A Brief History of Taverns in NJ and Local Bars in Hackettstown

Author Michael C. Gabriele visited the students of the Newspaper Production Studio course on Tuesday, April 14, and used this opportunity to talk about how he wrote his books and became an author talking about all things New Jersey, specifically about the history of diners and taverns in NJ.

This encounter inspired me to want to learn more about the state that I have lived in my whole life, and feel like I barely know it. When Gabriele was talking about the history of taverns in NJ, and I thought that this could make a great story for the Cyclone Chronicle. So, after Gabriele visited our Newspaper class and mentioned his book, Colonial Taverns of New Jersey, which everyone should check out, I wanted to learn more about Taverns and their history in NJ. Mainly because I had just turned 21 the week before he came, and now I could legally fully experience what it would be like at a tavern myself. 

Brief Background of Taverns in NJ

Taverns have a long-established history in our great state of New Jersey. From the 17th century, New Jersey was settled by the Dutch and then later by the English. “These taverns began emerging as important gathering places for the surrounding communities,” said Gabriele.

The first tavern that historians can name is Lyons Ordinary. It was founded on the banks of the Passaic River in the new settlement of Newark around May of 1666. Henry Lyon began this tavern. While all traces of this early tavern have vanished under the streets and concrete of modern Newark, the idea was founded. Legislature saw it as: to provide comfort and accommodations for visitors. This was the same goal as every other tavern in New Jersey that came after it, according to Gabriele.

Taverns were a means to give food and shelter to travelers. As the colony of New Jersey began to develop, mostly in the 18th century, these establishments grew in importance and began having a wider variety of functionalities. These taverns became a place where you could socialize, share news, and discuss important plans during the Revolutionary War time period, according to Gabriele. 

So many taverns were being involved in revolutionary activities like being a place for Patriots to have organized meetings to make plans against the British. For instance, George Washington liked using taverns as a headquarters, and tavern keepers were aiding the Continental Army soldiers. Soldiers were also craving alcohol along with food so it could ease their misery while the war was still ongoing, according to Gabriele.

During the 19th century, taverns still played a significant part within their communities by not just providing food and drinks but offering a sense of unity. With the expansion of improved transportation like railroads, taverns had to evolve and change their needs to society. This was often met with some acting as places for entertainment like dancing and playing music. 

Taverns also made contributions to their local economies by showing support for agriculture and trade. They served as a bridge between farmers and their consumers, which created a crucial marketplace. As well as becoming recruitment stations for colonial militias and providing a meeting place for local committees of safety, according to Gabriele.

Modern Day Taverns

The early 20th century saw significant shifts in bar culture. While the term "tavern" was common in the 17th-18th centuries, the term "barroom" appeared by 1797, which was then later shortened to "bar," and became the dominant term after the Prohibition era ended in 1933. 

In New Jersey today, taverns still remain as social hangout spots and continue as neighborhood bars in their communities. The introduction of standardized liquor regulations and branded spirits led to the commercialization of cocktails, with bartenders refining their craft into an art form. The late 20th century also saw the emergence of nightclub bars, catering to younger crowds with dance music and elaborate drink presentations.

Food and Drinks Served in Taverns Then Vs Now

What you might  have eaten at taverns in New Jersey if you lived near one depended on the location. For taverns located in cities such as Burlington, Newark, and Princeton, the fare was quite lavish. Back then, taverns served communal foods like roasted meats, pot pies, stews, and fish, which were cooked over open hearths. These types of food were chosen because of how affordable they were and because of how easily they could be preserved without the need of a refrigerator. They also could be quickly served to anybody that came by and asked for something to eat, said Gabriele. 

17th-century New Jersey taverns served alcoholic beverages, primarily strong beer, ale, cider, rum, brandy, and Madeira wine, alongside popular mixed drinks like a flip. The latter two  were beer, rum, and iron but heated with an iron rod. These drinks were served because they were safer than water, fueled social life, and were considered essential daily nutrition. Drink prices also varied depending on whether you drank indoors or out. There were serious fines for those who overcharged, particularly during the Revolution, according to Gabriele.

In the 21st century, New Jersey taverns, now commonly referred to as bars, serve more modern foods. These could also be known as elevated comfort foods and also combining nostalgia with some modern trending foods.

Some examples of what is being served in New Jersey bars today include chicken wings, disco fries (which are fries with gravy and mozzarella cheese on top of them), bar pies (thin-crust pizza), sandwiches, and burgers. Depending on the establishment you visit could mean an entirely new menu. 

Unlike back then where pretty much every place had the exact same menu depending on the location. Now, bars in New Jersey, depending on where you visit, serve a mix of locally sourced craft beers and creative high-end cocktails. Bars in New Jersey have grown and evolved from only serving the most basic beer, into blending a more relaxed vibe with some more upscale drinks that cater into the food that is served there.

Local Bars and Taverns to Visit Near Centenary University

As New Jersey is known for so many things, one of those things are taverns. Included here are some local ones within one mile of Centenary University to view and maybe experience. 

• Marley’s Gotham Grill located on 169 Main St 

• Mama’s Café Baci located on 260 Mountain Ave 

• Living Spirits Distillery and Cocktail Bar located on 300 Valentine St 

• Applebee’s Grill and Bar located on 225 Mountain Ave

• Man Skirt Brewing located on 144 Main St.