Hilltop Tavern

- 50 Essex St, Lodi, NJ 07644

For residents of Bergen County and the surrounding Northern New Jersey area, finding a truly authentic, welcoming local spot that offers both quality drinks and great entertainment can be a challenge. The Hilltop Tavern, located in Lodi, is a perennial favorite that perfectly balances the cozy appeal of a traditional pub with the lively spirit of a community bar. It stands as a genuine local hub where both groups and solo diners feel right at home.

The core identity of Hilltop Tavern is built on being a place where locals can reliably unwind. It’s categorized as both a Bar and a Pub, signifying its dedication to both a wide selection of alcoholic beverages and a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Patrons consistently praise the service for being fast and the atmosphere for being both cozy and casual, which is essential for a neighborhood hangout. The establishment thrives on its commitment to entertainment, frequently featuring live music and performances that inject a vibrant energy into the Botany section of Lodi.

Unlike many bars that focus exclusively on drinks, Hilltop Tavern is also highly regarded for its surprisingly affordable and satisfying pub food. From classic burgers and hot dogs to customer-favorite chicken wings and fish and chips, the food is treated with the same local pride as the entertainment. The positive customer feedback often highlights the balance of quality food, friendly service, and a family-friendly environment—a key characteristic that sets it apart from typical New Jersey bars. Whether you’re stopping by to catch a game, enjoy a featured local band, or simply grab a quick and tasty bite after work, Hilltop Tavern offers a genuine slice of Bergen County community life.

The Hilltop Tavern is conveniently located at 50 Essex St, Lodi, NJ 07644, USA. Situated in Lodi, this location is easily reachable for residents of nearby towns like Garfield, Hackensack, and Clifton, making it a well-established destination for Northern New Jersey gatherings.

Accessibility is a key priority at Hilltop Tavern. For patrons driving in, the establishment is noted for offering both Free street parking and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a significant amenity for a local spot. Furthermore, the venue itself includes a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that the warm and inviting atmosphere is open to everyone in the community. As a true local favorite, its hours are generous, typically opening at 12 PM daily and staying open late (until 2 AM on weekdays and 3 AM on weekends), providing flexibility for a late lunch, an after-work happy hour, or a late-night social outing.

Hilltop Tavern offers a comprehensive set of services designed to provide a full-service experience for both quick visits and long, social evenings.

• Dining Service: The tavern offers Dine-in service for a comfortable, sit-down experience, as well as Takeout options for those who want to enjoy their pub favorites at home. Some services suggest that delivery may also be an option in the local area.
• Bar Offerings: A full range of alcoholic beverages is available, including Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine. The venue is specifically known for its Great beer selection and well-crafted Great cocktails.
• Food Service: Full Food service is offered, with a menu dedicated to classic Food at bar favorites and comfort dishes. Menu items are often affordable, ranging from simple burgers and hot dogs to pub staples like nachos, chili, and pizza.
• Entertainment: The Hilltop Tavern is a renowned spot for entertainment, featuring Live music and Live performances regularly, often including local blues-rock and acoustic artists, as well as an occasional Monday night open Mike (Open Mic) session.
• Sports and Games: Patrons can enjoy watching Sports on television, and the tavern offers various Bar games for those who want a more interactive experience, such as the widely popular Bar Stool BINGO on Wednesday nights.
• Customer Focus: The atmosphere is Casual and Cozy, and while it draws large Groups of Locals, it is highly recommended and Popular for Solo dining, welcoming individuals seeking a friendly environment. The staff is consistently noted for providing Fast service.

What truly makes Hilltop Tavern a standout venue in Lodi are its unique features that cater to a broad local audience, making it more than just a place to grab a drink.

• A Local Live Music Hotspot: The commitment to Live performances and Live music sets Hilltop Tavern apart, fostering a vibrant community spirit. Past events have featured talented local musicians and bands, including acoustic projects and blues-rock acts, with regular jam nights and scheduled performances enhancing the evening atmosphere.
• The Pub Grub Value: The food menu, often described as affordable and high quality, is a major highlight. Customer reviews frequently call out the great burgers and the very good wings. Other specialty items include the "Big Az Cheeseburger," a generously sized offering, and a highly praised fish and chips dish.
• Interactive Social Events: The tavern hosts popular weekly events like Bar Stool BINGO on Wednesday nights, which often features special food items like baked potatoes served with all the fixings. These events, alongside bar games, encourage active community engagement.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Despite being a bar, numerous patrons highlight that Hilltop Tavern is surprisingly family friendly, and the affordable menu options appeal to children as well. This unique balance allows parents to enjoy the lively pub setting without feeling out of place.
• Strict Cash-Only Policy: It is important for new visitors to note that Hilltop Tavern operates on a Cash-only basis for payments. This is a traditional feature that contributes to the local, no-frills atmosphere.

For up-to-date information on the live music schedule, to inquire about food specials, or for general questions, please use the contact details below:

Address: 50 Essex St, Lodi, NJ 07644, USA

Phone: (201) 712-1632

Mobile Phone: +1 201-712-1632

For a first-time visitor or a returning local looking for the best of what Hilltop Tavern has to offer, focusing on the following choices will provide the quintessential Lodi pub experience:

• Catch a Live Music Night: The top recommendation for anyone visiting is to plan their trip around a night featuring Live performances or the Monday night open Mike. The friendly atmosphere and local talent are the heartbeat of this tavern.
• The Wings and Burgers Combination: Given the strong customer reviews, ordering a basket of the very good wings alongside the signature Big Az Cheeseburger provides the best taste of their beloved pub food menu. This is classic, well-executed comfort fare.
• Fish and Chips: A standout recommendation from loyal patrons, the fish and chips are a must-try. This traditional pub staple is noted for its quality and flavor, making it a great choice for a heartier meal.
• Sample the Beer or Cocktail Selection: With a Great beer selection and Great cocktails listed as primary highlights, take advantage of the variety. Ask the bartender for their featured draft or a specialty cocktail to enhance your casual evening.
• Join Bar Stool BINGO: If your visit falls on a Wednesday evening, participating in the Bar Stool BINGO event not only offers a fun, social activity but also gives you the chance to try one of their special, famous-in-Lodi Baked Potato side dishes.

Hilltop Tavern is a cornerstone of the Lodi community, offering a rare blend of lively entertainment, genuinely good food, and a commitment to keeping things cozy and casual. It’s an ideal spot in Northern New Jersey for a solo drink, a gathering of friends, or a memorable family meal with a local flavor.

Hilltop Tavern

50 Essex St, Lodi, NJ 07644, USA