Lou's Tavern Introduce
For residents across Bergen County seeking an authentic, unpretentious local experience, Lou's Tavern in Hillsdale, NJ, stands out as a genuine neighborhood institution. More than just a bar, Lou's is a classic tavern and pub—a welcoming, family-owned establishment that has been a fixture in the community since 1962. It is precisely the kind of place that embodies the spirit of a true local gathering spot: cold drinks, hearty food, friendly staff, and an atmosphere where everyone feels like family. Lou's Tavern successfully blends the comfortable, 'good old fashioned bar' aesthetic with a lively entertainment schedule and a surprisingly robust menu, making it a perfect spot for everything from a casual weeknight drink to a vibrant weekend outing.
Lou's Tavern embraces its identity as a cozy, casual venue where locals and groups naturally congregate. The atmosphere is defined by its dark wood interior and genuine, warm hospitality. While providing a classic tavern experience, the venue ensures it offers modern highlights, including a well-curated selection of beverages that go beyond the basics, with both a great beer selection and creative cocktails. Their dedication to community extends beyond its walls; the tavern is well-known throughout the Pascack Valley for hosting popular, large-scale annual fundraisers, such as the renowned Pig Roast "Lou-Au," which benefits local families in need. This deep-rooted community involvement adds a layer of warmth and goodwill that’s hard to find in many modern establishments.
The menu, though focused on satisfying pub fare, offers unexpected quality and variety, ensuring that food is a key part of the Lou's experience. From appetizers and fresh salads to their "Award Winning" specialty burgers and signature dishes, the tavern provides a satisfying culinary complement to its drink offerings and entertainment. In short, Lou's Tavern is the quintessential local pub that every New Jersey neighborhood wishes it had—a reliable, fun, and communal space.
### Location and Accessibility
Lou's Tavern is conveniently located at a high-visibility address in Hillsdale, making it easily accessible for residents of Hillsdale and neighboring towns in the Pascack Valley and beyond. The exact location is 74 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA. Situated on a main thoroughfare, it is a straightforward drive for anyone in Northern New Jersey looking for a reliable, local bar experience.
Accessibility is made simple and stress-free for patrons through ample parking solutions:
- Guests benefit from a dedicated Free parking lot, eliminating the typical challenge of finding parking in commercial areas.
- Additionally, there is available Free street parking in the immediate vicinity.
### Services Offered
As a combination bar and pub, Lou's Tavern offers a complete suite of services aimed at maximizing guest enjoyment and comfort, whether they are stopping in for a quick drink or settling in for an evening of entertainment:
- Dining Services: Available services include Onsite services for a full-service experience and Dine-in options with comfortable Seating.
- Outdoor Enjoyment: The provision of Outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the fresh air with their drinks and food.
- Beverage Offerings: A full range of libations is available, including a highly praised Great beer selection, expertly made Cocktails, Wine, and Hard liquor.
- Food Service: The tavern offers a complete food menu for both casual snacking and full meals, with the option for Food at bar. Guests can also enjoy their meals on the Outdoor seating area.
- Flexible Dining: In an unconventional but welcoming approach, Outside food is allowed, accommodating guests with specific preferences or larger group needs.
- Entertainment: The tavern is a known hotspot for Live music and Live performances, often featuring local bands. It also provides a variety of Bar games for interactive fun.
- Atmosphere and Comfort: The space includes a clean and convenient Restroom for patrons.
- Sports Viewing: The venue is geared toward enthusiasts, offering a place to watch Sports, often on multiple TVs, creating a great environment for fans.
### Features / Highlights
Lou's Tavern stands out from other North Jersey establishments due to a unique mix of highlights that create its vibrant, memorable atmosphere:
- Signature "Award Winning" Burger: The Hillsdale pub is famous for its food, specifically its "Award Winning" Pimento Cheese Burger, a must-try item that underscores the quality of their pub fare. The menu also includes other classics like the Blackened Chicken Alfredo and Olde World Fish & Chips.
- Premier Entertainment Venue: Lou's consistently hosts quality Live music and Live performances, often utilizing its outdoor space for larger shows, which draws crowds from across Bergen County, creating a lively atmosphere.
- Exceptional Beverage Program: Patrons consistently praise the Great beer selection, which typically includes local craft brews and classic taps, paired with a focus on well-made Great cocktails.
- Community Philanthropy: A key highlight is the tavern's long-running tradition of hosting major annual charity events, like the famous Pig Roast, demonstrating a profound commitment to supporting the local Hillsdale and Westwood communities.
- Classic, Cozy Dive Vibe: The Atmosphere is universally described as Casual and Cozy—a classic, authentic, dark-wood tavern that feels instantly welcoming and familiar to Locals.
- High-Speed Service: Despite its casual atmosphere, the tavern prides itself on Fast service, ensuring drinks and food arrive promptly, which is a major convenience for guests.
- Interactive Fun: The presence of Bar games, combined with Sports viewing and live entertainment, provides a comprehensive and engaging entertainment package for all groups.
### Contact Information
For driving directions, current live music schedules, or general inquiries about the menu, you can contact Lou's Tavern directly using the following information:
- Address: 74 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA
- Phone: (201) 666-2103
### What is Worth Choosing
Lou's Tavern is absolutely worth choosing because it delivers a rare and valuable commodity in Northern New Jersey: an authentic, family-owned, community-focused pub that excels in both hospitality and entertainment. While many newer bars focus on upscale aesthetics, Lou's remains true to its roots as a comfortable, "good old fashioned bar," yet it maintains the quality standards of a modern venue.
The trifecta of offerings—fantastic entertainment via Live music and Bar games, high-quality, signature food like the "Award Winning" Pimento Cheese Burger, and a genuinely friendly, Cozy atmosphere—is what sets it apart. It’s the perfect spot to bring a Group because the combination of a Great beer selection and Great cocktails ensures every person finds a drink they love, and the menu is hearty and satisfying. Finally, the convenience of Free parking lot access and the option for Outdoor seating elevates the overall experience. Choosing Lou's Tavern means choosing a piece of Bergen County history, where you can unwind, enjoy top-tier pub fare, and feel like a true local among friends.
Lou's Tavern Vibe
Appetizers
- Chicken Tenders $11.00
5 grilled or fried tenders with choice of dipping sauce. Side of fries or kettle chips. All Sides: Buffalo Chips + $1, Caesar Salad + $1, Coleslaw, Fresh Fruit + $1, Fresh Veggies + $1. Flavor Choice: Barbalo, Bbq, Cajun, Carolina Reaper, Garlic Parm. Fried or Grilled
- Hummus Trio $9.00
Garlic, roasted red pepperand black bean hummus served with warm flatbread
Salads
- Black & Bleu Steak $14.50
Iceberg topped with bleu cheese crumbles, red onions, chopped bacon, candied pecansand blackened ribeye served with balsamic vinaigrette. Dressing Choices: Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, Bleu Cheese Dressing, Caesar Dressing, Honey Mustard Dressing, Italian Dressing. Meat Temperature: Medium, Medium Rare, Medium Well, Rare, Well Done
- Caesar Salad $7.50
Fresh romaine lettuce tossed in our house caesar dressing and topped with herb croutons and parmesan cheese. Dressing Choice: Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, Bleu Cheese Dressing, Ceasar, Honey Mustard Dressing, Italian Dressing. Meat Temperature: Medium, Medium Rare, Medium Well, Rare, Well Done
The Burger Shack
- Mushroom & Swiss $13.00
Sauteed mushrooms, aged swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo. All Sides: Buffalo Chips + $1, Caesar Salad + $1, Coleslaw, Fresh Fruit + $1, Fresh Veggies + $1. Meat Temperature: Medium, Medium Rare, Medium Well, Rare, Well Done
- "Award Winning" Pimento Cheese $13.25
Homemade pimento cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato. All Sides: Buffalo Chips + $1, Caesar Salad + $1, Coleslaw, Fresh Fruit + $1, Fresh Veggies + $1. Meat Temperature: Medium, Medium Rare, Medium Well, Rare, Well Done
Sandwich Shop
- Turkey, Apple, Cheddar $10.00
Warm turkey, green apple slices, melted cheddar. Served on toasted wheat bread. All Sides: Buffalo Chips + $1, Caesar Salad + $1, Coleslaw, Fresh Fruit + $1, Fresh Veggies + $1
- Lucky's Queso Philly Steak $11.00
Sliced beef, our homemade queso, onions and mushrooms, on a hoagie roll. All Sides: Buffalo Chips + $1, Caesar Salad + $1, Coleslaw, Fresh Fruit + $1, Fresh Veggies + $1
Signature Dishes
- Blackened Chicken Alfredo $14.50
Tender grilled chicken on a bed of penne pasta with our homemade cajun cream sauce served with garlic toast
- Olde World Fish & Chips $14.50
Our own yuengling beer battered cod, fried golden brown served with kettle chips and coleslaw, with a side of tartar sauce
Lou's Tavern Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Bar games
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sports
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Dancing
- Food
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Outside food allowed
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Lou's Tavern Photos










Lou's Tavern Location
Lou's Tavern Reviews
pricepig roastbandlive musicpartyold fashionedjukeboxfunsmilebathrooms
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Went to see the McDermott Brothers Band and had an awesome night. The set-up out back for the show was great. Staff was kind and courteous!
June 25 · Joe NuccioNot many places like this left... Just a good old fashioned bar... Cold beer, good drinks, dark wood and great bar keeps.
July 31 · Eugene CaiazzoGood spot with good prices but lady closed up spot a half hour before closing no announcement of last call disappeared for the last half hour before coming and closing up would’ve appreciated a heads up
July 18 · Ephrem MarogiWonderful place, great Dive bar, could not be more friendly. We were from out of town, stumbled in, and Cindy, the owner, was so great and welcoming 🙏. We might be going back tomorrow for St Patrick's Day. You won't be disappointed.
March 16 · Pio RomanoGreat old dive bar. Friendly people and workers. NOT cookie cutter witch is what I like.
August 24 · Anthony Capaldo
More restaurants near me

84 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

100 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

114 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

116 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

420 Hillsdale Ave, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

70 Park Ave, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

66 Park Ave, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

66A Park Ave, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

126 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

441 Hillsdale Ave, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

130 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA

134 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Top restaurants Searches
Trending Dining Insights Posts





