“Was there for the first time at 5:15 pm on a Monday end of last month. After 20 minutes standing shoulder to shoulder behind the bar we could not even get a drink. Not sure how, if they open at 5 pm the place is already packed to standing in an isle 2 deep behind the bar and our butts next to people already seated and eating. If you don't know the secret to getting in and seated early, don't arrive hungry or thirsty, and be prepared to wait and wait, possibly even outside in the cold for a very long time. Sorry we looked forward to trying this place and had to drive to Clifton for a good meal an hour later.”

“I had a great experience at this place, The food was delicious, well-prepared, and full of flavor, and the service was equally impressive. The staff were attentive and welcoming, which made the overall atmosphere very comfortable. A special mention to Sonam, who was extremely friendly, polite, and helpful throughout our visit. Her warm attitude truly made the dining experience even better. Overall, Belmont Tavern is a wonderful place for good food and excellent service, and I would definitely recommend it❤️”

“Delicious! Everything was awesome. I had the spaghetti beeps and the rest of my party had the Savoy chicken. At the end I took everyone's leftover Savoy sauce and poured some on my food and the rest I straight up drank! The place is exploding with people. It was a Monday night. That is the worst night in the restaurant biz and this place is wall to wall packed. The waitresses were fast and nice. Price is reasonable. Food is excellent. Atmosphere is noisy and lively.

People conversing like they should. Everyone having a great time. If u want a quite, quaint experience, go to a fancy smancy richie place and be bored. This place is hoping and no stopping!!!”

“Was excited to try this place as a Jonas brothers fan but it did not meet or exceed expectations. We waited around 40 minutes for a table on a Sunday evening. You walk in and it’s packed, no idea who to ask for a table or where to go. People are congregating everywhere because the restaurant if very small. Once we were seated our food did come quickly but the waitress never came back to ask how it was. We overheard the table next to us ask about dessert and she told them next time they can bring their own 🙄 As for food my dish was bland and my friends spaghetti was very salty. Overall a disappointing experience.”

“Definitely think this place is overhyped. The only thing that was enjoyable was the shrimp beeps. The chicken Savoy, which is what they are famous for was extremely dry and basically inedible. The baked ziti was also not baked at all, and the pasta was so overcooked it was soggy. Overall, did not think this place was worth the hype, but the service was pretty good and the shrimp beeps were the best thing that I ate here.”

“We travel to see distant lands, to observe different people and consequently discover ourselves. But, Rumi asks, “And you? When will you begin your long journey into yourself?”

This Thanksgiving season, one of my joys was going to a place nearby, Belmont Tavern (12 Bloomfield Ave, Belleville, NJ), the birthplace of Chicken Savoy.

New Jersey has given us (amongst a lot of good things) two iconic Italian American dishes. Chicken Savoy and Chicken Murphy. I tried both at Belmont Tavern, plus I also had Shrimp Peeps and Clams Oreganata.

You might say, “Shrimp Beeps ?”, If you say that at Belmont Tavern, chances are that a person on the next table might offer you one from his plate to try. I can tell you what Shrimp Beeps is; I can tell you what Chicken Savoy is; I can tell you what Chicken Murphy is; But I will be robbing you of the joy of discovering it for yourself. If you visit Belmont Tavern, you might find these dishes on all the tables. There is a no pretense at this old fashion Italian American place. What you will find is excellent food, and a menu that has not changed since 1967. Even the dust at Belmont Tavern is 50 years old.

I told the owner that I have been wanting to dine there for ages. He responded that they have been waiting for me since 1967. There was so much positive pride and sincerity in his reply that I want to, like Rumi, ask you, “And you? When will you begin your long journey into yourself?””

“Well our server Nicole was awesome! I mean awesome!
It was so freaking cold outside, but the vibes inside was warm and friendly.
We shared the French Onion Mac and cheese! Super delicious. And then we had crab cakes dinner and crab cake sandwiches. Both delicious! This is a must to go to! We live 1.5 hrs away, and are already planning on coming back to try something else!”