Editor’s Note: The Black Horse Tavern & Pub is closed for renovations, reopening in Fall 2024. 

Black Horse Tavern & Pub in Mendham

STYLE

A casual, rustic eatery located on a historic property that once served the likes of George Washington. The more upscale portion of the Black Horse, the Tavern, is currently only open for private events.  

THE SCOOP

The Black Horse is the oldest continuously serving restaurant in New Jersey, dating to 1742. Back then, what is now the Tavern dished out food and and drink, while what is now the Pub served as the horse stables. These days, the local favorite is owned by 40North Restaurants (Town Bar + Kitchen in Morristown, the Office Tavern Grill, Piattino in Summit and Mendham) and attracts lots of families, plus groups of all sizes looking for a tasty, laid-back meal. The sizeable bar, serving beer, wine and cocktails, is typically buzzing most nights of the week. “Being a small town, you look for something significant or unique that puts you on the map,” Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner told New Jersey Monthly earlier this year. “So to have this building still in existence continues to tell…that historic story for Mendham.”

[RELATED: Toast History at NJ’s Revolutionary-Era Taverns]

THE MENU

A wide selection of great burgers (try the turkey burger, which comes with tzatziki sauce, olive spread and feta), sandwiches, and entrées that lean toward comfort, like honey-stung fried chicken, baby back ribs and chicken pot pie. The baked mac and cheese is a favorite for diners of all ages, and the warm jumbo pretzel sticks, chicken quesadillas and French onion soup are standout starters. A kids’ menu is available with typical items like chicken fingers plus healthy options like a nice-sized piece of salmon with a choice of a side. 

HEADS UP

There’s live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Little diners will love visiting the outdoor koi ponds to say “hello” to the fish while their food cooks.

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