This place needs a complete makeover! someone please save them. The food is horrible. Everything is old and outdated. The only thing good about it, it's the location on the water..and the bands that play
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
Arielle Minerva
I can’t thank the staff of The Jefferson House enough for putting together the most perfect day!
It was far my first experience there, but this time I was the bride. The amount of pressure their event team took off of my shoulders was incredible. Their level of support and attention to detail earned my trust instantly. From handmade bouquets for me and my bridesmaids, boutonnières for my dad and the ring bearer. We all now have a timeless keepsake! They made my rustic fall lakeside dream come true with the centerpieces and decor. Michelle and Boomer ROCKED! Patty took immaculate care of the room and Sue and John kept the drinks full and on point! Service was fantastic on all fronts.
We had our ceremony out in the beautifully decorated gazebo. They reserved the downstairs for us as well in case the weather didn’t hold up, and set up an hors d'oeuvres area for the bridal party during pictures! Chef Mario’s food was spectacular from start to finish. The prime rib was absolutely divine! I ordered a plain white cake from a local bakery and Michelle their event coordinator added roses to it to go with the theme of the ball room.
I highly recommend this venue for any party. They absolutely blew me away. I was overwhelmingly grateful for every bit of time they put into planning and executing our dream wedding. When I was nervous about the order of events they were there assuring me we were on schedule. When I wasn’t sure what poses to do for our photos, the owner stepped right in and took charge resulting in some of my favorite shots. You can tell they truly care about events as if it were their own and I’m glad it seemed as though they had fun doing it!
Thank you again J House crew!❤️ Everything was PERFECT!🥰😍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian B
Lovely place to grab a drink and enjoy the sites and sounds of the lake. Really happy that they have burnt mills cider.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Christine Avolio
A group of my friends and I were looking for a place to eat outside by the water before we all went out back to our different homestates after a weekend vacation together. This place was perfect, with a large outdoor area. We were initially concerned about the very loud live music playing because we wanted to be able to relax and have good conversations, but they were able to seat us farther away from it which worked out well. A huge bonus is that the outdoor area is completely dog friendly- our waitress even brought out a water bowl for each dog! Service was fairly prompt and attentive. Food was generally tasty. We shared the maple garlic chicken wings appetizer and enjoyed them. I got the chicken tacos which I loved. I do not handle spiciness at all and they were safe for me and delicious! My boyfriend had the chicken tenders basket and shared his fries with me, which I also enjoyed. A friend also particularly loved the donut alcoholic cider from a local cidery. I think the only thing not enjoyed was one friend who got the 5 cheese Burger. There was something about the taste of the burger that he really didn't care for. My boyfriend tried it and said the best way he could describe it was that the meat tasted more gamey than a usual burger. Overall though a very positive experience with a beautiful view!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mayra H
Great place fir a casual meal. Good drinks, food and service
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Maria Goncalves
Invited for a birthday celebration- I had the fish tacos and enjoyed them - place looks like run down.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
OriginalPaulie D
Standard pub food. Music venues are always lakeside.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Lina Ramirez
Save Your Appetite… ONlY come for the View!
If this place plans on continuing to serve food, they’ll need a full revamp—starting with the chef, the kitchen staff, and the entire menu.
We waited nearly 45 minutes before asking about our food, only to be told the kitchen was short-staffed because “everyone went back to college.” Meanwhile, tables that arrived after us were served first.
When we followed up again, our visibly flustered waitress claimed she couldn’t find our order—apparently, the Wi-Fi went out when she submitted it. Seriously?
When the food finally showed up over an hour later, we wish it hadn't:
The wings were undercooked
Canned corned beef used for nachos (what?)
Cold grilled chicken sandwiches
Need empanadas that tasted like sad potato knishes
Soggy bland bruschetta, oily penne pasta and inedible ropa vieja.
The entire meal was a disaster from start to finish.! 💯
The only thing this place has going for it?.. - The view!
Come for a drink and the scenery—but eat literally Anywhere ELSE!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Brenda Elias
We arrived with no reservation but the waitress quickly prepared a table for us, party of 13. The atmosphere was casual, with a separate bar area, and seating tables over looking the water. The waitress, Jane Marie was hospitable took our orders. We were a large group so I’m sure we were overwhelming for her since we ordered the kids food 1st, then drinks, then our apps and food. We sat down at 2pm . We received our food ONLY AFTER, someone in our party asked one of the waitress’ why we had not gotten our food since tables around us got their orders first. A different waitress responded “because you are a big party, the kitchen was short staff and because the kids went back to college”. -When our waitress returned she realized she never placed the order in digitally. Then began to ask again what we ordered because she needed to see if food was ready in the kitchen and didn’t want to place all the orders again a second time. At 4PM—Then all the food came out rushed, cold, and the anticipated hunger and wait was truly disappointing! Although we paid the $400 bill- this is just a sample of what We ordered and based on the speed of when we got our food only after we inquired about our order- I’m going to assume our food was just sitting in the kitchen: (we don’t like to return food) -Beef empanadas (which were like knishes) not latin styled empanadas. -Meat lovers pizza was hard -Nachos were soggy and burnt placed on a metal tray with no real meat -the meat tasted like canned meat. -Chicken sandwiches were cold -Bruschetta was bland and just sitting in a watery mix -Penne vodka bland and sauce was also watery ****Ropa Vieja(waitress did mention it new item) was the worst- looked like soup. IYKYK: looked more like “asopao”. We did credit for that meal! Only good thing was the chicken tacos. Kitchen needs a revamp of the head chef and menu! Come for the view and drinks. Apparently the locals enjoy the bar cuz as we were leaving that area was packed. Sadly I would NOT recommend this place although the views were great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
Noel Laurente
The place has a band playing when we got there which was nice. We ordered crab cake and fish tacos for our beer which was good since we came from another bar/ restaurant nearby. This is the place to go in Hopatcong Lake.
Go there for the drinks, the live music and the views. Not the food
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
Italo Bassini
We were unvoluntarily kicked out of two other restaurants in the area because they were fully booked with reservations. Just my wife and I — they could’ve squeezed us into any small table in the corner, and we weren’t in a rush. It felt frustrating at the time…
But thank God they didn’t take us — because that’s how we found Jefferson House Restaurant.
Even though they were also busy, they greeted us with a warm smile and welcomed us right in. We were seated by the water with a beautiful view and got to watch the sunset — but the real highlight? The food. Chef Mario made us a Drunken Parm Chicken and Meatball Linguini, and I swear, the food just melted in our mouths. The waiter Jamie, very sweet and patient, gave us a couple meal suggestions. Oh, and another good thing, prices are fair.
I left there feeling grateful. What started as a disappointing evening turned into a beautiful reminder that sometimes things don’t go your way for a reason. Be patient, keep trying, and stay open — you might end up somewhere even better than you planned. Do yourself a flavor (intentional miss spell) and check this place out. You won’t regret it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
S M
Definitely a fun party atmosphere, and you can't beat the view.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Mike Buccola
Chicken Parm & Crab Cakes entree were good. Dead flower pots on railing were unsightly. Waitress said there is no credit card surcharge, but there was. Then she lied again saying it was not included in the total, but it was. We don't appreciate any staff trying to get over on us. I have been going here for 35 years but will think twice about returning 🤔
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
matt reid
Great place on the lake, I saw great live music there.
This place needs a complete makeover! someone please save them. The food is horrible. Everything is old and outdated. The only thing good about it, it's the location on the water..and the bands that play
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
I can’t thank the staff of The Jefferson House enough for putting together the most perfect day!
It was far my first experience there, but this time I was the bride. The amount of pressure their event team took off of my shoulders was incredible. Their level of support and attention to detail earned my trust instantly. From handmade bouquets for me and my bridesmaids, boutonnières for my dad and the ring bearer. We all now have a timeless keepsake! They made my rustic fall lakeside dream come true with the centerpieces and decor. Michelle and Boomer ROCKED! Patty took immaculate care of the room and Sue and John kept the drinks full and on point! Service was fantastic on all fronts.
We had our ceremony out in the beautifully decorated gazebo. They reserved the downstairs for us as well in case the weather didn’t hold up, and set up an hors d'oeuvres area for the bridal party during pictures! Chef Mario’s food was spectacular from start to finish. The prime rib was absolutely divine!
I ordered a plain white cake from a local bakery and Michelle their event coordinator added roses to it to go with the theme of the ball room.
I highly recommend this venue for any party. They absolutely blew me away. I was overwhelmingly grateful for every bit of time they put into planning and executing our dream wedding. When I was nervous about the order of events they were there assuring me we were on schedule. When I wasn’t sure what poses to do for our photos, the owner stepped right in and took charge resulting in some of my favorite shots. You can tell they truly care about events as if it were their own and I’m glad it seemed as though they had fun doing it!
Thank you again J House crew!❤️
Everything was PERFECT!🥰😍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lovely place to grab a drink and enjoy the sites and sounds of the lake. Really happy that they have burnt mills cider.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
A group of my friends and I were looking for a place to eat outside by the water before we all went out back to our different homestates after a weekend vacation together. This place was perfect, with a large outdoor area. We were initially concerned about the very loud live music playing because we wanted to be able to relax and have good conversations, but they were able to seat us farther away from it which worked out well. A huge bonus is that the outdoor area is completely dog friendly- our waitress even brought out a water bowl for each dog!
Service was fairly prompt and attentive. Food was generally tasty. We shared the maple garlic chicken wings appetizer and enjoyed them. I got the chicken tacos which I loved. I do not handle spiciness at all and they were safe for me and delicious! My boyfriend had the chicken tenders basket and shared his fries with me, which I also enjoyed. A friend also particularly loved the donut alcoholic cider from a local cidery. I think the only thing not enjoyed was one friend who got the 5 cheese Burger. There was something about the taste of the burger that he really didn't care for. My boyfriend tried it and said the best way he could describe it was that the meat tasted more gamey than a usual burger.
Overall though a very positive experience with a beautiful view!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great place fir a casual meal. Good drinks, food and service
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Invited for a birthday celebration- I had the fish tacos and enjoyed them - place looks like run down.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Standard pub food. Music venues are always lakeside.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Save Your Appetite… ONlY come for the View!
If this place plans on continuing to serve food, they’ll need a full revamp—starting with the chef, the kitchen staff, and the entire menu.
We waited nearly 45 minutes before asking about our food, only to be told the kitchen was short-staffed because “everyone went back to college.” Meanwhile, tables that arrived after us were served first.
When we followed up again, our visibly flustered waitress claimed she couldn’t find our order—apparently, the Wi-Fi went out when she submitted it. Seriously?
When the food finally showed up over an hour later, we wish it hadn't:
The wings were undercooked
Canned corned beef used for nachos (what?)
Cold grilled chicken sandwiches
Need empanadas that tasted like sad potato knishes
Soggy bland bruschetta, oily penne pasta and inedible ropa vieja.
The entire meal was a disaster from start to finish.! 💯
The only thing this place has going for it?.. -
The view!
Come for a drink and the scenery—but eat literally Anywhere ELSE!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
We arrived with no reservation but the waitress quickly prepared a table for us, party of 13. The atmosphere was casual, with a separate bar area, and seating tables over looking the water. The waitress, Jane Marie was hospitable took our orders. We were a large group so I’m sure we were overwhelming for her since we ordered the kids food 1st, then drinks, then our apps and food. We sat down at 2pm
.
We received our food ONLY AFTER, someone in our party asked one of the waitress’ why we had not gotten our food since tables around us got their orders first. A different waitress responded “because you are a big party, the kitchen was short staff and because the kids went back to college”.
-When our waitress returned she realized she never placed the order in digitally. Then began to ask again what we ordered because she needed to see if food was ready in the kitchen and didn’t want to place all the orders again a second time. At 4PM—Then all the food came out rushed, cold, and the anticipated hunger and wait was truly disappointing!
Although we paid the $400 bill- this is just a sample of what We ordered and based on the speed of when we got our food only after we inquired about our order- I’m going to assume our food was just sitting in the kitchen: (we don’t like to return food)
-Beef empanadas (which were like knishes) not latin styled empanadas.
-Meat lovers pizza was hard
-Nachos were soggy and burnt placed on a metal tray with no real meat -the meat tasted like canned meat.
-Chicken sandwiches were cold
-Bruschetta was bland and just sitting in a watery mix
-Penne vodka bland and sauce was also watery
****Ropa Vieja(waitress did mention it new item) was the worst- looked like soup. IYKYK: looked more like “asopao”. We did credit for that meal!
Only good thing was the chicken tacos.
Kitchen needs a revamp of the head chef and menu!
Come for the view and drinks. Apparently the locals enjoy the bar cuz as we were leaving that area was packed.
Sadly I would NOT recommend this place although the views were great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
The place has a band playing when we got there which was nice. We ordered crab cake and fish tacos for our beer which was good since we came from another bar/ restaurant nearby. This is the place to go in Hopatcong Lake.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Go there for the drinks, the live music and the views. Not the food
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
We were unvoluntarily kicked out of two other restaurants in the area because they were fully booked with reservations. Just my wife and I — they could’ve squeezed us into any small table in the corner, and we weren’t in a rush. It felt frustrating at the time…
But thank God they didn’t take us — because that’s how we found Jefferson House Restaurant.
Even though they were also busy, they greeted us with a warm smile and welcomed us right in. We were seated by the water with a beautiful view and got to watch the sunset — but the real highlight? The food. Chef Mario made us a Drunken Parm Chicken and Meatball Linguini, and I swear, the food just melted in our mouths. The waiter Jamie, very sweet and patient, gave us a couple meal suggestions. Oh, and another good thing, prices are fair.
I left there feeling grateful. What started as a disappointing evening turned into a beautiful reminder that sometimes things don’t go your way for a reason. Be patient, keep trying, and stay open — you might end up somewhere even better than you planned.
Do yourself a flavor (intentional miss spell) and check this place out. You won’t regret it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Definitely a fun party atmosphere, and you can't beat the view.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Chicken Parm & Crab Cakes entree were good. Dead flower pots on railing were unsightly. Waitress said there is no credit card surcharge, but there was. Then she lied again saying it was not included in the total, but it was. We don't appreciate any staff trying to get over on us. I have been going here for 35 years but will think twice about returning 🤔
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Great place on the lake, I saw great live music there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
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