Montclair Diner: A Refreshed Menu and Vibe

Montclair Diner, Michael Gabriele, Jersey Bites, Essex County, Gus Makris, Eliot Mosby

In one corner, a group of children is gathered, playing with toys and games while their parents drink coffee and eat breakfast. The sounds of jazz recordings float through the room as gentle background music. Two large picture windows frame the sights and sounds of pedestrians and cars, along with reflected sunlight.

Montclair Diner, Michael Gabriele, Jersey Bites, Essex County, Gus Makris, Eliot Mosby

A Sight to Behold

Suddenly, a majestic creation emerges from the kitchen—a tall stack of Belgian waffles adorned with lemon curd, sautéed apples, and whipped cream. The entire room comes to a halt and admires the dazzling display of culinary magic. Gasps echo throughout the room. People swoon. Mouths water.

It’s just another day at the Montclair Diner, the friendly little old/new eatery located on Valley Road in Montclair.

Owner Eliot Mosby and executive chef Gus Moya have reinvigorated the venerable diner, presenting traditional diner fare along with new dishes. They’re gaining a new following of fans while remaining connected with longtime regulars.

From Makris to Mosby

Montclair Diner, Michael Gabriele, Jersey Bites, Essex County, Gus Makris, Eliot Mosby
Owner Eliot Mosby

Mosby acquired the storefront diner from the previous owner, veteran diner man Gus Makris, in a cordial business transaction that took place in May 2019. Makris, who previously managed diners in Irvington and Newark for three decades, operated the Montclair Diner for over 20 years.

Montclair dedicated the “official” ownership transition on November 25, 2019, with the proclamation of “Gus Makris Day.” The gala sidewalk celebration was held under the diner’s familiar blue awning and led by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson, and other dignitaries. Mosby and Moya also were on hand to laud Makris, who remains a mentor and friend to the new owner.

On the Menu

The diner’s menu retains traditional favorites such as soups, salads, burgers, wraps, triple-decker sandwiches, Greek specialties, and all-day breakfast. However, Moya and Mosby have infused the menu with a few new delicacies: varieties of “yummy” French toast, all of which feature lemon curd and have become customer favorites: crab cake Benedict, fresh lump crab meat topped with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce; shrimp and grits; sweet and spicy chicken with bacon infused waffles; and banana pancakes.

The Whoopie Waffle is named in honor of TV personality, movie star, and local resident Whoopie Goldberg, who frequents the establishment. Last November Mosby and Moya presented Goldberg with the dish on The View, as part of her on-air birthday party.

Montclair Diner, Michael Gabriele, Jersey Bites, Essex County, Gus Makris, Eliot Mosby
Fried chicken and waffles
Montclair Diner, Michael Gabriele, Jersey Bites, Essex County, Gus Makris, Eliot Mosby
Pulled pork on a roll, with fries
Montclair Diner, Michael Gabriele, Jersey Bites, Essex County, Gus Makris, Eliot Mosby
Shrimp and grits

One Fine Meal

The food was delicious, the presentation was lovely, and the service was top notch. This reporter and my brunch-time chums—William (the “Big W”) Spencer and “Producer” Glenn Pappas, the masterminds behind the American Diner Stories podcast—enjoyed every bite.

Getting to Know Eliot Mosby

Mosby comes to New Jersey by way of Chicago. He spent 15 years in corporate America, where he met Moya, who served as an executive chef. After Mosby and Moya shook hands and formed a partnership, they initially explored the prospects of purchasing a restaurant in northern New Jersey, but then learned about the opportunity to acquire the Montclair Diner.

Mosby, who also owns two restaurants in Atlanta with his sister, was attracted to the diner’s vibe, family atmosphere and community charm, and appreciated the vibrant “uptown” Montclair location—adjacent to the intersection of Bellevue Avenue and Valley Road and one block from the Upper Montclair train station. He further cultivated the family element by setting aside a “kiddie corner” at the front of the house.

Montclair Diner, Michael Gabriele, Jersey Bites, Essex County, Gus Makris, Eliot Mosby

A Bit of History

According to various online sources, the Montclair Diner originally was established as a luncheonette, candy store, and ice cream parlor by the Louvis family in 1923. The business evolved in several iterations, all at the current location, and became known as the Louvis Char Broil and the Montclair Char Broil. The family sold the business in 1989 and it eventually was acquired by Gus Makris.

Montclair Diner
613 Valley Rd.
Montclair, NJ 07043
973-746-0911