You’ve probably walked past 622 Valley Road a dozen times and wondered about the name. Turtle + the Wolf sounds more like a Grimm’s fairy tale than a high-end bistro in the heart of Upper Montclair. Honestly, the first time I heard it, I half-expected a wood-paneled pub with taxidermy on the walls.
It’s not that. At all.
In reality, it’s one of the most sophisticated dining rooms in Essex County, though it manages to keep things remarkably unpretentious. The name actually pays homage to the Lenape Indians—the Turtle and Wolf being two of their ancestral clans—who originally inhabited this pocket of New Jersey. It’s a nod to history that feels right for a town like Montclair, which clings to its roots while constantly evolving.
The Lo's Fried Chicken Phenomenon
If there is one thing that defines the reputation of Turtle + the Wolf, it’s the fried chicken. They call it Lo’s Famous Original Fried Chicken, and it’s basically reached legendary status among locals.
Chef and owner Lauren Hirschberg—who locals affectionately call "Lo"—didn't actually set out to become a "fried chicken guy." He spent over a decade working under Tom Colicchio at Craft in Manhattan. You don't spend twelve years in that kind of high-pressure, refined environment just to make picnic food. But after a trip down south where he experienced the communal joy of a massive bird piled in the center of the table, he decided to bring that vibe to Upper Montclair.
It worked.
The chicken is brined, dredged, and fried to a point where the skin is shattered-glass crispy while the meat stays almost impossibly juicy. It's served family-style for two or more people. If you’re planning on getting it, you kinda have to plan ahead—it’s often a pre-order situation or it sells out before the sun even sets on Valley Road.
Why the BYOB Policy Changes Everything
Montclair is a BYOB town by necessity, but Turtle + the Wolf handles it better than most.
Because they don't have a liquor license, you aren't paying a 300% markup on a bottle of mediocre Cabernet. Instead, you can walk across the street to Angelbeck’s The Wine Store (a local staple), grab something truly special, and bring it in.
The staff here actually knows their stuff. They won't just pop the cork and walk away; they’ll help you pair your specific bottle with the menu. It makes a high-end dinner feel much more affordable than a comparable meal in the city. You’re paying for the food and the craft, not the overhead of a bar program.
It's Not Just About the Bird
While the fried chicken gets the headlines, the rest of the menu is where Hirschberg’s "Craft" pedigree really shows.
The Beef Tartare is a masterclass in balance. He uses black garlic aioli and a perfectly jammy egg yolk that makes the whole thing feel rich without being heavy. Then there’s the Pecorino Arancini—little fried rice balls that are crispy on the outside and molten on the inside.
One thing people often miss is the duck confit pot pie. It’s hearty, sophisticated, and exactly what you want on a Tuesday night in November when the New Jersey wind is whipping down Valley Road.
The menu shifts with the seasons.
Hirschberg is obsessive about local sourcing.
He buys burrata year-round from local farmers' markets.
He uses Berkshire pork because the fat content is better.
Current Favorites and Standouts:
- Local Burrata: Often served with charred onions or seasonal fruit.
- Hand-Cut Pappardelle: Usually paired with a slow-cooked pork sugo that tastes like it’s been simmering for days.
- Whole Roasted Suckling Pig: This requires 72 hours' notice and is the ultimate "special occasion" move for a group of six or seven.
The Vibe: Industrial Chic Meets Neighborhood Cozy
The space itself is small. It’s intimate.
The walls feature work by artist Tom Nussbaum, and the lighting is soft—housed in what looks like stemless wine glasses hanging from the ceiling. It feels "Manhattan" in its design but "Montclair" in its warmth. You'll see couples on first dates nervously sipping wine next to families celebrating a graduation.
One thing to keep in mind: it gets loud. When the room is full, the chatter bounces off the hard surfaces, creating a buzzy, high-energy atmosphere. If you're looking for a whisper-quiet romantic corner, this might not be it on a Saturday night. But if you want to feel like you're at the center of the neighborhood's pulse, there's no better spot.
Practical Logistics for Your Visit
If you're heading to Turtle + the Wolf, you need to be smart about the "Upper" part of Montclair. Parking can be a nightmare if you don't know the tricks.
There is a lot behind the building that is free after 7:00 PM and all day on Sundays. Use the back entrance through the patio; it’s much easier than fighting for a spot on Valley Road.
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As for reservations, Resy is your friend. They open up 28 days in advance. If you want a prime-time slot on a Friday or Saturday, you basically have to set an alarm. However, they do keep some seats at the counter for walk-ins. If you're a party of two and show up right when they open (usually 5:00 PM for dinner), you have a decent shot at snagging a spot without a booking.
Hours and Location
- Address: 622 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
- Dinner: Wednesday through Sunday
- Lunch: Wednesday through Saturday (11:30 AM - 2:30 PM)
- Closed: Monday and Tuesday
Actionable Tips for First-Timers
If you want the best possible experience at Turtle + the Wolf, don't just wing it.
Start by checking their Instagram or website for "Large Format" availability if you have a group. Pre-ordering the fried chicken or the suckling pig is the only way to guarantee you get the "signature" experience.
Second, don't sleep on the desserts. The Brioche Doughnuts with orange caramel are legendary for a reason. They’re light, airy, and served warm.
Finally, take advantage of the BYOB. Don't just bring the first bottle you see. Since the food leans toward refined American bistro with French and Italian influences, a high-acid white or a medium-bodied red (like a Pinot Noir or a Gamay) usually plays best with the diverse menu.
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Go for the food, stay for the vibe, and definitely, definitely bring a bottle of something you love.