REVIEW: Sonoma Bistro Bar and Grill
A few weeks ago, I dined at Sonoma Bistro, a place well known for its vibrant atmosphere. As I walked into the front doors of the Mexican restaurant Sonoma Bistro Bar and Grill on Passaic Avenue, I was greeted by the rush of lively music and delicious aromas. Colorful murals of Mexican art lined the walls, and festive decorations were all around me. There were floor to ceiling windows showing off the bustling street of Passaic and letting in beautiful light which my family and I greatly enjoyed.
I went on a Monday night, and there was a lot of available seating. Many different seating options were offered including high tables, dining tables, and bar seating. Having dined at Sonoma multiple times, I know that there is usually plenty of availability on weekends. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Sonoma has a weekly Thursday live music night, and on those days the bistro gets very crowded.
The menu, which is uniquely displayed on a tablet, contains a variety of options including hamburgers, pastas, and sandwiches, as well as its traditional Mexican dishes. A standout to me were the bistro’s fries, as they have a very unique flavor and the perfect crunch. Additionally, I have tried dishes such as the short rib grilled cheese, steak sandwich, and steak tacos and they were all good due to their delicious meat and interesting flavor combinations. The serving sizes are large but not too overwhelming, perfect for my casual family dinner.
Sonoma has a wide range of prices, the cheapest dish on the menu is $10, and the most expensive is $36. My waiter was very friendly and helpful, as he came to check in on my table a total of three times. Although delicious, the bistro is certainly not the place for a 15 minute in-and-out meal as the waiting time to receive orders for my family of four was approximately 25 minutes.
For those interested in dining at Sonoma Bistro it is located at 350 Passaic Ave, Nutley. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, but other than that it is open every day from 10 AM until either midnight or 2 AM.
