Celebrate Mexico’s rich culinary heritage with authentic flavors in a vibrant, inviting space.

About OSO FELIPE

Oso Felipe brings authentic and contemporary Mexican cuisine to Montclair, highlighting the diversity of Mexican food in a warm, bright and inviting space on Erie Street. The restaurant spans three floors offering two bar areas, outdoor dining, and private dining. The second floor bar is home to an extensive collection of tequila, sotol and mezcal. Designed in collaboration with Cherin Studios, the walls are adorned with artwork by local Mexican artist Santiago Cohen.

Inspired by their passion for Mexican cuisine and their shared commitment to excellence, owners Damon Wise and David Placek have curated a menu and atmosphere that pays homage to Mexico’s rich culinary heritage. The menu features classics like tacos al carbon, enchiladas, posole, and tamales, along with fajitas from the wood burning grill, seafood cocteles, fresh corn tortillas, and of course, chips with house-made salsas and guacamole. Bolstered by his career-long commitment to fresh ingredients and strong purveyor relationships, Damon and his team craft craveable, satisfying dishes that showcase the diverse, vibrant flavors of Mexico.

Oso Felipe also holds a full liquor license, offering an extensive beverage menu of handcrafted cocktails, artisanal spirits, fresh juices, and an impressive selection of tequila, sotol and mezcal, as well as beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options.

The restaurant will be open for dinner, lunch and brunch, five days a week. Reservations may be made for tables of up to 8 guests, and walk-ins are welcomed.

About DAMON WISE (Chef / Co-Owner)

Damon has cooked alongside some of the biggest names in food and is widely respected for his culinary talent, with longstanding industry relationships and unparalleled knowledge of restaurant operations, cooking, and Jerry Garcia.

Wise honed his culinary skills at some of the nation’s top restaurants, including The Greenbrier, Le Bec Fin, Lespinasse, Gramercy Tavern, Craft, and celebrated Paris restaurants Taillevent and Apicius. In New York City, Wise opened French brasserie Lafayette where he was deemed a detail-oriented “ace technician” by The New York Times, and was awarded two stars for his cooking and leadership at Monkey Bar by the same publication. He also served as a Culinary Director at chef Ford Fry’s Rocket Farm Restaurants in Atlanta, which includes popular Tex Mex spots Superica and Little Rey.

Wise has been praised for his accomplished cooking, and has operated restaurants of nearly all styles, sizes and cuisines. It has long been his dream to open a Mexican restaurant. He is the chef and owner of Pineapple Express Barbecue and Maison Fête, also in Montclair.

About DAVID PLACEK (Co-Owner)

David Placek is the founder and CEO of BDP Holdings, a New Jersey-based real estate investment company with a distinguished record of creating exceptional spaces and places. With a keen understanding of the intersection between hospitality, design, and community engagement, Placek brings a wealth of expertise to Oso Felipe.

Since moving from Southern California, where he grew up at the cross streets of Oso Parkway and Felipe Road, to the east coast in 2005, he’s been searching for a Mexican restaurant reminiscent of home - Oso Felipe is that restaurant.