Live music, killer food, and late nights on North Ave in Garwood, NJ.
On any given Friday at 78 North Ave, the stage lights cut through a packed room and a touring band rips into their opening number. That's Crossroads. Part live music venue, part bar, part restaurant, this Garwood spot has quietly become one of the best places in the region to catch real music, and the 919 reviews averaging 4.6 stars back that up without any argument.
The room draws everyone from local acts cutting their teeth to national touring groups who know a good stage when they play one. Fans who caught AF2K, the Rush tribute act, left talking about it for weeks. The sound is right, the sightlines are good, and the crowd is there because they actually want to be there, not because there was nothing else to do.
The kitchen earns its own reputation. That fried chicken sandwich has made converts out of skeptics who claim they've eaten the genre dry. The chicken is cooked properly, the sauce lands exactly where it should, and the fries hold up. Food this good at a live music venue is the exception, not the rule.
The main event is the live music calendar. Crossroads books a steady mix of local talent and touring national acts across rock, cover bands, and beyond, with shows running Wednesday through Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The stage and sound system are built for performance, not an afterthought bolted onto a bar.
The bar program is full and serious, exactly what you want when you're settling in for a three-hour set. The restaurant menu goes well past bar snacks, with the fried chicken sandwich as the standout, backed by a kitchen that clearly cares about execution. Sunday hours open at 11:00 AM, making it a legitimate option for a more relaxed afternoon.
Private events and bookings are available for groups who want the space without the public show schedule. The combination of a real stage, a full bar, and a working kitchen makes Crossroads a rare find in Union County for anyone planning something that needs atmosphere built in from the start.
Take a look at our space and what we have to offer
“Awesome spot for live music. Food is very good. Saw a Rush cover band there and they kicked ass. AF2K.”
— Al Gattullo
Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers
The lineup covers a wide range, from local original acts to national touring groups and tribute bands. Rock is well represented, but the calendar shifts. Check xxroads.com for the current schedule before you head out.
Crossroads is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Sunday hours are 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The venue is closed on Tuesday.
Cover charges vary by event and performer. Some nights are free, others have a ticket price depending on the act. Check the website or social media for show-specific pricing before your visit.
Yes. The kitchen runs during regular business hours and the menu goes well beyond typical bar food. The fried chicken sandwich is the standout, but the full menu is worth exploring.
Private event bookings are available. The venue's combination of a professional stage, full bar, and working kitchen makes it a strong option for parties, corporate events, or special occasions. Reach out through xxroads.com for details.
Crossroads is at 78 North Ave in Garwood, NJ 07027, in Union County. It's accessible from the surrounding towns of Westfield, Cranford, Rahway, and Clark.
Absolutely. The bar, food, and atmosphere hold up on their own. Many regulars show up without knowing who's on stage and leave as new fans. The room has enough energy that a good night doesn't depend on recognizing every song.
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