By Myles Ma
Bill’s Olde Tavern really is old. The building has been around since the mid-1700s, and it holds the oldest liquor license in Hamilton, issued in May 1900. Legend has it that it was the site of American history; as the story goes, George Washington passed the building that was to become the bar as he traveled up Quakerbridge Road on his way to fight the Battle of Princeton. As part of the third group to own the tavern in the last 100 years, Al VonSteenburg hopes to stay true to that American tradition.
“We want to be an American tavern,” he said.
The tavern’s chef, Brian Aase, serves food that encompasses the American tradition, which includes Irish, Polish, German and Italian food, among other things. Entrees include baby back ribs, grilled shrimp and scallops and steak. One of the most popular dishes is the corned beef sandwich, and the tavern is well known for its large portions of prime rib, which is served on the weekends.
“It’s a very diverse menu,” VonSteenburg said. “We offer good food in good portions at a good price.”
There are 13 beers on tap, which include traditional American beers like Budweiser and Miller, as well a selection of craft brews and imports. The tavern has two bars, which can often draw divergent crowds.
During the day, VonSteenburg said, what is known as the upstairs bar is frequented by older business types, while the downstairs bar tends to draw more blue-collar folks. After 10 p.m., the tavern becomes a local hangout for younger customers. The tavern has nine TVs to placate the sports crowd, and also offers special drink prices during sporting events.
“It’s a place where they start their night; it’s a place where they end their night,” VonSteenburg said.
The tavern also has “guests from the past,” he says. VonSteenburg says his bartenders believe the tavern is haunted, and they have told him stories of bottles and bar stools moving on their own.
“Several of our bartenders have seen and heard some crazy stuff when closing up late at night,” VonSteenburg said.
VonSteenburg, along with co-owners Shawn Lemarie and Robert Rommel, are in the process of renovating the building, and plan to expand the drinking area to include outside seating. The age of the building at times poses a challenge, but VonSteenburg feels the history of the building adds to the experience.
The three owners bought the building in 2006 from Bill Maul, for whom the tavern is named. The tavern was a log cabin during the Revolutionary War, and spent time as a hotel before becoming a tavern in the late 1800s, according to VonSteenburg.
“We’ve spent a lot of time and a lot of energy to restore the building,” VonSteenburg said.
For VonSteenburg, Hamilton has many similarities to the town where he grew up, Toms River – both are big towns that maintain a local feel, he said. He lives with his wife and three kids in Manchester, Ocean County, but considers his staff family.
VonSteenburg said he is most gratified when his customers go home happy and satisfied.
“There’s a lot of personal satisfaction in what we do,” he said.
Bill’s Olde Tavern is offering a special through January: two meals for $22. The meals include an appetizer or a dessert, two entrees and two drinks.
For more information, call (609) 586-0192 or visit billsoldetavernnj.com.
,
