Nov. 13, 2020
By Emily Gabriel
Managing Editor
Located on 10 Ridge Road, BREWBAR, which opened on Oct. 7, is a coffee shop that offers a variety of drinks and healthy food options to keep you energized throughout the day.
This small shop in North Arlington is aesthetically pleasing with a colorful storefront. From the beautiful outdoor seating area decorated with fresh flowers to the clean exterior and open door, BREWBAR creates a welcoming environment for all.
Walking in, I was immediately greeted by a friendly employee whom I later discovered was one of the owners. Being that it was 11 a.m., I didn’t expect anyone to be in the shop, but a few people were picking up food.
I immediately noticed how clean and vibrant the shop was. Two large windows shine natural light making the space appear bigger. All the furniture is new, which is expected from a place that just opened, and I appreciate the color scheme of brown and neon green, which contrasts nicely against the white tiling.
I didn’t have to wait to order, and I was impressed by the size of the menu in comparison to the size of the shop itself. I wasn’t surprised to find a large variety of drinks, as that is what the name BREWBAR implies. I was craving cold-pressed juice and was surprised to see that these items are premade and sold in a fridge. The Energy Juice I wanted was unavailable, so I got the Immune Juice, which was invigorating with the taste of ginger and carrot. I enjoyed the tingling sensation from the tumeric. However, at $7, I found it to be on the pricier side. Nonetheless, the juice was worth the cost since it is made fresh every week.
My sister got a small iced latte with caramel, which looked very pleasing. When I tried it, I could taste the caramel, which thankfully did not overpower the drink, and the smooth texture was delightful.
Being vegetarian, it is sometimes difficult to find meatless options at a restaurant. Therefore, I was thrilled to find a vegetarian sandwich and panini on BREWBAR’s menu. I opted for the $8 vegetarian panini but was disappointed when I was told they were out of vegan cheddar cheese, which I always wanted to try. This was not a big deal, as I substituted mozzarella cheese instead. My sister got a prosciutto sandwich, which sounded good as well. She told me that she could taste every component of the sandwich, and it was well-seasoned.
The wait for our food was about 25 minutes because only one person was working. Upon receiving my food, I noticed how good it looked, and I was ready to dig in. The crunchy outside and soft inside were sumptuous. The pesto tasted homemade, and the vegetables were fresh and cooked to perfection. The inside of the panini was colorful, and I could see all the ingredients that had been included. I think the price is fair, but the panini was not as filling as I had hoped it would be.
The crunchy outside and soft inside were sumptuous. The pesto tasted homemade, and the vegetables were fresh and cooked to perfection. The inside of the panini was colorful, and I could see all the ingredients that had been included.
To finish off, I bought a huge cinnamon roll for $2.50, which is a great price. Undoubtedly, the cinnamon roll is one of the best I have ever tasted. It is soft, and the ratio of cinnamon to dough is perfect. The icing is thin and not too sweet, making it ideal for a post-lunch treat.
This new eatery brings joy to Ridge Road. There is plenty of outdoor seating, and the quiet North Arlington neighborhood is perfect for relaxing and doing school work. Dogs are welcome, and puppacinos are available for your furry friends to enjoy while you eat.
I look forward to returning to BREWBAR to try other items on the menu. I’m glad to have this healthy dining option nearby. Despite some shortcomings that are typical of developing new businesses, I recommend this charming shop for a light breakfast, lunch or a quick snack.
PHOTOS BY EMILY GABRIEL
BREWBAR is a welcoming and cozy environment to get food.
