Mother's Day: Where to treat your mom for brunch in New Jersey

Since being designated an official U.S. holiday in 1914, Mother’s Day has become of the most celebrated events of the year, with Americans spending millions annually on greeting cards, flowers, chocolate and other gifts for their mothers, wives and girlfriends. 

Taking mom out to eat on her special day is another great way to show her how much you care, and Central Jersey has no shortage of great places to go. Enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day brunch at any of the following area restaurants on May 13 and help recognize that special lady in your life.

READ:Working moms can support each other

READ:Tour notable homes for Mother's Day

READ:Son's devotion continues to help those battling breast cancer

Stage House Tavern, Somerset

The casual and family-friendly Stage House Tavern will offer a Mother's Day buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a dinner buffet from 2 to 6 p.m., both of which are $29.95 per person. 

“Brunch items will include egg dishes, biscuits and sausage gravy, French toast, pancakes and other classic breakfast items as well as a waffle bar and doughnut dipping station,” said Chef/General Manager Donald “Junior" Erickson, who noted the dinner menu will include such favorites as braised short ribs, BBQ ribs, sticky shrimp over rice, and chicken saltimbocca with ravioli. 

All moms will receive flowers and the restaurant will offer a complimentary Elvis show outside on the patio from 6 to 8 p.m. 

“We’re known for our holiday buffets and love to create relaxing, enjoyable and affordable events complete with a range of special touches to ensure a memorable time for guests,” Erickson said. “We’re all about the experience.”

Take her out: 1719 Amwell Road, Somerset, 732-873-3990, stagehousetavern.com

Stage Left Steak, New Brunswick

On Mother’s Day, guests of the acclaimed New Brunswick-based restaurant will enjoy a three-course à la carte seated brunch featuring such options as lobster bisque, Hamachi crudo, warm duck confit salad, sunny-side eggs over lobster potato hash, wild mushroom and asparagus omelet, raisin hazelnut French toast, seared salmon, flat iron steak and eggs and petite filet mignon; a dessert bar complete with sticky toffee pudding, banana and chocolate bread pudding, ice cream and sorbet, crème brûlée, molten Valrhona chocolate cake and other decadent selections will follow. 

Priced at $39.95 for adults and $19.95 for children 12 and under, “guests will enjoy a delicious brunch in our newly remodeled dining rooms,” said co-owners Francis Schott and Mark Pascal. Guests will be seated from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Take her out: 5 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, 732-828-4444; www.stageleft.com; for reservations, call the restaurant or visit www.stageleft.com/reservations.

The Olde Mill Inn and Grain House Restaurant, Basking Ridge

Guests of the quaint 18th century structure (currently celebrating its milestone 250th anniversary) will enjoy an expansive Mother’s Day buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (changing to a dinner buffet from 4 to 9 p.m. on the Grain House Restaurant side) complete with a range of fresh salads, tea sandwiches, seafood selections, classic breakfast dishes including eggs Benedict, omelets, French toast and waffles, as well as carving stations, Asian specialties and a large dessert bar.  

Priced at $56 for adults and $24 for children ages 4 to 11, “we expect to seat 1,200 to 1,500 people throughout the day between our Grain House Restaurant and Olde Mill Inn and represent one of the largest and most well-known buffets in the state,” said Marketing Director Sheila Palka, who said that Mother’s Day is one of the three largest culinary events held annually at their facility. 

“In addition to the historic ambiance of our property, which contributes to a special and relaxing experience, guests love all of the variety we offer — there’s truly something for everyone,” she said.  

Take her out: 225 Morristown Road, Basking Ridge section of Bernards, 908-221-1100; www.oldemillinn.com; for reservations, call 908-696-2335. 

The Grand Summit Hotel, Summit

Celebrating its milestone 150th anniversary this year, the historic, boutique-style Grand Summit Hotel will host a distinctive Mother’s Day buffet in its ballroom. 

Priced at $69.95 for adults and 24.95 for children ages 4 to 12, “our main attractions include our carving stations, which will feature New York strip sirloin with cherry chipotle sauce, roast leg of lamb and roast turkey, our seafood display with shrimp and oysters, a selection of classic breakfast items including omelets, eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, smokehouse bacon, sausage, fresh breakfast breads and baked goods and an antipasto display complete with cheeses, smoked salmon, salads and other cold items,” said Jimmy Thornton, assistant general manager. 

“The event is also a highly family-friendly occasion that features several fun activities for kids, including an onsite balloon artist, face painter and a full children's buffet,” he said.  “Moms will enjoy the opportunity to be spoiled by our spectacular display; everything anyone could want is out there.”

Take her out: 570 Springfield Ave., Summit, 908-273-3000; www.grandsummit.com.  Seatings are at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.  Call 908-273-3000, ext. 168 for reservations.   

Forsgate Country Club, Monroe

Enjoy a relaxing day with family at the historic, 1930s-era private country club, which will be open to the public for a special feast this Mother’s Day. 

Priced at $43.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 4 to 12 (and free for children under three), menu items will include assorted salads, sliced smoked salmon, waffle and omelet stations, fusilli pasta carbonara with peas and prosciutto, prime rib, grilled mahi mahi with lime and ginger, garlic stuffed pork loin, chicken fingers and a delicious assortment of seasonal pastries, cakes, cookies and pies.

Take her out:  375 Forsgate Drive, Monroe, 732-521-0070; www.forsgatecc.com.  Seatings are at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.; call for reservations.

Other Mother's Day options

The Office Tavern Grill (Morristown) will host an a la carte brunch on May 13, featuring signature brunch items starting at 10 a.m. Mother’s Day Dinner with all the classics from our menu will be served at 4 p.m.

The Office Tavern Grill (Summit & Ridgewood) will host a brunch buffet with special menu items including a carving station, waffles made-to-order, hot breakfast entrees, and assorted pastries on May 13 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Mother’s Day Dinner featuring all our guest’s favorite menu items will be served at 4 p.m.

The Office Beer Bar and Grill (Montclair) will host a brunch buffet on May 13, with special items including a carving station, omelets, pastries and favorite breakfast and brunch selections.

The Black Horse Pub (Mendham) will host a Grand Buffet brunch on May 13, with special menu items including a carving station with prime rib, turkey and ham, an omelet station, shrimp cocktail, house smoked salmon, salads and artisan breads from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Black Horse Tavern (Mendham) will host an a la carte brunch on May 13, featuring special menu items including Black Skillet Baked Eggs and Bourbon & Blueberry French Toast from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

George + Martha’s American Grille (Morristown) will host a brunch buffet on May 13, including a carving station, omelets, breakfast and brunch selections and desserts. Seating’s will take place at: 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Mother’s Day Dinner with all the classics from our menu will be served in the evening.  

Piattino: A Neighborhood Bistro (Mendham and Summit) will offer an a la carte brunch menu on May 13, with special menu items including Ricotta Buttermilk Pancakes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special entrees featuring Spaghetti and Rabbit Meatballs and Homemade Cavatelli will also be available at 4 p.m. for Mother’s Day Dinner. 

Quaker Steak and Lube (Edison) will offer moms a free meal from a special menu on Mother's Day, with options including two pulled chicken tacos, six breaded boneless chicken wings, Top Gear tenders chicken salad, boneless wing salad, 'pick ur cheese' burger and more. 

Chevy's Fresh Mex (various locations) will offer $4 glasses and $12 pitchers of its homemade sangria and its mixed grill fajita for $22 as well as its Gooey-Chewy Brownie Sundae for $5. 

Shackamaxon Country Club (Scotch Plains) will offer brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $50 per adult and $21.95 for children ages 3-12, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 908-233-1300, extension 1203.