Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Boat House - Lambertville, NJ

Sometimes you just don't feel like heading home, so a little trip to check out a place off the beaten path is in order. After a nice dinner and a full belly at Bell's Tavern, The Boat House in Lambertville was just that spot.

The Boat House is in the old pork yard, and I have seen it many times on trips to Hamilton Grill Room. From the outside, it looks very cozy, with a small bar, some seating upstairs and downstairs, and floor to ceiling
artwork in a nautical theme.

To me, hanging out at The Boat House is like hanging out in your grandfathers old office. The décor is amazing, and the ambiance is just so cozy! A seat at the bar was in order, but what I really love is how you
walk in, and the hostess/waitress/bartender gives you your seating options.  "There's a table upstairs with chairs, there's a seat at the bar, or there's a seat on the couch." You gotta love it!

Everyone hanging out at The Boat House seems friendly, but you have to be. The quarters are tight, tiny, and intimate. You could have your back right up next to someone sitting in a chair next to you, or sharing one of the small cocktail tables with you, either upstairs, or downstairs.

An old wood paneled staircase leads upstairs where there is a small bathroom. The nautical theme continues upstairs with some bookshelves in one corner. All kinds of nautical décor again cover the walls and ceilings.

There is also plenty of Navy themed art, as well as some pennants from different Ivy League schools. All in all, it is very cozy, and very intimate, and the kind of place I have dreamed about building for years in my backyard for a man cave. Maybe someday.

The wine list at The Boat House is decent, with selections from Domaine Drouhin for a little Burgundy, or some Washington State cabernet sauvignon from Horse Heaven Hills (H3) vineyard. There are plenty of other selections as well, and I am sure they have plenty of spirits that can be ordered.

One thing to note which I have no problem with is the no speaking on cell phone rule. Not a bad thing in the least in a small establishment like this, though you can text and surf the net. I know as I read the news on my cell while hanging out at the bar. Service was friendly enough, and it's a good little place to hang out and veg. Lots of people coming in and out, some just stopping in to take a look at the place. All in all, very cozy with a lot of charm. Bring your special somewone there and check it out! Cheers!

The Boat House
8 1/2 Coryell Street
Lambertville, NJ 08530
Phone: (609)397-2244

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I find this bar way to small and overcrowded. One of the most uncomfortable places in the world.

Anonymous said...

I have very fond memories of this bar. We had cosmos and got some tips on the recipe. My friends and I celebrate with Boathouse Cosmos all the time.

Cheri LaRo said...

I loved this bar! We sat upstairs and chatted with the owners. We got hints on the cosmo we were drinking. Now three years later we still celebrate with Boathouse cosmos.

Cheri LaRo said...

I loved this bar! We sat upstairs and chatted with the owners. We got hints on the cosmo we were drinking. Now three years later we still celebrate with Boathouse cosmos.