When people talk about travel in New Jersey, it’s pretty rare to hear anyone say “Let’s take a drive out to the country”. After all, New Jersey is such a heavily urban and densely populated state that rural havens aren’t easy to find. But that doesn’t mean they’re not out there – the tiny town of Cream Ridge, population 650, is home to one of the country’s largest tulip farms. It also happens to be home to the Happy Apple Inn, our pick for the best countryside restaurant in New Jersey. A lovely, rustic old-school dining joint located in a charming old barn, this retro dining destination serves up some great old-fashioned cuisine in an environment that feels like going back home to the old family farm. It might be a pretty big drive from where you are – but we’re pretty sure that this is one drive that’s well worth the time.

The Happy Apple Inn looks like an old-school country barn, but the only thing it's storing is delicious food.
Richard Dow/Google Local
Inside, this rustic country restaurant feels a little like coming home - the dining room has a wonderfully old-school, casual feel.
Richard Dow/Google Local
Right down to the mounted animal heads on the wall - there's probably a story behind every one!
Dani B/Google Local

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But you're here for the food, and this place doesn't disappoint - the steaks are massive and cooked to order.
Bobby C/Google Local
There's a surprisingly great fish and seafood section to the menu, too - the Captain's Catch plate is a great way to sample several favorites.
Jon Burton/Google Local
If there's a signature dish, though, it would have to be the European-style roast duckling, bathed in a sweet and savory Grand Marnier sauce.
Claire Tseng/Google Local
Also perfectly rustic and old-school? The bar, which will make classic cocktails and looks like it could be found in a classic saloon.
Nerdy Heart/Google Local

Have you visited the Happy Apple Inn in Cream Ridge? Let us know what you thought about this unique countryside restaurant in New Jersey in the comments section! The delicious-looking menu can be found on the Happy Apple Inn website, and you can see the latest specials on the Facebook page of this country restaurant in New Jersey. Cream Ridge is out of the way, but it’s not all that far from the state’s largest theme park – home to a new safari glamping adventure – so pack up the car and head on over to this rural destination.

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Featured Addresses
Happy Apple Inn, 29 Imlaystown Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514, USA