It's a dive bar. 100%. But it's a good one. Nice sized bar. Plenty of room at and around the bar for hanging with friends. Staff is great. Vibe is great. read more

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First time here, but will not be my last. It's so cute and local and close and a great great service great music lots of fun A+. read more

Hilltop Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

I really like them for the Monday night jam. It's a cash only dive bar, they also have basic bar food (fries, I think burgers?). My one problem is the location- it's off a crazy busy street so difficult to approach from one direction. Have had good experiences with the bartenders. I give them props for being down to earth & accepting (the charm of dive bars). A place for local characters. read more

Good location, plenty of parking. Inside is on the smaller side, but the staff and the regulars are very friendly and welcoming. Food menu is limited, nothing extraordinary and can't say much for the drinks as I didn't try the beers, but the ambiance is pretty good if you're looking for an easy, laid back night out. read more

I love dive bars and have been to many. My joke is that I've never met a dive bar that I didn't like. Somehow this little spot had escaped my notice for a long time. I finally stopped in for a late lunch, and I liked the decor: old vibes, not well lit, lots of wood to the place. Wasn't crowded, wasn't loud. Cash only - inconvenient, but eh. And for a small spot off a busy street, the parking is excellent - surprisingly easy to get in and out of. I also see they've hosted some excellent local bands. There were maybe 3 other customers there when I arrived, another 3 or 4 came to drink and play darts while I was there - I was tired and not looking to interact, but their vibe seemed friendly enough had I wanted a conversation. Bartender was doing some sort of inventory or something, but eventually came over and greeted me friendly. I asked if the wings were breaded, she said yes, so I ordered a burger with mozzarella (breaded buffalo wings are a sin against poultry) . She came back with a burger with yellow American. I inquired, she explained that the only mozzarella they had was shredded and she thought that might get too messy, so I said no problem and just took the American cheese off. It was a good burger though. Are there better burgers in the area like at Steve's in Garfield or The Strap in Hackensack? Sure, but this was still a good, enjoyable burger. I had to help myself to some paper towels I spotted at a corner table. When I asked to settle the bill, I was charged for a cheeseburger even though clearly it wasn't the kind of cheese I had ordered and clearly I therefore hadn't eaten the cheese which the bartender saw me remove and saw left on the plate. Little things like that make a difference to me. The food looked gently priced, the beer not bad. The beer pricing was about average. In the end, a burger and a Stella beer put me back $14 plus tip. No regrets stopping in to experience the place (and I'm one who likes to get around to stopping in at every dive bar that I possibly can), but it didn't make my favorite bars in Northern NJ (a list of about 60, comprised mostly of dives). I honestly might've given it 4 stars, but as petty as a 50c difference might seem (unless I'm mistaken and the Stella was $5.50, which...), it wasn't the best way to part being charged for a type of cheese that I neither ordered nor ate. And if I'm mistaken and the Stella on tap WAS $5.50, well, it wasn't the best Stella on tap I've had and there's nothing special about the price. Overall, walking away $17 lighter, it wasn't a negative experience but I know I can walk away more satisfied elsewhere in the area at that price point. So from my experience, you won't walk away from this place wishing you hadn't stopped in, but it might not inspire you to return unless maybe you made it when a band is playing. read more

Came with my coworkers after working a waitering shift and really liked this place. Colleen the bartender was very nice and their prices are insanely good. $5 mix drinks and $3 beers. Such a good deal. They have a juke box and big outdoor seating in a beer garden style plus live music but not sure when, so call to find out. Also they serve, wings, ripper hot dogs, fries, onion rings and bar pies. I didn't try the food but my coworkers love the food and at such low prices it's a great value. This place is a dive bar and is not fancy looking at all but has a good vibe and will be back. You're welcome Yelp and remember be nice to each other and if this helped hit that like button. read more

I've passed this place about a million times but never entered. I heard countless stories about town drunks hanging out there and it wasn't my thing. (many years ago) Well a friend was singing open mic on Monday night and you know I was very apprehensive about entering this establishment as it appears to be a very tiny home from the outside... possibly too much closeness? Well I walked in and was quite surprised. I felt at home immediately. A cheers type atmosphere. It is small, don't get me wrong but it is friendly. My first delight was that it was clean and didn't feel "old" like many of the local pubs. the Bar itself looks like it was either replaced or redone recently. The bartender was warm and friendly. He also took food orders...the normal fare. bar pie, burgers, hot dogs, fries, chicken fingers, salad. The food wasn't amazing by any means but a nice portion, reasonable and well just something to throw down that Stella with which was icy cold on tap. Monday is open mic night, I believe they have karaoke night, It's small so it fills up quickly but I will definitely revisit this nice little pub and maybe they'll know my name soon :) read more

Hilltop Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

Last Sunday night I was accucsed of stealing money that I didn't steal..The Bartender Colleen was screaming and yelling at me where is the $70 ?. I told her it wasn't me multiple times..Than she says you know we got cameras right?..As if I was gonna admit to something I didn't do lol..I told her go ahead check them..So she's on the phone with whoever was checking the cameras..You can see in her eyes she felt real stupid finding out it wasnt me.. I looked at her and said you found out it wasn't me right?..She nods her head yeah..But doesn't apologize..I told her why you didn't check the cameras first before you accused me of doing it. All she kept saying was she told me to talk to her outside and not to do this in public..See acts like she was doing me a favor for something I didn't do..The truth is she asked to speak to me outside because she wasn't for sure I did it..She didn't want to look stupid in front of everybody if she was wrong..And its possible although I can't say I'm 100 percent sure..The person who stole the $70 might have been a regularat the Hilltop and I'm not..So I was her scapegoat and she was in hopes it was me who did it..Because why wouldn't you check the cameras first?.She absolutely was disrespectful and unprofessional ..Yelling at me and grabbing my beer right out of my hand..She should have apologize and gave me free beer instead of grabbing it out of my hand. A professional place doesn't have bartenders scream yelling and accusing someone of something they didn't do without looking at the cameras first. Colleen wanted to just drop the situation like it never happened..She took zero accountability..Colleen thinks it's ok to yell at someone with total disrespect and the person is suppose to drop it because she wants to..It doesn't work that way..That's why I'm writing this review..If she was sincerely sorry I wouldn't be writing reviews about her..But refuses to take accountability for her actions..She will only do this again to someone else.. read more

After a long trip to JFK we was headed home got off at Exit 63 for gas and needed something to eat saw the Hilltop Tavern confidently located off the exit stop in and asked if the kitchen was open Had a couple cheeseburgers and fries food was very good Bartender (female) who was happy to make our food Nice fing since we was 4 hours from home Strongly recommend Thank you Binghamton Ny read more

Depending on bartender price of a beer is always different (and I'm not talking about happy hour or not happy hour) asked for a glass water and gave me a bottle which I didn't open that he wanted to charge me! I wanted a glass a ice water with my beer, ridiculous read more

Place is a Dump On The Outside But Nice In Good Pours Cool Bartenders Open Late Dive bar with character and shuffleboard bowling, digital juke box and good cheap food. Gets crowded late evenings, bartenders go here for a drink after their bar closes. You can get drunk here cheap! read more

Best Taylor ham. Cool music. Good vibes. Bring cash. Sometimes they have live bands. All of the bartenders are cool

Great burger, awesome Taylor Ham & Cheese (it was huge) and a really good buffalo chicken pizza! this place is legit. Edit: the more I come here the more I love it! Great crowd, kitchen is open late & that Taylor Ham sandwich is totally to die for! One of the best small bars I've ever been to! Love it!!! read more

Hilltop Tavern - Monstrous Taylor Ham & Cheese is one of the best I've ever had! - Dive Bars Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

If you have trouble finding this place just follow the lit up nose on the reindeer affixed to the roof of the bar (which can easily be mistaken for a rundown house). Inside you will find pure magic in the form of PBR cans, a mix of surly and jovial regulars, ecclectic jukebox, crinkle cut fries, golden tee, summer bbq style burgers (cooked by the bartender) served on styrofoam plates, darts and most importantly shuffleboard bowling. I pass by this place on my way home from work and never know what to expect, the parking lot goes from having only a few pickup trucks and american made cars (as per union guidelines) to being packed full and sometimes even has an unexpected limo right out front (close to the door for a quick escape). Inside the crowd (or sometimes lack of) is as varied as the parking lot scene. If run down local bar is what you're looking for then just follow the reindeer nose. read more

Hilltop Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

Great dive bar with great bartenders like Scott and decent bar food reasonably priced. And fabulous bands. People are very friendly and always promises a wonderful time. read more

I stop in after a party I did with my band I was feeling good I order a drink double scotch from a young bartender I drank it and left good she said I had to go I was too drunk but the whole click where all drunk I gave me a hard time they didn't know me next I had the cop pulling me out I am a vet hard man with family n house I. Lodi I did not deserve that treatment so I am sorry it's was the holiday Little compassion god bless America papa Doozie read more

One of the skills you either possess or acquire when becoming an Elite Yelper is recognizing superior writing skills. I'm not saying that I have superior writing skills, but I definitely can recognize them. Erik A., you said it all. There's no need for me to write a review about this place. You covered absolutely everything. It's a rare feat really. Whenever I come across a review that encapsulates everything about a business I immediately send a friend request to the reviewer. I've only come across a handful of reviewers that have major talent. And I shall name a few below: Kai L. (Los Angeles) Anna M. (Los Angeles) Raphael C. (Los Angeles) Dan H. (Orange County) Marwin A. (San Diego) Hilltop is to divey like Cinnabon is to ultra fattening. The bar looks like a house whose owner refused to sell to commercial developers. There's a decent amount of parking and if you decide to carb up before you drink, Turtle's Pizza is a few paces down the street. Kudos to you Erik A. You totally nailed it. Friend request sent... read more

I came here on a Monday night for their open mic to network and scout some talent for some local shows. I couldn't believe how many people where there against just one bartender! Scott was a great server though. Quick, friendly, and talkative. We ordered wings, two cheeseburgers, fries (all of which Scott cooked while serving alcohol), three blue moons, and three Guinnesses, and the bill came out to just $29. The burgers and wings were excellent. People there were friendly as well. Made you feel very welcome. We were the youngest people there, except for this thirteen year old kid who was playing bass (excellently I must add). Age ranges from mid-thirties to late fifties. The open mic left much to be desired, as the house band was a little greedy with their time (playing two funk songs for twenty minutes and then giving other guys two three-minute songs with no time to introduce themselves? C'mon now). That, and whenever another band came on, they'd have the same people in it as the previous band as guest musicians. But that's to be expected at most places. I'd go again for the cheap prices. Not so sure about the open mic. read more

Monday night open mic night. We had a blast. Bartender was great, music was great! Check out this place.

The Facts: Was meeting a friend in the area. Tried ReBar, but it was closed. This was the closest, best thing according to Yelp. On the outside: it's a standalone structure, kind of looks like a house (and sketchy, too). On the inside: a neighborhood dive with regulars, two tv's, a chalkboard of the bar menu, a digital jukebox, some bar games, and an ATM for those who fail to know that it's cash only (guilty). Honestly, not much to say about this place. Chicken fingers, fries, and bar pie are all frozen and cooked/heated up to order - they were all okay/good and really, really cheap. Bartender wasn't a bad guy, but he definitely is not the friendly type. We were there a few hours, but were rushed to close out our handwritten tab because he was leaving and he wanted to close out our check. We all know the right thing to do here was to let us know he was leaving, wish us a good night, and that the new guy was going to take care of us. But, he didn't. So, we left. I've been to lots of neighborhood dives, and I was expecting a friendlier, homier, more welcoming atmosphere. Gotta remember the whole "no expectations, no disappoints" thing, I keep forgetting! I am pretty sure I won't be coming back here. read more

This is a classic dive bar. Draft beers, bar pies, dudes in their 50's drinking no matter what time of day. I had a bar pie. It was tasty - but there is only one toaster so they can only make one pie at a time. At $6.50 it was definitely worth the money. Definitely a decent find. read more

Awesome bar .. Great prices , good bar food .. Good football spot on Sunday . Live music on Monday and Saturday nights ! read more

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Can't beat this hidden gem. It's everything I want in a bar, and I only hesitate to review lest it get too crowded! I do wish them all the success, though, and appreciate the hospitality they have always shown to me. read more

Great dive bar! The bartender tonight was great! She took great care of us. I really enjoyed the Chicken pizza. Beers were cold, music was great, baseball was on, and the bartender was awesome! Perfect dive bar experience. It's cash only, but we knew that ahead of time thanks to yelp. They have an ATM just incase. read more

Great world class dive bar. Fred is the king of the Bartenderz. He offered to refill just ten minutes before cutoff time- the true test of a master bartender. A salute to this place that I traveled a thousand miles to share a drink in. read more

Nice place to come to and relax. The atmosphere is great and the customer service skills is amazing. Not to mention they the food is really good . I really love coming here try the wings! read more

Cheap & friendly. Fred and his Hawaiian shirts rule! The joint's got character. And hot dogs!

We are back again! There is a great band playing here tonight. Having some great food llistening to awesome music. We love The Hilltop Tavern read more

Great little dive bar, food is surprisingly solid, always great bands! Love the bartenders. Great spot to sneak away too.

Great friendly bartender ask for Anthony k , great service great guy

Great neighborhood bar with awesome live music. A great place to sit and relax with more than reasonable prices. read more

Great place, if you like those local dive bars. And not so loud like some bars, so you can actually have a conversation. As for the food, definitely try the chicken wings. Try them with the hot sauce on the side for some great crispy wings. Great prices for drinks as well. Definitely worth a stop. read more

Welcome Home! This is a great little spot. Regulars are friendly and they all must do comedy on the side because the jabs and quick wit is amazing with these folks. Always a good time. They show all the games- great crowd for Sunday football. Food is really goo pub grub, drinks are a good pour and flow easilly. It's not a big place but once you've been there a few times, you will feel like a regular. Darts, golf, slide bowling, great jukebox and a fun atmosphere all close to home. Don't let the outside fool ya- this is one to check out. Funny, but during the weeknights seems even more crowded than the weekends - maybe its just the summer, but whenever I've gone, its been a good time read more

Very small, cash only bar, BUT, they have great live music here, definitely check it out if you want to hear some great musicians. They also have an open jam Monday nights! Not the biggest menu, it's typical bar food, but I have to say, their burgers are really good! read more