Spend a day exploring historic Clinton Township, a 34-acre municipality in New Jersey's upscale Hunterdon County. The small town of Clinton, within Clinton Township's boundaries, is known for its gristmill along the Raritan River during the Colonial era. Clinton Township's history is preserved in residences, shops, bridges and the Hunterdon Historic Museum housed in a restored mill house. Take time during your visit to enjoy the libations and food offered at the bar and restaurants in Clinton, New Jersey.
Take advantage of the weeknight bar specials at this country inn where family dining, banquet rooms and curbside take-away are also offered. Order panini, soup and salads for lunch. At dinnertime, sample the potato pancakes with sour cream and applesauce, a crock of onion soup or substantial full-meal salads designed to satisfy the most eclectic palate. Outdoor seating in the garden is available on sunny days and warm evenings.
Sunset Inn
1831 Route 31
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-638-6983
sunsetinnclinton.com
Lounge on the patio overlooking the Raritan River and picturesque Old Red Mill building in Clinton's historic district. If the weather turns gray and cold, the wooden floors and roaring fireplace create a cozy atmosphere indoors. The restaurant features American cuisine with modern accents. Savor the specialty pancakes for breakfast. Board sandwiches, wraps and burgers fill out the lunch menu. For dinner, tuck into grilled fish, steak, a vegetarian medley or for lighter appetites, the Riverhouse signature spinach salad. Accompany the meal with New Jersey wines and in the summertime try the Riverhouse's own mixed sangria.
The Old Riverhouse Restaurant
45 Main St.
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-735-4141
oldriverhouserestaurant.com
Go back in time at this restaurant originally established in the 18th century. Start your meal with a selection of soups, including snapper turtle soup, or a salad. Select one of the restaurant's namesake dishes: Clinton House chicken with artichoke hearts and asparagus, Clinton House grilled salmon with a balsamic sauce, or the house vegetarian pasta with mushrooms, dried tomatoes and broccoli. Order drinks from the extensive wine list, including pricey selections from the library collection and after dinner port, sherry, cognac and brandy. Fresh bread and desserts are prepared in the on-site bakery.
The Clinton House Restaurant
2 W. Main St.
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-730-9300
theclintonhouse.com
Visit the old-time bar tucked into the Lebanon Hotel, a former stagecoach stop in the northern part of Clinton Township. The décor is updated colonial style with wooden floors, a large brick fireplace and richly carved Chicago-style bar. The outside garden bar season extends into September until the weather becomes too chilly for comfort. The restaurant portion of the Fox and Hound serves lunch and dinner every day of the week.
Fox and Hound Tavern
69 Main St.
Lebanon, NJ 08833
908-437-1300
foxandhoundtavern.com
