the threshold here.

Bundling ourselves up to go, we noticed a little boy in the back dining area helping his grandfather to put on his overcoat, and with that small touch, the charm of the place and the patrons was solidified. While we know we'll never "fit in" here, we'll definitely keep this on our list of places to stop for an authentic Italian bite en route north.