This Historic Restaurant Still Sets The Standard For Fine Dining In New Jersey

I still remember the first time I pulled up to Ye Olde Centerton Inn at 1136 Almond Rd in Elmer, New Jersey, and felt like I’d stepped straight into a time machine.

This isn’t just another restaurant claiming to be historic because it’s been around since the 90s. We’re talking about one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the entire United States, with walls that have witnessed over three centuries of American history.

The building itself dates back to the early 1700s, making it older than the country it stands in, and somehow it still manages to serve some of the finest food you’ll find anywhere in the Garden State.

Ever wonder what it’s like to dine where Revolutionary War soldiers might have grabbed a meal? How about enjoying a perfectly cooked steak in a room that’s seen everything from colonial tavern nights to modern anniversary celebrations?

Let’s just say once you hear what makes this inn so special, you’ll be reaching for your phone quicker than someone passing the garlic salad.

Walking Through Living American History

Stepping into Ye Olde Centerton Inn feels like walking onto a movie set, except everything around you is authentically real. The building has stood at this exact spot since the early 1700s, making it one of the three oldest restaurants in the entire United States.

When you touch the wooden beams overhead or run your hand along the original walls, you’re literally connecting with centuries of stories.

The colonial atmosphere isn’t manufactured or fake. These floors have been walked on by people who lived before America became independent.

Soldiers from the Revolutionary War era actually dined in these very rooms, and the structure has witnessed every major event in our nation’s timeline since then.

What makes this place even more remarkable is how well preserved everything remains. The owners have maintained the historical integrity while ensuring modern comfort for guests.

You’ll notice the low ceilings, the creaky floorboards, and the cozy fireplace that all contribute to an ambiance you simply cannot recreate in newer establishments.

During colder months, sitting near the working fireplace adds an extra layer of warmth and authenticity to your dining experience. The building’s age shows in the best possible ways, reminding you that you’re not just eating dinner but participating in a living piece of New Jersey history.

Every corner tells a story, and every visit feels like a special occasion worth remembering.

Steaks That Have Everyone Talking

Ask anyone who’s been to Ye Olde Centerton Inn what stands out most, and nine times out of ten they’ll rave about the steak. Reviews consistently mention how these cuts of beef are cooked to absolute perfection, with tenderness that practically melts in your mouth.

Whether you order the New York Strip or the Filet Mignon, you’re getting top quality meat prepared by people who genuinely understand their craft.

The kitchen doesn’t rush these dishes. Each steak receives the attention and cooking time it deserves, resulting in that perfect sear on the outside while maintaining your preferred temperature inside.

Guests have described their steaks as some of the best they’ve ever tasted anywhere in New Jersey, and that’s not an exaggeration based on the consistent feedback.

What really impressed me during my visits was how the kitchen handles special requests. If you want your steak cooked a specific way, they nail it every single time.

The accompanying sides complement rather than compete with the main attraction, letting that beautiful piece of meat remain the star of your plate.

Portion sizes are generous without being overwhelming, and the pricing feels fair considering the quality you’re receiving. Many diners mention taking leftovers home and being just as satisfied with the reheated steak the next day, which speaks volumes about the initial preparation.

For steak lovers visiting southern New Jersey, this stop isn’t optional, it’s absolutely essential.

Garlic Lovers Find Their Paradise

The Centerton salad has developed quite the reputation among regular visitors, and for good reason. This isn’t your standard boring side salad that you push around your plate while waiting for the main course.

The garlic dressing packs a serious punch, bursting with flavor that wakes up your taste buds and prepares them for the meal ahead.

Fair warning though, this salad is designed for people who genuinely love garlic. The dressing doesn’t hold back, delivering that bold, robust garlic taste that some folks absolutely crave.

If you’re heading to a first date or an important business meeting afterward, you might want to consider your breath situation carefully!

Fresh ingredients make all the difference here. The greens arrive crisp and vibrant, not wilted or sad looking like you sometimes get at other establishments.

Everything tastes like it was just picked and prepared moments before reaching your table.

What I appreciate most is how this salad sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s not just filler, it’s a legitimate part of the dining experience that people specifically request and remember long after their visit.

Some guests have mentioned that they’d come back just for this salad alone, which tells you everything you need to know about its quality and flavor profile.

Seafood Bisque Worth Traveling For

Among all the appetizers available at Ye Olde Centerton Inn, the seafood bisque consistently earns the highest praise from visitors. Multiple reviews describe it as absolutely incredible, with a richness and depth of flavor that you rarely encounter even at dedicated seafood restaurants.

This isn’t some watery, disappointing soup, it’s a luxurious, velvety creation that deserves its own spotlight.

The bisque arrives steaming hot with chunks of quality seafood throughout, not just a few token pieces floating sadly at the bottom. You can taste the careful preparation and premium ingredients in every spoonful.

The seasoning hits that perfect balance where nothing overpowers the delicate seafood flavors, yet everything tastes fully developed and satisfying.

What makes this bisque special is the consistency. Whether you visit on a Tuesday evening or a busy Saturday night, the quality remains reliably excellent.

The kitchen clearly has their recipe and technique down to a science, producing the same wonderful results time after time.

If you’re trying to decide between appetizers, let me make this easy for you. Start with the bisque.

Your dining companions might try to steal spoonfuls from your bowl, so consider ordering extra or be prepared to guard it protectively. This dish has converted people who claimed they didn’t even like bisque before trying this version, which speaks volumes about its appeal and execution.

Service That Makes Every Occasion Special

Great food only tells half the story at Ye Olde Centerton Inn. The service here elevates good meals into memorable experiences that people talk about for years afterward.

Staff members genuinely care about making your visit special, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or just enjoying a regular Tuesday dinner.

Servers like Jarrod, Kerri, and JoAnn get mentioned by name in reviews because they go beyond basic table service. They’re attentive without hovering, knowledgeable about the menu without being pushy, and friendly in a way that feels authentic rather than scripted.

When you have dietary restrictions or allergies, they double check everything to ensure your safety and comfort.

The bartenders deserve special recognition too. William, in particular, has earned a reputation for keeping guests entertained while they wait for their tables.

The bar area serves as a wonderful gathering spot where you can enjoy the historic atmosphere while sipping on expertly prepared beverages.

What really stands out is how the entire team works together to handle special occasions. Anniversary dinners, birthday celebrations, and other important events receive extra attention that makes guests feel truly valued.

The owner often greets visitors personally, adding a welcoming touch that larger corporate restaurants simply cannot replicate. This combination of professional skill and genuine warmth creates an atmosphere where every guest feels like a VIP.

Portions That Keep Giving

One thing nobody ever complains about at Ye Olde Centerton Inn is leaving hungry. The portion sizes here are genuinely impressive, often providing enough food for your dinner plus lunch or even dinner the next day.

We’re not talking about those trendy restaurants where you pay premium prices for three bites artfully arranged on an oversized plate.

The pasta primavera, for example, arrives with enough food to easily feed two people. Steak dinners come with substantial sides that complement rather than shortchange you.

Even appetizers arrive in sizes that could satisfy some folks as a full meal on their own.

This generosity does come with a small catch. If you’re planning to share a single entree between two people, there’s a seven dollar sharing fee.

However, given the massive amount of food you receive, most guests still find excellent value even with that additional charge factored in.

Taking leftovers home is almost expected here. The kitchen packs everything carefully so your food travels well and reheats nicely.

Multiple reviewers mentioned enjoying their Centerton Inn meals for two or even three days after their initial visit, which actually makes the pricing even more reasonable when you calculate the cost per meal.

For anyone worried about getting their money’s worth at a fine dining establishment, those concerns disappear the moment your server sets down your generously loaded plate.

Creative Appetizers Beyond The Ordinary

Beyond the famous bisque, Ye Olde Centerton Inn serves up some seriously creative appetizer options that deserve attention. The brisket egg rolls have become a favorite among adventurous diners, combining tender brisket with crispy wrapper and served alongside au jus sauce and horseradish.

This isn’t something you’ll find on every menu, and the unique flavor combination works beautifully.

Calamari here gets prepared the right way, arriving crispy and tender without that rubbery texture that ruins this dish at lesser establishments. Guests consistently recommend starting your meal with it, and some even suggest ending with the brownie dessert for a perfect bookend experience.

The crab cakes earn special mention because they’ve converted people who normally avoid this dish entirely. When someone who doesn’t typically eat crab cakes declares them delicious, you know the kitchen is doing something right.

Quality crab meat and proper seasoning make all the difference between forgettable and fantastic.

What I appreciate about the appetizer selection is the variety. Whether you want traditional options or something more adventurous, the menu offers choices that appeal to different tastes and preferences.

Each item receives the same careful attention and quality ingredients as the main courses, so nothing feels like an afterthought or filler option. Starting your meal with any of these appetizers sets high expectations, and the kitchen consistently delivers on that promise throughout the rest of your dining experience.

Pork Chop That Demands Attention

While the steaks grab most of the spotlight, the bone in pork chop at Ye Olde Centerton Inn deserves its own moment of recognition. This isn’t some thin, dried out piece of meat that you have to drown in sauce just to get down.

We’re talking about a thick, juicy chop that arrives perfectly cooked with incredible flavor throughout.

Photos of this dish show a substantial cut that looks as good as it tastes. The kitchen knows exactly how to cook pork so it remains moist and tender while developing that beautiful caramelized exterior.

Every bite delivers satisfaction, from the meat near the bone to the outer edges.

Guests who order this dish often express surprise at how good it is, especially if they came primarily for the steak. The pork chop holds its own against any item on the menu, proving that the kitchen’s expertise extends across different proteins.

It’s become one of those dishes that people specifically request when they return for subsequent visits.

The accompanying sides complement the pork beautifully without overwhelming it. Everything on the plate works together to create a complete, satisfying meal that leaves you completely content.

If you’re not in the mood for beef or seafood, don’t hesitate to order this pork chop. It represents everything this restaurant does well, quality ingredients, expert preparation, and generous portions that provide excellent value for your dining dollar.

Seasonal Touches And Extra Surprises

Ye Olde Centerton Inn doesn’t just serve great food, they create complete experiences that change with the seasons. During holiday periods, the historic building gets decorated beautifully, adding extra charm and festivity to an already special atmosphere.

The colonial architecture provides the perfect backdrop for seasonal decorations that enhance rather than overwhelm the space.

One particularly nice touch that guests have mentioned is receiving complimentary seasonal treats. Around Thanksgiving, for example, diners have been surprised with individual pumpkin pies at the end of their meals.

These unexpected extras show thoughtfulness and generosity that make people feel valued and appreciated.

The restaurant also handles private parties and special events wonderfully. Birthday celebrations get decorated appropriately, and the staff goes out of their way to make these occasions memorable.

The historic setting provides built in ambiance that you simply cannot find at modern venues, making your special day even more unique.

During colder months, the working fireplaces add both warmth and atmosphere to your dining experience. There’s something incredibly cozy about enjoying a fine meal while a real fire crackles nearby, especially in a building that has hosted similar scenes for over three centuries.

These seasonal and special touches demonstrate that Ye Olde Centerton Inn understands that fine dining involves more than just good food. It’s about creating memories and experiences that guests carry with them long after the meal ends.

Making Reservations Your Top Priority

Here’s the most important thing you need to know about visiting Ye Olde Centerton Inn: make a reservation. This isn’t optional or just a suggestion.

The restaurant operates with limited seating and often fills up completely, especially on weekends and during popular dining hours. Their website and phone messaging specifically request reservations due to staffing considerations and space limitations.

The good news is that getting a reservation isn’t usually difficult if you plan ahead. Many guests report successfully booking tables for the same day they called, though weekend evenings obviously require more advance planning.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday, with hours starting at 4:30 PM on most days and 4:00 PM on Sundays. They’re closed Mondays.

When you call to make your reservation at 856-358-3201, the staff is typically helpful and accommodating. They’ll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule while ensuring the kitchen can provide their usual excellent service.

If you have special dietary needs or are celebrating a particular occasion, mention it when booking so they can prepare accordingly.

Walking in without a reservation is risky and likely to result in disappointment. The restaurant’s popularity means tables fill quickly, and turning people away is never fun for anyone involved.

Taking two minutes to call ahead ensures you’ll have a wonderful experience rather than a frustrating one. Trust me, this small planning step makes all the difference.