The ‘76 House
“George Washington used to come by these parts and actually stayed down the street during the trial of Andre Hall.”
“The recipe at'76 house is passed down from the Marquis de Lafayette during the revolution, and it is top notch.”
“Putting that aside, the restaurant/bar/tavern is a casually charming historical hotspot for visitors and a community hub for locals.”
The ‘76 House
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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Where history and hunger collide!
Take yourself back to the revolution with class and sophistication and some of the finest American foods you'll find in along the NJ/NY state line. Sticking true to being one of America's oldest taverns, the atmosphere and decor keep the history alive within the colonial-style establishment while the food will bring you to salivation from start to finish.
We set up camp alongside a back wall with a fireplace nearby and muskets & cavalry swords affixed to the walls. As you walk in, passing the grand piano ready and tuned for an evening of soft play (should it be a night of music) you notice the soft lighting immediately bring your eyes upon the small bar and bounty of maple tables and chairs that fill the rooms. As you make your way to your seat, you hear the uneven floor boom and creak beneath each step as time upon this earth has shifted the hardwood into new homes. Iron plates await your arrival at the table, with simplistic silverware and minimalistic white table runners & linens atop them.
Water was quickly served and drinks taken immediately. They offer a wine list at the table, but they also have a decent beer list and plenty of liquors and simple mixes that could be made for you at your request. We opted for the Alligator Empanada appetizer which came out in about 8-10 minutes and I have to say was very delicious, though I would have to guess alligator (having never eaten it before) taste similar to chicken but with a texture of that of a scallop, if I had to describe it. Dinner was also delicious and well prepared. Given a number of options, mostly between pork, steak, fish, or veal we opted for the '76 Steak Frite and Double Cut Pork Chop. Both were amazingly juicy and tender, a perfect pairing with the Jameson I was drinking and came with a side of mashed potatoes for both, some creamed spinach with the steak and this amazing apple marmalade upon the pork chops.
For dessert we went with the Baked Apple Crunch with vanilla ice cream on top and we gotta say, it was heavenly. One of the best apple pie/crunch & ice creams I've ever had served in a good sized bowl perfect for two to share. All in all, with 2 liquor drinks, 1 app, 2 dinners, and a dessert, bill came out to $102 which was not as bad as we had expected and totally worth it for the meals and service. Certainly an excellent place to visit for special nights and will definitely be making more visits in the future.
The '76 House will be my wedding venue this summer, so I'm not without bias. Putting that aside, the restaurant/bar/tavern is a casually charming historical hotspot for visitors and a community hub for locals.
Even if you don't drive, the 76 House is easily accessible from NYC and surroundings towns via the Rockland Coach bus lines that stop right in front of the restaurant (it is literally the name of the stop). It's also a block or so away from the Tappan Reformed Church, another historical gem founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. The restaurant has both a tap room and a Prison Room, where the British spy John Andre was confined prior to his execution.
Once through the doors, you'll feel like you walked through the doors of a museum-turned-bar. Revolutionary war clothes, armaments, and period portraits adorn the walls. The first time we came, there was a reenactment in progress with a Union regiment (luckily not Confederate) brunching and dancing the afternoon away.
We experienced the very reasonably priced brunch buffet (which, for under $30, includes unlimited booze) and gorged ourselves on breakfast staples, seafood and lox, and roast meats and poultry. Salads and desserts were also available. Everything was delicious, but I recommend coming earlier in the day, rather than the tail end of brunch, when we arrived. Service has been friendly all 3 times we've been here so far.
Great beers are on tap, including Bell's Two Hearted, an IPA we hop-heads know, love, and cherish. What can I say, can't wait for the wedding!
Food was very tasty. Service was quick and attentive. Being a Sunday evening the restaurant was not full but well attended. The desert was excellent. The fact that this place had been in existence since 1755 gave it added charm. We did not try any of the specials but they all sounded very enticing.
I loved this place!!! This is the kind of place that only exists in the east coast. First off they have table side Caesar…WTF I thought it was illegal? Then had a dry age steak and for desert and irish coffe. They also have great drinks. I had an old fashion with there house 100 proof rye and a chimay.
This place is a must if you are within 20 miles of it.
I went here for a bridal shower brunch.
I was super excited to go here. I LOVE history, and I love restaurants, combine the two? Why yes! I love that I'm eating at a place that is over 300 years old!
I unfortunately did not get to go check out the historical markers across the street, but I did read pretty much every and any plaques inside the building. I also did try and peak around and look at the entire dining area.
The food itself was a brunch buffet. You typical brunch spread, scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausages, french toast, fruit, muffins, pancakes, etc.
Service was okay. It's sort of hard to tell during a buffet typed bridal shower. But I would love to go back and eat there for dinner.
Historians and Foodies Unite! If you are in Northern NJ and are looking for a restaurant that is quintessential to the region while attempting to throw in a little bit of Revolutionary History, then The '76 House is the place to be. Sit where President George Washington visited and eat some of the many local specified culinary delights. I had and highly recommend the Wild Boar Sausage appetizer for starters and the American Red Deer (pan seared axis venison finished with lingonberry Demi-glaze and wild mushroom ragout). Finish off your colonial masterpiece with Warm Apple Pie. Yums!
Have heard about this place for a while and finally got a chance to check it out! First, I must say I love the history behind this building. The interior is decorated accordingly with relics from the 1700s. Muskets, pictures, bottles, plates – it all ties in with the ambiance.
As other yelpers mentioned, the service itself is eh. The waitress did take a while to come to the table and had to be motioned (instead of her stopping by the table to check in) every time we needed something. Minus a star, but it wouldn't dissuade me from coming back. However, the food we ordered off the lunch menu was great! We ordered the french brie, shared the '76 house BLT as an entree, and creme brûlée/apple crisp for dessert. No complaints!
All in all, I have to say I really enjoyed my experience here because of the history within the town. After lunch we walked towards the DeWint house. A small museum that probably only takes about 30 minutes to explore. It was definitely cool being able to turn a regular lunch break into a little history lesson. Something different to break up a monotonous week for the locals!
I came here for a little event and we were treated to a lovely lunch.
I do have to say, the entire ambiance of the place is wonderful – you can feel all the history and just sitting in the dining room, you feel fancier already! Such rich with history, I would say you should really walk all around the restaurant even before you sit down to eat.
Wonderful service!
During the event, I had their Yankee Pot Roast. It was a little unusual and the pot roast was a little dry, but I have to say I really enjoyed the red cabbage the most out of the dish.
We ended our event and meal with a little chocolate cake – I'm never one to turn down cake and overall it was quite delicious.
Really nice tavern and since it is NY's oldest tavern, this warrants a visit!