When it comes to paying tribute to where it all began, the Jonas Brothers aren’t holding back. For their latest album, Greetings From Your Hometown, the Wyckoff-born trio put one of Essex County’s most beloved Italian restaurants—Belmont Tavern in Belleville—front and center on the cover.
The second-generation, women-owned institution has been serving old-school Jersey Italian fare since 1967. Belmont Tavern is famous for its retro dining room—red pleather chairs, walls adorned with Italian-American memorabilia, and a timeless, unpretentious vibe that feels like stepping into a 1970s postcard. Over the decades, the Bloomfield Avenue landmark has hosted a steady stream of celebrities, including music legend Connie Francis, football great Tiki Barber, Newark’s own Four Seasons, and Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood.
Belmont Tavern and the Jo Bros Connection
Belmont Tavern isn’t just a one-off photo op for the Jonas Brothers—it’s one of their regular haunts. The band has been spotted multiple times enjoying what the restaurant is most famous for: the “savoy and beeps,” Belmont’s signature chicken savoy and fried shrimp in spicy Fra Diavolo sauce. In April, ahead of the new album drop, the brothers toured several North Jersey locations for promotional photos, with Belmont naturally making the list.
When the cover art was teased in May, Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas explained that the imagery was deeply personal:
“We walked the streets we grew up on, visited the exact places where we sat while dreaming up what this band could be, and felt that deep pull of where it all began. There’s something about being home that reminds you who you are.”
The result is an album they describe as “a love letter” to New Jersey—infused with lifelong influences, storytelling traditions, and even a touch of Bruce Springsteen spirit.
Album Release, Anniversary Tour, and Jersey Pride
Released August 8, Greetings From Your Hometown is the Jonas Brothers’ seventh studio album. The timing couldn’t be more fitting: just two days later, they kicked off their 20th anniversary tour with a hometown show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
The band celebrated the launch with fans in multiple ways, including a packed release event at American Dream on August 10. Over the past year, they’ve also hosted a free fan fest at the same venue, partnered with Friendly’s Ice Cream on a limited-edition “three flavors, three brothers” treat, and even staged a surprise 50-minute concert aboard New York City’s East River Ferry.
For more stories celebrating New Jersey’s music scene, check out Explore New Jersey’s music section.
From Disney to Hall of Fame Inductees
The Jonas Brothers’ rise is pure modern pop history. From their breakout days on Disney Channel to topping charts worldwide, they’ve been a fixture in music for two decades. After a six-year hiatus beginning in 2013, they roared back in 2019 with Happiness Begins, solidifying their status as one of the most enduring pop acts of their generation.
Their bond with New Jersey has remained unshakable, and later this year, that connection will be officially recognized when they’re inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
For fans, Greetings From Your Hometown isn’t just an album—it’s a nostalgic snapshot of where the Jonas Brothers’ journey started. For Belmont Tavern, it’s a lasting reminder that sometimes the best stories are written right at the corner booth, with a plate of chicken savoy and shrimp beeps on the table.
Spotlight on Belmont Tavern
📍 Location: Belleville, Essex County, NJ
🔗 Learn more about Belmont Tavern here
Few restaurants capture the flavor and spirit of New Jersey quite like Belmont Tavern. Established in 1967, this family-run, women-owned restaurant is a living time capsule of Italian-American dining culture.
Signature Dishes:
- Chicken Savoy – A garlicky, vinegar-kissed chicken dish that has become a Belmont trademark.
- Shrimp Beeps – Fried shrimp tossed in spicy Fra Diavolo sauce, a true Jersey classic.
- Homemade pastas, hearty meatballs, and traditional antipasti complete the menu.
Why It’s Iconic:
- The red pleather booths, vintage wall art, and celebrity photos instantly transport you to another era.
- Its location on Bloomfield Avenue puts it right in the heart of Essex County’s legendary food scene.
- Belmont’s warm, no-frills atmosphere and generous portions keep locals and celebrities coming back for decades.
Celebrity Connections:
In addition to the Jonas Brothers, Belmont Tavern has welcomed stars from sports, music, and film. It’s the kind of place where you might see a Hall of Fame quarterback, a Grammy-winning musician, and a neighborhood regular all enjoying plates of pasta at the next table.
Visiting Tips:
- Reservations aren’t always necessary, but weekends can get busy.
- Bring cash—Belmont is famously old school.
- Don’t skip dessert; the cannoli is worth the trip alone.
For a true taste of New Jersey history and flavor, Belmont Tavern is more than a restaurant—it’s a rite of passage.
