MEAL

- 522 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110

Introduction / Overview: Your Upscale American Dining Destination in Nutley, NJ

Located in the heart of Nutley, New Jersey, MEAL is far more than just a place to eat; it is a complete, high-end dining and social experience. Living up to its acronym—Meet, Eat, And Lounge—MEAL has established itself as a premier American restaurant and a sophisticated Steak house for North Jersey residents. The concept successfully marries the familiar comfort of classic American dishes with the elegance and quality of an Upscale venue.

From the moment you step inside, the ambiance sets a distinct tone. Customers describe the interior as having a contemporary design theme that feels elegant and upscale. The atmosphere is perfectly curated, managing to be simultaneously Casual and Cozy for everyday dining, yet distinctly Trendy and Romantic for special occasions. It is a venue designed to encourage guests to linger, socialize, and enjoy not only their food but the overall environment.

The menu reflects this elevated American concept. While offering familiar Comfort food favorites, MEAL executes them with a modern twist and a focus on quality. You will find everything from the hearty Steak Frites and Forever Braised Beef Short Rib to imaginative starters like Japanese Disco Fries and Angry Mussels. The full Bar onsite provides an extensive selection, noted for its Great cocktails and Great wine list, ensuring a perfect pairing for every dish. Catering to the local New Jersey crowd, MEAL offers a versatile experience, suitable for a relaxed Lunch, an engaging Dinner, or a weekend Brunch.

Reviews frequently highlight the visual appeal and quality of the space, noting its gorgeous dining space and beautiful interior, making it a true gem in the local dining scene.

Location and Accessibility in Nutley, NJ

MEAL is conveniently situated at 522 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA, placing it right on a central avenue in this desirable North Jersey community. Its location makes it easily reachable for locals and visitors from surrounding Essex County towns.

Parking Information: The restaurant is situated in an area where parking is primarily found on the street. Guests should plan to utilize the Free street parking available along Franklin Avenue and nearby side streets. As patrons have noted, while spots are available, on busy nights, you may need to look on an adjacent street and walk a short distance.

Commitment to Accessibility: MEAL is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests by offering complete accessibility throughout the establishment:

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

Atmosphere and Amenities: The restaurant's design includes a huge bar area which forms a central part of the Lounge experience. The entire space is equipped with a Restroom for guests. The general environment is described as having an Upscale feel, perfect for a Quiet, intimate conversation or a lively gathering with Groups.

Comprehensive Services Offered

MEAL provides a full suite of dining and hospitality services to meet the diverse needs of the New Jersey community, from private parties to daily carry-out.

• Flexible Dining Service: Guests are welcome to enjoy Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and delectable Dessert, with full Table service provided for all seated guests.
• Reservations and Planning: Given the restaurant’s popularity, MEAL Accepts reservations for all services. Brunch reservations recommended and Dinner reservations recommended are advisable, particularly on weekends, to secure your preferred dining time.
• Off-Premise Convenience: For those opting to dine at home, the restaurant offers multiple take-out options, including standard Takeout, Delivery, and secure Curbside pickup and No-contact delivery.
• Full Bar & Happy Hour: The Bar onsite is a central feature, serving a wide variety of Alcohol, including Beer, Wine, and Hard liquor. Guests can take advantage of Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food specials, along with a top-rated selection of Great cocktails.
• Late-Night Options: The restaurant provides Late-night food service, making it a great destination for a post-event meal or a late-evening snack after a night out in Nutley.
• Private & Group Events: MEAL offers a dedicated Private dining room that can be sectioned off, making it an ideal, elegant setting for hosting special events, corporate meetings, or large family gatherings.
• Payment Options: The restaurant accepts Credit cards and Debit cards for convenience, although customers should note the application of a 3.99% fee for credit card payments, a detail that is important for budgeting.

Features and Culinary Highlights

MEAL’s appeal to the New Jersey dining scene is rooted in its fusion of high-quality ingredients with unique presentation and a lively environment.

• Elevated Steakhouse Fare: As a high-end Steak house, MEAL offers substantial entrees like Steak Frites and the popular, melt-in-your-mouth Forever Braised Beef Short Rib. The BBQ Spiced Salmon and the decadent Short Rib Tacos also showcase the menu’s creativity and depth of flavor.
• The Modern Comfort Food Lineup: The menu excels at taking familiar concepts and elevating them. Crowd-pleasing starters include Point Judith Calamari and the savory Jersey Corn Chowder, a nod to local specialty ingredients. The Double Smash Burger and Steakhouse Burger are popular, substantial options for the burger enthusiast.
• Exceptional Dessert & Coffee Program: The dining experience culminates with an award-worthy dessert selection. MEAL is highlighted for its Great dessert, featuring unique options like the creamy Burnt Basque Cheesecake and the fun, shareable Smores. The commitment to quality extends to the end of the meal with Great coffee.
• Accommodations for All Diets: MEAL is inclusive, offering a variety of choices for specialized diets, including Healthy options, Organic dishes, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options, such as the Ricotta Gnocchi.
• Entertainment and Ambiance: The atmosphere is dynamic, often featuring Live music and creating a celebratory mood. With Sports viewing available, it’s a great spot to catch a game while enjoying an Upscale meal. The design even includes a DJ booth in the back, hinting at a lively atmosphere later in the evenings.
• Family-Friendly Commitment: The restaurant is highly Family-friendly and accommodates children with a dedicated Kids' menu featuring staples like Cheese Burger & Fries and Pasta With Tomato Sauce.

Contact Information

To reserve a table, book a private party, or inquire about catering, please use the following contact information.

Address: 522 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

Phone (Primary): (973) 235-1280

Mobile Phone: +1 973-235-1280

What Is Worth Choosing: The All-in-One Elevated Experience

MEAL is the top choice for Nutley and North Jersey residents seeking a dining experience that offers sophistication without sacrificing fun or flavor. What makes MEAL truly worth choosing is its success in blending the formality of a Steak house with the inviting energy of a modern lounge.

The restaurant excels as an All-in-One Elevated Experience. You can seamlessly move from a sophisticated family Dinner to a vibrant late-night spot without changing locations. The dedication to a full-service experience is evident in its outstanding bar program, which features a Great wine list, an array of Hard liquor, and expert mixology resulting in praised Great cocktails. Whether you are meeting colleagues for Happy hour drinks or looking for a Romantic setting, the Trendy and Upscale atmosphere caters to every occasion.

While some patrons have noted minor service pacing issues during peak times, the staff is consistently described as polite, friendly, and "doing his best to serve all the tables." The focus on high-quality ingredients is unquestionable, with signature dishes like the Forever Braised Beef Short Rib and fresh Angry Mussels delivering on flavor. When you choose MEAL, you are choosing a community gem that provides superior value—a stunning ambiance, creative American cuisine, and a complete lounge experience perfect for any gathering, from Solo dining at the bar to hosting an unforgettable event in the Private dining room.

MEAL

522 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA