This past summer, Montclair’s trendy pastry shop scene gained a new addition with the opening of Somedays Bakery. Brought to us by the team behind Chip City, a popular Montclair cookie joint, Somedays Bakery offers something different: artisanal croissants. While their croissants are the star of the show, the shop also sells sweet buns, sandwiches, soft serve, and classic coffee shop beverages.
This is one of only four Somedays Bakery locations, and the only one in New Jersey. The other three are all in Queens, New York City. Situated at 260 Bellevue Avenue, this location is nestled between the Upper Montclair shopping district and the nearby Anderson Park. The storefront occupies part of The Bellevue Theater, which sat idle for almost a decade before recently reopening following renovations. The location couldn’t be easier to visit, as there is ample street parking and large lots both across the street and behind the theater.
The Upper Montclair area is quite charming, especially on a sunny fall Saturday morning, which is when I visited. I heard about the bakery’s opening over the summer, but wasn’t sure if it was just another viral spot that wouldn’t live up to the hype. Bored and hoping to enjoy the beautiful day outdoors, I decided to try it—and I have to admit, this one absolutely deserves all the attention it’s getting.
I arrived late in the morning, which turned out to be a rookie mistake. They open at 8 a.m., and by the time I got there, the viral lattice croissants were all sold out. Thankfully, the display case was packed with so many other picture-perfect goodies that I had no shortage of options. The staff were extremely friendly and took the time to explain the components of each pastry, while recommending their favorites.
The first item I ordered was my control—the ultimate indicator of a bakery’s quality—the pain au chocolat. To accompany it, I selected a spinach and ricotta swirl croissant and a limited-edition pastry called The Beetlejuice. The Beetlejuice is a plain croissant filled with orange pastry cream, topped with meringue, and dusted with matcha powder. To wash everything down, I got an iced matcha latte.
While waiting for my order, I admired the warm and airy design of the shop. Though it isn’t very large, the enormous windows let in so much light that the space feels much bigger than it is. It has a clean, modern appearance while still feeling welcoming and charming. A few small two-seater tables, both inside and out, make it ideal for enjoying a quiet morning coffee with a friend. 
When my order arrived, the croissants smelled so heavenly that I didn’t even wait to photograph them before taking a bite. The chocolate croissant had the most satisfying crunch and delicate, buttery layers. Unlike some bakeries that skimp on the filling, these were generously stuffed with high-quality chocolate. It was definitely one of the best pain au chocolat I’ve ever had.
The savory spinach and ricotta swirl was served warm and piled high with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Essentially, it is the most exquisite cheesy bread imaginable. It was flaky, flavorful, and utterly addicting.
The Beetlejuice croissant was the perfect dessert to end my taste test. The orange cream filling, speckled with fresh vanilla bean, was so delicious I could’ve eaten it by the spoonful. The orange flavor was refreshing without being overpowering, and paired surprisingly well with the hint of matcha. Despite sitting in the display case all morning, the pastry remained perfectly crispy on the outside. I was genuinely impressed.
The matcha latte was drinkable and definitely picture-worthy, but wasn’t very interesting compared to everything else I ordered. I’d recommend trying their coffee drinks, which looked equally beautiful, and are probably more reliable at a bakery like this.
Everything I had was truly extraordinary, and when I brought the leftovers home to my family (because there was no way I could eat three enormous croissants by myself), they disappeared within minutes. The only complaint I can muster up is the price. It is truly a splurge—three croissants and a drink came out to roughly $34—but a worthwhile one. I have never had croissants like these before, and I’m sure their other pastries are just as mind-blowing. The sweet buns are next on my list to try, as well as the viral lattice croissants if I can ever wake up early enough to snag one before they sell out.
These pastries may have hurt my bank account, but they certainly satisfied my cravings, both savory and sweet. I’m thrilled to have Somedays Bakery in Montclair, even if it’s a spot I’ll have to save for special occasions.
