Readers' Choice Winner: Everybody Loves Raymond's!

This week, we asked Montclair Patch readers where they go when they want to treat their moms right and show their appreciation on Mother's Day.

It's no surprise that readers choseas their fave place for brunch. This Montclair institution on the broad-sidewalked Church Street has racked up a heap of accolades in recent years, winning "Best Of" awards in reader polls conducted by New Jersey Monthly and many other publications.

Resembling a charming old soda parlor, Raymond's not only boasts great food, but it's also become a hub of Montclair social life, a place where movers and shakers gather for lunch and families and college students flock for dinner.

Those wanting to go here for brunch have an array of scrumptious dishes to choose from. They include: Migas traditional Mexican scramble with crisp tortillas, poblanos and salsa verde for $8.25; Steak and Eggs hanger steak, potato-shallot cake, sunnyside eggs and chimmichurri for $10.75; and Eggs in Brioche with Grafton cheddar, and spinach salad with bacon and asparagus for $8.50.

Raymond's underwent a few transformations after visionary Raymond Badach opened it in 1989. But the style Badach settled on in 2004—a come-as-you-are (slightly upscale) diner reminiscent of something out of the 1930s—is the one that customers still seem to love the most. The 1,850-square-foot restaurant—and spacious sidewalk patio—is almost always packed.

Following Raymond's, in second place, you chose the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange in this week's poll, a popular restaurant offering panoramic views of the New York City skyline.

Readers also said they liked Sweet Basil's Cafe in West Orange and in Montclair.

Toast, at 700 Bloomfield Avenue, has flavorful breakfast breads, pancakes, and omelettes.

Check out this Montclair Patch review of Toast from 2010 that still holds true.

Thanks everyone for voting. And have a wonderful Mother's Day brunch—wherever you go. On Monday, our Readers' Choice poll will be looking at the best places for a "staycation."