The Plumbsted Grill: A Rustic Atmosphere paired with a Hearty Meal

By Dawn Straccia

  The Plumsted Grill which was established in 2005 is a large Log Cabin turned into a Restaurant, Bar, & Grill.   With a huge porch that spans across the whole front of the building, makes this place, a go to destination all year round.   My favorite time of the year to visit is in the fall.  With the leaves turning colors and the brisk cool air makes sitting by the warm cozy fireplace in their Great Room, a rustic atmosphere that is paired with a hearty meal, a staple of the season. 

  Located on route 539 in Cream Ridge the restaurant is diverse in every way, offering three different types of dining experiences.   Boasting a full service bar area that is surrounded by flat screen televisions to watch your favorite game on, there is also two separate dining rooms.  One so private it gives you the intimate feel with just a handful of tables, and their great room with cathedral ceilings, antler chandeliers and a roaring fireplace has a family atmosphere.  Both in the area of the bar and separated either by a wall or a wall with glass windows, giving you a relaxed, peaceful and quite dining experience.   

  Sitting there enjoying the warmth of the fire you could not help notice the entrée’s that were coming out of the kitchen.  Known for their huge portions you will either go home with a late night snack or a meal for the next day.  

  I have been here several times already and have not had a bad meal once and honestly, I don’t think I ever will. With an array of appetizers that range from Calamari to mozzarella sticks with every one of them, delicious as the next.  To the traditional entree’s which include; Chicken Franchise with a side of Linguine was three, yes three, large Chicken Breasts and when I say “large” I mean “large”.  Cut to just the right thickness, dredged in egg then coated lightly in flour and sautéed until golden perfection all atop a mound of Linguine that was cooked Al Dente and swimming in a Lemon Butter Sauce, “just Heaven”, the Stuffed Shrimp was loaded with a Crab Stuffing, and yes, mostly Crab, then drizzled with Lemon & Butter also served with a side of Linguine, and the NY Strip Steak topped with Onion Rings, served with two sides and a salad was grilled to a perfect, medium rare that cut like butter and enough to feed two.  

  There is no separate menu for the bar area.  One menu offered throughout the restaurant.    But I will say this, as far as bar food in other places this one takes top honor.  The French Onion Soup served in the traditional crock was crowned with a thick layer of Mozzarella Cheese, which can also be substituted for another type of cheese.  A far cry from traditional French Onion Soup, it is packed with layers of flavor including their homemade croutons which could honestly stand on their own as a “gem of a snack”.  A great selections of Hot Sandwiches & Burgers, with the Cabin Burger being it’s crown jewel and is probably the best burger I have ever eaten on the east coast.  No need for condiments at all, a thick juicy hamburger patty that is bursting with a Smokey flavor comes pouring out with the first bite, mouthwatering and divine in every way.  The Cheese Steak which could be in a class all by itself as “ultimate bar food” stands out even more here. Tender thinly sliced rib eye that is topped with cheese, onions and a combination of hot & sweet peppers, is piled high on a freshly baked loaf of bread, moist and is enough to feed a small army.    All meals are served with your choice of sides; fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, vegetables.   The onion rings, which is usually my first choice, I have had the Sweet Potato Fries once before and believe me it is a hard decision, are a perfect match for any sandwich.  Fresh-cut onions dipped in their secret batter and fried to a golden crunch, all I can say is yum!!



  Also offering salads like the Caesar that can be topped with Grilled Chicken or Shrimp, Mediterranean. 

   When you hear of places serving large portions, most of the time the quality is substituted for the quantity.  With a fantastic combination of great service, quality of food, portion sizes, and three different dining options The Plumsted Grill is the place to go!! 

The Plumsted Grill

457 Pinehurst Road & Rt. 539

Cream Ridge, N.J.

609 758-5552
www.theplumstedgrill.com

Opens at 11:00, 7 days a week 

Prices: very reasonable

Call ahead seating

Reservations up to 30