You’re driving down Grove Ave in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and you see that familiar green sign. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have the neon-soaked pretense of a Hoboken lounge or the clinical minimalism of a New York City gastropub. It’s just Grasshopper Also, a staple that has basically become the unofficial living room for half of Essex County.
If you grew up around here, you know the drill.
It’s where you go when nobody can decide on dinner. It's where you end up after a softball game at Community Park. It's the place where the person sitting next to you at the bar might be your high school gym teacher or a guy who’s lived in the same house since 1974. There is something profoundly comforting about a place that refuses to change its soul just because the rest of the world decided everything needs to be "curated." Honestly, Grasshopper Also in Cedar Grove is a survivor. It survives because it understands that sometimes, people just want a solid burger, a cold Guinness, and a room where they can actually hear their friends talk.
The Identity of Grasshopper Also in Cedar Grove
What’s in a name? Specifically, the "Also" part.
Most locals just call it "The Grasshopper." But the "Also" is a nod to the Fitzpatrick family's history, stemming from their original spots like the Grasshopper Off the Green in Morristown. It's an Irish pub at heart, but it’s shifted into this hybrid neighborhood grill that fits Cedar Grove's specific brand of suburban life. Cedar Grove is a town that values consistency. It’s a town of hilly streets and well-kept lawns, and the Grasshopper fits into that landscape by being exactly what you expect every single time you walk through the door.
The interior is heavy on the wood. It’s dark in a way that feels private, even when the place is packed. You’ve got the bar on one side, usually humming with local sports talk, and the dining room on the other, where families are negotiating over how many orders of chicken fingers the kids actually need.
What You Are Actually Eating
Let's talk about the food without the flowery food-critic language.
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It’s pub food, but it’s done with a level of care that stops it from being "greasy spoon" fare. The Shepherd’s Pie is the litmus test for any Irish-American pub, and here, it’s a massive, bubbling dish of ground beef and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes that actually taste like potatoes, not flakes from a box. It's heavy. You'll probably need a nap afterward. That’s sort of the point.
The burger menu is extensive, but the "Grasshopper Burger" is the move. It’s topped with cheddar, bacon, and sautéed onions. It isn't a "smash burger." It’s a thick, juicy patty that requires a stack of napkins. People also sleep on the thin-crust pizza here. While Cedar Grove and neighboring Verona are packed with dedicated pizzerias, the pub-style thin crust at the Grasshopper is a local secret for those who want a crispier, lighter bite while they watch the Giants or Jets struggle on a Sunday afternoon.
Why the Atmosphere Works (And Why Some People Get It Wrong)
Some people walk into a place like Grasshopper Also and expect a high-speed, digital-first experience. That’s not what this is.
Service here feels like New Jersey. It’s efficient, it’s direct, and if you’re a regular, they’ll probably have your drink on the coaster before you even sit down. It’s the kind of place where the staff stays for years, which tells you a lot about how a business is run. In an era where restaurant turnover is sky-high, seeing the same faces behind the bar for a decade creates a sense of continuity that you can't manufacture with a marketing budget.
The Bar Scene and Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the vibe shifts.
It’s one of the few places in the immediate area that maintains a genuine bar crowd without turning into a club. You’ll see the 21-year-olds who are home from college for the holidays mixed in with the 50-year-olds who just want to complain about their property taxes over a Smithwick’s. It’s a democratic space.
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- Happy Hour: Usually a mix of domestic drafts and well drinks that won't break the bank.
- Live Music: Occasionally, you’ll find acoustic acts or local bands that keep things lively without blowing out your eardrums.
- Sporting Events: With plenty of TVs, it’s a primary hub for NFL Sundays and March Madness.
Navigating the Menu: Expert Tips
If you're visiting for the first time, don't just order the first thing you see. There are nuances.
First, the wings. They do them right—crispy enough to hold the sauce without getting soggy. Get the Buffalo, but ask for them "extra wet" if you like a mess. Second, the French Onion Soup. It’s surprisingly good for a neighborhood pub, with a thick layer of melted gruyère that you have to fight your way through.
If you’re looking for something slightly lighter, the salads are massive, but let’s be real: you didn’t come to an Irish pub in Cedar Grove to eat a garden salad. You came for the Fish and Chips. The batter is beer-infused, light, and flaky. It’s served with a side of tartar sauce that actually has some zing to it.
The Practical Side of Visiting
Parking can be a bit of a dance.
The lot isn't huge, and on a Friday night or during a big game, it fills up fast. You might end up parking a bit further down the road, so just be prepared for a short walk. It’s located right on Pompton Avenue (Route 23), making it incredibly easy to find but also making the traffic a factor during rush hour.
Is It Family Friendly?
Absolutely. Before 8:00 PM, the dining side is filled with families. They have a kid's menu that covers the basics—sliders, pasta, grilled cheese. It’s the kind of place where a crying toddler isn't going to get you dirty looks from the next table because, chances are, that family’s toddler was doing the same thing ten minutes ago.
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The Myth of the "Standard" Pub
Many people think every Irish pub in North Jersey is a carbon copy of the last.
They aren't.
Grasshopper Also in Cedar Grove succeeds because it reflects the town it inhabits. Cedar Grove is a bridge between the urban density of Montclair and the more sprawling suburbs of western Essex and Passaic counties. It’s a town of commuters and public service workers. The restaurant reflects that blue-collar-meets-middle-class sensibility. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-star destination. It’s trying to be the place you go when you don’t want to cook but you still want to feel like you're at home.
The "Also" isn't just a quirky addition to the name; it’s an invitation. It’s an "also" in your daily life—a second choice for dinner, a first choice for a drink, and a consistent choice for the community.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
To get the most out of your trip to Grasshopper Also in Cedar Grove, keep these specific tips in mind:
- Check the Daily Specials: They often have "Traditional Irish" nights or specific food deals that aren't on the main printed menu. Ask your server immediately.
- Timing Your Arrival: If you want a booth on a Friday or Saturday, arrive before 6:00 PM. After that, the wait times for the dining room can jump to 30-40 minutes.
- The Takeout Game: Their takeout is surprisingly well-packaged. If the parking lot is a nightmare, order the Fish and Chips to go; the batter holds its crunch better than most.
- Holiday Planning: This place is a madhouse on St. Patrick’s Day and the night before Thanksgiving. If you enjoy the chaos, it’s the best spot in town. If you don't, stay far away during those windows.
- Seating Preference: If you prefer a quieter meal, ask for the back corner of the dining room away from the bar-side partition. It cuts the noise level by nearly half.