Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in South Orange

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianJapanese

Regions

BergenEssexHudsonManhattanMorrisPassaic

Neighborhoods

CaldwellEast RutherfordFinancial DistrictJersey CityKenilworthMeatpacking District

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

35 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Giorgio's Ristorante - South Orange restaurant

1. Giorgio's Ristorante - South Orange

4.8

Exceptional(582)

$$$$

• Italian • South Orange

Booked 7 times today

Giorgio's of South Orange has always been one of the landmarks in the area. Specializing in fine Italian cuisine and catering, we have a wide range of signature soups, salads and of course, our special, main-course, all-time favorite items.

A photo of McLoone's Boathouse restaurant

2. McLoone's Boathouse

4.5

Awesome(3866)

$$$$

• American • West Orange

Booked 60 times today

McLoone's Boathouse is a lively spot with a great vibe. Reviewers rave about the warm, inviting, and lively ambiance, with mentions of live music in the evenings and cozy outdoor seating. It's a place that's consistently excellent all the way around, from the attentive wait staff to the delicious food and great cocktails. The restaurant's stunning views of the reservoir add to its vibrant atmosphere.

3. Buddakan NY

4.6

Exceptional(16005)

$$$$

• Chinese • Meatpacking District

Booked 154 times today

The surreal atmosphere of this awe-inspiring restaurant in the Meatpacking district of Manhattancombines the serenity of Asia with the flamboyance of 16th century Paris. The menu features fanciful interpretations of Chinese dishes and delights even the most discriminating palates.

4. Halcyon Brasserie

4.8

Exceptional(2070)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Montclair

Booked 42 times today

Halcyon is a fine seafood brasserie, specializing in the freshest local catches, boasting a full service raw bar, upstairs lounge, and tranquil atmosphere. At this time we are offering indoor dining and take-out Tuesday-Sunday. In order to ensure proper sanitation between reservations, we have a strict time limit per table. Thank you for your understanding as we adapt to these challenging times.

5. Little Owl

4.8

Exceptional(4915)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • West Village

Booked 121 times today

Celebrity Chef/Owner Joey Campanaro introduces The Chef’s Room at Little Owl—an intimate dining experience inside the iconic Friends Building in Manhattan’s West Village. Located within one of NYC’s most beloved restaurants, we offer weekly breakfast specials and lunch, including our celebrated Bacon Cheeseburger, cited by critics and lists including The Observer, which ranked it #3 among the best things to eat in the world, and our world-famous Gravy Meatball Sliders. At dinner, guests enjoy signature dishes like our iconic Pork Chop. At brunch, our famous pancakes were featured by Alton Brown on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, making them a must-try staple. Our menu features seasonal Mediterranean-American cuisine and daily seafood specials like whole Branzino. Wine Director Lisa Komara leads a global list with rare private cellar selections. Ideal for romantic dinners, celebrations, and private events. Reservations up to 6; private dining for 24. Walk-ins welcome. 📞 646-468-1611

6. Nobu Downtown

4.7

Exceptional(5359)

$$$$

• Japanese • Financial District

Booked 160 times today

Nobu Downtown is located in the heart of Manhattan’s Financial District designed by NYC’s celebrated architect, David Rockwell. On the ground level, guests can enjoy open air-like experience in our Bar & Lounge dining framed by 30 foot heroic limestone columns. Our sub terrain dining room provides intimate ambience with sushi bar and private dining options. Indulge in Chef Nobu’s famous signature dishes including Rock Shrimp Tempura and Black Cod Miso as well as traditional Japanese favorites and sushi. RESERVATION GUIDE• “Regular” for one of the two indoor dining rooms• “ Bar” for plush lounge seating• “Counter” for sushi bar experience Please call us if you wish to book a larger party or event as we will not be able to accept requests for putting multiple reservations next to each other.

7. La Griglia

4.9

Exceptional(2347)

$$$$

• Italian • Kenilworth

Booked 34 times today

With a unique combination of sophisticated atmosphere, an extensive wine list, and contemporary Italian cuisine, La Griglia offers a taste of Italy far from the ordinary.

A photo of NICO Kitchen + Bar restaurant

8. NICO Kitchen + Bar

4.4

Awesome(1921)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Newark

Booked 3 times today

Unwind from the grind at NICO, Newark's most relaxing space. Savor our American menu and the best fries you've ever had. NICO is the perfect place to meet up with friends after work, enjoy a pre-show meal before your NJPAC performance.. Our award-winning team is always here to bring you good times, great music, and delicious vibes.

9. Fraunces Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(3612)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Financial District

Booked 115 times today

Fraunces Tavern Restaurant, est. 1762, is a historic landmark in FiDi. Offering small batch craft & specialty beers, handcrafted cocktails, & 1000+ spirits, experience the delectable flavors of thoughtfully prepared American cuisine, featuring our farm-to-table ingredients. The establishment boasts 7 distinct spaces, each providing exceptional options for both public & private experiences alike. Invite friends to sit around the warm fire in the Dingle Whiskey Bar or gather & mingle in The Wine Room. Host a formal event under the crystal chandeliers in the Washington Room for a private dining experience. Whether you prefer the Independence or Hideout Bar, both offer a fun and informal atmosphere to enjoy happy hour with friends. Experience the secluded charm of The Piano Bar Upstairs, to enjoy exquisite food, drinks, and live music in a relaxed atmosphere. If you're a history buff, visit the Bissell room to view the beautiful mural painting depicting downtown NYC in the 1700s.

A photo of Maddy Rose at Liberty House restaurant

10. Maddy Rose at Liberty House

4.4

Awesome(2357)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Jersey City

Booked 45 times today

Where bold flavors meet unbeatable waterfront city views. Whether you’re diving into our perfectly seared steaks, ultra-fresh seafood, or signature craft cocktails, every bite (and sip) is a vibe. We offer a menu that speaks to every palate.You may remember us as Liberty House, and rest assured, we are still the same mouthwatering food and cocktails, unmatched level of hospitality, and unbeatable skyline waterfront views, we just decided to rename the restaurant after our daughter, Maddy Rose.Located on the Jersey City waterfront, Maddy Rose Restaurant offers a dining experience like no other. With panoramic views of the New York City skyline, indulge in expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and elevated yet approachable cuisine that brings bold flavors to every plate. Whether you're joining us for a romantic dinner, a lively night out, or cocktails by the water, our restaurant is designed to impress.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Marcela
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We gathered with friends that we hadn't seen for sometime. Mikayla, our waitress, was very accommodating and patient with us, her service was excellent! The food was very good, there was an ample variety of dishes for brunch, my favorite was the glazed salmon.
More info
McLoone's Boathouse$$$$• American• West Orange
•
4.5
W
william
New York City •32 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food & Service is always exceptional at LaGriglia. One of the best restaurants in Union County. And drinks and Appetizers are consistently good as well. Already looking forward to my next time there.
More info
La Griglia$$$$• Italian• Kenilworth
•
4.9
F
Frank
New Jersey •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 1, 2026
First time at Haycon and it was great! The food came out quick and tasted fantastic. It was a little loud, but manageable. Service was good and overall atmosphere was upscale bar nicely decorated.
More info
Halcyon Brasserie$$$$• Contemporary American• Montclair
•
4.8
M
MarkGold
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 1, 2026
Always 5 stars. The best Italian around. Everything on the menu is outstanding
More info
La Pergola BYOB$$$$• Italian• Millburn
•
4.7
M
MattyeGold
New York City •111 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 30, 2026
We love eating at Giorgio's. The food is always delicious and the service is great. It is a real neighborhood gem. We've recommended Giorgio's to a number of friends. They have also been very happy with the restaurant.
More info
Giorgio's Ristorante - South Orange$$$$• Italian• South Orange
•
4.8

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