You’ve probably seen the sign a hundred times if you commute through Penn Station. It sits there on Market Street, a humble brick facade that doesn't scream for attention, yet it holds a title most newcomers don't realize. Bello's Pub and Grill Newark's first gastropub isn't just a marketing slogan slapped on a window. It’s a piece of Ironbound history that has survived the city’s massive shifts, the rise of the Prudential Center, and the ever-changing tides of "trendy" Newark.
Honestly, the word "gastropub" gets thrown around way too much these days. People think it just means expensive fries and a light fixture made of Edison bulbs. But back in the day, Bello's was doing something different before it was cool. They weren't just a "shot and a beer" joint—though they can certainly do that too. They were the first to really lean into the idea that you could get a high-end craft import and a meal that actually required a fork and knife, all while sitting in a room that felt like your uncle's finished basement.
The 180-Beer Wall of Fame
Walking in, the first thing that hits you isn't the decor—it's the sheer volume of choices. They’ve got over 180 beers. That's not a typo. While most spots are content with a few rotating taps of IPAs that all taste like pine needles, Bello's keeps a global library. We’re talking brews from Ireland, Japan, England, and local Jersey favorites.
There is this legendary plaque on the wall. If you manage to drink 100 different beers from their list, you get your name on it. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and frankly, a bit of a Newark rite of passage. It speaks to the vibe of the place: it’s a spot for regulars. You don't just go once; you become part of the furniture.
More Than Just "Bar Food"
If you're expecting a greasy bag of chips, you're in the wrong place. Being Newark's first gastropub meant setting a bar for the kitchen. The menu is a weird, wonderful mix of "I need a burger right now" and "Oh, that’s actually fancy."
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Take the Crab Club Sandwich. It’s basically two 3oz crab cakes on a Portuguese roll with garlic mayo. It’s messy, it’s heavy, and it’s exactly what you want after a long day. Or the Lamb Sliders, which have become a bit of a cult favorite among the Prudential Center pre-game crowd.
They also do these things called Sausage Stuffed Poblano Peppers. It’s the kind of dish that feels a little too sophisticated for a pub with a pool table, but that’s the whole point. It’s the "gastro" part of the gastropub equation. You’ve got options like Veggie Marsala Sliders or a Caribbean Steak Salad if you're pretending to be healthy, but most people are there for the Cajun Burger—an 8oz patty dusted with spices, topped with roasted peppers, provolone, and creole mayo.
Why Location Is Everything (and Nothing)
Address-wise, they are at 376 Market St, Newark, NJ 07105.
Being "steps away from Penn Station" is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get the commuters. On the other, you get the chaotic energy of the Ironbound during a Red Bulls game or a massive concert at the Rock. Bello's has been family-owned since 1974 (some records say '76, but the '74 date is the one the old-timers stick to), so they’ve seen it all.
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They are the "official" home of the NY Red Bulls fans, and if you go there during a match, be prepared for noise. It’s not a quiet library. It’s a lived-in, loud, celebratory space.
The "Ironbound" Factor
Newark is a city of neighborhoods, and the Ironbound is its soul. Bello's fits into this ecosystem by being a bridge. It’s got the Portuguese influence you'd expect from the area—using those fresh Portuguese rolls for the sandwiches—but it maintains an Irish pub heart. It’s basically a microcosm of Newark's melting pot.
A lot of people worry about Newark if they aren't from here. They think they need to stay in the "safe" zones right by the arena. Bello's is as safe as it gets because it’s a community. The staff actually recognizes people. If you’re a jerk, they’ll tell you. If you’re cool, you’re family.
A Few Tips for Your First Visit
- Timing: If there is a game at the Prudential Center, it will be packed. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder packed. If you want a quiet dinner, check the arena schedule first.
- The Specials: Don't just look at the printed menu. They usually have gnocchi specials or off-menu items that the server might mention if they like your face.
- The Beer Challenge: If you’re serious about the plaque, ask for the list and keep track. It’s a long-term commitment.
- Parking: It’s Newark. It’s the Ironbound. Parking is a nightmare. Honestly, just take the train to Penn Station and walk the two blocks. Your blood pressure will thank you.
The Reality Check
Is it perfect? No. When it’s busy, the service can slow down. That’s just the reality of a kitchen that’s actually cooking food rather than just dropping frozen bags into a deep fryer. Some people find the decor a bit dated, with the sports memorabilia and the rustic, somewhat dark interior. But that's part of the charm. If you wanted a sterile, white-tiled bistro, you wouldn't be looking for a gastropub in Newark.
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Bello's is the kind of place where you can find a guy in a tailored suit sitting next to a guy in a construction vest. Both are drinking the same craft stout. Both are eating the same wings.
What You Should Do Next
If you're planning a trip to Newark or just looking for a new "local" spot, here is how to handle a visit to Bello's:
- Check the Devils or Red Bulls schedule. If they're playing, decide if you want the "insane energy" or the "quiet pint" experience.
- Order a beer you can't pronounce. With 180 options, don't just get a Bud Light. Ask the bartender for a recommendation based on what you usually like.
- Get the Old Bay fries. Even if you aren't getting the Crab Club, just trust me on this.
- Walk from Penn Station. It’s literally a three-minute walk. Don't fight the Market Street traffic.
Bello's Pub and Grill Newark's first gastropub remains a staple because it hasn't tried to be anything it isn't. It’s a bar that serves great food. It’s a kitchen that loves great beer. It’s a family business that’s still standing while the world around it changes every single year. Whether you’re a craft beer nerd or just someone looking for a solid burger before a train ride, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why Newark's food scene is so much more than just the stuff you see on TikTok.
If you find yourself on Market Street, just look for the brick. Head inside, grab a stool, and start your way toward that 100-beer plaque. Even if you never finish it, the journey—and the food—is worth it.