Tucked away in Glen Ridge’s tiny commercial district is Fitzgerald’s 1928. It has attracted a strong local following since opening more than a decade ago. The “1928” in its name refers to the year that the building was constructed. Back then the location was an A&P grocery store, the term supermarket had not yet been coined by Madison Avenue. When the building was renovated, the owners kept the interior antique tin ceilings and every aspect of the exterior was approved by the local Historic Preservation Commission. You will find many historic photographs of the town decorating the restaurant’s walls in an atmosphere that is relaxed and family-friendly. This is only part of the reason that Fitzgerald’s 1928 has become a vibrant part of the everyday fabric of Glen Ridge, New Jersey – a town of 9,000 people only 12 miles from New York City, with the highest concentration of pre-war homes in the entire state. The real reason behind Fitzgerald’s success is in the restaurant’s kitchen.
The restaurant’s owners – Dave Fitzgerald, Paul Brewster and John Cusamano insist that only the freshest, all-natural ingredients are used. Whenever possible, seasonal and locally grown produce and fruits are included, with virtually everything prepared in-house – from the simplest appetizer to the most complex of entrees. There are no microwave ovens or processed foods at Fitzgerald’s 1928, even their breads are made on premise.
The dinner menu is supplemented nightly with specials from their chef, who dishes up fresh ingredients combined with adventuresome flair. From great seared fish, to pasta and vegetarian specials, most everything is prepared from scratch.
When you visit Fitzgerald’s 1928, you must try the appetizers. Their crab cakes are New Jersey’s answer to Maryland’s famous lump crab meat – served with remoulade, Frisée and Fresno; it is a meal in itself. Their wings are simply mouth-watering – try them with the restaurant’s own ‘1928’ sauce and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the Mussels a La Portuguese with chorizo, leeks, cilantro, white wine and garlic.
For lunch and dinner, you’ll find that their pulled pork sandwiches are very popular, along with buffalo chicken wraps, baked macaroni and cheese. For other comfort food, it’s tough to beat the home-made meatloaf. In addition to traditional tavern-style dishes, Fitzgerald’s 1928 favorites include the Steak Frites – a flat iron steak with Frisée, radish and Bordelaise, served with their famous fries; Duck Confit, with olive, sun dried tomato, fig and quinoa. If you are in the mood for seafood, it is a tough to choose between their Grilled Salmon with Maitaki, Beurre Noisette and blistered tomato or the Seared Scallops prepared with pork belly, Brussel sprouts, corn, shallot and Beurre blanc.
On the weekends, drop by for their fantastic brunch specials. With offerings such as omelet Du Jour, Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, Hollandaise sauce and home fries or their unique crab cake Eggs Benedict, you find delicious dishes for an enjoyable weekend treat. They also have Rib Steak and Eggs, Avocado Toast and their famous 1928 burger, with smoked Gouda, caramelized onions and garlic mayonnaise, served on a Brioche bun. You will also find egg platters, pancakes and salads to satisfy everyone’s tastes. The menu changes with new brunch specials appearing regularly.
Fitzgerald’s 1928 is open for lunch on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. Brunch is on Sunday from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm. Dinner is served from 5:00 pm until 9:30 pm on Monday through Thursday; until 10:00 on Friday and Saturday and 9:00 pm on Sunday.
There is municipal parking across the street from Fitzgerald’s. Parking is free after 5:00pm and weekends. Head over for brunch, lunch or dinner. With its reasonable prices, warm, inviting, yet upscale environment, you’ll find that Fitzgerald’s is certainly not a typical pub!
Fitzgerald’s 1928 is located at 13 Herman Street in historic Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Their phone number is 973-748-4702. Visit them on the web: www.fitzgeralds1928.com.
