Lagar Restaurant

- 1252 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, NJ 07083

For residents of New Jersey seeking a truly unique and vibrant dining experience, Lagar Restaurant in Union Township stands out as a top choice. Categorized as a Portuguese, Mediterranean, Seafood restaurant, and Bar & Grill, Lagar offers a rich culinary journey that expertly blends the flavors of the Iberian coast with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It has firmly established itself as a staple in the Union community, renowned for serving outstanding traditional Portuguese fare and a commitment to exceptional service that makes every visit memorable. This is more than just a local spot; it’s a destination where the beauty and panoramas of Northern Portugal inspire every carefully selected dish and wine on the menu.

The establishment's ambiance is a key part of its appeal. Inside, the space is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, striking a perfect balance for various occasions, from a spontaneous solo dinner to a group celebration. Reviews frequently highlight the restaurant's photogenic interior and exterior, with one customer noting the space as "so floral and enchanting," making it a popular spot for birthdays and "girls night out." Lagar seamlessly integrates the dining and bar experiences, featuring a fully equipped Bar onsite that serves an impressive selection of drinks. Customers praise the Great cocktails and a deep Great wine list, ensuring the perfect pairing for any meal. The experience is often enhanced by amenities like Wi-Fi and occasional live music, contributing to the vibrant and highly recommended atmosphere.

The menu at Lagar is a testament to the depth of Portuguese and Mediterranean culinary traditions, with an emphasis on both the land and the sea. The FROM THE SEA section features authentic specialties like Bacalhau à Lagareiro na Telha, Polvo á Lagareiro na Telha (Grilled Octopus served on a roof tile), and Camarão à Lagar (Sautéed Jumbo Shrimp with Portuguese sausage), reflecting a commitment to fresh, quality seafood. From the land, patrons can indulge in hearty dishes such as Costeletas de Borrego Grelhada (Grilled Lamb Chops) and the traditional Bife à Portuguesa. Appetizers are equally enticing, with local specialties like Chouriço Português and Ameijoas a Bulhão Pato (Clams in garlic and wine sauce) setting the tone for an authentic meal. For those looking for a quick bite or an evening out, the bar and grill aspect offers a range of small plates and late-night food options.

Lagar Restaurant is conveniently located on Stuyvesant Avenue, making it a prominent and easily accessible dining location within Union County. The full address is 1252 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA.

For New Jersey diners, accessibility and convenience are often paramount, and Lagar excels in these areas. The restaurant is committed to welcoming all guests with comprehensive accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

In terms of parking, guests will appreciate the available options, which include a Free parking lot and Free street parking, minimizing the hassle of finding a spot in this busy area. This thoughtful accommodation for all patrons, combined with the central Union location, makes it an ideal spot for family-friendly dining or group outings.

Lagar provides a full suite of services that cater to modern dining needs and busy New Jersey lifestyles, ensuring a high level of customer convenience whether dining in or at home.

• Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy the full experience in the beautiful indoor dining area or the highly popular outdoor patio.
• Outdoor Seating: Known as the 'Paraiso Patio,' this covered outdoor area is described as spacious, beautiful, and vibrant, providing a perfect setting for dinner, cocktails, or private functions. Dogs allowed outside are also a plus for pet owners.
• Delivery and Takeout: Allowing customers to enjoy the authentic Portuguese and Mediterranean menu from the comfort of their homes.
• Brunch Service: In addition to Lunch and Dinner, Lagar offers a dedicated Brunch menu, expanding the dining options for weekend visitors.
• Catering and Private Dining: They offer full catering services, and the availability of a Private dining room and dedicated space like the 'Paraiso Patio' makes it excellent for hosting special events, such as birthdays, holiday dinners, or other family occasions.
• Happy Hour: Featuring both Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food, making it a great destination for after-work relaxation or a casual gathering.
• Reservations: The restaurant Accepts reservations, and Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, due to its popularity.

What makes Lagar Restaurant a standout choice in Union County is the fusion of high-quality cuisine with an inviting social environment.

• Authentic Portuguese & Mediterranean Focus: The specialization in this rich cuisine, including dishes like Polvo á Lagareiro and a strong focus on fresh seafood, provides a unique offering in the local dining scene.
• Fast and Attentive Service: Customer reviews frequently praise the exceptional service, highlighting servers as "very attentive," "friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive," and service as "very nice and welcoming." The restaurant also explicitly highlights Fast service.
• Outstanding Beverage and Dessert Program: Features a Great beer selection, Great cocktails (like the Snowflake Martini), and a Great wine list, alongside excellent final touches like Great coffee and Great dessert (e.g., Pistachio Coppa and Crème brûlée).
• Visually Stunning Atmosphere: The "photogenic" and "enchanting" decor, including the beautiful floral outdoor patio, makes it a preferred location for special occasions and a highly recommended experience for local diners.
• Sports Bar Amenities: A traditional Sports Bar area is available with big-screen TVs, catering to those who want to catch a game while enjoying high-quality food and drink.
• Late-Night Food Options: Catering to a later crowd with dedicated Late-night food offerings.

To make a reservation, inquire about catering, or place an order, local customers can use the following details:

Address: 1252 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA

Phone: (908) 687-7020

Lagar Restaurant is a destination that offers an elevated yet accessible bar and grill experience, infused with the rich, bold flavors of Portugal and the Mediterranean. For New Jersey residents, it is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The food quality is high, with dishes like the Camarão à Lagar and Bacalhau consistently receiving praise. Even an initial issue like slight over-salting on a dish, as noted in a review, is framed within a positive overall experience where the bread was "so fresh" and the cocktails were "on point," demonstrating a strong foundation of quality and service recovery.

The combination of exceptional food—featuring options from healthy choices to comforting dishes and small plates—with an ambiance that is equally perfect for a casual drink, a romantic dinner, or a large family celebration, is what truly sets Lagar apart. The "Paraiso Patio" offers a uniquely beautiful outdoor dining option in Union County, and the dedicated sports bar area ensures all social preferences are met. The staff's attentive and knowledgeable service, as highlighted by multiple customers, guarantees a smooth and pleasant experience from the moment you walk in. Simply put, if you are in Union, NJ, and looking for a restaurant that delivers on atmosphere, hospitality, and a genuinely memorable taste of Portuguese cuisine, Lagar Restaurant is highly recommended.

Lagar Restaurant

1252 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA