Update: Pals closing pending approval tonight, owners talk of opening smaller burger joints.
Have you heard the one about Pals Cabin becoming a CVS? Well, tonight is the second hearing on the issue at the West Orange Special Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting.
Discussions regarding how CVS would take over the space at 265 Prospect Avenue are in the minutes of the November 8 West Orange Zoning board meeting, including requests for a variance to allow for a 24 hour drive thru. According to board secretary Rose DeSena, who confirmed tonight’s hearing, CVS is looking to take over the entire space at 265 Prospect Avenue. First Hartford Realty Corporation represent CVS in the application to the West Orange Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Frank Gerard Godlewski is one person who would be very sad to see Pals Cabin close. Godlewski, who counts Pals among his favorite places, has contacted Preservation NJ about the building, citing its historic significance. Pals Cabin celebrated 80 years in business last May.
When we called Pals for comment, the man who came to the phone had no statement about possible closing, adding that he “just took a deposit for a party in May.”
Pals pretty much said the same thing back in October, when news of CVS’ application went public.
Noooo! Not only would I be sad to see Pal’s Cabin close but a CVS? Nothing against CVS but we already have one a stone’s throw away on Eagle Rock Avenue in West Orange. I hope the rumors are just that, rumors.
I would be sad to see Pal’s go too. We need simple, moderately priced places for a family meal or a working breakfast/lunch, and Martta is right, there’s another CVS practically around the corner. But I think having multiple stores nearby one another must be a retail strategy these days; there are two CVS stores in tiny Cedar Grove, both on Rt 23, about 1.5 miles or so apart.
This is a crime. Pal’s is a landmark! And all for a freakin’ CVS? We have enough CVS’ around here, we don’t need any more.
What I like about Pal’s is that you have 3 choices: 1. You can dine at the counter if you’re in a hurry, 2. You can eat in the casual dining room, or 3. If you want something a little fancy, there’s the formal wood-paneled dining room.
I love Pal’s and I would be sad to see it go especially to make room for another CVS/Duane Reade/ Waldgreens/Chipotle/Starbucks/Potbelly/Le Pain Quotidien/ Clay Oven/Pret Manger/Subway/Five Guys
Right, Herb. Or a bank.
I have been there once (13 years ago) well for a good 5 minutes or so. My partner and I came in for lunch and got seated and given menus. There is only one other table in the whole place, two women in shorts and sleeveless tops. When the waitress came, we thought she was getting our order but rather said ‘sorry we cannot served you’. We asked what and why. She kept on saying she was only following what the owner said. I said I wanted to speak to the owner but she said that was not possible. The question is/was ‘was it because we were obviously a gay couple or we were wearing shorts and I was wearing a sleeveless shirt (not a tanktop)? I kept on thinking is/was it because I am Asian and being discriminated.
The place was empty and the two women customers were wearing shorts too and sleeveless tops. We left and never came back! We did not want to make trouble. Now, I am thinking while I am writing this that I should have confronted the owner and demanded an explanation.
While I’m not terribly big on the spread of CVS outlets, let us be fair and also admit that Pal’s has had its day, and that its true “day” was long, long ago. (Perhaps as late as when Nick Werkman danced upon the tables there to celebrate his reign as NCAA basketball’s scoring leader for Seton Hall, but no later.) Does anyone even know if it’s still very profitable? The times I’ve been there the last few years, it seemed very much aimed at the “early bird special” geriatric crowd so obvious in, say, Florida. Montclair has a lively restaurant scene safely pointed towards the embrace of the new, whereas Pal’s has simply stayed rather fogeyish; this is not a recipe for success lately, honest.
As for its being an architectural gem worth preservation simply for aesthetic-historical reasons, c’mon, Frank…Its end would be no “crime,” either. Merely an acknowledgement of how much things have changed in the restaurant business.
Then too, if I’d only had a dollar every time on this site folks bemoaned the fall of the Marlboro Inn, even though if just half of them had ever actually stayed there themselves it might never have closed…
I would be sad to see it go as well, but more because it is such an institution and a landmark. As Cathar points out, probably a lot of us haven’t been there in years. I was unimpressed the last time I went – the steak was OK but overpriced. At that time you could get a similar quality steak at the now-defunct Charlie Brown’s for a lot less money. That said, the idea of CVS taking it over is horrific. How many freakin’ CVSs do we need in the area? I would like to see someone new buy the restaurant, perhaps do some updating of the decor and menu and reopen it. They could hold weddings there or whatever else was needed to make it profitable. If not, then at least put in something useful in that spot, a store that we don’t have in the area, or something unique. Not another CVS!
Oh, and yes Mrs. Martta – NOT another BANK either!
Unless a large crowd shows up at the planning board meeting to decry the loss of a historically significant site, Pals is creamed beef on toast.
I recall walking in there in summer of ’01 with shorts and tee shirt on and they wouldnt serve me because they had a dress code primarily in the grill room. I don’t believe it had anything to do with discrimination. A policy they have since abandoned.
7PM Tuesday I went for a bite there and the parking lot was so crowded I went for sushi. I don’t think they can being doing that poorly but I’m sure the property is worth a fortune and may not be worth the keeping it open. This reminds me of the Larssons Turkey Farm situation.
I like the vintage nostalgia of Pal’s. It is indeed a restaurant of a bygone era, it somewhat reminds me of the late Jorgensen’s up 23 in Stockholm. I was there a few months ago, and would certainly go back again.
oh my gosh, that is awful. I grew up in West Orange and have been going to Pal’s all my life. A real landmark will be destroyed.
I would miss Pal’s a lot. Practically “grew up” there – birthday parties, graduation parties, showers, all that sort of thing. There are more than enough CVS stores in the area. There is only one Pal’s.
I’m curious…why is anything happening in WO more important to the Baristas than the Bloomfield council meetings or anything in Bloomfield for that matter? Every story about Bloomfield gets buried, it seems.
I like the old fogey-ishness of which you speak, Cathar. I have a lot of memories there: graduation dinners, birthday celebrations, dinners with my parents, someone tickling the ivories in the dining room. Also, I know I am going to get pilloried for this, but once in awhile, it’s nice to have someone serve you food who’s not sporting a nose ring or multiple tattoos. And no one can ever replicate their cream of mushroom soup.
Oh, Martta, the cream of mushroom soup – yes !!
Back in the early 60′s, the Horn family also owned Pal’s Pancake House, on Eagle Rock across Prospect, where the Eagle Rock Dinner is located now. They just served breakfast fare, pancakes, waffles, french toast, etc, a sort of pre International House of Pancakes.
Now Buddha, post a wise aleck comment and really show your intelligence to us all.
I have to admit, in all the years since hubby dragged me to NJ from across the continent, we have never been to Pal’s. Since he grew up in Montclair that kind of tells me something. One of my colleagues went there for the first time recently for a lunch meeting, and was not impressed – I didn’t hear about food issues, only about the duct tape on the seat. (she’s a bit of a priss, however.)
That being said, I am always a little sad when a long-standing business closes its doors (unless it’s the local brothel or crack-house). That is a prime location, but I personally would rather drive further down to the CVS in Cedar Grove at the corner of Bradford than try to get in and out of the Pal’s corner lot. Just imagine, you want to come out of the CVS and head North on 23. How you gonna get there? Cross two lanes to get into the left turn lane on Eagle Rock? Cross three lanes of opposing traffic to get into the 2nd lane of Prospect, in front of the gas station, to go straight? And you’re gonna do that while traffic is lined up for 1/4 mile in four directions? My guess is they’d have to make those exits right turn only, which would force you to turn South onto Prospect and turn around at Essex Green if you want to go back toward Verona, or you’ll end up heading East on Eagle Rock and take a scenic drive around the Reservation to turn around. Not worth the agita!
That is, unless they close all the driveways and the only access is from Woodhull, at the signal light by Wendy’s.
The thought of Pal’s closing is very sad, but it’s certainly not what it once was. The last few times we’ve been there it’s been not so good. It would be the perfect candidate for Restaurant Rescue, but I’m afraid it’s just too late.
Yes, what about Gordon Ramsey paying a visit? -)
Thank God that Sandy isn’t around to see this.
It would kill him.
I agree w the general sentiment already expressed: Pal’s is not what it used to be, but it would be a shame for it to close (as oppose to actually improve or be bought buy someone who could fix it) especially for a CVS.
kay – Sorry to read that you’ve never been to Pal’s, but if you hurry before the doors close for good.
I can tell you this first hand, there once was a time before Montclair became the uh, center of the dining universe, when Pal’s was a very popular place to go in Baristaville, where one could get a great steak, baked potato, and Caesar salad . . . and a decent glass of Cabernet, at a reasonable price. Can’t think of a single place now.
Like an old sofa, I personally will sadly miss it.
I have never set foot in PALS. In fact, from what I’ve heard, it sounds awful. I have driven by at least 3 million times in the past 20 years but never once wanted to go in.
But if Frank likes it, I would rather give up bread than see it go.
Mio carissimo Frank, anche se PALS deve morire, può morire come un bellissimo cigno, e può vivere nella tua anima, diffondere le sue ali e volare verso il cielo bella al sorgere del sole.
But it will known as CVS Cabin, known for quality burgers, fresh fries, small portions, medium to high prices, canned veggies, dangerous exiting parking lot, and risky entry by blocking fast moving traffic as you must slow down to a crawl in order to turn in, and fresh prescription drugs. Can you really have too many prescription drug outlets?
The taxes on the place are $149.6 thousand. The value now is about $4 million. The land is worth maybe $2.3 million. CVS can profitably sell Oxycontin, Twizzlers, Cheerios, sun glasses, greeting cards, diabetes supplies, magazines, photo services and cigerettes, all much in demand, to one degree or another. Are you like me and sometimes you run out of Twizzlers on the way to Essex Green Shopping Center? Why, right there it will be.
and then there is,
There are a lot things to be sad about lately…. dead children from lethal guns, mentally unbalanced people among us, storm Sandy damages, economic sluggishness and recession; but sad over Pal’s Cabin is not one of them. Maybe the volunteer civic leaders will produce an improved site somehow. A combination of safe access, profitable use and community service benefiting all. Or maybe not.
I just wish I had been around for the famed Claremont Diner cheesecake. I’ve heard it was The Best Ever. Though Marlboro Bake Shop’s is pretty darned good!
We went to Pal’s about 10 years ago with a 10-year old in a wheelchair. There were no handicapped restrooms. We never went back.
My God – first, the Queen Elizabeth II… and now Pal’s ??
What is wrong with humanity ?
Back in the 80′s when I was shooting proms for Norman Schaefer of Montclair Photo Lab in Watchung Plaza, he was the house photog for the Manor, Mayfair, etc. We would meet him at Pal’s at the end of the night for dinner and we would be the last group in the downstairs dining room talking about drunken HS couples, chaperones that were half in the bag and which photog snuck upstairs to the bar for a nip.. I liked the late night ambience of Pal’s with the Maitre D’, male waiters. It was old world and will be missed.
” I like the old fogey-ishness of which you speak, Cathar. I have a lot of memories there…”
I liked the old fogey charm too, except for all the times I found dentures in my drinking glasses.
All kidding aside, Pal’s will be missed.
The CVS idea is an aesthetic disaster.
If ‘Pals’ vanishes from the landscape, I’ll miss the cloying aroma of burning meat that permeates that intersection, not. I’ve eaten there a handful of times over the years and my feeling then and now is that it is a sad place filled with sad people, who are being duped into thinking they were having a grand meal when in actuality it was little better than the fare offered at places like the ‘Nevada Diner’ and the old ‘Willies’.
Is there a decent steak house in Baristanet environs? I’ll go to NYC for a good steak dinner and not chance a good meal opportunity to the hoi-polloi of Essex County.
Happy New Year!
Aside from the question of whether Pal’s is worth saving (or even worth visiting), this proposal represents yet another step in the architectural homogenization of America, a sad trend indeed.
Maybe it’s worth going inside Pal’s, maybe not, but the building has a uniqueness of character that a cookie-cutter stucco and/or faux-brick facad’ed CVS never will. Where once we had buildings the design and appearance of which were reflective and representative of their time, place, the climate in which they were built and even of the building materials most readily available or most affordable, now we have buildings that are indistinguishable from those pretty much anywhere else in the country.
Now it will just look like every other intersection in America with a national chain pharmacy on the corner. Welcome to Everywhere, USA.
wildwoodben – Yes, there are may things to be sad about lately, you cited just a few. I certainly could add to the list. What does that have to do with the commentary around the closing of a local restaurant? I’ll remind you that after the occupation of France, German officers ate not a Pal’s, but at the best restaurants on the Champs-Elysees.
Don’t tell me that is this great big world of mass murder, world hunger, political unrest, etc, you are offended by such trivial talk. If so, I wonder why you choose to editorialize about it. Wouldn’t your time be better spent doing something about it.
Or is just simply that Pal’s is not a favorite of yours?
Steve’s Steaks on Rt. 17S (Hasbrouck Heights?) has earned rave reviews from my husband and son. They love it there!
As for Pal’s, I think it’s time for it to be put to bed and another restaurant should rise from its ashes. I would love to see a bigger and better version of Koreander go there. Love me some good bulgogi!
JohnP: Your comment made me LOL!
Re: great steakhouses. I don’t eat steak that often anymore but once in awhile I like a good one. I agree that it’s hard to find a great steakhouse that is not a chain but Arthur’s on Speedwell Avenue in Morristown is to die for. As with many steak houses, be prepared to wait.
In NYC (actually Williamsburg), it’s Peter Luger.
I have a hazy childhood recollection that Pal’s was originally a hot dog stand on that corner. Is anyone else old enough to share this recollection?
The original cabin (shed size) sat in the back parking lot for years kept company by three Guernsey cow life size statues for many years, then suddenly disappeared. Luckily I have some B/W negs filed away from my fine art days.
Pal’s is awesome. The piano bar in the back is like stepping back in time. A nicer time. Liberache used to play there on that very piano. It’s a slice of heaven. I ran into Yoge Berra there once. A connection to the past is felt there. I just heard that the CVS plan may include keeping part of the restaurant running. And the mushroom soup is amazing.
Great place for a little friday night drink. Got an old vegas kinda feel.
I’ve been on dates to the back piano bar at Pal’s. It’s a very special place. Lot’s of nostalgia there, its a step back in time. The kind where you want to light up an unfiltered cigarette and order a Sidecar.
Adios, charcoal hockey pucks sold as hamburgers. I’d rather see something other than another CVS, but almost anything would be better than Pal’s. Sorry, Frank
First Cryan’s and now Pal’s, where will all the Essex County politicians go to party late night?
How will people give directions to Montclair and adjacent communities then? ” Ok, you know where CVS is…” Been there once, bizarre experience getting seated when the place was crowded, disorganized. Could be a turn off in itself. Food was what you’d expect. Could use an update, and some staff training, while keeping the traditional feel. Bottom line is economics, and nostalgia alone won’t turn things around enough to change the equation.
Regarding MK’s post, what does one do to appear “obviously gay”? I guess if I was making out with my wife in the dining room, people may get uncomfortable, but that’s a head scratcher.
silverleaf- I guess you could say that editorializing about anything is not as effective as doing something. I am an advocate of progress and civic improvement. Being “Sad” about replacing Pal’s Cabin compared to things to be sad about is merely a turn of phrase taken from the previous expressions of sadness posted. I will wager that the replacement will be an improvement of the space because it will be safer to enter and exit, and may even be a combination of CVS and Pal’s. We may not have to miss the smell of charcoaled meat as we pass by. An eatery and a convenience pharmacy are very complimentary. I really mean it when I say, a modern pharmacy chain store is a convenient place to pick up some Twizzlers on my way to Essex Green.
Ma Walleroo….quanto sei romantico!!
How come no one has mentioned the coconut custard pie? They sold them from a shop downstairs and were delicious. When I was in high school in the 70′s, mom would sometimes bring one home as a treat. The steaks & burgers were good back in the day, but the quality has gone down tremendously in the past 10 years or so. The last time I went there and had a chewy steak….well, that was the last time I went there.
Maybe this CVS could keep the grand piano?
My wife had dinner at Pals a few nights ago with some co-workers. Guess who was sitting at a table next to them. No, not Lady GaGa, Kanye West, nope, uh President Barak Obama, neigh I say. Drum roll…. Chuck Scarborough! Now that’s class!
“First Cryan’s and now Pal’s, where will all the Essex County politicians go to party late night?…”
That’s easy – Jail.
Well if Frank thinks it worth saving….who am I to disagree. I’d never eat there (reminds me of the old Charlie Brown’s behind the Bellevue, probably the same kind of menu and dirty carpeting) but I suppose it’s got more charm than a CVS.
(Sorry I’m late to the party. The Pals parking lot was full and I had to park near K-Mart.)
It’s surprising how similar the complaints are/were with the Marlboro Inn. Once again, folks cry about the architectural and community significance of a place they either have never been to, or have not been to in decades.
I used to go every Friday night with friends, then friends & kids. Always had a great time. But it had that “‘early bird special’ geriatric crowd,” feel as cathar put it, which lost its charm.
In a few years/months we’ll be hearing about the “architectural significance” of the COZY END.
It’ll be a sad day when we whine about the “architectural significance” of the CVS.
As ever, the prof, the goog prof, remains a bastion of good sense and wit.
All these posts, but no real knowledgre from posters as to how in fact Pal’s may be doing. Nor any corresponding pledges to patronize it regularly should it be “saved.” Similar to the debate round the Marlboro, of course.
Now, Rutt’s Hut, there’s a place with real architectrual and historical significance. Has Frank GG ever set foot in there? Which posters above have?
I lived down the block so I didn’t have an y need to stay in the Marlboro, but we had family that did many times over the years when we had a full house. It served a purpose and was still better then that mini mall of houses.
Pal’s a a charming old building, but as a restaurant I echo what many have said before – it is well past it’s prime.
I <3 Rutt's Hut.
Cathar,
I grew up w/in walking distance of Rutts and used to have my kids birthday parties there when they were really young. I’m there once every few weeks these days. 2 rippers (although I’ve been leaning wellers lately, fries w/ gravy and a tap beer). Things dreams are made of. It’s in my blood more ways than one.
I prefer eating my Rutts in the parking lot and dodging the seagulls while I dine.
I’ve had some rippers in my day. Alas, I stopped poisoning myself with fat, salt and nitrites a long time ago.
I love Rutts Hut and have bene going there all my life… Its like a living Edward Hopper painting that serves fabulous coleslaw and onionrings… They’re so hospitable and friendly too!
…. If They want to trasform the parking lot into a parking deck with an incorporated store like CVS or Homedepot… Im fine with that…as long as the Pals building remains as a historic landmark on the corner …and recycled for adaptive re use. Replacing the existing building with new commercial construction destroys the importance of that landmark site.
I’ve never been to Rutt’s Hutt because the mental image of a deep-charred hotdog just did not strike me as appealing, but now that I know it’s on the FrankGG favs list, I’m going to have to give it a go!
Qualcosa su quella lingua mi fa svenire. Le donne, anche.
Thank you Pork Roll! Pals in West Orange and Rutt’s Hut have similar origins….they were refreshment stands at tourist destination points. Pal’s was at the top of Eagle Rock …. a naturalistic vacation spot at the edge of Crystal Lake http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YMolOnwnIk …and Rutt’s Hutt was across from the Passaic River rowing club http://nereidbc.org and the famous Park Hotel resort in Rutherford. These two famous establishments, Pal’s Cabin and Rutt’s Hut are survivors of our local health resort past and are important learning tools in understanding our urbanistic transformation from health resorts to suburban developments.
Walleroo! Sei simpattico e birichino!!!!
Frank, as per your waxing rhapsodic about Pal’s and Rutt’s, a remark attributed to Little Richard: “You should never try and put a tuxedo on them funky blues.” Stick to running “art” shows about graffiti.
I’m sure you were joking about the staff pleasantness at Rutt’s, however. Pork Roll just didn’t get that. To define them as brusque and curt there is putting it way, way kindly. But if you wish to arouse comment from perfect strangers in places like Myrtle Beach and Savannah, a Rutt’s t-shirt will do it. Such is the reach of both the Food Network and PBS.
I like Rutt’s. One of the few places that knows how to properly cook a dog. Don’t have a lot of respect for people who cook dirty water dogs and think they’re special. Hear that, Shillelagh Club?
Two rippers and a birch with frenchies and gravy and I’m reliving my youth.
…..and the homemade Momma Rutt mustard relish.
I have such warm memories of Pal’s, having dined there with my parents often as a kid. There was always a long line to get in. In recent years, Pal’s has been somewhat disappointing. Went two years ago for my birthday and ordered prime rib. They were out of it. I still like the burgers, though. I think Pal’s is past its prime (and its prime rib), but I will be very sad to see it go.
Soffice come un porcospino, ma grazie lo stesso Franco.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO! We can’t let Pals Cabin disappear! It’s unique, it’s what makes Essex County, NJ what it is! West Orange might as well be Anyplace, USA if another CVS takes over at the space of a great local institution like Pals!
Duke, Frank G. – There are many here who share your opinion, including me, but there are posters who couldn’t care less. Those who have never stepped foot in Pal’s, believe that it is filled with nothing but old fogies, discrimminates against gays, serves hockey pucks for hamburgers, maintains unsafe entrances/exits, etc, etc, etc.
They are entitled to their opinion. When the ribbon cutting is all said and done, it is to them that a great big ol’ CVS on the corner of Prospect and Eagle Rock should be dedicated
silverleaf, I look forward to you Duke and Frank G. inviting folks to join you on your outings to Pals. Perhaps you might even book the downstairs “party room,” or maybe even make it more swank and have it on the “restaurant” side. But then knowing how slovenly folks dress these days, perhaps the “Cabin Side” is the best option.
Either way, by your words, I suppose you’re a regular so perhaps you can get a good price? Or are you one of those who screams about losing something you don’t even use?
A brush with greatness at Rutt’s recently when I was in the dining room and saw Glen Jones from the Glen Jones and X-Ray Burns Radio Show !!! I’m tuned into then every Sunday. If it’s good enough for Jonesy it’s good enough for me.
I wouldn’t look forward to an invitation to anything from me if I were you, prof. But perhaps you, with all your ostensible generosity, might invite Buddha to your palatial estate in UM where you can bore each other to tears over a quiet dinner for two.
And maybe, if we are all lucky enough, that just might keep you two off these pages and spare us all from from vomiting for a while.
While I wish I could say: silverleaf with the silver tongue, store brand aluminum foil is more like it.
Sorry pal, the Estate has both a poll tax and a literacy test. With them, surely only a handful here would pass. Though on “special” days we open it up to the unwashed.
Here then lies the next road block for most here: those invited must have some (any, really) charm. Sadly, these pages fill daily with not just poor attempts at wit (I can live with good effort), but worse: charmless banter.
Enjoy the day.
“Sadly, these pages fill daily with not just poor attempts at wit (I can live with good effort), but worse: charmless banter.”
—dammit prof!! you just shattered my new irony meter!
Aluminum foil? Lol . . . such a clumsy metaphor, prof . . . more like coming from one of your sophomore students. What is it again that you purport to teach, creative writing?
Condescending to your fellow “illiterate, unwashed, charmless and “witless” surely helps define what you think of your fellow B’net posters.
Take a humility pill “pal”, it just might help the inflated opinion of yourself.
You have a good day as well, “prof.”