You’re walking down Bloomfield Avenue on a Saturday morning. It’s crowded. There’s that specific Montclair energy where everyone looks like they’re auditioning for a high-end athleisure commercial. You see the line forming outside 700 Bloomfield Ave. It’s Toast restaurant Montclair NJ. If you’ve lived in Essex County for more than five minutes, you know the name. But if you’re new, or just passing through, you might wonder if a place named after charred bread is actually worth the forty-minute wait in the Jersey cold.
Honestly? It usually is.
Founder Amy Ottane opened the original Toast in Montclair back in 2007. Since then, it’s expanded to Asbury Park and Red Bank, but the Montclair location remains the mothership. It’s housed in a building that feels historic because it is. The vibe inside is "funky vintage meets busy diner," which basically captures the entire soul of Montclair in a nutshell. People come here for the peace, love, and pancakes, but they stay because the kitchen actually knows how to season a potato.
The Reality of the Menu: It’s Not Just Bread
Despite the name, you aren't just paying for sliced sourdough. The menu is a massive, sprawling list of comfort food that somehow manages to feel slightly elevated without being pretentious.
Take the Red Velvet Pancakes. They’re a cliché at this point in the brunch world, right? Usually, they're just cocoa-flavored discs of sugar. At Toast, they’re topped with a cream cheese icing that actually has some tang to it. They’re decadent. Maybe too decadent for 9:00 AM on a Tuesday, but for a hungover Sunday? Perfection.
Then there’s the "Will’s Favorite." It’s a staple. You get two eggs, your choice of meat, and these griddled mashed potatoes. Most places give you those frozen, flavorless home fries that taste like cardboard and sadness. Toast does these smashed, seasoned potato patties that get a crust on them. That’s the kind of detail that keeps a place open for nearly two decades while other trendy bistros fail in six months.
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What to Order if You’re Actually Hungry
If you're looking for something substantial, the "Benny" section is where the real work happens. The Irish Benedict is a standout. Think thick-cut corned beef hash that isn't from a can. It’s salty, savory, and when that poached egg breaks, it creates this rich sauce that ties the whole thing together.
- The California Benedict: For when you want to feel healthy-ish but still want hollandaise. It’s got tomato and avocado.
- The Bella Benedict: This one uses portobello mushrooms and balsamic glaze. It’s surprisingly earthy and heavy for a veggie option.
- Crabcake Benny: If they have it as a special, get it. Don't think. Just order.
Why Montclair Loves This Place (And Why You Might Hate the Wait)
Montclair is a town that loves its brunch. You have Raymond’s down the street, and you have The Corner over on Grove Street. The competition is brutal. Toast restaurant Montclair NJ carves out its space by being more approachable than the ultra-curated "Instagram-ready" spots. It feels lived-in.
But let’s be real for a second. The wait times on weekends are legendary. If you show up at 11:00 AM on a Sunday without putting your name in on the Yelp app beforehand, you’re going to be standing on the sidewalk for a while. It’s just how it is. The service is fast once you’re seated—the staff moves like a well-oiled machine—but the sheer volume of humans wanting eggs at the same time is a physical bottleneck.
The "Peace, Love, & Pancakes" Philosophy
The motto is plastered everywhere. It sounds like something from a 1970s head shop, but it fits the Montclair brand of progressive, community-focused living. The restaurant is bright. The high ceilings and large windows let in a ton of light, even on those gray New Jersey winter days. It’s a great spot for people-watching. You’ll see local artists, families with toddlers covered in syrup, and commuters grabbing a quick coffee before hitting the Decamp bus or the train.
Let’s Talk About the Lunch Side of the Menu
Everyone thinks of Toast as a breakfast joint. That’s a mistake. They do a lunch service that’s actually quite solid.
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The "Grown Up Grilled Cheese" is a masterpiece of fats and textures. They use brie, prosciutto, and fig jam on multi-grain bread. It’s that sweet and salty combo that hits the back of your brain in just the right way. It’s sophisticated comfort food.
If you want something lighter, the salads are massive. The "Autumn Salad" usually stays on in some form because people demand it. It typically features dried cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese. It’s reliable. That’s the word for Toast: reliable. You know exactly what you’re getting every time you walk through those doors.
The Logistics: Parking and Getting There
Parking in Montclair is a nightmare sent from a higher power to test our patience. There, I said it.
If you’re driving to Toast restaurant Montclair NJ, don't expect to find a spot right in front on Bloomfield Ave. You’ll likely end up in the Crescent Deck or one of the municipal lots a few blocks away. Just pay the meter. The Montclair parking enforcement doesn't play around, and a $40 ticket will ruin your $20 breakfast real quick.
- Address: 700 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Hours: Generally 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Check their site for holiday shifts).
- Vibe: Casual, loud, family-friendly.
Dietary Restrictions and Flexibility
One thing Toast does better than the old-school diners in the area is catering to the modern diet. They have gluten-free bread options. They can do vegan modifications without the kitchen staff rolling their eyes at you. This inclusivity is part of why it stays so busy. In a town like Montclair, if you don't have a solid gluten-free or veggie option, you’re leaving money on the table.
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The Verdict on the Coffee
Coffee matters. At a breakfast spot, it might be the most important thing. Toast serves a proprietary blend that is roasted locally. It’s bold but not burnt. It’s not that watery stuff you get at a truck stop. They also do a full espresso bar, so if you need a latte to survive your toddlers, they’ve got you covered.
Is it Overrated?
Some people say yes. Usually, these are the people who hate waiting in lines. And look, if you want a quiet, meditative breakfast where you can hear a pin drop, Toast is not your place. It’s noisy. It’s bustling. It smells like bacon and maple syrup. It’s an experience.
But "overrated" implies the food isn't good. The food is objectively good. Is it life-changing? Maybe not. But it is consistently high-quality comfort food served in a space that feels like the heart of the community.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- Download the App: Use the Yelp waitlist feature before you even leave your house. It saves your sanity.
- Try the Specials: The chalkboard specials are where the chefs get to play. Sometimes they have a lemon ricotta pancake situation that is out of this world.
- The Sides Matter: Get the griddled mashed potatoes. Even if you’re getting a salad. Just do it.
- Weekdays are Golden: If you can swing a Tuesday morning brunch, the vibe is much more chill, and you can actually snag a window seat without a fight.
Final Thoughts on Toast Montclair
This place has become a landmark for a reason. It survived the 2008 crash, it survived the pandemic, and it’s surviving the ever-changing landscape of Bloomfield Avenue. It’s a testament to Amy Ottane’s vision of a place that feels like home but cooks better than you do.
When you sit down at Toast restaurant Montclair NJ, you aren't just getting a meal. You’re participating in a local ritual. You’re seeing the crossroads of Essex County. Whether you’re diving into a plate of thick-cut French toast or just sipping a black coffee and watching the traffic go by, there’s a sense of belonging there that’s hard to manufacture.
Go for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and definitely use the app to skip the line.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Waitlist: Before heading out, open the Yelp app to see the current wait time for Toast Montclair. If it's over 30 minutes, join the digital queue immediately.
- Plan Your Parking: Aim for the Crescent Parking Garage (located behind the wellmont theater) rather than circling Bloomfield Avenue. It's a five-minute walk and much less stressful.
- Order the Signature: If it's your first time, order "Will’s Favorite" to experience the griddled mashed potatoes—they are the restaurant's most distinct culinary trademark.
- Verify Hours: Since they are a breakfast and lunch-only spot, double-check their closing time if you're planning a late afternoon "brunch" as they typically close by 3:00 PM.