The Smithville Inn, Absecon, NJ :
A Restaurant Review
New Jersey's Smithville Inn is the featured restaurant in
Historic Smithville village with 60 shoppes.
The Smithville Inn
1 N New York Rd
Absecon, NJ
Smithville Inn: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Classic American, Tavern
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: Above average, well prepared artfully presented menu, a notch above banquet level quality.
Service: Welcoming, friendly, and attentive without being intrusive.
Ambiance/Decor: Historic Circa 1787 building. Attractive, charming, upscale.
Overall Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy classic American food in an attractive, historic, elegant setting.
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer a large menu in a casual family setting
Recommended dishes: When available, The Herb Crusted Prime Rib with horseradish sauce & au Jus; The Stuffed Boneless Pork Chop Stuffed with dried apricots, cherries, figs with a warm cherry bacon vinaigrette; and The Grilled Salmon Lobster tomato basil butter with rice pilaf.
Liquor: Full-service bar
The original Smithville Inn was built in 1787 by James Baremore. It was just one room on a well traveled stagecoach route and it may not have been planned as an inn. After the turn of the twentieth century, it was abandoned until 1952 a local couple purchased the Inn and seven acres of property. The structure was restored and opened in 1952 as a restaurant. The Smithville Inn has been designated as a Historic site by the United States Government.
The venue is co-owned and operated by Laura & Chuck Bushar, and Fran & Tony Coppola.
Executive Chef, Philip Gormley runs the kitchen. Chef Gormley received his formal culinary training at Atlantic Cape Community College. He later honed his culinary skills at Menz Bar and Grill in Rio Grande, NJ, The Olive Garden in Mays Landing, NJ, The Showboat Casino in Atlantic City, The Bonefish Grill in Egg Harbor, Ruby Tuesday before joining The Smithville inn in 2017.
Chef Gormley oversees a well prepared classic American menu, though the quality of the menu items are barely a notch above banquet quality.
The interior dining area is attractive with large windows looking out on Lake Meone. Hardwood flooring, rustic chandeliers, and tables set comfortable apart and set with white linen enhance the decor and ambiance. They also have private dining rooms with a fireplace.
The wait staff is very welcoming, friendly, and attentive. The General Manager can be often seen visiting tables to ensure diners are enjoying their experience.
While there, be sure to stroll the village grounds of the quaint little shopping village that surrounds the lakeside restaurant.
The Smithville Inn is open Seven days/week for Lunch & Dinner..
(Updated September 2024)
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