Krug's Tavern, Newark, NJ: A Restaurant Review

Krug's Tavern: Restaurant Highlights

Fare:  American Tavern

Price: Inexpensive - Moderate

Makes on of the best burgers in Newark

Offers on -site, free parking

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy an excellent burger in a tavern setting

Not Recommended For:  Diners who prefer more upscale dining with a large menu.

Recommended dishes:  When available, The 12 oz. Bacon Cheeseburger, served on a soft sesame seed bun; The Shrimp Scampi, breaded shrimp fried and served with their homemade garlic scampi sauce; and The Rib eye Cheese steak with peppers, onions and cheese on a long Italian roll.

Liquor: Full Service Bar

Nestled in Newark’s historic Ironbound district, Krug’s Tavern has earned a loyal following for its mouthwatering burgers and timeless neighborhood charm.

A family-owned institution since founder Frank Krug first opened its doors in 1938, the bar is now helmed by the LaMotta family—relatives of Jake LaMotta, the famed 1950s middleweight boxing champion immortalized in the film Raging Bull. Current owners Ellen LaMotta, her brother-in-law Frank, and sister-in-law Susan uphold the tavern’s legacy of warmth and authenticity.

The star of the menu is the iconic ¾-pound burger, grilled to order in the bustling bar area and customizable with five preparation styles. Cooked slowly over 20 minutes, these juicy, generously portioned burgers arrive thick, delightfully greasy, and bursting with flavor.

Beyond burgers, the menu features classic American tavern fare: loaded sandwiches, seafood entrees, crispy appetizers, bar-style pizzas, and sides like golden fries and onion rings.

The ambiance is unpretentious and lively, blending the buzz of after-work professionals, local regulars, and tradespeople sharing stories over pints.

Krug’s remains a go-to spot for hearty meals, cold beers, and the kind of cross-generational camaraderie that defines a true neighborhood gem.

Free off-street parking adds convenience to the experience.

Open for lunch and dinner six days a week (closed Mondays),

Updated: February 2025

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