- Attraction: Red Eye Cafe
- Location: 94 Walnut St, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Industry: Cafe
- Website: https://www.redeyenj.com/
A vintage chandelier from the 1920s Newark train station hangs overhead while you sip what might be the best Dirty Chai in New Jersey.
Red Eye Cafe has been a Walnut Street fixture since opening its doors in 2012, transforming the local coffee scene with its commitment to innovative comfort food and seriously good coffee.
Owner Anthony Brinton, a Montclair State graduate with over 15 years in the restaurant industry, created this Brooklyn-inspired spot after managing the beloved Cafe Eclectic.
The result feels like stepping into someone’s carefully curated living room—if that living room served up some of the most creative breakfast dishes you’ll find in Essex County.
The intimate cafe draws crowds from across New Jersey, with weekend brunch bringing lines out the door.
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Signature Dishes That Stand Out
The Highlander: This isn’t your average breakfast sandwich. Picture a hard-boiled egg fried in pork and shrimp sausage, then layered with pickled vegetables, sriracha, and mayo on ciabatta bread.
The creamy yolk contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, vinegary vegetables, while the sausage adds a savory depth that keeps you coming back. Fair warning—the sriracha brings genuine heat, so keep your water glass full.
Red Eye Hash: The namesake dish features generous chunks of corned beef rather than the typical shredded variety, tossed with potatoes and topped with Red Eye gravy.
That gravy deserves its own paragraph—it’s an au jus base spiked with hot sauce and espresso that creates a rich, slightly spicy sauce with just enough kick to wake up your taste buds.
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Banana Walnut Pancakes: These fluffy cakes hit that perfect sweet spot—not aggressively sugary, but satisfying enough to feel like a treat. The walnuts add a pleasant crunch, and the pancakes maintain their fluffiness throughout your meal.
They come with eggs and hash browns that are cooked properly, which sounds basic but makes all the difference.
Hong Kong Waffle: Here’s where things get indulgent. The Hong Kong-style waffle arrives wonderfully crunchy on the outside, piled high with house-made salted caramel ice cream and topped with plenty of candied bacon. The sweet-savory combination creates an experience worth the trip.
Huevos Rancheros: The brunch menu delivers with this substantial plate that balances traditional preparation with fresh execution. It’s hearty enough to fuel your entire day without leaving you overly stuffed.
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Keep Exploring →Frittata Sandwich: Whether you go for the Mexican chorizo or the zucchini and egg white version, this sandwich showcases Red Eye’s commitment to fresh ingredients. The summer squash and potato combination on ciabatta gives you substance, while the egg preparation stays light and fluffy.
Turkey Pear Sandwich: An unexpected combination that works brilliantly. The sweetness of the pear complements the turkey in a way that feels elevated but not pretentious. This has become a go-to choice for nearby office workers seeking a satisfying lunch.
Coffee & Drink Menu
New Orleans Sludge: This signature coffee brings people back the same day for a second cup. Rich, bold, and impossibly smooth, it’s the kind of coffee that coffee enthusiasts seek out. Whether you order it hot or iced, expect a robust coffee experience that lives up to its reputation.
Dirty Chai: The cafe’s most addictive beverage combines chai spices with espresso shots in perfect proportion. Available with alternative milk options like almond or oat milk, this drink has developed its own loyal following. You’ll understand why after the first sip—it’s that good.
Classic Espresso Drinks: The lattes and cappuccinos are crafted with care, featuring well-balanced flavor profiles. The baristas take their craft seriously without being precious about it, delivering consistent quality in every cup.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Interior Design
Retro-Industrial Charm: The space feels like it was transplanted from a hip Brooklyn neighborhood. Exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood flooring from old buildings, and brass details from vintage fixtures create warmth throughout the intimate dining area.
The decor includes carefully selected books lining shelves and intentionally chosen artwork from local artists that you can actually purchase.
Living Room Vibe: Despite being small, the cafe never feels cramped—just cozy. The vintage lighting casts a welcoming glow, and blackboard walls add character without overwhelming the space. There’s even a chess board available for customers who want to linger over their coffee.
Outdoor Patio: The side patio transforms into a magical space during warmer months, with string lights illuminating brick walls. One wall features blank lines where customers can write words or phrases, creating an evolving community art installation throughout the summer.
Community Atmosphere: You’ll notice a genuine sense of neighborhood gathering place here. Whether people are working on laptops, catching up with friends, or enjoying a solo breakfast with a book, everyone seems to settle in comfortably. The free WiFi supports the cafe’s role as a local work-and-meet spot.
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Keep Exploring →Practical Considerations
Pricing: Expect to spend around $8-12 per entree, which represents solid mid-range pricing for Montclair. The generous portions and quality ingredients make the cost feel worthwhile. You can enjoy a satisfying brunch for two with coffee for roughly $25-30 before tip—reasonable for the area.
Parking Situation: Street parking on Walnut Street requires feeding meters, and spots fill up quickly during peak hours. Label Street around the building offers slightly larger spaces that make parallel parking easier. After 7pm, street parking becomes free. Plan to arrive a bit early if you’re coming for weekend brunch.
Timing Your Visit: Weekend brunch brings the biggest crowds, with wait times stretching to 20-30 minutes during peak breakfast hours between 10am and noon. Arriving right when they open at 9am on weekends helps you snag a table faster. Weekday mornings at 7am offer a quieter experience for those who want a more relaxed meal.
House-Made Desserts: Don’t overlook the pastry case. The coffee cake with espresso glaze strikes that perfect balance of sweet without being cloying.
Brownies come in both regular and gluten-free versions, and the cupcakes rotate through flavors like chocolate stout with Irish cream icing and lime. The house-made ice cream flavors include Earl Grey, vanilla malt, and that famous salted caramel that pairs perfectly with waffles.
Family-Friendly Appeal: While the cafe attracts plenty of adults for coffee and brunch dates, it welcomes families comfortably. The sweet menu items like the Hong Kong waffle appeal to kids, while the relaxed atmosphere doesn’t require worrying about noise levels.
Takeout & Delivery: Red Eye offers takeout service if you can’t snag a table. The small dining area makes takeout a practical option during busy periods, and you can call ahead to place your order.
Red Eye Cafe
📍 94 Walnut St, Montclair, NJ 07042
