Tree Tavern — Restaurant in Wanaque

The reservation process for this place was extremely smooth-- I was able to make one quickly and easily via email. However, when I arrived (admittedly 5 minutes late for my reservation), a waitress or hostess anxiously asked me if we had a reservation while I was still 15 feet away in the parking lot. When I said that I did, she made sure to "remind" me (though I hadn't been informed of this before) that seatings were only for a 90-minute window, which made me feel rushed and a bit unwelcome. I assured her that I can eat quickly (since I generally can be in and out within an hour), to which she looked impatient and asked if she could at least show me where my table was now (mind you, I'm still 15 feet away in the parking lot waiting for my friend to lock her car). When I came around the hedge, I expected the restaurant to be full and busy (timed seatings and being upset when you're late make more sense when the restaurant is slammed). Instead, I see that there are more empty tables than filled, which leaves me confused as to why she was so impatient.

The waitress who took our drink order was absolutely pleasant, accommodating my request for a mocktail. The food was okay, though not my favorite. The calamari was crispy and the sauce was appropriately spicy; however, the steak sandwich that I got was a bit lackluster (though admittedly it was exactly as described with no additions). Instead of being a grilled steak which was then sliced, it was sliced then grilled, which caused each piece to be fairly well done. The steak was between two slices of ciabatta bread with butter on the side, but no lettuce, tomato, onion, or any sort of toppings. Just seemed strange to just have straight steak on just straight bread, but maybe that's my fault to have expected more.

Between conversation and the speed of service (which was perfectly fine), we did end up staying for the full 90 minutes. I did notice that there were empty tables available the whole time. When the waitress asked if we wanted dessert, I admittedly did not feel comfortable staying past the 90 minute mark. We ended up leaving and going down the street for dessert and to finish our conversation.

On a final note, the grounds are absolutely beautiful. It was a gorgeous location to have a meal...

My girlfriend took me on a whim and we were so impressed. It is nestled in a nice neighborhood so we drive by it at first. They have a nice, spacious parking lot back from the road. We walked in to a cozy, clean, and classy place full of happy people. It is decorated well and the food is well-prepared. The walls have wine bottles, paintings, WWII memorabilia, and a few references to local history. The lights are kept low and the dark wood gives it an elegant feel. There is a nice bar where they have good mixed drinks, but wine seems to be a strong theme of the restaurant. I got a mixed drink that was clearly made with care and tasted great. There are normal tables that you would expect, but there are also a few low, comfortable chairs that look perfect to sit and chat over some drinks. We grabbed a table because we knew we were going to order food.

I didn't know what to expect from the menu, but I was so pleased to see the very reasonable prices and downright amazing happy hour deals. The menu is not huge, but it was not lacking either. I got a burger that was served on a delicious bun and came with fries that were done to perfection(crunchy outside, soft center). My girlfriend got the veal parm. It was amazing and big enough that she brought another meals-worth of food home for another day. The bathrooms are great. I know that sounds like a silly thing to put in a review, but it matters. They were clean and very comfortable and made me feel like a guest in someone's home.

Part of the way into the meal Mike, the owner came by and so did his wife. They were very warm and welcoming and they work hard to make sure that everyone has a good experience. I'm sure we will go back many more times to this...

Girls' night out for birthday wishes! This is a gem that is tucked away from the hustle & bustle of busy roads & life. If you haven't tried the famous tree tavern pizza ... Here is your chance to upgrade it with toppings. We choose ours plain as part of our appetizer. Also shared the most delicious stuffed artichoke that I've had in quite some time. ( sorry photo taken after we dived in) Moving on to our main course. Off the daily menu we choose Chicken Parmigiana, Meat Ravioli, Chicken Ceasar salad. The special of the week included shrimp, asparagus, arugula, and lots of yummy. We shared a tartufo that included a candle and a round of singing. Guaranteed not to disappoint. Don't forget they also have a fabulous wine selection and a wine & gift shop.

Here are the chef specials for the week of 3/1/23 Stuffed artichoke An artichoke stuffed with Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs steamed with extra virgin olive oil. It's a bit messy to eat but delicious! $15 Salad Special Mesclun greens, tomatoes, red onion, black olives, cucumbers, and blue cheese crumbles with EVOO and wine vinegar topped with blackened chicken $30 Pasta Special Spaghetti with shrimp, chopped tomatoes, asparagus, and Arugula in a Saffron white wine sauce. $35 Seafood Special Red Snapper with anchovies, capers, and chopped tomatoes in a light marinara, served with mashed potatoes and veggies $40 Chicken Special ½ chicken with sausage, onions, red & green peppers, potatoes, and hot cherry peppers in a demi-glaze, served...