Diary / Justbobbi / Sep 26, 2022
Makeup Artist Bobbi Brown's Guide to Montclair New Jersey
Written by: Bobbi
My husband, Steven, and I moved to Montclair over 30 years ago. It was the perfect place for me to be as a working mom with three young boys. Just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair has the perfect mix of the city and the suburbs. I couldn’t imagine living, or running a business, anywhere else. And I’m so excited to open our first Jones Road store right here in Montclair. I can’t wait to connect with our community in a new way and for all of you to try Jones Road in person. Here are a few of my favorite places to eat, shop, and stay in my hometown.
Where to Eat
Paper Plane Coffee
The closest coffee shop to our office. All the beans are roasted on site and they have a great selection of “healthy-ish” treats.
Local Coffee
A go-to spot for breakfast and the best espresso.
The Corner
If you’re looking for fresh-pressed juices or a plate of fluffy pancakes, head to The Corner.
Brick and Dough
For wood-fired pizzas, bagels, and more, Brick and Dough is the place to go.
Efi’s Gyro
Efi’s is a staple for our office lunch meetings. The best Greek salad and hummus.
Le French Dad Boulangerie
This French bakery has it all: croissants, macarons, eclairs, and of course, baguettes.
Raymond’s
This diner-style restaurant has been a staple in Montclair since 1989 and is not to be missed.
Marcel Bakery & Kitchen
This Upper Montclair spot serves up everything from smoothies to whole rotisserie chickens. If you’re looking for an easy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can find it here.
De Novo
This cool spot is inspired by European gastro pubs with pasta, pizza, and mussels on the menu.
La Rocca Osteria
This classic Italian spot is a must if you’re in Montclair.
Halcyon Brasserie
Just down the street from our offices, this is our go-to for post-work oysters and martinis.
Faubourg Montclair
A modern French brasserie in the heart of town. Fauberge serves the most delicious French-inspired food and boasts a killer wine and craft cocktail list.
Le Salbuen
A little gem in Montclair with a menu of inventive farm-to-table meals, many of which are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. We love going here for a working lunch.
Turtle+the Wolf
This delicious Montclair stable has been our go-to for takeout during the pandemic—and we’re so happy for them to be opening back up again.
Where to Shop & Reset
Jones Road Beauty Flagship Store
Our flagship store is open now! Stop by to shop the entire Jones Road collection and meet with one of our in-store makeup artists. Can't wait to see you there. 111-113 Grove Street, Montclair, New Jersey 07042
Dot Reeder
A favorite clothing store in town, Dot Reeder carries brands like Nili Lotan, Ulla Johnson, and Rachel Comey.
Nails and Body Work
If you’re in need of a mani/pedi, head to Nails & Body Work.
Watchung Booksellers
This bookstore at Watchung Plaza has all the newest releases, an incredible staff, and amazing recommendations. Check out the wall with all the author portraits and see if you spot anyone you know.
Where to Stay
The George
Our hotel, The George, is the former private home of Charles VanVleck, one of the early founders of Montclair. I worked with my husband to transform and refurbish this grand residence into a 32-room boutique hotel. It’s the perfect staycation getaway.
Things to Do
18 Label
Looking to host an event in Montclair? Need a studio for a photoshoot? Our 18 Label property is a full-service 8,000 square foot film and photography studio and event space.
Montclair Film Festival
This year marks the 10-year-anniversary of the Montclair Film Festival. During the seven day festival, you can catch conversations with actors and directors and attend exclusive screenings of films from around the globe.
Van Vleck Gardens
A historic six-acre site that was gifted to the town of Montclair. These extraordinary gardens are open to the public and are like a secret escape in the heart of town.
Montclair Art Museum
We are so lucky to have this museum in our town and it’s just steps away from my hotel, The George. The museum has existed for over 100 years and is nationally recognized as the leading American art museum.