The beautiful weather has everyone out and about. Bergen County, New Jersey, is teeming with exciting new places and new business openings — just in time for the warmer weather. From new restaurants to chic boutiques and even some shifts in location, the burbs are making space for some fresh new faces in our northern New Jersey area. Read for a list of businesses that have recently opened and are coming soon to Bergen County, New Jersey — including Dumont, New Milford, Englewood, Ridgewood, Midland Park, Closter, and more towns this spring.
Bar 26 BBQ + Grill | 26 West Madison Avenue, Dumont
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The bar and restaurant formerly known as Finks, a decade-old BBQ joint in the heart of Dumont, has shifted gears and is officially reopening as Bar 26 BBQ + Grill. The same management has revamped the restaurant, which will continue serving up the same barbecue dishes that everyone knows and loves with some new additions, including more from the grill and a new cocktail menu. The interior also got a facelift, expanding its dining room to include a pool table and lounge area.
Black Magic Bakehouse | 19 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
A brand new bakery just opened on Ridgewood’s west side, just in time for spring. This edgy yet adorable spot bakes and sells only naturally leavened (sourdough) items and is just what this side of town needed. With a menu that’s always changing and evolving, the choices are endless. Rest assured, there will always be doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, scones, focaccia, bread, quiche, and cookies every Thursday to Sunday from 8AM until sell-out.
Read More: The Best Diners in Bergen County, New Jersey
Boiling Boys Seafood + Bar | 15 Grand Avenue, Palisades Park
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Boiling Boys Seafood + Bar opened its doors on May 3rd. It serves lunch, dinner, and drinks and has late-night bar hours Thursday through Sunday. With a selection of seafood boils and options from the grill, this new spot is loaded with flavor and spice.
D.Sierra Lash Co. | 189 Rock Road, Glen Rock
This lash studio has become a celeb hot spot in its other locations, regularly glamming notable New Jerseyians Teresa and Gia Guidice. D.Sierra Lash Co. recently opened up on Rock Road in Glen Rock. D.Sierra is in a prime location across the street from the train station, from lifts to tints to extensions and more. It is a great post-work spot to score some glam.
Eclairland | 53 East Palisades Avenue, Englewood
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For a sweet treat, Eclairland, Englewood’s newest dessert shop, is now open for business in the former Diamond Exchange storefront. Eclairland has a heaping selection of bakery items such as cakes, cookies, beignets, and, of course, eclairs. The bakery’s most notable items include more than 18 types of eclairs, including tiramisu, hazelnut, pistachio, and tahini. The store also features several hot and cold drinks and juices to pair with dessert.
Essence of Kesar | 34 East Palisades Avenue, Englewood
Downtown Englewood is set to add a new Indian eatery to its eclectic dining scene. Kesar, a modern Indian BYOB restaurant serving certified Halal meat and traditional Indian food with a twist under Chef Suraj Pawar. Kesar, which will be taking over the former Fontana di Trevi, is expected to open its doors on June 15th. The restaurant has space to host events and the team can provide catering.
Green Dragon BBQ | 1041 River Road, New Milford
Green Dragon BBQ recently made its way to New Milford. Signs went up in the windows earlier this spring, featuring a green dragon in its logo, and the Asian eatery serves up dishes like BBQ skewers, spicy shredded pork, spicy tofu, and general Tso’s chicken, among other items.
Kernel + Roast | 1 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Located just across the street from the Ridgewood Train Station, Kernel + Roast has been busy prepping for a summer 2024 opening. The contemporary cafe, which appears to be a London-based bakery, will provide fresh and packaged food items from all over the world. The stylish cafe will also offer baked delicacies, oils, spices, and other natural and organic items.
Lucio’s | 208 Piermont Road, Closter
What used to be Locale Ristorante has now reopened under new ownership as Lucio’s. The all-new restaurant highlights Italian cuisine by way of the Mazon family, who now runs the show. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Carlos Gonzales, who, with his team, crafts experiential menu items that draw upon the warmth of a Sunday family dinner. Enjoy lunch, dinner, drinks, and even catering.
Maroons Creamery | 57 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
New to the dessert scene, Maroons Creamery has secured a prime location in the heart of Downtown Ridgewood. This ice cream shop, which has another location in Hoboken, features bold and daring flavor combinations and refers to itself as the ice cream mad scientist. The Earl Gray Tea Float, which has ube ice cream, Earl Gray tea, tapioca boba, and maple sugar syrup adorned by a maple cookie, seems like the perfect treat for the spring and summer.
Ora Freestyle Italian | 304 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
It’s hard to miss this gorgeous restaurant in the center of town, and it’s no surprise that the owner and executive chef have decided to plant their roots here. An Oradell resident himself, owner, and EC, Thomas Silvestri, is on a mission to bring “New Jersey Italian comfort food” to Bergen County. His approach, which blends old-world Italian cuisine + culture with a modern twist, allows the creative sauce to flow, paying homage to his family’s roots in Italy and New Jersey. Customers can expect local and imported ingredients that will make guests feel like family.
Ridgewood Coffee Company | 133 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Ridgewood Coffee Company, a longstanding coffee shop in town, has moved down the street to a new location. The cafe took over the Hillmann Electric storefront, a staple in Ridgewood for over a hundred years. The coffee shop will continue to serve Amalthea Coffee and will have space for “dining, roasting, and of course coffee,” as the team shared in an Instagram post. The shop is opened in its new location this May.
See More: Must-Visit Rooftop + Outdoor Bars in the Montclair Area
Salons by JC | 235 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
New to the Ridgewood salon scene but not new to the beauty industry, Salons by JC provides space for local stylists and business owners to have their own salon. The collective space allows beauty professionals to lease a salon for services. Salons by JC is currently building its location with various professionals for color, cuts, extensions, and more.
The Spice + Tea Exchange | 265 Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
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The Spice and Tea Exchange just recently opened its doors at the beginning of May, bringing in a crowd of tea enthusiasts and local customers. This unique specialty store is locally owned + operated by Ridgewood resident Lyn Kenney and features a variety of tea, spices, blends, gifts, wholesale items, and even has shipping options available.
