Mercado - Montclair

Delicious food, excellent service set in what it could be a neighborhood mercado anywhere in Portugal, Spain or Italy. Went for brunch today and it was outstand... read more Delicious food, excellent service set in what it could be a neighborhood mercado anywhere in Portugal, Spain or Italy. Went for brunch today and it was outstanding. My new favorite eatery in Montclair/Upper Montclair!

After wanting to try Mercado for a while, I visited today for the first time. It was very crowded as it always has been everytime I've passed by in the past.The... read more After wanting to try Mercado for a while, I visited today for the first time. It was very crowded as it always has been everytime I've passed by in the past.The first thing I noticed was its cafeteria style vibe, with a twist of European charm. It's very confusing at first to figure out how the service works. There is no table service. The menu is posted on the wall, but it wasn't until an employee came over with a paper copy that we saw the full menu and learned that certain items are not made on Sundays.It appears that there is a line for food and a separate area to order coffee, but it's all one ordering line.The food was pretty good but the highlight was the chocolate smoothie. It was probably the best smoothie I've ever had.Service was impersonal and lacking friendliness. It also had its flaws as my friend ordered a vanilla iced coffee and was served a regular iced coffee.All in all, it's a place worth a try. I would recommend avoiding peak times. We were lucky enough to dine outside, as the inside was very loud and uncomfortably warm.

Good food and ingredients, attentive and fast service, fair prices, and a surprisingly well designed space with indoor/outdoor seating. Both dine in and takeout... read more Good food and ingredients, attentive and fast service, fair prices, and a surprisingly well designed space with indoor/outdoor seating. Both dine in and takeout are carefully plated and packaged.Montclair really needed a place like this.

I waited 45 minutes for a chicken sandwich, but they completely forgot about my order. When it finally arrived, the chicken was chewy and lacked flavor. read more I waited 45 minutes for a chicken sandwich, but they completely forgot about my order. When it finally arrived, the chicken was chewy and lacked flavor.

Hands down the best eatery in Upper Montclair and in the 30 years I’ve worked in Upper Montclair I’ve tried them all. My mouth always salivates when I view the... read more Hands down the best eatery in Upper Montclair and in the 30 years I’ve worked in Upper Montclair I’ve tried them all. My mouth always salivates when I view the menu.