Lombardi's Bar & Restaurant

- 597 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009

For New Jersey residents in search of a true neighborhood establishment that seamlessly blends quality Italian dining, a lively bar atmosphere, and exceptional pizza, Lombardi's Bar & Restaurant in Cedar Grove is the premier destination. Located at 597 Pompton Ave, Lombardi's has been a beloved fixture in Essex County since 2002, consistently striving for perfection in both its food and service. More than just a pizza restaurant, Lombardi's is a full-service bar and Italian eatery, making it ideal for a quick lunch, a festive family dinner, or a night out enjoying sports and cocktails.

The establishment is perhaps most famous for its thin crust pizza, which many locals have enthusiastically dubbed "the best in Jersey." This reputation is built on a commitment to authentic recipes and high-quality ingredients. However, the menu extends far beyond pizza, offering classic Italian comfort food dishes such as veal and chicken entrées, fresh seafood, and savory pasta. The inclusion of a full bar on-site means patrons can perfectly pair their meal with a selection from the "Great beer selection," "Great cocktails," or the extensive "Great wine list," enhancing the overall dining experience.

Lombardi's Bar & Restaurant thrives on its dual identity—a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere that accommodates everyone from families with kids (offering a kids' menu and high chairs) to groups gathering for a late-night bite and drinks. The dedication to excellent customer service, highlighted by stories of owners connecting personally with guests, truly makes this place feel like a welcoming local spot.

Location and Accessibility

Lombardi's Bar & Restaurant is conveniently situated at 597 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009. This location on Pompton Avenue (County Route 506) places it on a well-traveled road, making it highly accessible from nearby towns like Verona, North Caldwell, and Montclair.

The restaurant has made significant efforts to ensure it is accessible to all members of the Cedar Grove community and beyond:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance is available for easy entry into the restaurant.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot and dedicated On-site parking ensure convenience for drivers. Free street parking is also available nearby.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities are provided.
• Wheelchair accessible seating is offered throughout the dining areas, ensuring all guests can comfortably enjoy table service.

The ample parking and commitment to accessibility, combined with its central location, make Lombardi's a stress-free choice for both planned reservations and spontaneous dine-in visits.

Services Offered

Lombardi's offers a comprehensive array of dining services, covering every need from a quick meal to a catered event:

• Dine-in and Table Service: Full service is provided for lunch and dinner in a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, with the added amenity of a Bar onsite.
• Delivery and Takeout: Orders can be placed for convenient pickup or delivery, allowing customers to enjoy the acclaimed pizza and Italian fare at home.
• Catering: Available for groups and events, offering a way to bring Lombardi's Italian specialties to any gathering.
• Accepts Reservations: Patrons can plan ahead by making reservations, a beneficial feature, especially for large groups or weekend dinners.
• Full Bar Service: Offers Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and a Great wine list, alongside Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food specials.
• Late-Night Food: A perfect spot for a quick bite or a full meal later in the evening.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The provision of a Kids' menu and High chairs makes it an excellent choice for Family-friendly dining.

Features / Highlights

Lombardi's Bar & Restaurant has garnered a reputation for several key highlights that attract New Jersey diners:

• Best Thin Crust Pizza: The primary culinary highlight is the highly-regarded thin crust pizza, which draws patrons from across the region and is a testament to authentic pizza-making traditions.
• Lively Bar Atmosphere and Sports Hub: Featuring a Bar onsite with nine TVs, it is an ideal spot for viewing sports, particularly during NFL games, with special food and drink deals often available.
• Exceptional Beverage Selection: The restaurant boasts a "Great beer selection," "Great cocktails," and a "Great wine list," offering sophisticated pairing options for the Italian menu.
• Signature Specialty Dishes: Beyond pizza, the menu features unique customer favorites like the Lombardi Platter (sautéed vegetables, sausage, long hot peppers, potatoes, and provolone) and Chicken Scarpiello, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality Italian entrées.
• Outstanding Customer Service: Reviewers consistently praise the "friendly service" and highlight the owner’s personal attention and down-to-earth approach, which fosters a genuine local vibe.
• Variety of Offerings: The menu successfully combines Comfort food, Quick bite options, and Small plates, catering to different appetites and dining occasions.
• Dessert Excellence: The inclusion of "Great dessert" among the highlights provides a compelling reason to stay and finish the meal properly.

Contact Information

For customers in the Cedar Grove area and beyond who wish to contact Lombardi's Bar & Restaurant, the following information is available:

• Address: 597 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
• Phone: (973) 239-6600
• Mobile Phone: +1 973-239-6600

The restaurant operates seven days a week, making it a reliable choice throughout the week. Typical operating hours are generally 11:30 am to 10:00 pm (or later on weekends), but calling ahead to confirm hours, especially for late-night food or a specific event, is always recommended for the best experience.

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Lombardi's Bar & Restaurant, New Jersey patrons should prioritize the items that showcase the establishment's Italian specialties and local fame:

• The Thin Crust Pizza (Cheese Pie or Margarita): This is the signature item and an absolute must-try. Opting for the classic Cheese Pie or the fresh Margarita will demonstrate the quality of the crust and sauce that has earned its "best in Jersey" reputation.
• The Lombardi Platter (Appetizer): This highly-regarded house specialty (sautéed broccoli rabe, sausage, hot peppers, and potatoes) offers a delicious, rustic Italian appetizer that encapsulates the heart of the menu's comfort food offerings.
• Classic Chicken or Classic Veal: These menu sections allow customers to choose their preferred preparation style—Parmigiana, Marsala, Francaise, or Scampi—over pasta. The Classic Chicken, in particular, is a customer favorite that demonstrates the kitchen's mastery of traditional Italian entrées.
• Fried Calamari: A customer favorite noted in local reviews, this appetizer is a great choice to gauge the quality of the seafood and frying technique.
• A Specialty Cocktail or Local Beer: Given the "Great cocktails" and "Great beer selection" highlights, ordering a signature mixed drink or a local New Jersey craft beer perfectly complements the lively bar atmosphere.

Lombardi's Bar & Restaurant

597 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009, USA