Hob Tavern

If you want the true “Heart of Bordentown,” you head to The HOB Tavern. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood at 146 Second Street, this is an old-school corner pub that refuses to be anything other than what it is: a tight, cozy, and high-energy local hangout. There are no fancy host stands or sprawling dining rooms here. Instead, you’re greeted by a massive, central rectangular bar that takes up nearly the entire room, festooned with year-round Christmas lights and a collection of eclectic taps that signal exactly why people come here.

The history of “The HOB” (short for Heart of Bordentown) is built on its reputation as the town’s reliable living room. It’s family-owned and carries that neighborhood-centric DNA in every interaction. It’s a space where the kitchen staff often pops out to chat, and the regulars are just as likely to recommend a beer to you as the bartender is. It is important to know that it is a small, intimate space; on a Friday night or during a big game, it gets loud, it gets crowded, and it gets real. If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded booth, this isn’t your spot—but if you want to feel the pulse of Bordentown with a cold pint in your hand, there is nowhere better.

The Drink Experience

For the drink enthusiast, the Rotating Craft Beer Selection is the primary draw. The HOB maintains a diverse and frequently updated tap list that leans heavily into local New Jersey and regional powerhouses. You’ll regularly find lines dedicated to Icarus, Kane, Double Nickel, and Spellbound, alongside seasonal favorites like Great Lakes Christmas Ale or Hardywood Milk Stouts. They take their beer seriously, often featuring a mix of Hazy IPAs, heavy-hitting Porters, and crisp Pilsners.

Beyond the beer, they offer a solid Specialty Cocktail menu and a full rail of spirits. Whether you’re looking for a simple $9 Miller Lite pitcher on “Nine & Dine” Wednesdays or a house-infused cocktail, the service is fast and the pours are fair.

Food & Features

While the drinks lead the charge, the food at The HOB has achieved its own cult status. They are famous for their PB&J Wings—a salty-sweet combination of peanut butter and jelly sauce that sounds like a dare but tastes like a discovery. The menu is a powerhouse of “smash-style” burgers like the Hob Mac and the Trenton Makes (topped with Case’s pork roll), and they are widely regarded as having the best vegetarian and vegan bar food in the area, including the “Big Fat Lie” vegan burger.

The entertainment matches the energy of the crowd, with Open Mic Nights on the second Wednesday of the month, Trivia on the third Thursday, and regular live music performances that turn the small room into a vibrant concert space.

Details can change — check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.