Get a sitter and GET OUT in these super social suburbs!
It’s hard to compete with the city when it comes to nightlife. But just because you leave the hustle and bustle doesn’t mean you have to retire your fun weekends out. Just like you, the master mixologists, celebrity chefs, chic wine bars and other nightlife staples are heading to the NYC suburbs—these five suburbs are living, breathing proof.
Whether you opt to live in town or, even just nearby, be in or around these towns and you’ll never run out of things to do, especially when the weekend rolls around.
Our advice? Book a sitter and get out. And, bonus, you won’t spend half the night in an Uber.
Montclair, NJ (Essex County)
If you’re looking for an elevated bar scene in the suburbs—expert mixologists, handcrafted organic cocktails, chic lounge vibes and, yes, even a rooftop dance floor—you’ll love Montclair. While there’s tons to do, see and eat in this bustling ‘burb, there are a few standouts that define nightlife.
One popular go-to for nights out is Faubourg Restaurant and Bar, a contemporary French brasserie known for its chic decor, five-star service, classic French dishes with a modern twist. By night, though, the bar scene picks up as residents pop in for a cocktail.
The MC Hotel is another suburban nightlife staple, featuring both a lux rooftop lounge as well as Allegory, the hotel’s signature restaurant. With a “shared plate, multi-course format,” this Mediterranean restaurant is all about the experience—Chef Daniel Kill designs a constantly-changing menu that easily pairs with their extensive wine and cocktail selection.
Alternatively—or after your meal—head upstairs to Alto, the hotel’s rooftop lounge. Grab a drink, grab a small bite and take in incredible views of Montclair and beyond, before heading back to the lobby and grabbing a snack to-go.
And don’t forget about Wellmont Theater, a staple to Montclair nightlife. This live venue features popular musicians, bands, cover artists and local acts—and, after, slip over to Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen for a post-show drink.
Huntington, NY (Long Island)
Downtown Huntington gives any city block a run for its money when it comes to walkability and total access. In this suburb, you can stroll from a wine bar to beer hall to concert venue to chic French bistro.
Here, it’s all about Main Street and the streets that surround it. Huntington has a jaw-dropping selection of eateries—but it doesn’t stop there. Grab a glass of wine at The Wine Cellar, or head to the countless dive bars, Irish pubs, high-end cocktail lounges that line the street. Grab a bite at Besito, brunch anytime at The Shed or snag a table in the lounge at TOA Asian Fusion.
There’s also Repeal XVIII, a speakeasy featuring live music, particularly popular among locals strolling down Main Street. Speaking of live music, downtown Huntington is also the home of The Paramount. This premier concert hall attracts hometown favorites, cover bands and major acts. If you’re lucky (or know a member), head to Paramount’s members-only speakeasy, Founder’s Room. Here, you’ll rub elbows with locals and performers in a low-key private setting—with a full food and bar menu.
Veer slightly off of Main Street and there’s another hidden suburban gem—Bar Petite. At this martini bar and small plate restaurant, the extensive menu is always-changing. You’ll find everything from sliders to scallops to tacos and, of course, a seemingly endless list of amazing martinis.
Better still? All of this amazing nightlife is packed into an amazing waterfront community—and it’s less than an hour to Penn Station.
White Plains, NY (Westchester)
Spend one night on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, and you won’t miss the city. This millennial-heavy suburb has everything—but be sure to book your tables in advance, as the hottest spots tend to fill up fast.
We love Mulino’s of Westchester and Via Garibaldi for authentic Italian. Want something a little more festive? Check out Melting Pot for fondue with a twist or the creative small plates at Lilly’s. There are even tons of NYC staples here—Morton’s Steakhouse, BLT Steak, Gyu Kaku and Serafina all have outposts in White Plains, just to name a few.
After dinner, grab a drink at The Lounge in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel—this bustling, suburban bar attracts a solid happy hour and weekend crowd. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more casual, sample the 40+ beers on tap at Ron Blacks Beer Hall.
Morristown, NJ (Morris County)
Whether you want to get dressed up and go out or just want to get a quick drink with friends, Morristown—dubbed “Hoboken West” by one local restaurateur—has a lounge, pub and bar scene that won’t disappoint.
One local favorite is Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, an upscale, century-old American restaurant housed in a historic mansion. Here, you can explore several different “rooms,” such as The Washington Room elegantly decked out in white tablecloths and home to the restaurant’s private chef experiences. Want something more casual? Head to The Rathskeller, right in Jockey Hollow—it’s a laid back and totally reinvented German beer hall.
Because downtown Morristown is walkable (and one of the best suburban downtowns in the state, according to NJ.com), it’s also easy to hop from one spot to the next, no car needed. Many locals head to Asahi Sushi on weekends, for creative sushi and BYOB—bonus. Downtown is also home to The Committed Pig, a New York Times-rated casual eatery that gives “hamburger” a whole new meaning.
Other favorites: The Famished Frog near the Morristown Green (and near The Committed Pig), which also serves up low-key eats. After, grab a cone or, if you’re still hungry, a panini or crepe at South Street Creamery—in the summer, this homemade ice cream parlor and casual eatery becomes a major hangout for late-night dwellers.
Roslyn, NY (Long Island)
One of the best things about living in the city is having all your favorite go-to nightlife spots just steps away. The same holds true in Roslyn. Here, you’ll find two major nightlife hubs. First, there’s downtown Roslyn. The heart of the village, downtown Roslyn surrounds Roslyn Pond—a picturesque park by day turned into a beautiful waterfront backdrop by night.
Around the pond you’ll have access to plenty of restaurants, shops, bars and pubs, including nightlife go-tos like Gatsby’s Landing, which has waterfront seating, and always-popular Hendricks Tavern. Nearby you’ll also find Kyma, a Mediterranean spot with a vibrant bar scene, which also has a sister restaurant of the same name in the Flatiron District. After 7:00, Kyma turns into a serious nightlife scene—so don’t let its light, breezy daytime vibe fool you.
Beyond downtown, there’s another popular strip of restaurants on Old Northern Boulevard. Here, many Roslyn locals hit up Kotobuki and Besito Mexican Restaurant on weekends. Because Kotobuki—a high-end sushi spot—doesn’t take reservations, many people leave their name then head to Besito for a drink and an app.
While not in Roslyn proper, many locals do opt to head to neighboring towns for a night out. Within five to 10 minutes, you can be in Manhasset, home to NYC staples like Limani and Il Mulino, both right on Northern Boulevard. Also on Northern Boulevard: Toku, a modern Asian eatery in the Americana, a luxury shopping destination
Explore the top Suburban Nightlife Spots with Suburban Jungle’s Help
This is just a taste of the amazing nightlife in the NYC suburbs. Refine your search and discover your ideal place to call “home” with help from Suburban Jungle. Schedule here for your strategy session with our innovative suburbs’ strategy team. All services are completely free.