Some restaurants are known for a signature dish. Others are remembered for an atmosphere, a longtime bartender or the table where a family has celebrated birthdays for years.
At Davey's Irish Pub & Restaurant in Montvale, it is a little bit of everything.
Since Peter Davey opened the doors in 1974, the neighborhood pub has become the kind of place where generations overlap. Parents who once brought their children in for dinner now return with grandchildren of their own. Friends meet at the bar after work. Families gather around familiar tables. Newcomers quickly discover why so many regulars have made Davey's part of their routines.
Now led by Peter's son, Tommy Davey, the restaurant remains proudly family owned and operated. Tommy's sister, Sarah, serves as a manager, while several other family members work throughout the restaurant as bartenders, servers and food runners. Even Executive Chef Russell, who has led the kitchen for more than 40 years, is considered part of the family.
More than 50 years later, that sense of family continues to define the Davey's experience.
"We've had generations of families coming to Davey's over the years," Tommy says. "Being involved in the community and watching those families continue to celebrate life's milestones with us has been incredibly rewarding."
The restaurant features a large square bar, two spacious dining rooms and a covered outdoor patio, offering an inviting setting whether guests are stopping in to watch the game, enjoy dinner with family or meet friends for drinks after work.
What has always set Davey's apart is its ability to appeal to everyone.
Children celebrate birthdays here. Parents gather after youth sporting events. Friends meet for happy hour. Grandparents return with grandchildren who now order the same favorite meals they once enjoyed themselves.
"We're not too kiddie-themed, and we're not too stuffy," Tommy says. "We want families to feel comfortable, and we love making kids feel special on their birthdays."
But at the center of it all is the food.
Davey's menu blends traditional Irish fare with classic American comfort food, creating something for every appetite. The restaurant has become especially known for its burgers, wings and Irish favorites, including its signature Fish & Chips and Shepherd's Pie.
Many menu staples actually began as daily specials.
"When something becomes so popular that guests keep asking for it, it usually finds a permanent home on the menu," Tommy says.
Alongside longtime favorites, guests also rave about the Buffalo Chicken Dip, Steve's Special Steak Sandwich, French Dip and the restaurant's homemade French onion soup.
Of course, no visit to Davey's would be complete without stopping by the bar.
The restaurant continues to honor its Irish heritage by pouring a proper pint of Guinness alongside Smithwick's Irish Ale, Harp Lager and Magners Irish Cider. On Sunday mornings, guests can even enjoy a Traditional Full Irish Breakfast during brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
That commitment to authenticity has helped Davey's preserve its Irish roots while continuing to evolve for new generations of diners.
Over the years, the restaurant has earned numerous local accolades, including recognition for Best Pub Grub, Best Irish Pub, Best Neighborhood Bar and Best Happy Hour. Yet Tommy believes the greatest accomplishment isn't measured by awards.
It's the people who continue walking through the doors.
The restaurant's 50th anniversary celebration brought together longtime customers, friends and families who have supported Davey's for decades.
"It was incredible to celebrate with so many people who have been part of our story," Tommy says. "We're so appreciative of everyone who came out throughout the year."
For Tommy and his team, great food has always gone hand in hand with exceptional hospitality.
"Our staff knows that good food isn't enough without great service, and great service isn't enough without great food," he says.
That philosophy has helped transform Davey's from simply a neighborhood restaurant into one of Montvale's favorite gathering places.
For more than five decades, birthdays have been celebrated here. Friendships have been formed here. Families have returned year after year, creating traditions of their own.
Come for the burgers, wings, Shepherd's Pie or a perfectly poured Guinness.
Stay because before long, you'll understand why so many guests don't simply call Davey's their favorite pub.
They call it their neighborhood home.
Davey's Irish Pub & Restaurant
5 Park St., Montvale, NJ 07645
201-391-9356
daveyspub.com
"Being involved in the community and watching those families continue to celebrate life's milestones with us has been incredibly rewarding." - Tommy Davey