Casey Fullum Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern is located at 1 E Franklin Turnpike and is a staple in the Bergen County dining scene. It’s also one of New Jersey’s oldest restaurants with roots dating back to the 1790s. With cozy vibes and multiple dining spaces, the restaurant is great for romantic date nights, groups of friends, and families alike. Read on to learn more about Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern.
The History of Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern
The building was first built in 1796 as a family home by Andrew Zabriskie for his son, and later became a tavern in 1890. Since then, there have been many iterations and names of the space, including the Zabriskie House, the Villa Inn, the Mansion House, the Wayside Inn, the Washington Inn, Estephe’s Hotel, and Paddy Burke’s. A popular spot for its lifespan, in the 1900s, it was even a favorite spot of President Nixon’s. After a large renovation in 2009, the space was officially back to being called Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, the version we know today.
The Space + Menu
There are several separate rooms throughout the building, showcasing lots of different options for diners. With three rooms upstairs, two other dining spaces downstairs, plus a library bar, separate tavern, and even an outdoor patio with firepits, each section feels unique. Our favorite spot is the library bar, which has an upscale bar, cozy fireplace, and tons of snippets of history and artifacts throughout the room. Many of the rooms are also great for private events like bridal showers, baby showers, and birthdays.
The menu is big but not overwhelming, with tavern classics like steak frites, wings, and burgers. There are also frequent specials highlighting seasonal ingredients, including Tempura Zucchini Blossoms and a Crispy Jumbo Soft Shell Crab Sandwich on BG’s recent springtime visit. It is one of the only restaurants in town with a liquor license and has a great cocktail and especially wine list, having been awarded Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for many years.
Team BG’s Visit
Casey from Team BG stopped by on a bustling Friday night and had a hard time choosing between her usual go-tos: the Zabriskie Burger, which has cheddar, bacon, aioli, and an onion ring, or the Asian Salmon Burger that has a toasted rice cake bun, Asian slaw, and avocado. Other standouts that night were the burrata salad, coconut shrimp starter, and Prime Reserve Pork Chop entree. Both bars were packed with locals and friends and families catching up and enjoying the night, but there are so many separate areas that it never felt too crowded or loud. We love that this is a restaurant that you can really bring anyone to and have a great night.
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern is located at 1 East Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30AM-10PM and Sunday from 11AM-9PM.
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