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Lower Bank Tavern - a Gem in the Pines!


I recently stopped in for lunch at the Lower Bank Tavern on Route 542 in Lower Bank. Although a "Google" search (see map below) will locate this restaurant in Egg Harbor City (due to zip code sharing), this hidden gem is in Burlington County, just 10 minutes west of State Highway 9/ New Gretna, NJ, and 10 minutes east of Batsto Historic Village.

The Lower Bank Tavern isn't fancy, but it's real; filled with real people and offering real food. Make that real GOOD people and real GOOD food! To start with, our waitress couldn't have been nicer - attentive but not pushy, and genuinely considerate and friendly. Only in the Pines!

My daughter Amanda, my grandson Tyler and I sat in the dining room adjoining the bar. Our waitress immediately brought over a coloring book and crayons for Tyler, so it was comforting to know that children are welcome here!

On this day, several specials were offered, including a 12-oz. prime rib for $12.99, a four-piece fried chicken dinner for $9.99, fish and chips for $6.99, and a tuna casserole for only $4.99! I decided on a classic: the Lower Bank Burger - a half-pound burger on a roll, topped with chipotle aioli (yes, Pineys know what aioli is!) and Monterey Jack, served with lettuce, tomato and fries. Amanda opted for a fried flounder sandwich. My burger came medium rare, exactly as ordered. It was thick, juicy, and served on a full-bodied roll - not the generic airy burger roll one might expect! The aioli was finger-licking good, and the fries were homemade and served super hot - oh, so goooood! Amanda's flounder sandwich was served on a hoagie-type roll of the same great homemade taste. The flounder was very lightly breaded, and also served with lettuce, tomato and those delicious fries! Her bonus was the delicious tartar sauce with an exciting kick to it. It sure tasted homemade to me!

Owner/Chef Bill knows what he's doing in the kitchen. From what I tasted, his goal is to provide great quality, well-prepared food at a reasonable price, and with a certain special flair that he's very proud of. I only wish I lived close enough to be a "regular" at this very special place!

Regular menu items include entrées such as a grilled NY strip for only $12.99, fried shrimp or scallop platter for $12.99; 1/2 pound burgers such as my Lower Bank for $5.99, a Bacon-blue cheese burger for $6.99, a Smothered Veggie burger at $6.99, and others; sandwiches including Hot pastrami and Swiss, or a Reuben for $6.99, Chicken Parm or a roast beef hoagie for $5.99 or a French Dip on garlic bread for $7.99; bar pies, salads, soups, and lots of munchie foods. I fully intend to return for the strip steak, which is my favorite, in the near future!

Thirsty? Lower Bank Tavern offers $2 Pabst pints and $2 Keystone Lites! Throw in a big screen TV for all the sports (including NASCAR, of course!) a pool table, pinball machine, darts, and some of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and this great unpretentious place tucked in the midst of the peace and tranquility of the Pine Barrens might just be your new favorite "undiscovered" place to unwind.

Questions? Give Bill a call at 609-965-6936. Whether you call or stop in, and whether for lunch, dinner, or just a cold one, tell him that Cathy from PineyPower sent you!!!

DIRECTIONS:

From the GARDEN STATE PARKWAY SOUTHBOUND: Exit 52; follow signs to Route 9 South; bear right on Route 542/Batsto Village; Lower Bank Tavern is 5.5 miles on the right.

From the GARDEN STATE PARKWAY NORTHBOUND: Exit 50 to Route 9 North (New Gretna/Batsto Village). Make hard left onto Route 542 West.; Lower Bank Tavern is 5.5 miles on the right.

From Route 206 and points west: Route 30 (White Horse Pike) EAST to Route 542 EAST. Continue past Batsto Historic Village, Route 563; Lower Bank Tavern is about 2 miles east of Route 563 on the left.


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The Pine Barrens is becoming a popular tourist destination. It offers history, nature, boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and most of all, peace and tranquility. It's important to families who live here, whether for a few years or many generations, that our peace and tranquility be preserved.A local lawyer or doctor won't look any different than his neighbor who works the land. Thousand dollar suits aren't what impress people of the Pines - taking care of nature and fellow man is what matters. To that end, it is important for you to know that as a visitor to our precious Pine Barrens, you should show respect for the flora and fauna, for the historical buildings or their remains, and show respect for the "locals". Walk and drive gently. Treat our Pine Barrens as you would want a visitor to treat your own home town - and your own family. Thank you.

 

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P.O. Box 307, Barnegat NJ 08005
609-698-2501

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Please note: Unless otherwise noted, all articles and photographs on this site are the property of PineyPower, and as such, may not be reproduced without written permission.
Thank you.

Please e-mail information@pineypower.com with questions or comments about this website.


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