Beloved Caldwell Tavern Lands On National ‘Best Bar’ List

CALDWELL, NJ — A local tavern in the Caldwells has been named as one of the “bars of the year” on a widely shared national list.

USA Today recently named its 2026 “Bars of the Year,” placing the Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell on their latest honor roll for watering holes. View the full list online here.

Reviewers credited the local tavern with having a “rich history, fresh craft beers and a convivial atmosphere.”

“Since receiving the first liquor license in town after Prohibition in 1933, the Cloverleaf has transformed from a bake shop to a men’s only pub to a 200-seat, indoor-outdoor, family-friendly bar with the best craft beer selection in the region,” Matt Cortina of NorthJersey.com wrote.

According to its website, the Cloverleaf Tavern – located at 395 Bloomfield Avenue – is currently the oldest business in town. The tavern, which hosts live music and other events, prides itself on “mouth-watering 7oz burgers, fresh beer battered fish-n-chips, and our slow cooked fall off the bone tender baby back ribs.”

USA Today 2026 list also includes two other bars in New Jersey: D’Jais in Belmar, and Riverside Inn in Cranford.

Looking for another Essex County bar to visit? USA Today has previously named Tierney’s Tavern in Montclair and Cowan’s Public in Nutley to their annual list.

>> Related: Check Out These ‘Best Of’ Destinations In Essex County: Restaurants, Stores, More

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