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Welcome to Saddle River Cafe

At Saddle River Cafe, nestled in the heart of Saddle River, NJ, we embrace the spirit of community dining with a touch of elegance. Our story unfolds in our inviting space, where casual meets classy, offering a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including a plethora of vegetarian options. Enjoy hearty dishes like our crispy tuna tacos and short rib hash, accompanied by refreshing drinks and delectable desserts. With both indoor and heated outdoor seating, we welcome everyone—from families to furry friends. At Saddle River Cafe, each meal is a celebration, and every visit feels like home, enriching both palates and hearts.

Saddle River Cafe: Reviews & Ratings

Emily C.
Emily C.

Casual atmosphere. Service started slow but they redeemed themselves. Food is always on point. That bread pudding dessert is a must try!

Aleena D.
Aleena D.

Saddle River Cafe is a cozy and elegant American restaurant serving breakfast, brunch/lunch and dinner. Their menu offers so many delicious healthy options with vegetarian and vegan options. They have both indoor and outdoor (heated) seating. The outdoor may get chilly especially during the winter so I'd advise wearing something comfy and cozy. The service was pretty good; our server was a sweetheart. The hostess did awkwardly ignore me when I went back inside to speak to her. Otherwise, it was a good time. Here's everything we ordered: -orange juice -hazelnut latte -steak and eggs (still thinking about this dish; 10/10) -short rib hash (delicious too) -omelette with old bay fries (veg dish) -chocolate mocha torte w/ pistachio gelato They do have a parking lot. I will definitely return here

Rachel B.
Rachel B.

We had a very nice dinner at the Saddle River Cafe! The appetizers were especially great! Unfortunately, they were out of the burrata and steak frites, but we think we were on the later side for dinner reservations. They serve their bread with a candle of herbed garlic butter in the middle. It was delicious and nice to look at. We enjoyed the ahi tuna appetizers and tacos. We also loved the crispy artichokes. For an entree I had the ahi tuna salad. It was very good! The portions are reasonable and not overwhelming. Everything we tried was very satisfying! I would definitely come back. The meatball entree looked awesome. I would probably try that next time.

Kenny Y.
Kenny Y.

I feel like this place is trying to offer an elevated brunch like most places in NYC. I say this because of the menu options, the prices, the fact that they always ask if you have reservations even if they aren't busy, little things like this. The downside of this is that it's somewhat expensive, the plus is that they offer nice mocktails and a lot of healthy choices like avocado toast and a healthy start scramble. That being said, the short rib hash is absolutely delicious. The runny eggs melded great with the short rib and muffins. They were so good that my wife almost didn't share any with me! The healthy start scramble was... somewhat plain. Sounded better on paper, and could use more turkey sausage. They also have a nice kids menu. The kids were all over the Mac and cheese.

Joe E.
Joe E.

Here's the bad news: It's not the Saddle River Inn, though the same people own both. Here's the good news: you can actually get a reservation at the cafe, without getting up at midnight a month in advance like you do to reserve a table at the Inn. The food is good, although not comparable to the Inn's, and the menu is quite limited. The "wedge" salad is very good, with an unusual presentation. My truffle burger was excellent, and my wife's tuna was good, although she said she wished the portion were bigger. Service was prompt and cordial, and the chef was very accommodating in modifying his usual preparation to meet my wife's dietary needs. Overall, very good -- if there were a few more choices on the menu, it would be 5-star. BYOB. Any credits or gift cards you have from the Inn cannot be used here.

Luke K.
Luke K.

I could not have asked for a more pleasant experience for our first visit at Saddle River Café! What a wonderful evening - we were warmly greeted upon arrival, and the owner (Peter) came to welcome us as we were seated (and even opened and served our wine!) (BYOB). The food was outstanding. For our starter, we shared the "Flat Bread of the Day" which was a traditional Margherita - a simple preparation, however the high-quality ingredients made it a special treat. For mains, we had the Salmon Special - miso-marinated with grilled asparagus and citrus-kissed wild black rice; and the Prime Short Ribs over Polenta (with a delicious brown gravy). Dessert which was recommended by multiple staff members, Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with the most perfect Crème Anglaise. Service was exceptional. Our waiter (Kai) was friendly, polite, and professional - as were all the other team members who made the evening seamless and memorable. Ambience is upscale, yet "light", attractive décor and an abundance of greenery. We will be back...!

Arrielle S.
Arrielle S.

Went here for lunch the other day on a gorgeous day and was able to sit outside. I have been to the cafe for brunch over a year ago, but at that time they were just starting to building the outdoor patio and it's lovely and tucked away on the side away from the bush parking lot. I ordered the Baja fish tacos and was blown away. The cod in the tacos was massive and fried in a light airy batter. The batter was insanely crispy and the cod was still perfectly tender. The mango slaw in the taco was also juicy and flavorful. For dessert I shared the chocolate chip bread pudding, which came in two triangle pieces (perfect for sharing) and oh my gosh it was delicious. The top was brûléed and have the most amazing crunch. The bread pudding itself was so incredibly moist on the inside and had so many chocolate chips. This dessert was everything and I wish I could have it every day! The staff was also so nice accommodating. They didn't bug us and let me and my friend chat we'll past the end of lunch. I love this place and love that I can get a more casual version of the amazing Saddle River Inn food here. If I could come here everyday I would. Highly recommend!

David Y.
David Y.

A friend suggested to meet here to get a small bite. Came here on a Tuesday night. Was greeted and promptly seated by host. Decided to outdoor dine since it was a nice day. The outdoor dining had a nice vibe to it with live music playing outside which was nice and not too loud. Started off with jungle juice ($8) which was tasty and healthy and complimentary bread with seasoned olive oil and balsamic vinegar which was really flavorful. Got the chip and guacamole ($16) which tasted fresh and was solid. For dessert, got the triple chocolate brownie (with vanilla ice cream) and an americano ($4) both which were pretty solid. Didn't try the main but from the items we got, I would def come back here again and try out other menu items. And I highly recommend this spot if you want good food and chill vibes. * Parking lot on premise * Outdoor dining with live music * Good service * BYOB

Location

Welcome to Saddle River Cafe: A Culinary Gem in New Jersey

Nestled in the heart of Saddle River, New Jersey, Saddle River Cafe stands as a delightful fusion of casual elegance and culinary creativity. Located at 171 E Saddle River Rd, this cafe captures the charm of relaxed dining while delivering a menu brimming with flavors designed to satisfy every palate, from healthy aficionados to comfort food lovers.

Ambiance and Accessibility

Saddle River Cafe boasts a cozy yet trendy atmosphere, making it perfect for a casual brunch, intimate dinner, or a lively gathering. With indoor and heated outdoor seating, diners can enjoy their meals al fresco even on chilly days. Accessibility is prioritized here, as evident in their ADA-compliant facilities, wheelchair accessibility, and gender-neutral restrooms. The cafe also goes above and beyond with offerings like Braille menus and staff proficient in ASL, ensuring that everyone feels welcome.

Diverse Menu Offerings

The menu is a well-curated selection of dishes that cater to a variety of dietary needs, featuring many vegetarian and vegan options. Highlights include:

  • Cornflake Crusted Crab Cake with coleslaw and remoulade - a crowd favorite offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
  • Margherita Flatbread - a simple yet delightful combination of pink sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
  • Hummus with Kalamatta Olives - a refreshing starter that sets the stage for the meal to come.

Diners can also indulge in memorable desserts like bread pudding, which has earned glowing reviews for its rich taste and comforting quality.

Signature Drinks and Juices

Complementing the food is a remarkable selection of fresh juices and smoothies, such as the energizing Green & Healthy Juice and creamy BananaRama Smoothie. These beverages, along with a variety of mocktails, enhance the dining experience by providing refreshing, healthy options.

Customer Experience and Highlights

Feedback from guests paints a picture of genuine hospitality at Saddle River Cafe. Patrons have praised the attentive service and comfortable dining environment. Emily C. highlights the slow service that quickly redeemed itself, leading to a meal filled with delicious surprises. Aleena D. recounts savoring dishes like the steak and eggs and the short rib hash, which elicited fond memories long after her visit.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you choose to dine in or opt for the delivery and takeout options, Saddle River Cafe is ready to accommodate your cravings with top-notch quality and care. They offer the convenience of reservations, ensuring your dining experience is seamless. Don’t forget to explore their happy hour specials for an extra treat!

For a memorable dining experience in an inviting atmosphere, look no further than Saddle River Cafe. It's a place where flavors dance and community spirit thrives, making every visit feel special.

For reservations, you can reach them at (201) 282-2300. Come indulge in everything this culinary haven has to offer!