Alden Cafe

If you are looking for a quintessential neighborhood watering hole with surprisingly elevated food and an incredible drink list, Alden Cafe Click to open side panel for more information in Maple Shade is the spot. Located right on West Main Street, this bar has undergone a fascinating evolution. Locals who have been around for a few decades remember it from the late 1990s and early 2000s as a gritty, 40 plus biker bar complete with signs on the door forbidding motorcycle club colors. Fast forward to today, and while it retains that wonderfully unpretentious tavern charm, it has completely transformed into a welcoming community staple that attracts a diverse crowd of everyday residents and friends looking for a great night out.

• The Drink Experience: For a casual local pub, their beverage program is absolutely stellar. They boast 24 rotating taps that lean heavily into high quality craft beer. You can regularly find excellent local pours from Bonesaw Brewing Co., Cape May Brewing, and Magnify Brewing alongside reliable domestic staples. If you prefer your drinks in a can, their coolers are packed with everything from Victory Brewing’s potent Golden Monkeys to crushable Stateside Surfside iced teas and High Noon seltzers. For cocktail enthusiasts, the bartenders mix up massive signature drinks like the Rum Bucket, which blends five different Cruzan rums with cranberry and pineapple juices, as well as a spicy, pickle juice infused Ultimate Bloody Mary.

• Legendary Pub Food: The kitchen at Alden Cafe is far more than an afterthought. They are highly regarded across town for their jumbo chicken wings, which are cooked to perfection and tossed in a wide variety of sauces ranging from a sweet and spicy AC sauce to their signature creamy garlic parmesan 302 sauce. The menu also features incredible cheesesteak eggrolls, hearty “Next Level” cheesesteaks, and authentic Tarantini Panzarottis, which are traditional folded and fried pizza pockets.

• The Vibe: When you walk inside, you will find a thoroughly relaxed atmosphere. There is a pool table in the back room for casual games with friends, and the bar games keep the energy up. On the weekends, the space comes alive with live music from local bands, transforming the laid back pub into a lively entertainment venue. It is exactly the kind of place where the staff is incredibly friendly and they make sure you always have a fresh glass for your next round.