The Old Canal Inn

- 2 E Passaic Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110

For New Jersey residents seeking a perfect blend of rich history, local charm, and a fantastic bar and grill experience, The Old Canal Inn in Nutley is a cornerstone of the Essex County dining and nightlife scene. Established in 1934 as JoJos Tavern before changing its name in 1948, this establishment stands proudly as Nutley's oldest bar, carrying a genuinely historic and cozy atmosphere. The Inn is more than just a place for a quick meal; it’s a destination where locals and groups gather to enjoy great comfort food, an astounding selection of beverages, and a friendly, casual environment.

Located just feet away from the site of the old Morris Canal (the inspiration for its name), The Old Canal Inn has perfected the art of the classic American bar and grill. The menu focuses on satisfying comfort food—the kind of hearty, flavorful dishes New Jersey diners crave. While offering favorites like Chicken Quesadillas and the rich Crock of French Onion Soup, it also earns significant attention for its celebrated burgers and sandwiches. In particular, one of its signature items, the legendary "Death Burger" (a beer-battered deep-fried burger stuffed with jalapeños, cheddar, and mashed potatoes, offered on special occasions), has cemented its place in local lore as a must-try for the adventurous eater.

The appeal of the Old Canal Inn extends far beyond the kitchen. It boasts an immense and celebrated beer program, featuring over 135 beers in total and around 30 on tap. This dedication to a superior beer selection, coupled with full cocktail, wine, and hard liquor offerings, makes it a prime location for happy hour, late-night food, and every social gathering in between. The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy and casual, a perfect spot to kick back and soak up the historic ambiance, whether you’re coming in for lunch, dinner, or just a round of drinks with friends.

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The Old Canal Inn is conveniently located at 2 E Passaic Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA. Its position in the heart of Nutley makes it easily accessible for residents across Essex County and North Jersey, including those in neighboring Bloomfield, Clifton, and Belleville.

The Inn goes above and beyond to ensure a comfortable visit for all New Jersey patrons, featuring comprehensive accessibility options:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible seating and dining areas
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Parking is made convenient with both a free parking lot and free street parking available, eliminating the typical North Jersey parking headache. This ample parking, along with its location near major local roads, ensures a hassle-free visit for groups, families, or solo diners. The location also holds historical significance, situated right near the former site of the Morris Canal, giving patrons a real sense of local heritage as they dine.

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The Old Canal Inn offers a dynamic array of services tailored to meet the varied demands of the modern New Jersey crowd, from private gatherings to casual weekday dining.

Key Services and Dining Options:

• Dine-in Service: Full table service is available in both the dining area and at the main bar, which notably features an original bar structure sourced from the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
• Takeout Service: Quick and efficient service for customers who wish to enjoy the Inn's comfort food at home.
• Outdoor Seating: The option to dine outside provides a pleasant experience during warmer New Jersey months.
• Private Parties and Events: The venue includes a party room suitable for gatherings, such as the 6th-grade graduation party praised by a recent customer, with staff like Ally, Mark (owner/manager), and Jessica noted for their fantastic, above-and-beyond service.
• Reservations: The Old Canal Inn accepts reservations, which is recommended for larger groups and during peak dining times.
• Late-Night Food: The kitchen is open until 11 PM and the bar hours extend late into the night (12 AM on weekdays, 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays), making it an excellent option for a late bite.
• Happy Hour: Special pricing and offerings are available for both happy hour drinks and happy hour food, attracting the after-work and evening crowd.

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The Old Canal Inn stands out among North Jersey bars and grills due to a unique combination of culinary boldness, beverage expertise, and entertainment options that foster a true sense of community.

Noteworthy Highlights:

• Exceptional Beer Selection: Renowned for its "Great beer selection," the Inn features over 30 beers on tap and 135 total selections, including a diverse range of domestic, imported, and craft beers. They host a "CRAFT BEER NIGHT" every Wednesday, often featuring a new craft beer and special discounts.
• The Legendary "Death Burger": Offered on special occasions, this beer-battered, deep-fried burger stuffed with jalapeños, cheddar, and mashed potatoes is a local favorite and a bold culinary statement.
• Historic and Cozy Atmosphere: As Nutley's oldest bar, the Inn provides a historic backdrop. The lower main bar itself is a piece of history, originating from the 1939 New York World's Fair.
• Live Entertainment: The Inn features Live Music and Live Performances, often hosting local bands and community events like the Nutley Family Service Bureau's 'Rock Hunger' music festival, making it a cultural hub.
• Dedicated Sports Viewing: The bar is popular for featuring Sports and often hosts sports buffets for major events like Monday Night Football and the World Series, complete with bar games to keep the competitive spirit high.
• Signature Menu Items: Beyond the Death Burger, the menu highlights include a celebrated Corned Beef Reuben (featuring house-made corned beef) and the Veal Canal, a house-recommended specialty dinner item.
• Staff Excellence and Ownership: Customer reviews consistently praise the ownership, including Mark J. Conca, and the staff for being "extremely pleasant and attentive," creating a welcoming, family-like environment.

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For New Jersey residents planning a visit, a private event, or wanting to learn more about the menu or live music schedule, here is the contact information for The Old Canal Inn:

• Address: 2 E Passaic Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
• Primary Phone: (973) 284-1272
• Mobile Phone: +1 973-284-1272
• Owner/Manager: Mark J. Conca

The Inn is open Tuesday through Sunday, with the kitchen running from 12 PM until 11 PM. The bar remains open until 12 AM on weekdays and until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.

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Choosing The Old Canal Inn is about choosing an authentic piece of New Jersey history coupled with a top-tier bar and grill experience. It is a local fixture that manages to be simultaneously cozy, historic, and trendy, making it the perfect 'go-to' place for virtually any social need.

The sheer *breadth of offerings* sets it apart. Whether you are a craft beer aficionado excited by the Craft Beer Social Club (which offers members access to 45 different beer styles) or someone craving a juicy burger, the Inn delivers on quality and variety. The full-service bar provides high-quality Cocktails and Spirits, not just a standard beer list, ensuring all drink preferences are catered to.

Furthermore, the Inn excels at *hospitality*. Customers rave about the attentive service and the friendly nature of the owner and staff, noting that the team goes "above and beyond" to ensure events and casual meals are memorable. This consistent, high level of customer care transforms a simple meal into a delightful social experience.

For New Jersey customers, whether you are a college student looking for a lively atmosphere, a family needing a spacious spot with high chairs, or a group planning a memorable party, the Inn's blend of casual dining, late-night hours, accessibility, and high-quality food (especially those celebrated burgers and classic bar entrees) makes it an essential visit in Nutley. It is a place where you can enjoy a piece of history, a fantastic meal, and the best of the local community spirit.

The Old Canal Inn

2 E Passaic Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA