Krug's Tavern

- 118 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105

For generations of New Jersey residents, particularly those near and far from the Ironbound section of Newark, **Krug's Tavern** is more than just a bar and grill—it’s a true local institution. Established in 1932, this **historic** and **family-owned** establishment has cemented its legendary status by serving what many fiercely debate is simply the **Best Burger in New Jersey**. It is a quintessential, no-frills neighborhood pub where the focus is on generous portions of high-quality comfort food, an excellent selection of drinks, and a genuinely warm, down-to-earth atmosphere.

Krug's Tavern functions as a classic **Bar & Grill** and a dedicated **Hamburger restaurant**, specializing in colossal, **World Famous Burgers**. All burgers are a hearty **12 oz. (three-quarters of a pound)** and are known for their juicy, flavorful meat cooked on a well-seasoned flat top grill, creating a distinctive taste that patrons describe as "out of this world." These mammoth creations are a major draw, with fan favorites including the classic **Cheeseburger**, the savory **Bacon Cheeseburger**, and the distinctly New Jersey offering: the **Taylor Ham Cheeseburger**. One loyal customer's review encapsulates the sentiment, calling it the "Best cheeseburger I have ever had," praising the huge size without sacrificing flavor.

While the burgers are the reigning champions, Krug's Tavern offers a full menu of American classics and local favorites. The food offerings extend to delicious **Sandwiches** like the **Cheesesteak** and the local **Italian Hot Dog**. They are also renowned for their **Appetizers**, especially the **Fresh fried shrimp** served with various sauces, including the famous **Employee Secret Sauce** and a hot, homemade marinara. The bar is equally important to the Krug's experience, boasting a **Great beer selection**—with popular drafts like Yuengling mentioned by patrons—and a full complement of **Cocktails**, **Hard liquor**, and **Wine**, ensuring that the perfect drink is always available to accompany your meal.

Krug's Tavern is located in the vibrant Ironbound neighborhood of Newark, NJ, at the address: **118 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105, USA**. This location in the heart of the "Down Neck" community has made it a central gathering spot for nearly a century, known to be a long-time home for Newark police, firefighters, and longshoremen.

Accessibility for all New Jersey visitors is a priority at Krug's. The tavern is fully equipped with comprehensive **wheelchair accessible** features, including a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, **parking lot**, **restroom**, and **seating**. This commitment ensures that all members of the community can comfortably enjoy the historic atmosphere and world-class burgers.

For patrons arriving by car, the parking situation is a key convenience. Krug's offers both a **free parking lot** on-site (located in the back of the building) and **free street parking** nearby. While the parking lot may be small, as some reviews note, the availability of dedicated on-site parking is a significant advantage in the bustling Ironbound area. Its proximity to major roadways also makes it a simple drive for those coming from other parts of Essex County and beyond, cementing its reputation as a destination worth the trip.

The operational structure of Krug's Tavern is designed for efficiency and a classic, welcoming tavern experience, offering essential services to meet the needs of its diverse New Jersey clientele throughout the day and into the night.

• Dine-in: The primary service is dine-in, offering a **Casual, Cozy, and Historic** atmosphere with plenty of **Seating** and **Table service**. It’s the best way to soak in the tavern's rich history and character while enjoying a freshly prepared meal.
• Takeout: A convenient **Takeout** option is provided for those who want to grab their famous burgers and other menu items quickly, perfect for a fast-paced workday lunch or an easy dinner at home.
• All-Day Dining and Late-Night: Krug's is a reliable choice for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, and it extends its service to include **Late-night food**, a valuable amenity for students, shift workers, and anyone looking for a satisfying meal after regular hours.
• Full Bar Service: Featuring a **Bar onsite** with a full selection of **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Cocktails**, and **Hard liquor**. This includes **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food** specials, making it a favorite spot for winding down.
• Payment Methods: The tavern accepts modern payment options including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transaction.

Krug's Tavern’s enduring success is built on a few outstanding features that make it a cherished landmark in the New Jersey dining scene.

• The World Famous 12 oz. Burger: This is the star of the show. The **massive three-quarter pound patties** are consistently recognized, winning multiple 'Best Burger in NJ' contests. Options like the **Buffalo Bleu Cheese Burger** and the locally inspired **Taylor Ham Burger** offer unique twists on the classic.
• Historic and Family-Run Institution: Operating since 1932 and run by the LaMotta family (a family with ties to boxing legend Jake LaMotta) into the fourth generation, the tavern offers a truly **Historic** feel. The long-standing presence and dedication from staff members like Joyce, the grill master, and Christina, the bartender, create an authentic and irreplaceable atmosphere.
• Local Specialty Focus: Krug's **Serves local specialty** dishes, prominently featuring the **Taylor Ham** (Pork Roll) on their burgers and sandwiches, a true Garden State delight that resonates deeply with New Jersey patrons.
• Appetizer Reputation: Beyond the burgers, the **Fried Shrimp** (especially the **Hot Marinara** style) and the **Fried Calamari** are staple appetizers that have garnered significant local praise, rivaling the attention paid to the main course.
• Perfect for Sports and Socializing: The atmosphere is a classic, casual tavern ideal for **Sports** viewing and large **Groups**, as well as individuals enjoying **Solo dining**. The lively but laid-back setting appeals to a diverse crowd, including **College students** and **Tourists** seeking an authentic local flavor.
• Generous and Comforting Menu: The focus on **Comfort food** and **Small plates** ensures every item is hearty and satisfying. The portions are known to be generous, making it an excellent value for a fulfilling meal.

Krug's Tavern is a direct and accessible establishment. For any needs, you can reach them at:

• Address: 118 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105, USA
• Primary Phone: (973) 465-9795
• Mobile Phone: +1 973-465-9795

For any New Jersey resident or visitor with a serious appetite and an appreciation for local history, **Krug's Tavern** is a non-negotiable must-visit. What makes it worth choosing is the unparalleled combination of its **culinary legend** and its **authentic, unpretentious charm**. You are not just buying a meal; you are partaking in a New Jersey cultural experience that has stood the test of time since 1932.

The single most compelling reason to visit is to try the **World Famous 12 oz. Burger**. It is consistently lauded by food critics and loyal customers alike for its size, juiciness, and flavor, often cited as one of the very best in the state. The ability to customize this giant patty with local specialties like Taylor Ham or the zesty Buffalo Bleu Cheese further enhances its appeal to local palates. The commitment of staff members like Joyce, who is known to craft these delicious burgers with passion, ensures a high-quality experience every time.

Beyond the main course, Krug's offers a highly coveted full-service bar with a **Great beer selection** and popular happy hour specials, perfect for enjoying a cold Yuengling or a classic cocktail. The tavern's location in the diverse Ironbound neighborhood, combined with the convenience of **free on-site parking** and full **wheelchair accessibility**, removes barriers to entry, making it an easy and reliable choice for both quick bites and lingering dinners. It is the ideal destination for anyone seeking a piece of Newark's genuine, **Historic** spirit wrapped up in a huge, delicious, and satisfying meal. For loyalty, quality, and a truly great burger, there is no place else to go.

Krug's Tavern

118 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105, USA