- Attraction: The Corner
- Location: 115 Grove St, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Industry: Cafe
- Website: http://www.thecornermontclair.com/
Hungry crowds spilling onto the sidewalk on a rainy Tuesday morning tell you everything you need to know about where Montclair locals go for breakfast.
Since opening its doors in April 2015, The Corner has become the neighborhood gathering spot where industrial-chic design meets suburban comfort, and where house-made everything keeps people coming back week after week.
Owner Jeff Munoz, a longtime Montclair resident, transformed this corner space at Grove and Walnut Streets into a destination that’s equal parts cafe and community hub, blending downtown sophistication with the easygoing warmth of a neighborhood eatery.
The cafe draws inspiration from both worlds. Think exposed elements and rustic wooden tables paired with that famous pink neon sign proclaiming “good vibes only” that practically begs for Instagram fame.
But beyond the aesthetics, what truly sets this place apart is the commitment to making nearly everything from scratch—from the thick-cut bacon to the flaky pastries emerging from the open kitchen where you can watch consulting chef Brandon Hudson work his magic.
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The Pancakes: These aren’t just good pancakes—they’re ridiculously fluffy, cloud-like creations that have earned cult status among regulars. Light and airy with a tender crumb, they come loaded with fresh berries and a vanilla syrup that’s sweet without being cloying.
Whether you go for the blueberry version or the strawberry pancakes, you’ll understand why people repeatedly call these some of the best they’ve ever tasted.
House-Made Bacon: Forget everything you think you know about bacon. The Corner makes their own, and it’s legitimately different. Extra thick, meaty, and perfectly balanced on the salt level, this bacon has converted even the pickiest eaters.
You’ll find it featured in their BLT with avocado, where the thick-cut strips are crisp without being overcooked, paired with fresh greens, sliced tomato, and aioli on perfectly toasted bread.
The Breakfast Sandwich: Built on buttermilk biscuits that are moist and flaky rather than heavy, this sandwich comes with over-easy eggs, garlic aioli, pickled red onions, and chicken apple sausage.
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Discover MoreThe pickled onions deliver a zesty kick that cuts through the richness, while the sausage is thick and juicy. Those eggs? They blend into the sandwich beautifully, creating a harmonious bite every time.
Smoked Salmon on Toast: This dish has stolen hearts and earned five-star raves. The salmon is beautifully presented on quality bread, offering a lighter but equally satisfying option that balances rich and fresh flavors impeccably.
Pastries Worth the Trip: The in-house pastry program deserves its own spotlight. The croissants are rich with buttery layers that shatter at first bite.
The Kouign-amann—that French pastry that’s somewhere between a biscuit and a sweet roll—hits just the right level of sweetness with a caramelized exterior.
Don’t skip the scones, which are enormous and pack serious flavor, or the giant biscuits that come warm and ready to be slathered with jam.
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The Corner Burger: This isn’t your average cafe burger. Made with a house-blend meat, it comes with aged cheddar and tomato on a giant toasted roll, served alongside rosemary shoestring fries.
The burger is juicy, cooked to your preference, and substantial enough to leave you satisfied. Even people who claim to dislike shoestring fries find themselves devouring these herbaceous, crispy strands.
Smoked BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Featuring barbecue chicken with purple coleslaw, this sandwich brings bold flavors without overwhelming your palate. The coleslaw adds a nice crunch and tang that complements the smoky chicken beautifully.
Toast Sampler: If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the trio: avocado toast, prosciutto and ricotta toast, and organic chicken liver toast. Each one showcases different flavor profiles, from the creamy richness of avocado to the savory depth of chicken liver. You can also order these individually if you have a favorite.
Jambalaya: The Corner’s take on this classic is lighter and soupier than traditional versions, which actually allows all the different ingredients to shine individually while still coming together as a cohesive dish.
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La Colombe Coffee: The cafe serves coffee from Philadelphia-based La Colombe Coffee Roasters, and locals consider it the best coffee in Montclair.
Whether you order a classic drip, their signature Corner Cold Brew on Tap, or the phenomenal draft latte (which has an almost milkshake-like quality), you’re getting exceptional quality. The espresso tastes exactly like what you’d get at La Colombe’s NYC locations.
Fresh-Pressed Juices: These aren’t your typical bottled juices. The Field of Greens combines kale, spinach, collard greens, celery, cucumber, apple, lemon, and ginger for a healthy green juice that doesn’t taste overly vegetal.
The Bounce Back blends grapefruit, grapes, lemon, orange, and beets—and even beet skeptics find themselves converted by how well-balanced it is.
House-Made Sodas: The natural sodas come in three flavor combinations infused with fresh fruit and herbs: Lemon Press with fresh lemon and mint, Grapefruit Thyme, and Strawberry Rosemary. They’re refreshing alternatives to standard soft drinks, especially on warm days.
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Keep Exploring →Other Beverages: Beyond coffee and juice, you’ll find matcha, horchata, apple juice, and a selection of teas ranging from Earl Grey and Bellocq Breakfast to herbal chamomile, available by the cup or kettle for sharing.
The Famous 230 Cookie
Drop Times: Here’s what makes The Corner’s chocolate chip cookie legendary—it’s only available at 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM daily. Shaped like a muffin but soft and gooey like pure perfection, this cookie costs $2.30 and is made fresh every day.
Pro tip from the regulars: ask your server to reserve one for you when you order your meal, because these sell out fast. The cookie is thick, buttery, cakey, and packed with chocolate—a far cry from mass-produced cookies and absolutely worth planning your visit around.
Atmosphere & Setting
Industrial Meets Cozy: Designer Nicole Roantree created an interior that successfully blends urban and suburban aesthetics.
Rustic wood tabletops sit atop industrial metal legs, while copper accents and maritime touches add character throughout. Colorful art prints decorate the walls alongside that iconic pink neon “good vibes only” sign.
Natural Light & Views: Large front windows and glass doors spanning the full length of the south and west exposures flood the space with natural light.
The window-ledge seating offers prime people-watching real estate where you can observe the regular hustle and bustle of Montclair passing by. The open-concept kitchen lets you watch your food being prepared, adding to the energetic, fast-paced vibe.
Outdoor Seating: When weather permits, the outdoor tables (complete with patio heat lamps) provide a vibrant, lively dining option. The small outdoor space is decked out in fun decor and bright colors, making it particularly appealing during pleasant weather.
Size & Energy: This is an intimate space, which contributes to its neighborhood charm but also means it fills up quickly. The cafe buzzes with energy—it’s lively, moderately noisy, and has a hip soundtrack playing in the background. The atmosphere feels casual yet polished, perfect for everything from solo coffee breaks to catching up with friends.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: Expect to spend $10-$20 per person for breakfast or brunch, with lunch items falling in a similar range. Some dishes can push toward $30-$50 depending on what you order.
The pricing is on par with Montclair standards—not cheap, but reasonable for the quality and portion sizes you’re getting. The freshness of ingredients and the fact that nearly everything is made in-house justifies the cost for most visitors.
Wait Times & Best Times to Visit: Weekends can mean waits of 30 minutes to an hour for a table, especially around peak brunch hours (10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays and Sundays). However, the constant stream of people proves the wait is worthwhile.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded—arriving on a Tuesday around 8:30-9:00 AM often means minimal wait. Counter seating is typically available faster than tables if you’re in a hurry or dining solo. By early afternoon on weekdays, around 1:00-2:00 PM, the crowd usually thins out.
Parking Situation: Street parking is your only option, but since the cafe sits slightly away from the main Montclair downtown area, finding a spot is usually easier than at other popular Grove Street establishments. Rainy days can make parking especially convenient when fewer people are walking around.
No Reservations: The Corner operates on a first-come, first-served basis. They don’t take reservations, so you’ll need to add your name to the waitlist when you arrive. The quick table turnover helps keep things moving, even when there’s a line out the door.
Family-Friendly: This spot welcomes families and offers enough variety to satisfy different palates and dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options. The casual atmosphere means you don’t have to worry about noise levels with kids.
Dietary Options: You’ll find vegetarian selections throughout the menu, and they offer gluten-free bread and toast options. The cafe accepts special requests and modifications when possible.
Service Speed: Despite how busy it gets, the kitchen pumps out orders with impressive efficiency. Multiple visitors note how quickly food arrives even during peak times, which is no small feat given that everything is made to order.
The Corner
📍 115 Grove St, Montclair, NJ 07042
