12 Must-Visit Historic Restaurants in New Jersey

Guide to New Jersey Historic Restaurants

Experience History and Flavor at New Jersey’s Historic Restaurants

New Jersey’s historic restaurants offer more than just a meal—they provide a journey through time. With origins dating back as far as 1706, these dining establishments boast deep colonial roots, with many playing pivotal roles in the Revolutionary War and other landmark events in American history.

These iconic eateries aren’t just about their storied past; they’re a feast for the senses, combining rich traditions with exceptional cuisine. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique dining experience, these establishments promise to captivate with their charm and historical significance.

A standout feature of New Jersey’s historic restaurants is their Thanksgiving tradition. Many remain open for the holiday, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a memorable meal in an atmosphere steeped in history. From classic Thanksgiving feasts to creative interpretations of time-honored dishes, these venues ensure there’s something for everyone.

Picture yourself enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by centuries-old architecture, historical artifacts, and the echoes of stories long past.

As you savor the flavors, you’re not just partaking in a meal—you’re participating in a living legacy, celebrating the enduring spirit of New Jersey’s rich heritage.

Northern NJ Historic Restaurants

Black Horse Tavern, Mendham, NJ

Black Horse Tavern
Mendham, NJ
Nestled in the heart of Mendham, NJ, the Black Horse Tavern offers a dining experience steeped in history and charm. This establishment, housed in a building dating back to 1742, combines rustic elegance with a modern menu, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. They are open on Thanksgiving serving a special Thanksgiving menu.

Gladstone Tavern, Gladstone, NJ

 Gladstone Tavern
Gladstone, NJ
An upscale yet casual landmark restaurant housed in an attractively restored 1847 farmhouse, serving a well-executed menu.
While the tavern has renovated and updated its decor from the original 1847 farmhouse, it none the less maintained it's country casual charm with an equestrian style ambiance, a wide front porch with a life-size horse statue on the porch, and three fireplaces.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & New Year'

Stage House Tavern, Scotch Plains, NJ

Stage House Tavern
Scotch Plains, NJ
Dating back to 1737, the Stage House Tavern is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the Revolutionary War the Stage House Tavern was a meeting place for troops and reported that George Washington was an honored guest. While expansion and renovations have since occurred, the ambiance of an historical Revolutionary War-era tavern has been maintained with original fireplaces, woodwork, and beams.
Open Thanksgiving serving a special Turkey 3 course dinner.

Ho Hokus Inn, NJ.

The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern is an historic Circa 1796 restaurant listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
While renovations have updated the upstairs dining areas with a more formal elegant ambiance, The downstairs tavern area and bar are more vibrant, rustic, yet noisy, with a casual bar scene and less expensive, moderately priced pub fare, a fireplace, and wooden floors highlight the tavern's rustic decor.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve.

Central NJ Historic Restaurants

Clinton House Restaurant, Clinton, NJ

Clinton House
Clinton, NJ
This historic restaurant circa 1743, located in the heart of the Historical Community of Clinton, serves up traditional American food in a rustic country setting. It remains as the most iconic restaurant in Clinton.
It is set in what was once an inn and public house. The bedrooms are no longer for rent, but the old-school dining room is still open for Patrons.
It has recently been renovated to restore its 18th century atmosphere. The ambiance is warm, cozy with old, beamed ceilings, and a fireplace.
The restaurant is popular with diners who enjoy traditional American food in a warm, cozy historic setting.
Open on Thanksgiving with a special Thanksgiving menu.

Cranbury Inn, Cranberry, NJ

 The Cranbury Inn
Cranbury, NJ
The Cranbury Inn is a landmark restaurant with a historic past that dates to the mid-1700s.
Under new management, It has recently been renovated while maintaining and preserving the site's rich, historical heritage.
They are open on Thanksgiving serving a special 4 course Thanksgiving menu, and on Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve for both a New Year's Eve Dinner & a New Year's Eve

Lambertville House Hotel, Lambertville, NJ

Lambertville House
Lambertville, NJ
Built in 1812, this building is on the National Register of Historic Places. A popular stagecoach stop between New York and Philadelphia, Presidents Andrew Johnson and Ulysses S. Grant have stayed here. In 1994, a change of ownership occurred and the task of renovating the hotel finally began. By 1997, restored to its 19th-Century glory, the Lambertville House Hotel reopened.
Not open on major holidays.

Rocky Hill Inn, Rocky Hill, NJ

Rocky Hill Inn
Rocky Hill, NJ
Located 10 minutes from downtown Princeton, The Rocky Hill Inn is a historic Tavern/Restaurant (circa 1745) and is one of the oldest restaurants in the United States. This historic pub in New Jersey first received its tavern license in 1745 and operated as an inn and public house.
They are open seven days/week except on some major holidays.

Sergeantsville Inn, Sergeantsville, NJ

The Sergeantsville Inn
Sergeantsville, NJ
The Sergeantsville Inn began as a private residence in the early 1700's in a small city called Skunktown. When the United States Post Office came to town, they would not legitimize the name of Skunktown and it was renamed Sergeantsville, after the well-known Sergeant family. With the addition of the two wings in the 1830's it became a grain and feed store. Before the restaurant opened in the early 1900's, the building was also used as a grocery store, ice cream parlor, and a pelt trading center. Although the building has gone through several owners, the original structure and additions have been preserved. Three of the dining rooms, the Library, Icehouse and the Wyeth Room still use the original fireplaces. In 1983, the icehouse then joined to the main building and now serves as one of the Inn's four elegant dining areas.
Not open on major Holidays, though you can pre-order on-line a specially prepared Thanksgiving dinner for pickup.

Southern NJ Historic Restaurants

Barnsboro Inn, Sewell, NJ

 Barnsboro Inn
Sewell, NJ
At nearly 300 years of age it is one is the oldest taverns in NJ.
The historic Barnsboro Inn was established as a log cabin in the early 1700s, initially as a rest stops along the road. The tavern itself has undergone name changes during its nearly 300-year history. It was known as the Spread Eagle, the Crooked Billet Inn, and the Barnsboro Hotel before its present designation as the Barnsboro Inn.
Today it is a popular place for casual dining --- comfort food, with a limited entree menu with nightly live music, boasts a solid outdoor terrace. Open on Thanksgiving.

Smithsville Inn, Absecon, NJ

Smithville Inn
Absecon, NJ
The Smithville Inn is the featured attraction in Historic Smithville village with 60 over shoppes.
The Historic Smithville Inn has been designated as a Historic site by the United States Government.
They offer a آ scenic view dining areas looking out on Lake Meone, and dining rooms with a fireplace.
Not open on major Holidays.

Ye Olde Centerton Inn, Pillsgrove, NJ

Ye Olde Centerton Inn
Pittsgrove, NJ
This historic inn dates back to 1706 when it was a former stagecoach stop between Philadelphia and Greenwich, NJ. The vibe remains historic, though it can use a freshening up.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Frequently Asked Questions
New Jersey' Historic Restaurants

Question
What is a Revolutionary War-era restaurant?

Answer
These are historic establishments or buildings from the late 18th century, around the time of the American Revolution (1775-1783). Many have been preserved or restored to reflect the period's architecture, decor, and ambiance, offering a glimpse into colonial life.

Question
Are there any Revolutionary War-era restaurants still operational in New Jersey?

Answer
Yes, there are establishments in New Jersey that date back to the Revolutionary War era or were significant during that time. Notable examples include the Black Horse Tavern & Pub in Mendham and the Stage House Tavern in Scotch Plains.

Question
What kind of food can I expect at these restaurants?

Answer
Menus often feature modern takes on colonial recipes, focusing on hearty dishes like stews, roasted meats, root vegetables, and baked goods. Some offer historically accurate meals, while others have more contemporary offerings.

Question
Are the interiors authentically preserved?

Answer
Many Revolutionary War-era restaurants maintain period-authentic decor, including wooden beams, stone fireplaces, and colonial-style furnishings. Restoration efforts aim to keep historical integrity intact.

Question
Were these locations active during the Revolutionary War?

Answer
Yes, many of these establishments served as taverns, meeting places, or even headquarters for Revolutionary War leaders.

Question
Are there any Revolutionary War figures associated with these restaurants?

Answer
Several historic locations hosted notable figures, such as George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, and Alexander Hamilton, either as dining patrons or in strategic planning meetings.

Question
Do these restaurants host special events?

Answer
Yes, some establishments host themed dinners, reenactments, and historical talks. Seasonal events like candlelit tours and holiday celebrations are also common.

Question
Are these restaurants family-friendly?

Answer
Most Revolutionary War-era restaurants welcome families and may offer educational programs for children, such as history-themed activities or storytelling events.