Urban Retreats and Nature-Filled Beer Gardens: A Tour of 4 Suburban Breweries in Northern New Jersey (Part 2)

Step away from the densely built-up parts of northern New Jersey and head toward the scenic northwest and the pleasant outlying areas, and you will find a different kind of brewery, with a quiet, relaxed feel and plenty of open space. Offering a refreshing change from the trendy taprooms of the industrial districts, these suburban breweries are ideal for a weekend drive or an outing with family or a date. Spacious outdoor beer gardens, green landscapes and specialty beers that combine local produce and culture put drinkers at ease.

Spacious outdoor beer gardens, green landscapes and specialty beers that combine local produce and culture put drinkers at ease. In this second installment, we take an in-depth look at four carefully selected spots that represent the outdoor appeal of the counties bordering northern Bergen County.

A Hidden Gem in Wayne: The Cozy Outdoor Garden at Seven Tribesmen Brewery

[Source: Seven Tribesmen Brewery website]

Tucked away along Route 23 in Wayne, Passaic County, near Bergen County's northwestern border, Seven Tribesmen Brewery makes you feel as if you have been invited into a friend's cozy country garden the moment you walk in.

Founded by owners with Eastern European Hungarian heritage, whose own story is woven into the place, the brewery is known for its comfortable wood interior and lovely outdoor terrace garden.

Balanced lagers and pilsners: Authentic European-style pilsners and lagers, neither too sweet nor too bitter and notably crisp, are Seven Tribesmen's signature.
Drinkable session IPA: Despite its low alcohol content, it keeps a vibrant aroma, making it easy to enjoy over a long, chatty afternoon.

Sipping a rich craft beer at an outdoor table at dusk, in the shade of the trees as the small string lights come on, offers a perfect escape from the stress of daily life.

Culture Meets African Flavors: Montclair Brewery's Original Specialty Beers

Located in downtown Montclair, a center of art and culture in New Jersey, about a 10- to 15-minute drive from the southern edge of Bergen County, Montclair Brewery boasts one of the most distinctive identities in the entire state. Led by a married couple of Jamaican and African heritage, it is a stylish taproom infused with a multicultural sensibility.

The heart of the beer here is its varied blend of tropical ingredients and spices.

Hibiscus and tropical fruit sours/ales: Red-hued beers brewed with hibiscus petals, cassava, honey, bush and spices burst with exotic flavors you won't find at other breweries.
Traditional Belgian and imperial stouts: Rich, full-bodied Belgian-style ales with deep aromas also round out an excellent lineup.

Weekly live music by local artists and pop-up markets on the spacious outdoor terrace have made Montclair Brewery more than a simple bar, establishing it as a symbol of local culture.

Summary of the Second Tour of Northern New Jersey Suburban Breweries and Visiting Tips

Combining a relaxed natural setting, distinctive culture and hearty food, suburban breweries offer a craft beer journey of a different dimension. The coziness of Seven Tribesmen, the exotic aesthetic of Montclair and the Texas barbecue pairings at Defiant fully demonstrate the diverse appeal of the northern New Jersey craft beer landscape.

[Basic Information and Visiting Tips for the Second Tour's Breweries]

1. Seven Tribesmen Brewery

Address: 1151 Route 23 North, Wayne, NJ 07470
Highlights: A lovely outdoor terrace garden; crisp, clean European-style lagers and pilsners
Tips: Outdoor garden seating is recommended on mild days. Check the roadside entrance on Google Maps before you go.

2. Montclair Brewery

Address: 101 Walnut St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Highlights: Exotic beers made with hibiscus and tropical fruit; a cultural hub in downtown Montclair
Tips: Bring takeout snacks from the variety of local restaurants in downtown Montclair, or take advantage of the brewery's pop-up food events.