Trap Rock Restaurant & Brewery — Restaurant in Berkeley Heights

tl;dr: 11 stars out of 10

I have been going to The Trap Rock Brewery since shortly after it opened. When I lived nearby, in the late 90s, I dined there frequently and it quickly became my favorite restaurant and I don't typically specify favorites or bests, usually preferring to declare "one of my...". I initially went there because it was a brewery and I was a home brewer and beer snob; but what elevated it was the food that seemed to gave a game theme, but also had things my vegetarian girlfriend-at-the-time enjoyed (Vegetable Wellington). The comfortable feel and hunting lodge motif helped too.

Their craft beers are 100% on point for the style they are supposed to be. I don't really drink much anymore, but when I go there, I have to have a couple. I had an IPA (Vapor?) last night that was full of hop flavor perfectly balanced by the subtle sweet of the ale. I followed that with a JP Pilsner (had to try my namesake) that was also in harmony and thirst-quenchingly crisp. During other visits, I have enjoyed sampling all the varieties in a flight, which I would recommend to anyone going there for their first time or unfamiliar with real beer.

I love steak and game and The Trap Rock never disappoints, but I'm also comfortable bringing anyone there because there will always be something for other palates. Occasionally, I've tried dishes outside of my usual and was always glad I did -- Potato Encrusted Skate Wing (or was it blue corn?) comes to mind. Meats are always served at the correct temperature. Porterhouses, Filet Mignon, Leg of Venison... don't ask me to pick a favorite. The food is such that one can eat an appetizer, main course, and dessert without feeling too full -- just satisfied. They do have some wonderful desserts well worth indulging.

Last night was my girlfriend's birthday. I turned her onto The Trap Rock a few years ago and it has become her favorite. Feeling like maybe I had pushed her into going there every year, I suggested that maybe one of the other Harvest restaurants would be nice (I've eaten at most and with one exception, they're all excellent, but there's nothing like the Flagship) and I was reprimanded. While making the reservation, I noted that it was her birthday and that she wasn't one for desserts, not really knowing what I expected. They brought her an extra appetizer -- the Tuna Tartare -- with a candle in it -- so thoughtful and apropos. It was delicious with bits of crisped potato in it. She had ordered the Calamari, which was also great with a hearty, crunchy coating and tender squid inside. I ordered the Oysters on the Half Shell, which came with separate cocktail sauce, horseradish, and vinegar (or maybe that was hot sauce) so that one could customize the spice -- we had no trouble polishing off a dozen. She had the Rib-eye, which she woke up craving this morning, and I had the Pomegranate Short Rib, soft and flavorful with lots of sweet potato mash.

I recall celebrating my own 25th birthday at The Trap Rock -- I'm 50 now -- and having New Years Eve reservations that they had to cancel due to a fire. I've eaten in every room, smoked cigars with single malt scotch in the cigar room (which I don't think they have anymore) and they have never let me down -- well, I suppose the fire on NYE, but they did make up for it. I've eaten at plenty of other fine establishments and places run by chef personalities (prior to 1998, my number one was The Mesa Grill), but The Trap Rock is my favorite. Life is different than it was 25 years ago and I don't dine out much -- a lot of take-out on the go, but very little dining. Even last night, we had to forgo dessert due to time constraints. I live further away now, but I still make sure to treat myself and my girl to a Trap Rock experience at least a few...

I recently visited Trap Rock Restaurant and Brewery, and unfortunately, my experience was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. From start to finish, the service was incredibly disappointing and left me feeling frustrated and unwelcome.

We arrived looking forward to a nice evening, but things quickly went downhill. Our server seemed distracted and inattentive from the beginning. After placing our order, we waited patiently, but as the minutes stretched into nearly an hour, we began to notice tables around us receiving their food while we sat empty-handed. After 1 hour and 15 minutes, our main course finally arrived — no apology, no explanation, just dropped at the table as if this was normal.

To make matters worse, the food was far from worth the wait. I ordered the fish and chips, which I cannot recommend at all. The batter was soggy, lacking any crispness, and the fish itself had a distinctly unpleasant fishy taste, suggesting it was far from fresh. It was easily one of the most disappointing versions of fish and chips I’ve ever had.

During the long wait, we asked to speak to the manager, hoping to resolve the situation or at least receive an acknowledgment that the delay was unacceptable. The manager never came to the table. Not once. Instead, when the bill arrived, we noticed that the main course had been comped — apparently, that was their way of making things right. While I appreciate the gesture, simply removing an item from the bill does not erase the frustration of sitting hungry for over an hour and then being served a subpar meal.

Dining out should feel like an enjoyable experience, but this evening felt more like an exercise in patience. The lack of communication, poor service, and indifferent management made the entire situation worse. A restaurant should care about its guests’ experience from start to finish, and here, that care was completely absent.

Sadly, this visit convinced me that I will not be returning to Trap Rock Restaurant and Brewery. I cannot recommend it to anyone who values good service, timely food, or fresh, well-prepared meals. There are too many other restaurants in the area that know how to treat their...

Trap Rock Brewery isn't just a restaurant; it's a local treasure waiting to be discovered. Stepping inside feels like entering a warm, rustic haven, dimly lit and adorned with rich wood, creating a cozy ambiance that belies its surprisingly spacious interior.

I have been here a couple of times, once before with my girlfriends for a birthday dinner and the second time around with my family. I have had an exceptional experience both times.

The magic of Trap Rock lies in its ability to cater to everyone. Families with little ones will find a welcoming atmosphere with delicious options like the classic burger (generous portion size & cooked medium) and fries our kids devoured happily. Meanwhile, the upscale feel, complete with a vibrant bar area, makes it a perfect spot for date nights or gatherings with friends. Whether you're a local catching up with acquaintances or a newcomer seeking a hidden gem, the friendly, familiar vibe makes everyone feel instantly comfortable.

The staff at Trap Rock truly elevates the experience. They're polite, pleasant, and incredibly efficient, ensuring even large groups are well-looked after. Whether it's answering questions about the menu or recommending the perfect local beer, they do it all with a smile.

We opted for the Nashville hot friend chicken quesadilla appetizer, a flavorful delight shared between two. We split the crispy fried chicken burger which was delicious, juicy and satisfying, while the JP Pilsner, a crisp and refreshing pilsner, perfectly complemented the meal. My partner thoroughly enjoyed the Rock Garden Wit, a light and citrusy wheat beer, showcasing the quality and variety of their locally brewed offerings.

Trap Rock Brewery is more than just a delicious meal; it's an experience that lingers long after you leave. The combination of warm ambiance, exceptional service, and delicious food and beer makes it a place you'll want to return to again and again.

P.S. Don't forget to save room for their decadent desserts! The warm cookie skillet...