It’s Nutts

It’s Nutts
1381 River Rd, Titusville
609-737-0505, itsnutts.com 

Hours: Daily 7 am to 9 pm. (Closed Tuedays.)

Price: $/$$

Style: Along the banks of the Delaware Canal, the gravel parking lot makes it look like just a roadside diner/trucker stop. But inside this quaint 61-seat BYO, you will savor surprisingly eclectic and sophisticated cuisine, (along with some down-home comfort food favorites).

Don’t Miss: Dinner starters include homemade roasted-garlic and potato soup ($4) and wild mushroom and brandy ragout served with smoked gouda crustinis ($9.95). The most popular dish—just take a look at the surrounding tables—is owner Michael Nutt’s “famous tomato pies” ($6.55–$11.75), with their crispy crust and plump tomatoes that rival some of the best pizzas in Trenton. For entrees, Nutt’s Special of sautéed chicken medallions in homemade béchamel parmesan sauce served with fresh basil, shallots, and mushrooms over risotto is delicious. Homemade crab cakes served with roasted red pepper sauce ($15.95), thick bacon-wrapped meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy, and sautéed vegetables ($10.95), and a variety of pastas and seafood round out the dinner menu. And don’t forget to top off every visit with helping of Nutt’s homemade ice cream from the adjacent shop.

Heads Up: Try It’s Nutts for a classic Jersey breakfast: pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich ($3.45) or lunch options like gourmet burgers and specialty sandwiches ($6.95–$10.95), or salads including the arugula and thinly sliced prosciutto salad with pears, bleu cheese, and roasted pecans in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette ($11.95).

The Scoop: Unfortunately no credit cards are accepted here, so remember to bring cash or your checkbook—yes, they take checks—just another part of the small-town vibe they’ve got going on. With refined cuisine in a homey (perhaps a bit neglected) atmosphere, the contrasts here are kind of its charm, which is why so many people in the community go Nutts for this place.