Each month, The Hoboken Girl and The Giordano Group highlight one town in Northern New Jersey to share some of the best places to eat, drink, and socialize. We’ll outline the different commuting options as well as some fun, family-friendly activities while also giving you insight into the competitive Northern NJ real estate market. This New Jersey real estate series will showcase what makes each town cool, unique, and vibrant. So while you may not be looking to move, we all know stalking Zillow houses is the best hobby — and The Giordano Group is here to make it that much easier.
After visiting Summit, we are heading to the nearby historic town of Morristown, located in Morris County. At just 2.8 square miles, Morristown features an excellent mix of history and modern-day living with big-city vibes and a small-town feel.
Morristown is rich with Revolutionary War history, cultural heritage, parks, recreation, and a large variety of restaurants. The architectural style of the homes vary from new construction to colonials — and with so many fun things to do, you’ll be ready to plan your next day trip by the end of this article. Read on for your guide to Morristown, NJ.
About the Giordano Group
Darren Giordano and his team of realtors have over a decade of experience in Hudson County and Northern New Jersey, achieving the Platinum Level of Excellence every year since 2016. They closed over $300,000,000 over the last decade.
To learn more about the market value for homes in Morristown — or if you want to find out the current market value of your home in Hudson County, text CMA to 201-723-3300 to get in touch with the Giordano Group, and click here or download the North Jersey Homes app to stay ahead of the market anytime.
The Commute
By Train
Morristown is located on the Morris-Essex NJ Transit line. It takes only a little over an hour to get to Penn Station. Getting to Hoboken isn’t hard, either — though it may involve a transfer in Newark, Summit, or Secaucus, depending on the time and day of travel.
By Bus
There is no direct bus to Port Authority — though the Morris Meteor Boxcar Transit line departs from Convent Station in nearby Morris Township and others opt for nearby park rides for NJ Transit. Lakeland and Community Coach buses also have services from Morris and Essex County to NYC.
By Car
Only 34 miles west of New York City, Morristown is a quick 45-minute drive from Hudson County (depending, of course, on traffic). Morristown is an accessible town, making it commuter-friendly for drivers. It’s near multiple major roadways such as routes I-287, I-78, I-80, and I-24.
Where to Eat + Drink
From upscale steakhouses to more casual Irish bars and diners, Morristown is packed with great choices when it comes to dining. Read on for just a sample of some of the varied cuisine options that you’ll find here.
1776 by David Burke | 67 East Park Place
1776, run by restaurateur David Burke, features an eclectic assortment of American cuisine with sushi, pasta, burgers, salt-aged steaks, chili-strafed hipster fries, and marshmallow-filled cookie sliders. The dramatic, high-ceilinged space often has deejayed music. Plus, 1776 has Topgolf suites just down the hall to turn an everyday dinner into a unique outing.
Aikou | 54 South Street
Aikou is the place to go for delicious sushi. With an enormous menu featuring hand rolls and signature rolls, all sushi-lovers can find something here. There’s also a vast array of non-sushi options, including noodles + rice, teriyaki, and Thai options. Aikou also serves Thai iced tea, which is a favorite drink of ours.
Blue Morel Restaurant and Wine Bar | 2 Whippany Road
Located in the Westin Governor Morris Hotel, the upscale restaurant, Blue Morel, is about a mile from the Green (a local park in the center of Morristown). The dinner menu is largely New American, including a sushi section and raw bar. We definitely recommend checking out one of the craft cocktails on the menu.
Grasshopper off the Green | 41-43 Morris Street
This family-owned Irish pub is a local favorite and prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere. It’s 3 stories tall, serves up traditional pub fare, and turns into a fun night scene if you’re looking for a place to go out on a Saturday night. It’s open until 2AM on the weekends.
Glenbrook Brewery | 95 Morris Street
Like many breweries, Glenbrook started as a hobby of a local brew enthusiast and has grown with a creative vision. This downtown spot has seltzers as well as rotating craft beers that are refreshingly cool on a hot summer day.
The Grand Cafe | 42 Washington Street
This French restaurant is both elegant and upscale. It has a vast wine menu and a variety of seafood, meat, salads, and more.
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen | 110 South Street
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen is a dining destination in the 1917 historic Vail Mansion with four dining experiences, including artisanal dining in the Washington Room, glamorous cocktails in the Vail Bar, a casual raw bar in the Oyster Bar, and the weekend basement beer hall in the Rathskeller. Just a heads up: this spot is definitely one of the pricier options on this list and is great if you’re looking to splurge.
Millburn Deli | 139 Morris Street
Despite the name, this sandwich shop has locations in Morristown and Montclair in addition to its Millburn location. Ask anyone in the North Jersey area to name one of the best sandwich shops and odds are you’ll hear Millburn Deli mentioned a ton — which could be because it’s been in the sandwich-making game since 1946. This is a prime spot to go for a delicious sandwich, and it also offers catering.
Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza | 60 South Street
Just as the name suggests, Millie’s has some seriously delicious meatballs + wood-fired pizza. An odd combination to pair together, maybe, but it works oh so well. All of the pizzas are made in a 650-degree oven and are served as personal pieces, which is great for trying a bunch of different combinations with a big group.
Mehndi | 3 Speedwell Avenue
This high-quality Indian restaurant in the Headquarters Plaza Building serves a variety of eats, from seafood to chicken, vegetarian options, lamb, a tandoor section, and more. Plus, there are some awesome + interesting cocktails here to pair with the flavorful food.
NOM Mexican Table + Tequila Bar | 67-71 Morris Street
This spot features 200 tequilas — yes, 200 tequilas. You can choose from a margarita flight, mole glazed wings, ceviche, and so much more.
Pierogies House | 145 Morris Street
Chef/owner Evelina Berc brings the hearty and affordable cooking of Poland, her home country, to life at Pierogies House. Unsurprisingly, pierogies — with a variety of fillings — are the heart of the small menu, although the kielbasa is also unusually good. We recommend the soups as well, especially if you’re feeling under the weather.
Roots Steakhouse | 40 W Park Place
For a more upscale dining experience, Roots Steakhouse is a prime choice with several locations across New Jersey. You can’t go wrong with a grilled steak or lobster tail at this famed steakhouse, especially after a fun day of exploring.
Town Bar + Kitchen | 80 Elm Street
Slightly off the beaten path opposite the Morristown train station, this two-level restaurant serves contemporary American fare and an extensive wine list. The dinner menu includes a raw bar, charcuterie plates, and a range of entrées — including potato gnocchi with pesto, lobster puttanesca, and marinated flank steak. This is the only rooftop dining space in town and is open year-round.
Things to Do
Morristown hosts a variety of annual events, including the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival, a weekly farmer’s market, and ‘Meet Me in Morristown’ events. Morristown has a deep history going back to the American Revolution, and its historical roots are evident all over town. Here are our picks for some unique experiences in the area.
^ Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Ford Mansion and Washington Headquarters Museum | 30 Washington Place
The Ford Mansion was built in 1774 by Jacob Ford Jr. and is one of the most well-known historical sites in Morristown. Since the home was built, a museum has also been added, showing off facts and the rich history about the site.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm | 73 Kahdena Road
This 200-acre working farm uses turn-of-the-century tools and techniques to create an extremely fun (and educational) experience for any family.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum | 353 East Hanover Avenue
This famous Morristown park offers 147 acres of sweeping flower gardens and groves. Not to mention, this site also includes educational programs for the little ones as well as a Colonial Revival mansion. During the fall, those gardens are bursting with blooms you don’t want to miss.
Macculloch Hall and Historical Museum | 45 MacCulloch Avenue
This mansion built in 1810 holds a period room, exhibit galleries, and historic gardens, and it features a large collection of original artwork by Thomas Nast.
Mayo Center for the Performing Arts | 100 South Street
MPAC has over 200 varied performances a year, ranging from plays to concerts, comedians, and family-friendly events.
Where to Shop
Morristown’s restaurant-packed downtown is also lined with shops. National retailers like Athleta, Jack Rabbit, and Bluemercury are present but are outnumbered by local boutiques.
23 South Boutique | 23 South Street
This one-stop gift shop is fun and varied. You’ll find jewelry, chocolates, handbags, and more here.
Apricot | 166 South Street
This new addition to Morristown is a great spot for Turkish coffee, teas, pastries, and dried fruits.
Just Jersey Goods | 163 South Street
Self-labeled as a ‘little slice of Jersey,’ all things local can be found at Just Jersey Goods — where food, art, and crafts that can only come from Jersey makers are all featured.
Merzatta | 4 Cattano Avenue
This shop displays unique artisan jewelry collections inspired by nature. From rings to bracelets, earrings, and more, Merzatta jewelry makes for a personalized and special gift for an outdoorsy friend.
The Rock Box + Annex | 4 Elm Street + 22 Pine Street
This fun lifestyle boutique carries crystal-centric merchandise consisting of crystals, gifts, art, jewelry, and more. It has a second event space location with a psychic, reiki therapist, and art.
Kid’s Corner
^ Morristown High School
The Schools
Morristown has a highly sought-after school district. The Morris School District has 3 in-district preschools and nine partner preschool sites. Elementary schools in town include Woodland Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Normandy Park Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Sussex Avenue Elementary, and Alexander Hamilton Elementary Schools. There is one middle school called Frelinghuysen Middle School, and one public high school, Morristown High School. There are also several private and parochial schools in the area like the Morristown Beard School and Peck School.
Parks + Playgrounds
Morristown is home to many local parks that range in size and have a variety of amenities. Morristown is connected to the beauty of the region by picturesque country roads. A short bike ride away are well-loved Morris County Parks such as Lewis Morris, the Traction Line Recreational Trail, and Loantaka Brook Reservation. The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is close by as well.
Jockey Hollow | 110 South Street
Jockey Hollow park plays host to a wooded park complete with an 18th-century house museum. To take advantage of this historical park, visitors can stop by the visitor center for more information and guided trails to walk along or ride on horseback.
Morristown Green | 10 North Park Place
The famous green in Morristown is a great spot to hang out, have a picnic, or just stroll around. This gorgeous lawn is the idyllic center of town and a quick walk from all possible destinations in town.
Real Estate Corner via The Giordano Group
The Morristown real estate market is hopping, just like all Northern NJ Suburban towns. There were 111 sales YTD through August 11th, which was down from 121 at the same time last year. With a vibrant downtown and many young professionals choosing this area, the rental market is huge in Morristown right now. It’s actually as competitive as it gets.
There are only 27 active homes for sale as of August 11th. The average sales price was $634,295 in 2022, with 101% selling at or above the listing price. YTD, the average days on market is 29 days. If you’re interested in learning more about Morristown or any neighboring towns, you can give Darren and The Giordano team a call or shoot them an email at darreng@kw.com.
Stay tuned for the next town in our North Jersey series, coming soon.
