Tucked away on a quiet Washington Street corner, Anthony’s Cheesecake has quietly become Bloomfield’s most cherished brunch destination over the past three decades.
What began as a small neighborhood bakery specializing in homemade desserts has evolved into a full-service restaurant where families gather, friends catch up, and locals return week after week for comfort food made with genuine care.
The warm aroma of fresh-baked goods greets you at the door, setting the tone for a dining experience that feels both special and wonderfully familiar.
Regulars swear by the weekend brunch menu, where creative dishes and generous portions keep everyone coming back for more.
How Anthony’s Cheesecake won locals’ hearts
What started as a humble neighborhood bakery has blossomed into Bloomfield’s most beloved brunch destination through consistent quality and genuine community connection.
Anthony’s Cheesecake began in 1996 when Anthony Lauro opened The Lunch Box Deli on Broad Street, then expanded to Washington Street in 2010 to create the community gathering spot it is today.
The secret? Homemade comfort food made with love, weekly menu changes that keep regulars coming back, and desserts that have locals driving from across Essex County.
Owners Anthony and Philip Byrne are home-taught cooks who transformed their favorite childhood recipes into restaurant classics, creating an authentic experience that chain restaurants simply cannot match.
Their commitment to local suppliers and community involvement has earned them a devoted following and a Second Place finish in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Best Restaurants awards.
From school fundraisers to welcoming every guest like family, the team treats each visitor as part of their extended neighborhood circle.
Word of mouth spread quickly as diners discovered creative brunch offerings that changed regularly, keeping the menu fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.
The restaurant’s reputation grew organically through satisfied customers who couldn’t wait to tell friends about their amazing meals and those unforgettable cheesecakes.
Generous portions at reasonable prices made Anthony’s accessible to everyone, from young families to longtime residents who had watched the neighborhood evolve over the years.
The owners’ hands-on approach means they’re often in the dining room chatting with guests, asking about their meals, and making everyone feel valued and appreciated.
As one local food writer noted, what began as a small bakery has truly blossomed into a community-gathering place where neighbors become friends over plates of thoughtfully prepared food.
The combination of homemade quality, creative menus, and genuine warmth continues to win hearts one plate at a time.
Food Highlights
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French Toast: This crowd-pleaser has earned 32 photos and 28 reviews on Yelp, with diners praising its fluffy texture and perfect sweetness that makes it a weekend brunch essential. 🥞
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Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles: A Southern classic reimagined with crisp bacon, melted cheese, roasted pears, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup that has become one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. 🍗
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Broccoli Rabe, Ricotta, and Sausage Pie: This Italian-style quiche features a flaky bakery-fresh crust stuffed with hot and sweet sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and sautéed broccoli rabe that had the entire table scrambling for every morsel. 🥧
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Garlic Shrimp and Egg Breakfast Pupusa: A unique brunch offering featuring a griddled corn cake topped with black beans, garlic-roasted shrimp, a perfectly cooked egg, cheddar, peppers, onions, and chimichurri sauce that showcases the restaurant’s Italian/American/Mexican fusion approach. 🌮
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Rigatoni Calabrese: This pasta dish combines crisp prosciutto and creamy burrata with sliced egg and melted mozzarella, creating a rich, indulgent entree that has become a group favorite among dinner diners. 🍝
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Plain New York Cheesecake: The dessert that started it all, this classic cheesecake remains a must-try item that honors the bakery’s roots and continues to draw cheesecake lovers from throughout New Jersey. 🍰
Atmosphere
The vibe at Anthony’s is warm, unpretentious, and distinctly neighborhood-friendly—a place where you’ll see families celebrating special occasions alongside regulars grabbing their weekly brunch fix.
It’s BYOB, which adds to the casual, come-as-you-are charm that has made it a community institution for nearly three decades. 🍷
Bottom Line
Visit Anthony’s Cheesecake for homemade desserts worth the trip, creative brunch dishes you won’t find elsewhere, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. 🎯
Generous portions at great prices and owners who genuinely care about every guest make this Bloomfield gem an absolute must-visit destination. ❤️
Address: 71 Washington St Bloomfield, NJ 07003
📞 (973) 415-8885
🕔 Open Thu – Fri 11 AM–4PM & 5PM – 9PM | Sat 10:30AM-4PM & 5PM- 9PM | Sun 10:00AM – 3PM | (closed Mon–Wed)