DLV Lounge

I kinda love this place. even tho it’s right around the corner i try not to go too much tho bc i’m trying not to be an alcoholic. it’s my favorite bar in the neighborhood by far tho — mainly for the ambience/​bartenders/​clientele. walking in you will be met by an immediate feel of coziness. yes, it’s kinda small, but it feels just right. it’s nothing fancy, no pretention, no douchbaggery. just some old soul, r&b and jazz playing in this dimly lit home away from home, with a local group of usually older folks enjoying the vibe and libations. last time I was here there was actually a live jazz band playing — nice.
a few things I will note:
1. if you want a cocktail, keep it simple. I usually just do bourbon or whiskey w gingerale. more complicated drinks aren’t for this place.
2. no offense to the older gentleman (who I assume is the owner) sometimes behind the bar, but do yourself a favor and order your drink from the young lady. she’s super sweet and hooks it up better.
3. the aforementioned older gentleman starts shutting down shortly after 1am. I always find this disappointing and seemingly a bit early, but he’s all, «y’ain’t gotta go home, but you gotta go.» he says it’s township rules, which even tho I live here I don’t know what they are, so I won’t try to debate it.
regardless, thank you, DLV Lounge. I have a small place for you in mi corazon.

I love it here. A true hole in the wall. Good vibe. I feel like I stepped out of Verona and walked into Manhattan. I love it here! The service is so welcoming and I want to hang out here. Perfect end to a day. I love the complementary chips and pretzels. I stepped into an SNL NYc vibe
I love it. Friendly! Takes me to a different place with out traveling so far. I enjoy this place.

So I was looking for a spot to have a quick cocktail on my way home and I’ve been hearing about this dlv’ lounge for a long time so I said let me stop in. It was a Saturday night and the bartender Jennifer was the most delightful bartender I’ve run into in a long time. This quaint spot will be one of my watering holes in the future.

Came here last night with a Meetup group and we all had an amazing time. Bartender Keisha was AMAZING– friendly, warm, very welcoming, and attentive. Felt like we were good friends. We want her to join our Meetup group! The jam session was great and we had the luck to come on a night when there were two bongo players– awesome!
The vibe of the place is laid back and unpretentious and whatever «DLV» stands for, it certainly doesn’t seem like the seedy things that were suggested in another review. :) It’s not an upscale place but it’s not divey and dirty either. I look forward to coming back.

Old style Jazz and Blues Bar. Good for a very late night hangout. Décor needs updating.

Before and after 2 shows at the Wellmont this week, friends and I went to the DLV Lounge. The owner, George, was the nicest man alive and the bartender, Janet, was hilarious. While they only have bottled beer, we made out fine and the place was charming enough to think nothing of it. It’s super laid back, with great music playing, and you can tell the people who work there really love and care for the place. Can’t wait for my next show at the Wellmont, to go again!

Smooth spot with a great Jazz and Soul jukebox. Old school charm.
Owner and bartenders are solid people. Nice place to hide. No nonsense.
Only a few blocks south of the Wellmont Theatre.

I adore this bar. There’s so much to love about this place that I don’t know where to start.
The best time to go is during the weeknights, when it’s kinda slow and mellow. Not too bright or loud. The little old lady bartender is so sweet she’ll start up conversations during the commercials on tv. On a good night, stevie wonder will be on, but sometimes the jukebox and cd player simultaneously play different albums. Unfortunately, there’s only a VERY limited selection of just bottled beer (I usually get a Bud and a shot) and they have the usual array of liquor, but who cares, the atmosphere is laid back and casual. I think on the weekends they even have homecooked food served buffet-​style.
As for the reference to the «flavor» of this place from the previous reviewer, he couldn’t have been more WRONG and ignorant. He probably got rejected from the Diva Lounge that’s across the street (the club where they love to be pretentious and pretend they’re from Manhattan with their velvet ropes). I admit, this place is not the classiest, but it’s also not for the uptight yuppie Montclair crowd. They can stick to the office or egan’s for all i care.

Haha not surprised to see i’m the only one who has commented on this place… hmmm what to say.
well its been rumored that the name DLV stands for Drugs Liquor & Violence. just to give you an idea of the flavor of the place.