Updated August 2026

Closter has always had a great mix of local restaurants, shopping, community events and history — and in 2026, there are a few new additions worth knowing about.

From a new restaurant coming to a familiar location to fresh dining concepts and summer events, here’s a quick look at what’s happening around town.

A New Restaurant Is Coming to the Former Hill

One of the biggest local restaurant changes is happening at 252 Schraalenburgh Road, the former home of The Hill.

Chef Ben Pollinger opened The Hill in 2018 and operated it for eight years before it closed earlier this year.

The space has now been taken over by the team behind Verana in Norwood and Mykos Estiatorio in Northvale, led by Chef and Owner Giuseppe Agostino, formerly of Del Posto in New York City.

As of August 2026, the new restaurant’s name and concept have not yet been announced — making this one to watch.

Stern & Bow Continues to Be a Local Favorite

At 171 Schraalenburgh Road, Stern & Bow remains one of Closter’s more distinctive dining options, combining a raw bar, wood-fired pizza, steaks, seafood and cocktails in one restaurant.

It isn’t new to town, but with another restaurant coming nearby, this stretch of Schraalenburgh Road continues to be an important part of Closter’s dining scene.

Stop & Eat Adds Something Different

Another new arrival is Stop & Eat, which opened in March at 218 Closter Dock Road.

The concept brings several food brands together in one space, including Chicken Finger, Wing Time, Mat-Time and Dessert Time, giving families and groups more options without having to choose one type of food.

Closter Plaza Keeps the Town Connected

Closter Plaza continues to be one of the main gathering places in town, with restaurants, shopping, wellness and community events all in one area.

This summer, Concert Corner, presented by Mayor Glidden’s Committee for the Arts, has brought free live music to the Plaza, along with additional pop-up performances around town.

It’s one of those things that makes Closter feel like more than simply a place to shop — it gives people a reason to stay, meet up and spend time locally.

More Than Restaurants

Closter also has plenty happening beyond food.

At 84 Herbert Avenue, The Muse ArtHouse offers art classes, workshops, camps and creative events for children and adults.

And at 110 Schraalenburgh Road, the Abram Demaree Homestead, dating back to 1760, remains one of Closter’s most recognizable historic landmarks.

That mix of something new alongside places that have been part of the town for generations is part of what makes Closter special.

Living in Closter

What makes a town appealing isn’t just the houses.

It’s the restaurants you return to, the local businesses you know, the summer concerts, the familiar places and the sense of community that develops around them.

Closter continues to offer a strong combination of established neighborhoods, local history and new places to discover.

Whether you're already a regular at these spots, or considering a move to Closter, Norwood, Old Tappan, Demarest, Harrington Park, River Vale, or Alpine, it's this exact mix of history and fresh energy that makes the Northern Valley so special.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, or simply want a local perspective on a neighborhood or property, I’m always happy to talk.

Lana Henriques | Realtor®  Bergen County, NJ

lanahenriques.com