Expect the Extraordinary

The Olde Silver Tavern in Manalapan, NJ is a good place for that “let’s go out for a drink” type mood. The setup of the bar is simple. The entrance opens into the main room, which has a bar and high tables surrounding it on the left and the dining area on the right. A good amount of beers on tap and reasonable prices make it ideal to sit and enjoy a pint while watching the game. Televisions are placed around the bar and a plasma screen is off to the side in the seating area. They are almost always showing the current game, and if they aren’t, all you have to do is ask.
The thing this bar lacks is a pretentious wait staff, which is a welcome change from other bars in the area. There’s no cover, it’s easy to get a drink, and the waitresses are helpful and responsive. Sitting at the bar can be a separate challenge though unless you’re a “regular”. The bartenders can be a bit lackadaisical. However, their drinks are quality for the price.
Food at the OST is not something to be passed over. They offer a full menu of standard “pub grub” at reasonable prices. I’ve sampled the wings, the ribs and other fried delicacies that arrive quickly, taste good and are inexpensive. From a distance I have eyed the “bar pies”. Upon a subsequent visit, I will certainly make it a point to test one out. Another can’t miss is the “hodge podge”, a plethora of fried goodness. The hodge podge features chicken fingers, fried mushrooms, fried zucchini, fried cauliflower, and mozzarella sticks and is certainly a treat.
The parking lot of the OST can be slightly difficult to navigate. It’s large and quite ample though the lack of paving and poor driving of some Monmouth county residents make it a place to enter with caution. However, it is well worth the trip and is the perfect destination for a chill night out.