If you like drag brunches, live jazz or spinach and artichoke dip, today is not your day, because The Vanguard — a 1940s-themed restaurant and bar in Harrison — has just announced it will be closing for good.
After five years in business, the lively spot's specialty cocktails and juicy burgers will be no more.
The Vanguard announces its permanent closing
"After serving the Harrison community for the past 5 years," the team wrote on Instagram, "we have made the difficult decision to close our doors. We thank all those who came and supported us."
The decision went into effect on Sunday, Jan. 14, meaning the social media announcement came after the spot had shut permanently — a move that took locals by surprise.
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"That’s tragic," a woman who goes by Bri Graver commented on Instagram. "I wish I had known beforehand. I would’ve made one last visit."
Social media user Jen Guevara shared a similar sentiment, writing, "Sad to hear it, would have liked to enjoy it one last time!"
The Vanguard team (aka Skopos Hospitality Group) did not respond to its regulars but left a general statement encouraging the saddened to visit them at "at one of [its] other locations."
Some of those alternative restaurants are Cowan's Public in Nutley, The Barrow House in Clifton and Franklin Social in Jersey City, each of which is owned by the group and has a similar vibe and menu.
Mourning the loss of a lively hangout space
The Vanguard, which lived its brief life on Frank E Rodgers Boulevard South, was known for its rustic, wartime interior and vivacious social events. Made up of a bar, a mess hall-inspired dining room and a jazz cocktail lounge, the restaurant made guests feel as if they had stepped back into Harrison's industrial past.
On the weekends, the spot hosted disco brunches, comedy shows, bingo nights and more, making the venue's food secondary to its role as a community hangout space.
At Christmastime, it even transformed itself into a tropical tiki bar.
The future of the Vanguard in Harrison
As of now, there has been no announcement on what will move into the Vanguard's old space.
But after the Vanguard's high-energy events, great music and (surprisingly good) Creole Mac and Cheese, the new concept will certainly have big shoes to fill.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
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January 16, 2024 at 05:11AM
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The Vanguard in Harrison, a lively restaurant, closes permanently - NorthJersey.com
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