Clifton, New Jersey’s most beloved breakfast and brunch destination is dishing out bold flavors, homemade goodness, and serious feel-good energy — and once you visit, you’ll completely understand the hype.
Tucked away on Van Houten Avenue in the heart of the Athenia neighborhood, The Love of Grub has quietly built one of North Jersey’s most devoted breakfast followings — one from-scratch plate at a time. 🌅
With a kitchen philosophy built on “good, honest grub that makes your taste buds dance,” this is the kind of spot that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with breakfast food in the first place.
How The Love of Grub Won Clifton’s Hearts
Clifton, New Jersey, has plenty of spots where you can grab a quick bite, but The Love of Grub built something different: a warm, inviting neighborhood gem where the food is made fresh, made in-house, and made with genuine care. 🏆
Owner and chef Tracey poured her heart and soul into every dish from day one, and locals took notice fast — word spread quickly that this was the hidden gem breakfast spot that Clifton had been quietly waiting for.
Almost everything on the menu is made in-house, from the sausage patties and deli meats to the salad dressings, a level of from-scratch dedication that is increasingly rare and deeply appreciated by diners who can taste the difference. 🍳
The Clifton breakfast scene also benefited from something uniquely charming about The Love of Grub: its laid-back, island-inspired vibe that made even a Tuesday morning feel like a little vacation.
Generous portions, creative twists on comfort food classics, and a staff that treats every guest like a regular helped this small spot punch well above its weight in a crowded New Jersey dining landscape. ☀️
Diners raved about the attentive and knowledgeable service, with many highlighting that the team could speak to every ingredient and preparation detail on the menu — a sign of a kitchen that truly takes pride in its craft.
It’s the kind of beloved local breakfast institution that earns its reputation not through flash, but through flavor, consistency, and a whole lot of love on every plate. 💛
Food Highlights
- Chicken and Waffles: Crispy fried chicken served over a golden waffle — a classic sweet-meets-savory combination that regulars consistently call a must-order. 🧇
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Big Boy Breakfast: Two eggs any style, house-made home fries, toast, your choice of breakfast meat, and two pancakes or one waffle. 🥚
- Breakfast Meat Sandwich: Your choice of breakfast meat — bacon, Taylor Ham, turkey bacon, or ham — served on a fresh round roll with optional melted cheese. 🥪
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Jersey Eggs Benny: A true Jersey spin on Eggs Benedict — Taylor Ham takes the place of Canadian bacon, topped with poached eggs and hollandaise on an English muffin. 🍳
- Blueberry Cheesecake French Toast (Special): House-made French toast batter cooked fresh to order, elevated with a luscious blueberry cheesecake topping. 🫐
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Banana Nut Pancakes: Fluffy buttermilk pancakes loaded with ripe bananas and walnuts. 🍌
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Strawberry Fields Peace Pancakes: A fruity, festive pancake creation that’s as fun to eat as the name suggests. 🍓
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Sausage Gravy and Biscuits: Housemade biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy made from scratch. 🤤
- Shrimp & Cheesy Grits: Creamy, cheesy grits topped with a house-made brown Cajun gravy and plump shrimp — a Southern-inspired comfort dish. 🍤
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Avocado Toast with Eggs: Creamy avocado spread on toasted bread, topped with sunny-side-up eggs. 🥑
Atmosphere
The Love of Grub radiates a breezy, island-inspired warmth — think Key West meets North Jersey neighborhood diner, with colorful, laid-back decor that puts you instantly at ease. 🏝️
It’s a casual, no-fuss space that feels like the kind of place the whole community claims as their own — families, couples, solo diners, and even the local mayor have all been spotted pulling up a chair.
It’s the kind of room that makes you slow down, order another cup of coffee, and stay just a little bit longer than you planned. ☕
Bottom Line
The Love of Grub is Clifton at its most delicious — fresh, housemade food, creative comfort dishes, warm island vibes, generous portions, and a staff that truly cares.
Skip the chains. This is where the real breakfast magic happens. 🌟
Address:
606 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013
📞 (973) 928-0080
🕔 Open Tue–Sun, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (closed Mon)