NEWARK, NJ - Some of the Ironbound’s best-kept secret outdoor dining spots will come to the forefront Saturday with a little help from a tour guide.

Fifteen people will get to discover outdoor hidden courtyards or patios of three notable area restaurants: Mompou Tapas Wine Bar and Lounge, Catas and Burger Bound. The experience is thanks to the Ironbound Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Have You Met Newark Tours and Raise Newark.

The exploration will highlight Spanish tapas and classic American side dishes under a setting that is perfect for the dog days of summer. Those on the tour will enjoy outdoor bars while sitting under twinkling lanterns and hanging greenery.

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“You get drawn into people’s inner cultural world that way,” said Ironbound BID Executive Director Seth A. Grossman. “That’s the magic. The magic of Newark is the people and the Ironbound has that in such an interesting an extraordinary way.”

Have You Met Newark Tours founder Emily Manz, an Ironbound resident, will be leading the event. The tour will give people the opportunity to socialize, dine out and the chance to talk to chefs.

“When you live in the city, you’re always looking for patches of green spaces or outdoor areas where you can relax and enjoy eating,” said Manz, who has been leading tours since 2012. “I’ve lived in the Ironbound for several years and they’re just beautiful places to sit outside.”

Those on the Ironbound Experience: Hidden Courtyards tour will spend Saturday afternoon winding through Ferry, Market and Van Buren streets just outside of Penn Station. They will also make a stop at Lisbon Wines & Liquors.

The tour is both for newcomers who want to discover an area they might have only read about and long-standing residents who may want to meet new people. The tour will showcase a diverse area where several Portuguese, Brazillian Mexican, Ecuadoreans and Hondurans live.





This is the first year the Ironbound BID has teamed up with Have You Met Newark Tours and Raise Newark. The groups plan to have other tours that will highlight different businesses of the diverse section of Newark.

The tour starts at 3 p.m. tomorrow and kicks off at the Ironbound BID offices at 56 Congress St. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased online.

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