& Grain (and Grain), Garwood, NJ: A Restaurant Review

&Grain
700 North Avenue
Garwood, NJ

& Grain (and Grain): A breakfast-lunch spot with fresh grain, artisan breads, and croissants prepared with quality ingredients.

& Grain (and Grain): Restaurant Highlights

Fare: Breakfast/Lunch

Price: In-expensive - Moderate

Food Quality: Excellent. The menu features fresh grain, artisan breads, croissants and breakfast sandwiches with quality ingredients.

Service: Friendly, enthusiastic

Ambiance/Decor: Modern with an "Old World" rustic vibe.

Noise Level: Moderate

Recommended For: Breakfast & Lunch Diners who enjoy high quality breads, breakfast sandwiches a good cup of coffee and are willing to a bit more for the experience.

Not Recommended For:  Diners who prefer simply prepared food, with a traditional style breakfast menu.

Recommended Dishes: Artisan breads, Baked French Toast, Egg Sandwich and the Ham & Brie Baguette.

&Grain (and Grain) is a must-visit destination for breakfast, lunch, or brunch, where fresh grains, artisan breads, flaky croissants, and hearty breakfast sandwiches shine—all crafted with premium, thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

Owner John Ropelski, a passionate and personable culinary expert, brings impressive credentials to the table. Trained at the prestigious French Culinary Institute with a specialization in bread baking, he honed his craft at NYC’s renowned Bouchon Bakery and Le Pain Quotidien. At &Grain, bread is the star: Ropelski arrives early each morning to oversee the creation of his signature loaves, which boast a buttery flavor, crispy crust, and airy, open crumb.

Coffee lovers will swoon over the Stumptown Coffee, a Portland specialty cold-brewed for over 12 hours at room temperature. The result is a rich, full-bodied cup with smooth low acidity, a chocolatey finish, and a velvety froth.

The ambiance strikes a balance between modern minimalism and rustic charm, featuring an open kitchen where flours, coffee sacks, and baking equipment are on full display. Choose from cozy tables for seated meals or a bar-style spot near the entrance for a quick bite.

Open six days a week (closed Mondays), &Grain is a celebration of craftsmanship and flavor, making it a standout for anyone craving quality and authenticity.

(Updated: February 2025)

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