Richfield - Clifton, NJ Area Guide

Clifton has worked hard to become the booming city it is today. Celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2017, Clifton now features some of the best public venues in the Bergen County area. The Clifton Arts Center located on Clifton Road hosts regular exhibitions incorporating sculpture, painting and mixed media.

Likewise, the Clifton Cultural Arts Center was created by citizens to protect two historical buildings, and has grown as a creative outlet for thousands of visitors. Clifton Cultural Arts Center offers classes, family movie nights and exhibitions for all ages throughout the calendar year.

New citizens of Clifton might not be aware of a long-standing feud between two local establishments: Rutt's Hut and Hot Grill. Within a 10-minute drive of each other, both restaurants claim to have the better hotdog, though both are very tasty. Rutt's Hut's "rippers" are over-sized deep-fried hotdogs in service since 1923. On some weekends, this establishment also serves as a location for an antique car show, serving hotdogs right in the parking lot. Hot Grill prides itself on the dogs "all the way"—a hotdog with onions, mustard, chili, and Hot Grill sauce served with fries and a side of gravy. Northern New Jerseyians also know Hot Grill for its locally-filmed commercials that feature Godzilla (or HotGrilla) and (not) Bill Clinton.

Toros, a beautifully decorated Mediterranean restaurant, makes the perfect spot for a date night. Warm colors with traditional decor and menu ensure Toros remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Its three locations feature different menus and decor, with the Clifton location being the most elegant place for a sit-down meal. Toros' traditional kebabs with yogurt expertly mix tender, juicy and tangy into one course, and the sangria tastes sweet and fruity, belying the alcoholic nature of this refreshing drink.

A small local favorite for dessert is Mr. Cupcakes. Located in town and with another location in Hackensack, Mr. Cupcakes provides a modern take on the classic dessert. Peanut butter and jelly, raspberry cheesecake, French toast and 'The Real Diehl"—a chocolate cake with a German chocolate spread named after David Diehl, a lifetime New York Giants player—please most anyone with a sweet tooth.

Grab a cab and head on over to the Grande Saloon on Van Houten Avenue for a few cold brews and socializing. The pub has been open for over 40 years and has become a staple to all locals. The brick walls and vintage art create a very rustic, relaxing atmosphere to dine and enjoy a drink. The wide range of menu items and extensive craft beer options make this one of the community's most loved pubs around.

For a more casual setting, head to The Rock Bar & Grill on Main Ave. A top-notch sports bar, The Rock Bar & Grill will keep you entertained with multiple sports packages, different interactive games to play on TVs all over the bar and billiards and darts in the back. Enjoy the game over their spectacular wings, a cold beer or one of their signature drinks including the Bubble Gum Shot.

Near the Garden State Parkway for travel within the state and upstate New York, Richfield also lies close to route 46 for the George Washington Bridge and route 80 for the Holland Tunnel. Buses run throughout the area, and you can hop a train to Hoboken with just a 10-minute drive away from the area. Plenty of car services provide within-city deals, and Uber drivers throughout Clifton give you additional transportation options. Most overnight parking in Clifton requires a residential overnight sticker, while public parking is typically metered. Commuter biking throughout town is possible though congested areas may make it dangerous without biking lanes.

The parks in Clifton feature walking routes and playgrounds, giving you plenty of room to stretch your legs while your children socialize with the other kids. Memorial Park surrounds a track around a small lake that's great for evening strolls, and outdoor movies in the summer make this park the perfect escape for the whole family. A 10-minute drive away, Garret Mountain gives you everything you want for outdoor fun. No fee is charged to enter or park in Garret Mountain, and hiking trails, walking and biking lanes, large fields where many barbecue in the summer and a castle museum make this an excellent choice for a beautiful day. The scenery along the route to this destination momentarily reminds you of upstate New York — deer, wild turkey and chipmunks regularly show themselves to passersby — but the Manhattan skyline view makes this a New Jersey treasure.

Homes in the Richfield price about the same as other similar suburban areas of Clifton, and renting in the area starts at $1,000, but local bars and restaurants help equalize your costs as you can grab burgers and fries for $5 at Hot Grill and beers typically run around $3. A bus ride to areas around town sets you back just $4, but driving makes a cost-effective option as gas prices in Clifton run 9 percent lower than the national average.

Clifton shopping areas cluster around route 3 and within town, and the Clifton Riverview Mall on route 3 features a Pier One Imports, Michaels, and other household shops. Directly across the highway, the Clifton Commons hosts businesses like Barnes and Noble, an AMC movie theatre, and other popular chain retailers.

Posh Collection located on Bergen Blvd, provides stylist options for local fashionistas, and closer in town, smaller boutiques like Just Beautiful Boutique offer more-affordable alternatives. Downtown Clifton also features many other beauty and clothing boutiques to explore, giving you a wide array of clothing options in and around the area of Richfield.

Clifton holds large food store chains like Stop & Shop, but most people out of the area stop by Clifton for Corrados. A local food store with a wide variety of meats, cheese and produce, Corrados also sells wines and houseware. This establishment serves as a one-stop shop for preparing, serving and enjoying a drink after dinner. In the center of town and in service for 75 years, Clifton Farmer’s Market provides locals with fresh produce from the Garden State at very fair prices.