Kitchen and Beer Bar — Restaurant in Wanaque

2 1/2 stars

My palate is never more open-minded than when I'm famished after a long hike. Everything tastes delicious and I'm definitely grading on a curve as I try to make up for the calories burned in the preceding hours. There are exceptions to every rule though, and none truer than my experience at Kitchen and Beer Bar. I've passed it many times on my way up to Norvin Green or Ringwood, and have considered stopping by, especially since it's been categorized online in a few places as a gastropub (a real weakness of mine). Wanaque unfortunately doesn't have a lot of decent post-hike options, especially with the closure of the restaurant right on the corner of 511 and Westbrook where you turn to cross the reservoir into Norvin Green, so expectations were a bit tempered.

I came here with my chum a few Saturdays ago after a five- or six-hour hike at Norvin Green, ready to chow down. The parking situation is a little awkward; unless you're familiar with the area, your instinct (and what we did) is to park at the CVS across the street and cross your fingers that an overly-aggressive tow truck driver isn't on the prowl. It looks like there's a small parking lot around the corner on Doty Road that some of the customers were coming from, so that's where I'd likely park if I ever came back.

It's a weird vibe in there. Definitely not a gastropub, but beer bar seems like a pretty decent descriptor. It's very dark in there, and the clientele spanned a huge swath of demographics; I was expecting white middle-aged guys in plaid shirts and work boots (and there may have been one or two), but the majority were surprisingly college-age girls at the bar. We were seated and served pretty quickly, if memory serves. Our waiter was friendly and personable, and I noticed that he stayed fairly close by during our experience and kept an eye on the table. Solid.

We ordered the Chuck Wagon Taters ($11) to share, which were the highlight of the adventure. I'd argue it's very difficult to mess up tater tots, but regardless, they were pretty tasty. It was a solid portion for the price, and given the rest of the meal, it was a rare instance where I was glad I filled up on the app. As long as the tater tots are cooked thoroughly and the toppings are warm/properly softened or melted, you should be good to go. I also got a plain burger, and that was honestly one of the worst I've had in a while. Initially it came with toppings, but the waiter immediately remembered that I had requested it plain and took it back in the kitchen. Points for that, but when the naked burger showed up again 20 seconds later, it still had a bit of toppings residue and condiment taste. I'd be curious about other opinions on this topic, but unless the toppings in question are pretty dry, I'm not crazy about just brushing them off and presenting it as a plain burger. I don't want to taste pickle juice or the hint of ketchup or something if I didn't order that. Beyond the toppings issue, the burger was super greasy and tasteless. If the word burger is literally in the name of your establishment, that should be one of your selling points. Very disappointing.

This honestly isn't my cup of tea anyway - I'm a wine/cocktail drinker, and the menu (as the name suggests) was mostly beer. Maybe the beer is excellent, but I wouldn't be able to accurately gauge. And for what it's worth, I stayed with water due to my recent activities. I might come back, but it's a hard sell when I know I'd have to tap dance around the menu looking for something akin to...

Okay I have mixed feelings. First order from here was door dash. My husband went to pick up the food and there was confusion. Food was still good so we ordered here again tonight. Door dash pickup again.

The first issue wasn't really their fault. A driver picked up MY order so when my husband arrived they had nothing and told my husband it was out for delivery. I was home and no food. Called the restaraunt they took his number and were going to call us back once they spoke to door dash.

Mind you at this point my food had been picked up over 45 mins ago. I really didn't even want it if it did show up. Again not really their fault. But what did upset me was no one called back. I understood this wasn't completely their fault. But at least return the call if you say you will.

So door dash finally credited my account so I could place a new order. An hour and a half after the pickup of my original order I was placing order #2. I received email confirmation that my order would be ready in less than 20 mins. To avoid the same issues he headed right over. He just walked in to our house and it's been an hour and a half since order #2 was submitted. I'm beyond aggravated that I'm about to eat a meal, i initially order starting at 5:45, at 9:30 pm.

But I will still say the food is pretty decent. I will maybe give them a try again dining in this time without my kids so I can try this extensive beer menu. My experience was unfortunate and hopefully a...

This place is a gem we are just thrilled to have found! The food is wide ranging and so many things looked great, both familiar options & unique offerings. The beer selections were actually what brought us in & so happy with the reality... more options than we had imagined, some sort of magically serendipitous arrangements with multiple brands we love AND the unheard of option to take things we were so excited to try, without having to risk not being safe to get home! The owner was in & knowledgeable about all the breweries' arrangements & offerings & made great suggestions, and the staff are some of the most engaging & well-versed in the products we've found at a general reseller in a long time. Both visits so far we were able to sit at the bar & chat & interact with enthusiasm about beers & breweries & common interests. Flabbergasted how perfect this place is for us, and ended up going home with a membership & almost as much spent to go as to stay, which we've been loving every moment of & planning our next-next trip back! After many more trips, still just as happy and thrilled to have found it, and have started sharing the joy with friends! EDIT Did make more trip & only became even-more-happier & brought + collab friends. Double down on Membership excitement & extensive enthusiasm. re-edit 100% agree with...