Allwood - Clifton, NJ Area Guide

During the 19th century, a New Jersey-approved plan to build a transporting canal from coastline to cities proved unsuccessful in competition with railroads. One unintended consequence of the failed canal was the availability of canoeing and fishing opportunities for immigrants moving into the area at the time. Clifton expanded as a result and now houses communities like Allwood, a primarily Italian immigrant area. Clifton celebrates its centennial anniversary in 2017.

Created by local citizens, The Clifton Cultural Arts Center hosts family movie nights, classes and exhibitions throughout the year. A sculpture park on the grounds of the Arts Center consists of loaned artwork from artists near and far for a period of two years.

One of the most famous diners in New Jersey lies off Allwood Road, conveniently located on route 3. Tick Tock Diner sets itself apart from modernized area diners, focusing on their 65-year-old classic diner aesthetic with a menu as big as a book. The motto at Tick Tock Diner, "Eat Heavy", should not be taken lightly; portions of one meal can easily feed two customers. The menu offers standard diner dishes and some unique takes on Greek classics like the Falafel Burger. On weekends Tick Tock draws hungry crowds from sunrise to sunset, making its second location in New York City a good option for those traveling home from a night in Manhattan (the New York prices are slightly higher than the Clifton location). Tick Tock Diner's website offers recipes for popular desserts like Caramel Cake.

White tablecloths and mood lighting fill an open dining area in Buco Ristorante, a neighborhood Italian establishment on Allwood Road. The wooden bar gives great aesthetic and sophistication to this family-owned restaurant, while live entertainment on weekends in the crowded bar area gives reason to check out Buco Ristorante without dining. Buco's traditional Italian menu's expansive taste profiles, including asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto with a creamy garlic and wine sauce, whet all appetites. Waiters at Buco Ristorante help with dietary restrictions and guest preferences, ensuring an exceptional dining experience for all. The restaurant also caters events and offers a private dining area for larger parties. Whether beginning the evening with a meal or ending with a cocktail and entertainment, Buco Ristorante is a great local choice for an elegant experience.

Leather seating, cigar pairings and indoor smoking at Jamie's Cigar Bar and Restaurant provide a relaxing atmosphere to unwind after a long day or enjoy a local night out with friends. Different atmospheres service guests out for a romantic meal, customers seeking a night at an old-fashioned Manhattan-inspired bar or cigar aficionados. A cozy, leisurely atmosphere with cigar pairings available by staff brings friends together for conversation and a refined night out in this Allwood treasure.

Most residents of Allwood drive into major parts of Clifton and throughout the Tri-State area. Walks around the suburban area are perfect for local errands, but most trips require transportation. Biking around the area can be a nice alternative to public transportation, but can be hazardous on busy main streets without bike lanes. Bikers in Allwood have parks in the neighborhood that can be reached by side streets, but biking is not recommended for day trips to greater Clifton. Buses are easy to catch at the Allwood station or on many stops along Allwood road. Reliable driving services including Uber are available throughout Clifton, but they require a phone call prior to pick up—there aren't many immediate-servicing taxis in the area. Overnight parking in Allwood requires a residential permit; metered and free parking is available on main roads in Clifton.

The Garden State Parkway is only a five-minute drive from the Allwood neighborhood. Route 3 transitions into route 495 towards the Lincoln Tunnel. The Garden State Parkway travels throughout greater New Jersey with local exits for every major highway in the area.

Many parks in Allwood offer varieties of activities for every family member. Basketball courts in nearby Knollcroft Park, tennis courts in Chelsea Park and baseball fields in Mount Prospect Park are all available in Allwood. Nearby Jubilee Park hosts a flea market multiple times per year featuring over one hundred vendors and sellers.

Most parks in Allwood are activity-centric, without running and walking paths. All parks in Allwood and Clifton are kid-friendly, but many do not allow dogs in the park. These parks require no entry fee and can be used regularly by residents of Allwood.

Allwood's exclusivity and proximity to major highways and shopping centers make the community more expensive than other areas of Northern New Jersey, but similar to many other locations within Clifton. Renting in Allwood begins at $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, equal to other prices in Clifton and throughout Northern New Jersey. New Jersey’s costliness when owning or renting is subdued by $3 bus trips to shopping areas within Clifton and in the Allwood area. Local bars in the area offer weeknight specialties, but most begin at $5-6 for a beer on average. Reasonable gas prices, at nine percent lower rates than the national average, save commuters money during their travels.

Allwood offers many shopping experiences within a ten-minute drive. Costco, Pier 1 Imports, Bed Bath & Beyond and assorted shops in the River Front Center perfectly blend daily essentials with retail options. Across the highway, the Clifton Commons shopping plaza has larger retail space with stores including Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Kohl's, Super Stop & Shop, the AMC Clifton Commons 16 movie theatre, and more.

On Market Street, Little Bean Upscale Consignment Boutique buys and sells children's, maternity, and women's fashion for all budgets. Owned by Clifton natives, this little boutique offers distinct styles from Gap to Escada. Little Bean's constant additions make this small boutique perfect for expecting parents and all mommies and daddies alike.

A local treat ten minutes from Allwood, Mr. Cupcakes bakes gourmet cupcakes like Holy Cannoli, Roberto's Flan and Oreo Cheesecake to satisfy every sweet tooth. The popularity of Mr. Cupcakes in the North Jersey area has expanded to four locations, each with its own menu. Get here early on holidays and weekends, these cupcakes go quick.

Acme Markets and Trader Joes are located within Allwood, minutes away from residences in the area. Puebla Foods on Market Street is a specialty market with South American foods and goods. Farmer's markets like Market Street Farm sell produce at competitive prices and are a great alternative to chain grocery shopping.