This Jersey bar/restaurant is a big hit with the locals

Just about every town or county in New Jersey has at least one place all the locals rave about. Maybe it’s the food or the atmosphere, or maybe it’s both. It could be the clientele or just the “vibe“. I found such a place last month in Clinton. They call it the “Cheers“ of Clinton.

It’s Riley and Jake’s Tavern on Route 31 in Clinton.

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I was looking online for a good place to eat in that area after trout fishing. I am a sucker for a good French onion soup. When I saw a picture on the website of this tavern favorite, I couldn’t resist.

We went late in the afternoon on a Sunday, before it started to get crowded. What we found was a friendly, homie place, and I know why the locals love it. Maybe the reason it’s so “homie“ is because it looks like it was built as a family home probably back in the 50s or 60s.

They have outdoor seating in the nice weather as well, out back in a cozy country setting.

It’s family run, and you can tell the owner is taking pride in what they do, how they do it, and what they serve.

They feature specials on their Facebook page and advertise live music regularly. It's on the north end of Clinton, just outside the eastern end of Spruce Run Recreation Area.

If you’re heading up Route 31 or are anywhere in the Clinton area, you have to stop by Riley and Jake’s. Good fresh-from-scratch tavern food with a great atmosphere.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Dennis Malloy only.

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