New Jersey’s Oldest Restaurant Is Still Kicking After Nearly 300 Years

Name: New Jersey’s Oldest Restaurant Is Still Kicking After Nearly 300 Years
Item: The Black Horse Tavern & Pub
Author: Julie Gordon

These days, the Black Horse Tavern & Pub attracts lots of families, plus groups of all sizes looking for a tasty, laid-back meal.

by Julie Gordon Updated on February 14, 2025

The 1742 burger is an off-menu item that locals are dubbing the “secret burger.” Photo: Strix Media

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 SCOOP

The Black Horse is the oldest continuously serving restaurant in New Jersey, dating to 1742. Back then, what is now the Tavern (which is currently closed for renovations) 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.

In March 2024, the Pub underwent multimillion-dollar renovations that included structural improvements, renovations to facilities like the kitchen, and a revamped dining room.

“The Pub has always been this very iconic and emotionally driven restaurant for Mendham and in the surrounding communities,” says Kevin Felice, vice president of 40North. “And we want to make sure that we can maintain that for decades to come.” The sizeable bar, serving beer, wine and cocktails, is typically buzzing most nights of the week.

Black Horse Tavern & Pub — **The Black Horse dates back to 1742, when George Washington ate here.** Photo: Strix Media

THE MENU

The menu, helmed by executive chef Dan Zappula, is filled with American classics, burgers and sandwiches, but with a level of elevation. Standout starters include the smashed avocado, served with warm tortilla chips, and a gooey crock of French onion soup. Entrées include a juicy brine-roasted chicken and crispy fish & chips. The most talked-about item isn’t even on the menu. The 1742 burger, which locals have dubbed the “secret burger,” is a $29 patty made of a proprietary blend of meat the restaurant spent months perfecting.

“The menu is very straightforward,” Felice says. “It’s food that you understand.”

He adds, “It was very important to us to still be your local place where you can feel comfortable coming with your kids and having an after-soccer game meal, but also a space that’s perfect for date night and business meetings, and a menu that gives you the ability to kind of hit all those areas.”

HEADS UP

The outdoor portion of the restaurant is expected to open back up this spring, with improvements. Plans are still being worked out for the reopening of the Tavern, which in recent years had only been open for private events. Complimentary valet is available, or you can park in the municipal lot across the street or on the street.

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