German Cuisine, American Flair—The Long Valley Pub and Brewery

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Long Valley Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

– This landmark, which sits at the bottom of Schooley’s Mountain on the south end in nearby(ish) Washington Township, is housed in a 200-year-old restored barn. The two-floor restaurant offers German food mixed with American flair. But the Long Valley Pub and Brewery, better known by locals as the Brew Pub, makes and serves its own beer, including seasonal brews which keeps patrons from far and wide returning to the casual pub year after year.

The restaurant boasts three bars–one on the main floor just beyond the entryway; one on the second floor that seats approximately a dozen patrons; and an outdoor drink station on the front patio that was completed in the summer of 2010. The brewery’s ales, from dark to light, have won numerous national awards. Banners of the achievements are proudly displayed from the wood beams that adorn the ceiling.

The outdoor patio offers seating for approximately 50 diners, weather permitting. Pricing at the Long Valley Pub and Brewery ranges from $9 Chili crocks to $30.95 Rib Eye Steaks. And don’t forget the homemade Schnitzel and Spatzle–a combination of breaded veal, authentic German Spatzle–a form of egg noodle–and braised red cabbage; a signature dish of the restaurant.

Dining hours at the restaurant are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Brunch is also served on Sundays. The bars close at midnight Monday through Thursday; 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 p.m. Sunday. Happy hour is available weekdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

The Long Valley Pub and Brewery also offers live entertainment on weekends. For more information, visit the Web site at restaurantvillageatlongvalley.com, or the pub itself at 1 E. Mill Road, Long Valley. The pub can be reached at 908-876-1122.

Found a great place to dine? Let us know about it in the comments—and maybe we'll feature it in an upcoming edition of "Bites Nearby."