When it comes to history, the Garden State has got you covered. We've got plenty of museums and historic homes, but we've also got bars, pubs, taverns, and restaurants that date back over 200 years. New Jersey has several bars that have been around for centuries but records seem to show that one particular bar is the oldest still in existence. It's got a rich history and is most definitely worth a visit.
The Barnsboro Inn was first established all the way back in 1720.
It started out as a cozy log cabin built by a man named John Budd. By 1776, the building had a new owner, John Barnes (from whom the tavern gets its name). On March 19th of that year, he petitioned the Gloucester County Court to license his residence as a tavern. He was successful and the inn began to take in boarders, serving as a place to rest, relax, drink and dine. Over the years, the hotel stopped accepting overnight guests and focused on daytime customers; it has evolved into a full service bar and restaurant. While it has expanded and been updated over the centuries, it still maintains much of its original charm.Having been around for centuries, there is some pretty interesting history surrounding this building. It has gone by many names over the years including Spread Eagle and the Crooked Billet Inn. During the Revolutionary War it likely served and boarded soldiers, though we do not know who the owner favored - tories or rebels. On an unrelated note, we do know that the current owner is distantly related to the original owner - pure coincidence. We also know that Teddy Roosevelt spoke on the grounds when he was campaigning in 1912. How fascinating!
The building has been lovingly maintained and there have been some wonderful additions over the years.
The outdoor patio is a perfect place to relax on a hot summer day. Enjoy a cool, refreshing drink and a delicious meal! It is perhaps the most modern portion of the Barnsboro Inn, whose interior features a variety of dining areas, many decked out and rich wood beams and paneling. It's both rustic and a refreshing glimpse into the past.
So, what's on the menu? Plenty of mouthwatering foods and drinks.
Customers rave about the atmosphere and the service but those things alone don't make a restaurant - good food and drink are essential. Surviving for nearly 250 years, Barnsboro Inn is definitely doing something right. Still operating as a bar, you can expect a solid selection of craft beer, cocktails, and wine, including some $5 wine specials. When it comes to food, the selection is quite extensive - there's something for everyone. The burgers are a favorite but you'll also find everything from corn cake poppers to Cajun calamari, pulled pork tacos to filet mignon. Prices are very reasonable and a children's menu is available.
Barnsboro Inn can be found at 699 Main Street in Sewell. It is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m., serving both lunch and dinner. Breakfast is available Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.. It is located 30 minutes or less from Vineland and Cherry Hill (along with surrounding towns like Haddonfield, Pine Hill and Pitman. If you're in the area, check it out. To learn more about some other historic dining establishments and drink spots in New Jersey, click here.
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