Updated December 8, 2021 — The Cheese Bar’s Facebook page officially announced on November 8, 2021 that they are closing the restaurant.

Published November 23, 2019

On a chilly Friday evening a half-an-hour after opening, I parked on the street in front of the Pompton Lakes library and dodged my way across the street to the old Bella Bea’s Sandwich shop, now turned into The Cheese Bar.

Having seen the positive feedback and delicious photos circulated around the community Facebook page, I decided to pop by before the busy Friday night crowds, and try the new restaurant.

The Cheese Bar Restaurant

I picked a good time to visit The Cheese Bar. As I approached the front door, I saw only two older women sharing wine at the high-top table in the front window.

I let a couple with their baby enter ahead of me. The husband walked to the back-right corner of room, before his wife said, “Babe, we have to wait to be seated.”

A small hostess table with menus sat against the wall near front door. One of the waiters came out from the kitchen and grabbed menus to seat them.

I was slightly worried that I wouldn’t be seated (as I’ve experienced in the past, when dining alone). That was part of my reason for arriving early, before the dinner rush.

This waiter was great though. He didn’t treat me any different for dining alone, and he let me pick my table. I selected a high-top table against the left-hand wall, facing “The Cheese Bar” sign.

The waiter — I don’t remember his name — left me with the long, single page menu.

Considering The Cheese Bar just opened, I was impressed that they offered a full menu with appetizers, salads, plated entrees, a large collection of grilled cheese sandwiches, and two desserts.

I didn’t see any soft-drink options, and I knew The Cheese Bar didn’t sell Villa Milagro wine yet. When my waiter came back, he reminded me of that and asked if he could offer me a bottle of Pellegrino.

Sparkling water was fine by me — as I was reminded of my dinners in Italy — and treating myself to dinner at The Cheese Bar might as well include fancy water.

I didn’t spend too much time studying the menu, since I read it online before I arrived. I already had an idea of what I wanted to order.

Though I asked the waiter anyway, “What would you recommend the fried cheese curds or the mac n’ cheese bites?”

“I love mac n’ cheese, so I would say those.”

“Thanks! I was wondering because I saw the Thai dipping sauce for the cheese curds, and wondered which would be better.”

“Yeah the Thai sauce is what makes that different than everyday fried cheese curds.”

If you’ve never had fried cheese curds (like me), you can read more about the processes of making cheese curds here.

I wanted to try the Thai sauce, so in the end I ordered the fried cheese curds for my appetizer.

Interior Design

My waiter went to put in my appetizer. I observed the room.

The same dark hardwood floors ran the length of the room. The yellow Bella Bea’s walls were updated to a cool blue (with grayish, green undertones). Large black and white canvas’s lined both walls, and I wondered if their imagery had any significance to the owner, or if they were for aesthetic purposes.

The focal point of the room was the multi-wooden wall with the gold “The Cheese Bar” sign. It was modern and bold.

Blub-lights hung horizontally across the new black ceiling. Despite the darker tones, the room felt clean and welcoming. I liked the minimalist style, considering the size of the space.

There were five high-top tables around the left side of the room and next to the front window. Five normal two-person tables lined the other side of the room. Two four-person tables for larger groups filled the center of the room.

I wondered if The Cheese Bar accepted reservations, as it would probably be difficult to seat a group of four or more, especially if one of the middle tables were already taken.

Appetizers at The Cheese Bar

While I would’ve loved one of the cheese boards, I knew it’d be too much food for me. The fig and almond brie and the goat cheese caught my eye. Next time I go to the cheese bar I’ll bring a group so I can try more appetizers.

Fried Cheese Curds with Thai Chili Dipping Sauce | $9

The fried cheese curds were a large portion for one person. They arrived on a beautiful cutting board with a metal container of the Thai chili dipping sauce. I took a forkful to see how spicy it was.

The sauce was a bit translucent and had a sweetness that reminded me of apricot. I could see chili flakes, like the orange sauce offered at Khao Tip, but they added a depth to the flavor of the sauce, and not unbearable heat. I have no experience with Thai cooking, so I couldn’t tell you what else was in it, but I enjoyed the flavors.

The cheese curds were battered and fried until golden — they were not oily nor dense. The cheese curds were white and reminded me of mozzarella. Their mild flavor was a great canvas for the Thai chili sauce.

I ate most of the appetizer. It would be a perfect portion for two or three people to share. This appetizer made me crave a cold beer, despite the classic cheese-and-wine pairings.

Dinner at The Cheese Bar

I was happy that my waiter didn’t rush me. A grilled cheese takes no time to make, and I was worried that it would arrive before I finished my appetizer.

I sipped by sparkling water as my leftover cheese curds were wrapped.

The couple in the corner ordered a giant cheese board and shared wine, while their daughter teetered around the floor, playing with a plastic cup.

A mother and her grammar school daughter sat at the four-person table to my right. The daughter was sassing her mom about something. I overheard that lemonade and iced tea were some drink options besides sparkling water.

My waiter delivered the basil tomato fondue to the older ladies at the front window. They were thrilled with the portions. A younger couple took the two-top table under “The Cheese Bar” sign, and opened a bottle of white wine.

My grilled cheese arrived as a pair of women entered. They mentioned that there was no more parking on the street, but that they were glad there were tables available. I wondered if they parked by St. Mary’s Church and walked over.

The ladies asked the mother (now joined by her husband and baby son) — what appetizers they ordered. The little girl watched the baby son from where she wandered.

I liked that the waitstaff didn’t mind the children. They were helpful with making sure the parents had what they needed so they could enjoy their meals.

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese | $14

The pulled pork grilled cheese had Bourbon pulled pork, Fontina and Munster cheese, caramelized onions, smoked bacon, on Texas toast.

Cut in half and stacked on top of one another, the melted cheese and tender pork overflowed from the grilled cheese. A pile of golden shoe-string French fries accompanied the grilled cheese, with a small container of ketchup.

I tried the French fries first. I was thrilled that they were hot from the fryer and crisp. I don’t normally bother with ketchup, but the container was inviting (rather than table-containers of ketchup which a-thousand people touch) — that I dipped my fries. I wondered if both the ketchup and fries were made in-house?

The grilled cheese was insta-worthy. I asked my waiter for extra napkins, cause I imagined I would drop something in my lap.

The Texas toast was perfect — thick enough to hold the sandwich contents, but not so much bread that it threw off the ratio for a composed bite. The bread was buttery and golden on the outside which is a must for grilled cheeses.

The grilled cheese filling was to die for: Tender pulled pork, sweet caramelized onions, bacon (not overly crispy nor fatty), and gooey cheese. I wouldn’t change anything about The Cheese Bar’s grilled cheese.

I’m a neat eater so I switched to using a fork and knife to cut a composed bite each time. It was a filling grilled cheese. I ate half of the sandwich and a bit of the fries before I was full.

I was happy to see the chef (and the owner?) come out from the kitchen during my courses and stop by each table or smile and ask how we were doing.

On his way into the dining room, I was busy eating my fries so I didn’t make eye contact, but he made sure before he went back to the kitchen — that he got my attention and asked how everything was. That’s the type of thoughtfulness that I’m always impressed with as a diner and foodie.

There’s Always Room for Dessert

I asked my waiter to wrap the rest of my grilled cheese and fries.

By six o’clock, the restaurant was getting busy. Two older couples came in and took the front-window and table behind me. The family of four to my right had three appetizers, grilled cheeses, and the quesadillas on their table.

A group of ladies took the last middle table in the room and browsed their menus. There was only one table open in front of me — though I noticed the couple in the corner with the baby were packing up.

I already remembered the two dessert options (lemon pound cake or ricotta cheesecake). My waiter was amazing up to this point, so I figured I’d ask his opinion about the desserts. He recommended the cheesecake so that’s what I ordered.

Italian Cheesecake | $9

I loved the dessert. It came out on a long horizontal plate with a swirl of whipped cream and drizzle of chocolate syrup and raspberry dots.

I love New York style cheesecake, which is smoother since it’s made with cream cheese. I only had ricotta cheesecake at a restaurant once, and it was dry and dense that I never ordered it again. So, I was curious to see how The Cheese Bar’s cheesecake stacked up…

It was lovely.

Yes, it had the ricotta texture, which you can see from the shape of the slice. But the texture was moist and had a subtle orange flavor. The top, even though it was golden, wasn’t dried out. I really enjoyed it!

I would’ve loved to have a cappuccino or even a normal coffee with it. I hope as they add the wine to their menu that The Cheese Bar offers plain coffee or tea to have with the dessert.

My Recommendation

In the end, I took home that last little bit of my cheesecake too. As my waiter cleared my table I wondered: Where was my appetizer and entree? I knew I asked to have it wrapped.

When my waiter brought the bill, he brought me my to-go bag with all of my food.

I thought that was a spectacular idea — keep the leftovers for each table wrapped in the back until it was time to pay.

The dining room tables tend to be small, so unless you want plastic bags hanging from chairs or on the floor, keeping them in the kitchen is the easiest way to keep tables clear and the dining room looking organized.

My total bill was $36 plus tip. I thought that was a reasonable amount considering my three courses were fresh and homemade.

Overall, my first impression for dinner at The Cheese Bar in Pompton Lakes was a 10/10 for the following:

• Decor and Design

  • Love the updates to the space. For a small dining room, the minimalist design keep the space feeling open. The focal point of the restaurant is “The Cheese Bar” wall with the sign. It’s bold, clean, and beautiful.

• Service

  • My waiter was friendly and welcoming, which I don’t always experience as a single diner. He and the other waitress handled the dining room well, always checked on the customers (without rushing them), and were thoughtful with their service, especially with the families. I also love that we got to see — who I assume to be — the chef/owner.

• Food

  • Delicious food with unique ingredient combinations. I like the variety of options on the menu — from appetizers to classic Italian dishes. The plating was clean and on-brand, which I enjoyed. The ingredients in my dishes were fresh and prepared well. Based on the dishes I saw on other tables, The Cheese Bar offers beautiful cheese options. I can’t wait to see the wine offerings.
    

I’ll be excited to return to The Cheese Bar, so I can try more of their menu.

Have you had a chance to visit? What did you think? Do you have a favorite dish? Tell me about it in the comments below!

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