Freddie's Tavern Neighborhood: West Trenton
Ewing Township, NJ 08628
United States of America

Some places seem to have been around so long, it's as if they have always existed. One of those places for me is Freddie's Tavern in West Trenton, New Jersey. I grew up in Trenton and I can honestly say that I don't remember it not being there. Freddie's, for me, is a place that, when I lived in the area, I would go when I wanted a special meal. For other locals it is a place they go regularly. Some go to enjoy the bar with it's televisions and sandwiches and others go for the regular dining room. It attracts the people who want to enjoy a meal "out" every week after going to Mass on Saturday evening as well as those who want to celebrate something or just get together.

I have eaten at Freddie's many times and my most recent visit was on a Friday evening. This was the start of a weekend and it was also too hot and humid for many people to cook, so the place was rather busy. While reservations are not required, they are available. To avoid a possible long wait for a table, I recommend them if you plan on eating there on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. I had a reservation for 2 people at 7:00, which I thought would mean it would be less crowded. That was not the case this time.

For a business to draw such a crowd, especially in a tough economy when people are not as willing to part with their hard earned money, they must have something that people want. It may be the food, it may be the atmosphere and it may be a comfort of good memories from earlier in life, or it may be a cocktail of all three factors. After eating the meal I am about to describe, I can understand why Freddie's is such a place.

Upon entering the building, there are display cases on either side highlighting things of local interest with such items as newspaper articles, pictures and trophies. After passing through the lobby, there is a waiting area with the bar entrance on the right and the dining room entrance with a host or hostess on the left. For those who have to wait and want to go down memory lane to their childhood, or for those younger people who enjoy video games, there is a Ms. Pac-Man machine and a Centipede machine available to play. Each still costs just a quarter. The daily specials are indicated on a board in the waiting area on the right. There are about a dozen specials and one early bird special. Other entree selections are available on the menu and most are in the $20 range. If you eat in the dining room, you will notice that it is rather dimly lit and the wall is covered with scenes from the neighborhood or other parts of New Jersey. There is also a banquet room off the main dining area.

One entree I recommend is the Chicken Piccata. I usually don't get an appetizer because the portions are very generous, but many of the entrees come with penne pasta (also known as pencil points) in tomato sauce. I highly recommend that. This time, I tried the Spinach Shrimp served over angel hair pasta. The food was served hot, was flavorful and as always, plentiful. I also ordered a martini made with Bombay gin from the bar and did not order dessert this time, but they have been good when I ordered them before. I especially enjoy their cakes, ice cream and cannolli. Several times, I have had to take part of my meal home and have it the next day. So if you dine at Freddie's, make sure you start hungry because you will leave full.

Dinner for two usually costs between $60 and $75 and lunch is served there as well.

Freddie's is very close to the West Trenton train station, where the SEPTA trains still make the trip into and out of Bucks county, PA and central Philadelphia. Freight trains also use those rails.

To get there from downtown Trenton, take Rt 29 north to Sullivan Way (Rte 579) and continue North for about 2 miles. Go under the railroad bridge and make an immediate right onto Railroad Ave. Pass the gas station and the parking lot will be on your left. From Interstate 95, get off at exit 2 and take 579 South. Turn left on New Ave. and continue to the end or if you pass New Ave., just past the gas station on your left and turn left on Railroad Ave. For more information or reservations, call (609) 882-9845.