Olivia Rizzo 
As the weather warms up in North Jersey, locals start searching for the best rooftop bars in Montclair, NJ, and outdoor bars in Essex County to soak up the sunshine. From skyline views to lively patios, this area is full of spots perfect for al fresco dining, cocktails, and happy hour near NYC. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night, date night, or weekend outing, these rooftop restaurants and outdoor bars in Montclair and surrounding towns deliver great drinks, vibes, and views. Read on for a curated list of the best outdoor and rooftop bars in Montclair + Essex County to visit this season.
Caldwell
Cloverleaf Tavern | 395 Bloomfield Avenue
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The Cloverleaf Tavern is a beer-lover’s dream, as it has a large list of beers from IPAs to stouts and porters. If you’re not a beer drinker, The Cloverleaf has a selection of wines and seasonal cocktails — the light and fruity flavors are perfect for lounging in the bar’s outdoor seating and enjoying the summer sun.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Dining in Montclair
Montclair
DeNovo | 275 Bellevue Avenue
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A European-style gastropub, DeNovo brings a little bit of Europe to Montclair. The outdoor seating makes for the perfect place to people-watch while sipping on a beer, a glass of wine, or one of the signature cocktails. There’s also another location in Edgewater.
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street
Egan and Sons expanded its outdoor patio seating a few years back, and it takes up a good portion of the parking lot, so there’s plenty of room for large parties. There’s an extensive beer list and a cocktail menu. The pub also serves up classic bar food like burgers, wings, and tacos.
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
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The Faubourg features an outdoor bar and a rooftop lounge. The restaurant serves French-inspired food and puts its twist on classic cocktails like the spicy pineapple margarita and the mango mojito.
Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street
Known for live music on the weekends, Just Jake’s has an outdoor covered patio seating. Whether looking to enjoy dinner or just drinks, Jake’s has a relaxing outdoor atmosphere equipped with outdoor TVs for watching the big game.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street
Montclair Brewery is known for its unique microbrews and brewery tours. The spot also has an outdoor patio where locals can enjoy any combination of local beers, with some names celebrating Montclair. The brewery also provides live entertainment on the weekends.
Porta Montclair | 499 Bloomfield Avenue
Porta Montclair, known for its brick-oven pizza, craft cocktails, and lively environment, expanded its space in the summer of 2024 to provide rooftop seating. The outdoor deck, located on the second floor, seats up to 48 people.
The Splendid Rooftop | 690 Bloomfield Avenue
Part of The MC Hotel, The Splendid Rooftop is a rooftop bar that has both indoor + outdoor seating. The restaurant serves small plate-style food for sharing, along with a variety of wines, beers, and cocktails. With views of the NYC skyline, locals get all of the beauty and feel of the city without the traffic.
Newark
Little Tijuana | 538 Market Street
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Located in Newark’s Ironbound District and just a few minutes outside of NYC, Little Tijuana has a patio and a rooftop bar. Little Tijuana is known for its margaritas and the restaurant’s selection of classic Mexican food. The bar’s design is beyond IG-worthy — from Mexican wall art to a swing on the rooftop, it’s the perfect atmosphere for a fun night out with friends.
Pour Abbey’s Bar + Grill | 107 Hawkins Street
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Pour Abbey’s, a restaurant best known for its burgers and Spanish-inspired menu items, has a rooftop space open during the warmer months. Essex County locals can enjoy dishes like the Frango Passarinho or Cheese Burger Deluxe while sipping drinks in the sun.
Short Hills
The Retreat Bar + Rooftop | 41 John F Kennedy Parkway
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The Retreat Bar + Rooftop, located in the Hilton Short Hills hotel, has a patio and a rooftop bar. This space provides all kinds of seating options, from bistro tables to outdoor couches, a firepit, and string lights to create a cozy atmosphere.
West Orange
McLoone’s Boathouse | 9 Cherry Lane
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McLoone’s Boathouse is located inside the South Mountain Reservation, which makes it the ideal place to have a drink after a day of hiking the trails or visiting the animals at the Turtle Back Zoo. McLoone’s outdoor deck provides relaxing views of the reservation’s waterfront, and the bar serves up drinks perfect for spring and summer.
Shillelagh Club | 648 Prospect Avenue
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The Shillelagh is an Irish pub that, in addition to its traditional Irish fare, has live music every Friday and Saturday night. The bar’s outdoor seating makes for a great hangout spot to enjoy live performances or hang out with friends. The bar has happy hour during the week from 3PM-6PM and a new Burger of the Week, created each week by the pub’s head chef.
See More: Outdoor + Rooftop Bars in Hoboken + Jersey City
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