The Orange Squirrel - Bloomfield, NJ Restaurant Review

We dined at the stylish new Bloomfield restautant called The Orange Squirrel that has "opened" to much buzz and fanfare on the web.

We went on a Tuesday night and just loved, loved, loved the place for many reasons.

That is not to say there are not some flaws, which seem to manifest, as you might expect, mainly on the weekend. The grand opening is planned for later in the spring. We will be back but not on the weekends. We like eating at home or with friends at home on weekends anyway. 

Why do we think The Orange Squirrel is great?

We love the space and ambiance. It reminds me of my all time favorite restaurant in New Jersey, Dish which was in Passaic Park. It closed a few years ago after a great run. We still miss Dish. 

We love having a bar with good cocktails and a very nice selection of good wines by the glass for reasonable prices.

Two wines we really like were Fratelli Pighin Collio Pino Grigio and  Michele Chiarlo Gavi.

We like the young chef and owner, Francesco Palmieri, he is a real character with tremendous artistry in the kitchen.

We love the food, tried many dishes and have already picked what we are having next time. See the menu here.

While we did not experience any problems, people have complained about service, timing, some average food. A friend told me there was a hostess that was absolutely awful, god awfully rude, hopefully she is gone. Our host and waiter Howard, was great in every way.

I say give these folks a chance. I suggest you disregard the complaints and try the place on a week night not Friday or Saturday when the masses attack.

The Orange Squirrel

 

412 Bloomfield Avenue

Bloomfield, NJ 07003
973.337.6421

http://www.theorangesquirrel.com/

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Comments

[Stacey Snacks]

Peter,
I am dying to try this place.
Will go based on your review!

[Tom]

A friend has been to the restaurant twice and enjoyed it both times. I'll give it a go next week.

[Amy]

I live around the corner from The Orange Squirrel and met Francesco during the gutting and renovation. We spied in the windows and checked in with him regularly on our dog walks. His enthusiasm and attention to detail really got us excited for the place to open. We went on opening night and
have been there at least 10 times. I've tried most menu items and have liked, if not loved, them all. Generally if we go on a Saturday, it's early (before 7:00). It's nice to walk to a great place and then be able to walk back home. I've sat at the bar with friends - or alone and met new friends - and enjoyed a drink or a full meal. I've also had lunch there. The burger was great, but the hotdogs were average. LOVED the slaw. I could eat a bucketful.

As many reviewers have mentioned, it can get loud and crowded. I think if you know that going in or plan to avoid peak times, it's alright.

As a fairly frequent diner, it's great to go when they have a "tasting menu" so that you can try other things that are not on the daily menu. My husband doesn't eat fish, so he has more limited options - and thoroughly enjoys and does not mind paying for - a special meal of smaller courses for the variety that it offers. We did Valentine's Day and Halloween. Both were 4 courses for $80 pp. Occasionally, they offer a spirit and food pairing on random Tuesdays (which are planned well in advance and advertised).

I hope more people will go during the week. It really is a different place when it's not packed and loud. I like sitting by the window, but also enjoy the table at the back so I can spy into the kitchen. Regarding the service, I feel like we are always well taken care of. Is this because we are neighbors? I could only guess.