Located in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, the Trap Rock Restaurant and Brewery was an incredible find while out on a family day today. We had plans to take family photos down in the Great Swamp area in central New Jersey when we came across this great eatery just minutes away from the Great Swamp Greenhouse in Gillette, New Jersey.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Upon walking into the restaurant, I was impressed with the brewing room. This was not just a room for show, it was in use with piles of malt bags stacked up for great and delicious in house brewed beer. The gorgeous stone work and dark wood made of a comfortable environment.
THE BEER
We opted for the Brew Sampler that included six of their home brewed beers in 4 ounce glasses. The sampler included their Ghost Pony Helles Lagar, Hathor Red, JP Pilsner, Blueberry Wheat, Dr. Otto's Rye and there was a sixth beer that was more of a stout but unfortunately I do not have the name of it. All beers were accentuated with their signature smoky touch that brought on great flavor. This is definitely a sampler to try.
THE FOOD
I began my meal with an order of eight perfect, fresh and delicious Hollywood Oysters from Maryland. They were served with hot sauce, cocktail sauce and mignonette sauce. I cannot go on about how refreshing these oysters were. There really is nothing like a perfect oyster and these definitely did not disappoint. I could have eaten one hundred of them. I rounded out my meal with the Thanksgiving Sandwich. The sandwich was served with turkey, brioche stuffing, cranberry chutney, sage mayo and brioche toast. The Thanksgiving Sandwich everything that it promised that it would be. The cranberry chutney and the brioche stuffing complimented the turkey in flavor and texture. The only thing that would have made it better would have been some dipping gravy to really round it out. I'm not much of a mayo guy personally.
THE SERVICE
We had an exceptional waiter who was very knowledgeable about the menu and welcoming. He was kind and understanding to my daughter and was quick to bring her something new when she did not like her Mac and Cheese. It was a good Mac and Cheese, my daughter is just picky and would not have it with the large pasta shells. We could not ask for better service. Thank you Jason. Please make sure to ask for him if and when you dine at Trap Rock.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS
Our experience at the Trap Rock Restaurant and Brewery was amazing. I give them 4 out of 5 stars and recommend them to everyone who reads this review. Make sure to ask for Jason, order the Oysters and just have fun. I live 40 minutes from the Trap Rock and honestly, I cannot wait to go back and try something else. Enjoy!
Trap Rock Restaurant and Brewery
279 Springfield Avenue
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
(908) 665-1755
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Thursday 11:30 AM - 10 PM
Friday & Saturday 11:30 AM - 11 PM
Sunday 12 PM - 9 PM