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Walk into Oso Felipe on Erie Street and the first thing you’ll feel is…happy. The space is bright and airy, with the kind of warmth that makes you want to order another coffee (or a margarita) just so you can stick around a little longer. It’s modern Montclair with the heart of a Mexican kitchen, and it works.
You should start with the guacamole and chips, because it’s precisely what you want guacamole and chips to be: perfectly salted tortilla chips that are almost impossible to stop eating, and a smooth guac topped with just enough radish and pumpkin seeds to keep it interesting.
But the thing that will live rent-free in your brain long after brunch is the watermelon salad. This isn’t your standard fruit-and-feta situation. It comes dressed with chilies, sesame oil, and scallions, and it’s spicy, smoky, and refreshing all at once. It’s the dish we’ll be talking about for weeks.
The chilaquiles verde arrive looking like an architectural project — piled with nachos, melted cheese, runny eggs, jalapeños, and avocado. It’s messy. It’s indulgent. It’s worth it. Balance that with the crispy mahi mahi taco, which has a golden batter so light and crunchy it almost feels engineered. It’s one of the best fish tacos we’ve had in town.
Here’s the bottom line: Oso Felipe is delivering a brunch that’s fun, filling, and a little unexpected. Prices are fair, portions are generous, and there’s a full bar if you’re the kind of person who considers a tequila spritz essential to Sunday plans. Order the watermelon salad and the mahi mahi tacos, and then figure out what else you have room for.
