Montclair has another new Southern eatery to love. We told you about Coffee and Cornbread in Upper Montclair, a breakfast and lunch spot. Now you can enjoy Southern food for lunch and dinner in Montclair Center at Sweet T’s Southern Eatery.
When you first get there, you may experience a little deja vu — Sweet T’s is in the same Bloomfield Avenue location as the original Indigo Smoke in Montclair. So it’s Southern food come full circle.
Sweet T’s opened as takeout only, but began offering in-person dining at reduced capacity in its beautifully appointed dining room.
Dre Perrin and Tonza Houston had the vision for Sweet T and Chef Carlos Swepson brings the flavor. Swepson is a renowned chef and owner of Blvd Bistro on Frederick Douglas Blvd in Harlem.
Sweet T’s menu emphasizes “healthy, transparent and authentic” and to that end, you can find traditional Southern comfort food favorites like crispy chicken, shrimp and grits and mac and cheese as well as vegan and gluten-free offerings.
Our takeout order feast (pictured) traveled well. An unexpected favorite? The Collard Green Salad, featuring Carolina chopped collard green salad topped with black eyed peas, grape tomatoes and red onions served with crunchy sweet potato chips and a spicy sesame dressing, was the perfect counterpoint to the richer comfort foods we ordered, like the creamy, perfectly spiced shrimp and grits and a classic baked mac and cheese. Make sure to try the candied yams — the best we’ve ever had — with the perfect balance of sweetness and aromatic spice.
Don’t sleep on Sweet T’s delicious desserts (we loved the sweet potato pie with whipped cream). While you’re at it, pair your meal with a refreshing glass of Sweet Tea.
Sweet T’s Southern Eatery, 387 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973-500-3452. Open Sunday 12-7; Monday-Wednesday 12-9; and Thursday-Saturday, 12-10 p.m.
