Mule Barn Tavern

American restaurant · Middletown

Mule Barn Tavern

American restaurant · Middletown

1

36 Kearney Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732

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Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null
Mule Barn Tavern by null

Highlights

Classic American comfort food & craft beers in a historic barn  

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36 Kearney Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732 Get directions

mulebarntavern.com
@mulebarntavern

$20–30 · Menu

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36 Kearney Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732 Get directions

+1 732 233 9277
mulebarntavern.com
@mulebarntavern

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

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Glenfiddich: One of Scotland’s Last Family-Owned Whisky Distilleries - AFAR

"The distillery’s on‑site restaurant and bar offers whisky flights and curated tastings for visitors who prefer to skip a formal tour, including opportunities to sample standard 12/15/18‑year expressions as well as rarer bottlings. Travelers can book tasting experiences or simply drop in for a flight, but should be prepared that exceptionally rare drams can command prices in the thousands of dollars per ounce and that reservations are recommended." - Jessica Colley Clarke

https://www.afar.com/magazine/a-visit-to-glenfiddich-one-of-scotlands-last-family-owned-whisky-distilleries
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Trecia Donnelly

Google
If you're looking for a casual and welcoming spot to enjoy some great food and drinks, Mule Barn Tavern is a fantastic choice. Located in a charming, historical area, the tavern offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The menu at Mule Barn Tavern features a solid mix of comfort food with a twist. From hearty burgers to delicious seafood dishes, there’s something for everyone. The bar selection is also impressive, with a variety of local craft beers and signature cocktails that complement the food perfectly. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to make recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is rustic yet cozy, with a warm vibe that makes you feel like a regular. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a night out with friends, Mule Barn Tavern delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great meal in a welcoming environment.

Nicholas VanHorn

Google
I do not want to leave this review because my fear is this place getting too popular and having serious wait times. But the fish is bang on perfect I have been here a few times now and after biking up and down the beach for a few hours this is a great spot to stop and have a beer and amazing sea food. We haven't tried any of the burgers because the fish was that good every time. I will be back!

Gary Buffington

Google
I came up from Virginia to visit a friend who lives near Asbury Park. He said he wanted to take me to an unusual place for lunch. Turns out he took me to the Mule barn, Tavern, in Sandy Hook . This convertedmule barn, on an abandoned army base was a delight. The waiters, And the owner who came over to talk to us were fantastic. They told us the history of the place, and their goals. But more importantly, the food was really really good. I had the industrial burger, it was perfectly cooked, 10 ounces, and so large could hardly fit it in your mouth. My buddy got the wings, and said they were fantastic. It was only mid April, but the place was not crowded. If you’re in the area, I would suggest you definitely make a stop. Even if you’re not in the area, it’s worth a drive.

Kristen

Google
I have been wanting to come here since they opened, but in the summer it's hard after a day at the beach. We came to see the seals St. Patricks Day weekend and decided to stop in. They were super busy, as they were having a celebration going on but even with that in mind the service was perfection. There was no wait to sit, we didn't wait long for our food, and our service was one of the more attentive servers I've had lately. We never waited for a water refill, boxes, the check, etc. Food was delicious! I love that they took a historical building and repurposed it. Great spot!

Nancy L

Google
A great place to grab lunch after enjoying the beautiful Sandy Hook. The historic building really was a mule barn. They have fun local craft beers and a good selection of salads, burgers, pizza and more. Also a brunch menu on weekend. Good vegetarian options. Friendly, efficient service and reasonable prices.

Jessica Jones

Google
Got to visit for the first time and we were impressed. The atmosphere was great, service was amazing, and the food was excellent!

Christine Schweitzer

Google
Waited it out and finally made my way to the Mule Barn in Sandy Hook at Fort Hancock! Loved that it was a Wednesday end of March and not very crowded. I had a hankering for some seafood after seeing the seals and the seafood corral did not disappoint! Super fresh shrimps and muscles in a delightful white wine garlic lemon butter sauce ! Came out steaming hot and smelling fabulous served with some crustinis, definitely a serving for 1 though if you plan on sharing I would get another app! I also had the tomotao bisque that was cheesy and basily and delicious along with a side cesar that was served with just the amount of dressing on it without being particular. I paired it all with a glass of Squealing Pig Sauv Blanc and let me tell you this lunch date I took myself on was and 11/10. I will most certainly be back !

Brendan Black

Google
Good food and a good price. Place feels warm and welcoming and would definitely be nice sitting outside in the warmer weather but nothing special or over the top. Services was a little slow considering it wasn’t that packed but nice place, would recommend for a bite to eat to just check out the place or if your out on the hook exploring and don’t feel like going far to get something to eat!

Matt N.

Yelp
This was my first time at the mule barn, and it was a great experience. Our waitress, Sheridan came over and greeted my family with waters without us even having to ask as we needed them after a long day up on the beach. She gave us a clear rundown on what's best on the menu and my wife and I were very pleased with our meals. We had the Mahi Mahi Tacos and the lemon pepper wings and all i can say is we will definitely be back and look forward to seeing Sheridan again! 10/10 service. Great food! Worth the trip from Howell NJ!

Lexi R.

Yelp
Love this spot! Been coming here for a few years now. We love the atmosphere, food and service! We were so happy to see our favorite server Sheridan back this season! What a difference great service and energy makes to an experience and meal! We will now be regulars. Cheers!
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Cassy B.

Yelp
Came here for the first time for a wedding and it was a hit. The staff did such a fabulous job with everything, food was great and the space was nice. They were super accommodating. This tavern is located all the way down the Sandy hook beach with great views everywhere you turn. Would definitely come back for lunch or dinner.
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Siroos A.

Yelp
Beachy ambiance; very nice view. We ordered Light House burger and cilantro salad; both were very good. Martini was not good (we returned it), but Bloody Mary was ok. Service was ok.
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Thomas A.

Yelp
As an old-timer that used to come to Sandy Hook all the time when I was still young, dumb and fun... I'm not sure which part is more upsetting - the entrance fee is now $20 (I think we stopped coming when it was still $15 per car) or that there's now real/private businesses inside of the park. (Okay, it's the fact that you can no longer bring/drink alcohol to the beach. Boo!) Not only can you rent out the old military barracks (but those prices!) but here's a very hip and cool (and dare I whisper... trendy) restaurant firing on all cylinders. If you've ever spent some time over in PA - you know they're littered with those very cool brew-pub-eateries (Appalachian Brewing and Iron Hill Brewery come to mind) and that's what this place feels like. (Although I don't believe Mule Barn makes any of their own beer.) The place looks great, inside and out. There's a large staff constantly in motion trying to keep up. A good varied menu (food and booze). We were adventurous in ordering (salads to sandwiches to seafood) and thought they'd executed everything extremely well. (But those "Cape May" prices - like $9 for a pint of domestic beer and $30 for their lobster mac-and-cheese were a bit too rich for a cheap-o like myself. I mean... Sandy Hook is barely 'down the shore', right?!) A few times it felt like we were forgotten but we weren't in any rush. I'm easy to impress and I'd probably come back just to get another sandwich that would have one half of the bun being "branded". A cool far-off-the-beaten-path place to give a shot to.
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Joe H.

Yelp
Incredible restaurant built in an old army barn at Fort Hancock. Live music outside, cool AC inside to escape the heat, and a menu that delivered a nice verity for most anyone. The cocktails were delicious and well balanced while the service was quick and attentive. Overall great experience!
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Carlie A.

Yelp
Have eaten here several times, but yesterday was the first day it was nice enough to sit outside. Each experience has been lovely. Gluten free items are clearly labeled, but be sure to mention that you need it GF as sometimes modifications need to be made. Tuna nachos are delicious!Service has been friendly and attentive and we would absolutely go back.
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H W.

Yelp
Awesome. Sat at bar and a great way to start summer. Bar manager (Christina) was great - engaging and some samples helped choose. So good food. Good service. Good weather and the Mrs for good company.
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Brendan B.

Yelp
Good food and a good price. Place feels warm and welcoming and would definitely be nice sitting outside in the warmer weather but nothing special or over the top. Services was a little slow considering it wasn't that packed but nice place, would recommend for a bite to eat to just check out the place or if your out on the hook exploring and don't feel like going far to get something to eat!
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Susan S.

Yelp
The food is good, however; the outside seating is only available for guests who bring dogs ;( -S from Port Monmouth, NJ

Carmelo

Yelp
The tuna nachos are amazing! Plenty of tuna and not too much sauce. We love the drinks here! Always great and very unique. We stop here for lunch whenever we hit Sandy Hook.
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Josh R.

Yelp
I'm glad this place exists because there's not much else around here. This is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day and get a bite to eat! I ordered the margherita pizza. It wasn't life changing but had a good flavor. I'd come back!
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Mel M.

Yelp
HIGHLANDS/Sandy Hook: Mule Barn Tavern has been open less than a year and has become a popular hangout for a great meal, fun events, and a unique dining experience! The restaurant is located in a historic barn that was once part of Fort Hancock and is right on Sandy Hook Bay. We had a blast at their St. Patrick's Day party with a jamming DJ, leprechaun costume hats, a bagpiper playing traditional Irish music, and had a fantastic server, Christina, on a packed day. Leashed and friendly dogs are allowed at the outdoor patio where the sunshine is strong, so make sure your pup is comfortable. The menu features American-style food made with local ingredients and they are helpful in accommodating for dietary needs. In-season (Memorial Day-Labor Day), there is a charge to enter Sandy Hook, but when you arrive at the front gate, let them know you are visiting Mule Barn Tavern for free entry. 36 Kearny Road, Highlands, NJ 07732

Maggie W.

Yelp
I've never felt compelled to actually provide an online review, but here we are. My parents were here for my mom's birthday dinner. As I live out-of-state and couldn't bless them with my presence, I wanted to surprise them by paying for their bill. I called amidst a dinner rush and Chrissy, the bar manager, came in clutch as my eyes on the ground and serving as my accomplice in preventing my parental unit from opening a wallet. She also arranged for a birthday candle to be added to her dessert which was such a kind gesture. I can't wait to come home to NJ for a visit and try the Nutella empanadas which my mom said were "perfect!"
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Jim T.

Yelp
Popped in for a late lunch on a Sunday, one of the first warm days of Spring. The food is pretty good. I had the ahi tuna tacos, and the tuna was fresh and the wonton shell was a nice touch. I do wish it would have came with some type of fries, etc. My wife had the portobello pizza, which had mushroom, burrata, basil pesto and balsamic. It was very good. Pretty decent draft beer selection of local NJ breweries and an extensive "mule" menu. My wife had a bourbon one and it was good. Overall, nice to have a good pub on Sandy Hook.
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James F.

Yelp
Such an amazing addition to the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook, NJ (also - Atlantic Highlands). You would expect that a restaurant in this location would have mediocre food quality at astronomical prices, but that's not the case at all. I've eaten here a few times already and each meal was spot on and totally affordable; especially for being the only restaurant in the #nationalpark Menu items selected today included: * Patriot Burger: 10 oz Burger topped with Slow Cooked Braised Short Rib, Arugula, Candied Jalapeno, Bacon, BBQ Sauce, and Cheddar Cheese * Industrial Burger: 10 oz Burger topped with Cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings and BBQ sauce And while I'm leaving this review, it is super important that we talk about how nice, helpful, and energetic our waitress was. Thank you for a great experience. Nestled at the scenic tip of Sandy Hook in Highlands, New Jersey, a landmark restoration project has breathed new life into the historic Mule Barn, transforming it into a magnificent American-style tavern. Mule Barn Tavern not only offers a delightful dining experience but also pays homage to the area's rich history and the significance of restoring this extraordinary location. Check Them Out @mulebarntavern
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Mary R.

Yelp
Delighted to have a place to eat and drink in Sandy Hook again! Indoor, outdoor and dog friendly! Water & sunset views from many tables. (Great Osprey viewing for bird nerds) Husband had mahi tacos and gave them 4 stars. I'm vegetarian, not many interesting vegetarian options--the usual portabella sandwich, a couple of salads, pizza & a so-so 2-star mushy veggie burger. Subbed onion rings for the French fries & they were not bad-had a little kick to them.
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Damian D.

Yelp
Lovely space, the staff is well trained, warm and homey feel. Small beer selection for a tavern, and while they were out of several items on tap I'm cognizant that on Jan 2nd they can be given a pass on that-and our wonderful waitress Emily made a couple trips to the bar to check. Love that they have a Jermann Pinot on the wine list. Meatball app had great sauce and ricotta but the meatballs had a tough exterior and interior. Great for sharing, as there were four. Coulda dropped a slice or two of bread on the plate for $15, no? Burger had terrific char flavor, but my burger was nowhere near the (as rare as possible) request. Were we not on a time constraint I would have sent it back. Terrific fries, just need a shake of salt. Maybe a pickle spear on the plate for color? I'll return, but the food needs to match the ambiance/charm and the wait staff.
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Hailey S.

Yelp
so many gluten free options! GF buns for burgers, and one of the better GF pizza crusts i've ever had. they went a little light on the cheese for the margarita pizza, a little disappointing but that's okay i'm lactose intolerant anyways. tried the espresso martini and spicy margarita, both good drinks! nachos had little flavor. a little pricy for the type of food but that's okay. vibe inside is cool

Frank P.

Yelp
Happy Servers. Nice vibe and TVs . Worth another visit! Food was good but will try more next time.
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Sebastian B.

Yelp
The mule barn tavern is a neat little pub near the Coast Guard base on Sandy Hook. I've been there a couple times and honestly it's a bit hard to find. There's no signs pointing you where to turn and no sign out front... or side, even the entrance is a bit elusive. It's nice inside, kind of a new modern attempt and a vintage look. The tables along the outer walls have a bench on one side and the chairs on the other are a bit lower, let the shorter people have the bench. The bar is nice but doesn't seat many. There's some high top table also and an upstairs dining area however I haven't see it yet. There is not view of the ocean, the inlet, or the bay. Service is laid back, just the right amount of attention. Orders are filled in a timely manner and everything that comes out of the kitchen looks terrific. The burgers are humongous! They have a nice menu with salad, pasta, steak, and seafood choices. I had the lobster salad sliders and they were very good. Big chunks of lobster with crispy veggies and mayo. I have to say the bread to salad ratio was too high and in retrospect I should have combined everything into one sandwich and ditched the second roll. I wasn't thrilled with the fries. It's like they were sitting under a warming lamp too long, they were chewy, not crisp, and doused with too much salt. I enjoyed the burger egg roll appetizer but it had no zip, I asked the waiter for hot sauce which helped tremendously. I didn't eat too much so I could enjoy the entree. My GF decided not to have any of the appetizer, for 1 person this could be a meal in itself. She had the meatball calzone which seemed good but actually it was weirdly greasy. Equally, it's served on a metal tray with paper so when she cut it she had to dodge the black checkerboard parchment coming up with a fork full of calzone. Overall this place is a good joint to sit at the bar and drink. after a good buzz you can order some really eye appealing mediocre food. We had a calzone with a side salad, the egg roll appetizers and the lobster sliders, 2 iced teas and no alcohol and the bill was $100 bucks including the tip. That's a bit pricey for lunch I have to say overall this turned out to be a tourist trap. Try it for yourself. There's little choices for food on the hook.
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Natalie Z.

Yelp
I haven't been here in a while so the hubs and I decided to journey over for a winter Sunday lunch at MBT. For apps we had the pumpkin squash soup (a special), and hearty chicken soup in a breadbowl. As well as the nachos. Just because I suppose. All were great and flavorful although I couldn't finish the breadbowl. I also had the Claus Collins, a seasonal drink. It was perfect. A juicy Industry burger with sweet potato waffle fries and the Mule Salad finished off a delicious meal! The vibe was very relaxing and chill. Service was terrific. Will def visit again soon! Also, as we were leaving a bunch of yoyos kept trying to lure a wild fox closer and feed it their leftovers. Please do not be like the yoyos.
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Ally T.

Yelp
The apps were really good!!and the atmosphere was really nice outside with live music.

E D.

Yelp
Frustrating thirty minute wait for a table that was empty during our full wait. Apparently everyone on the wait list has a ten minute grace period to respond and as a result many tables sit empty. We had to flag down someone to take our order after 15 minutes of waiting at the table. When the food finally came out it was all overcooked and horrible. The worst lobster mac and cheese I've ever had. The kids chicken fingers were inedible. Overall, long waits, awful food and inattentive service. Won't be returning.

Anders C.

Yelp
Was told there'd be a table ready in 15 minutes- it took 40. These things happen, but there was no acknowledgement. Lots of people working but didn't seem very efficient. Long wait for mediocre food.
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Robin C.

Yelp
Stopped at the Mule Barn for some early after appetizers and drinks. We had wings, meatballs and nachos. Everyone in the party was very pleased with the taste and quality of the food. The drinks were great. Emily was a fantastic and attentive server. The restaurant is in a historic location and the remodel honors that history. It is a great casual place for a quick bite and is usually pretty busy. We will definitely be back!

R C.

Yelp
We absolutely love the Mule Barn Tavern! The food is incredible, the drink choices are very delicious and creative, order the Jetty Mule! My son just got back from college and couldn't wait to go for the wings, it was worth the wait on a busy weekend! The outdoor patio area with the new Shack Bar was so fun with the sun finally out! Visiting historical Sandy Hook on Memorial Day made it extra special! Looking forward to many more visits this summer!
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Sarah V.

Yelp
Food was good, but unremarkable. Beautiful area and the service was good and friendly.
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Brad D.

Yelp
Quality food and drinks. At times it can be crazy busy but the service typically keeps up.
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Cheryl S.

Yelp
We'd heard good things and after seeing a few photos posted we decided to take a rainy day drive down to check out the Mule Barn. We got there around 4:45 on a Sunday and were sat right away. I had the Osprey Nest as a drink. We started with an order of the calamari, which was delicious. Some of the best I've had. I didn't even get a photo because it was so good I forgot. We had a pizza, a burger, and the fish and chips. All were quite good and we'll most definitely be back.
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Christina A.

Yelp
Come hang with our favorite waiter Gabe! For beautiful sunsets, good food, and drinks!

Jersey G.

Yelp
Food is amazing we love coming here. Please, please, please hire an experienced hostess. Your front of house is terrible. How can you tell people 25 minutes with 10 empty outside tables and 15 empty inside on a weekend night.
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Tom J.

Yelp
Sat outside very nice good service food was very good. If you're in the area great place for lunch and drinks.
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Michael D.

Yelp
I don't think the cooks care what they put on your plate!! Maybe if they took some time to present their food more carefully I'd consider going back!!
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John G.

Yelp
Because I'm somewhat interested in Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook in general, I've been wanting to check this place out for awhile. I must say it was delightful. The food and drinks were good and generous, and the service was excellent. I will definitely stop by when I again explore the Hook.

Harold B.

Yelp
Food - We just had the appetizers. The calamari were great, the Bavarian pretzel was huge and good. Service as also good Price - a bit higher than expected.

Dave S.

Yelp
New residents of Highlands and this is the first bar we hit. They immediately made us feel like family and knew our names. Between the mules and the view at sunset, it's hard to beat. We'll be back for the food very soon because the menu is awesome (and has tons of gluten free options)
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Sam G.

Yelp
Cute place, hard to be vegan here but they were very accommodating we had the salad with black beans and cilantro dressing and a veggie burger which was tasty. Nice view across the street, if you time it right at low tide you can see the seals sunbathing on the rocks. Great use of the old barracks only took off a star because more veggie friendly options that aren't cheese and meat focused would be nice.
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Ryan S.

Yelp
Amazing first visit to this secret little spot. Hasn't been around long but should be around for a long time. Food was very good. Fun and diverse options for everyone. Stuffed peppers and calamari were both great takes of family favorites. Cheese sauce for the peppers and the fried lemon rounds with the calamari were awesome. Our group likes to share things. Burger, chimichurri chicken sandwich, ribeye sandwich, and tuna tacos were all hits. Definitely be returning to try more menu items. Perfect outdoor seating area. Decent views. Sunset is amazing. Perfect breeze. Nice bar area outside too. Inside looks nice and clean. Solid bar area with tvs for the sports ppl. Good beers on tap. Fun and inventive mules and drink menu. Something for every taste. Our server was awesome. Danielle was quick and attentive. Answered all our questions. Even gave us some history of the location. Our group actually commented on how nice it was to have great service. Always love going to a National Park for the beach. Clean, restrooms, safe, etc. Mule Bar just opened up another part of a place we frequent every summer. Plenty of parking. **If you tell the Guard station at the front of the park that you are just going to the Mule Bar they will waive the entrance fee too.**
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Pieter Q.

Yelp
Food was fresh , tasty and affordable. I ate at the bar because I was meeting a friend . Bartenders are friendly , attentive and helpful . I was thrilled by the wings ! Pork sliders were nothing to brag about. Atmosphere is very comfortable and fun ! Elizabeth (lizard ) was fun , entertaining and helpful . This place is a hidden gem on Sandy hook . Go there ask for Liz and have a ball
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Robert C.

Yelp
On a recent dreary, rainy, chilly late September afternoon, we drove out to the tip of Sandy Hook to the Fort Hancock area of the Gateway National Recreation Area to the 6-week-old Mule Barn Tavern. The building was used as a mule and horse barn when Fort Hancock was active. The structure itself dates back to pre-1900. The renovation of the building took quite some time and turned out great. Not only is the indoor space very cool, but the exterior was also preserved. So great to see another building saved that could have continued to deteriorate like many others at the Hook. When we got there some tables were taken and a few folks at the bar. We chose to sit at the bar. There was also overflow tables and a bar on second floor, as well as an outdoor patio when the weather is nice. Based on the rather low number of people I think the first floor could get quite noisy when filled up - which apparently happens on weekends. There are numerous flat screens with sports and a sound system playing classic rock. Our bartender, Adriana, was great. Not only attentive, but a lot of fun. As we checked out the menu, I ordered a Kane Head High ($8) on tap and my wife got a glass of the house Chardonnay ($8). She said the wine was good, but the pour was a little light. I decided to get the M.B.T. Classic Burger - swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and fries ($19). My wife ordered the Ahi Tuna Taco - coleslaw, radishes, jalapenos with Wasabi sauce ($21). I can't speak about the taco price, but I thought the burger price was a little high. OK to the food. My wife loved her tacos. Fresh ingredients, very tasty tuna and a good sized portion. My burger was huge, maybe 7oz. So, my thought about the price being a little high was wrong. I asked for medium, and it was cooked to perfection. It also had a nice little char to it as well. I am a burger snob and I have to say, this was one of the best burgers I have had. My only wish is that it was on a hard roll rather than the brioche bun. The fries were excellent as well. Bottom line. A fun place with very good bar food. Maybe a tad pricey, but worth it. The taco, burger, 2 wines and 1 beer came to $71.25 including tax and credit card fee (3% fee for using a credit card).
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Sarah C.

Yelp
Recently stopped into the Mule Barn Tavern while visiting Sandy Hook and had a great time! This is a great little spot at the end of Sandy Hook in the Fort Hancock area, and adds a much needed spot to get good food and drinks while out there! Despite being out of the way at the end of the Hook, it was very busy and seems like a popular spot! The hostesses and servers were all very friendly! They have a good selection of drinks from the bar, as well as wine and a few local beer options in addition to the normal kinds you'd see everywhere. The food was great, and we really enjoyed the wings. They were very crispy and we got the sauce on the side, but the wings have great flavor even without it. The meatballs were also delicious, and the sauce on top of them was great. I also loved the little bit of ricotta underneath each meatball. The interior is beautifully done in this restored building, and with Christmas decor everything was very festive for the season. There's seating both up and downstairs, as well as a bar on each level. I really enjoyed my first visit here, and will definitely be back!
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Chris R.

Yelp
I was looking forward to making my first trip to the tavern. Upon arriving, my mother and I were greeted by the hostess and quickly seated. We arrived around 3pm, so between lunch and dinner and the place only had a few tables occupied. We both had very positive things to say about the decor and ambience of the restaurant. The server greeted us with a couple of minutes of being seated and drinks were quickly delivered. A really good start to our early dinner. We decided on the stuffed pepper eggroll, and it was very good though my mother thought the pepper was a little spicy for her taste. The meat was seasoned nicely and the beer cheese it was served with was very tasty. Not too long after we completed our appetizer, dinner arrived. My mother got the Juliet entree which was, Sauteed Chicken Breast with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Cream Sauce, Over a Bed of Spinach and mashed potatoes. It didn't look very appealing as the cream sauce had more a paste consistency and it covered everything. So, the whole plate was one bland color. The taste was just okay, nothing special. My mother ate most of it but it wasn't something she would order again. I had the steak sandwich, which looked very appetizing and presented itself well on the plate. The bread (hoagie roll) was perfect, and the steak was cooked to order (medium-rare.) There were fried jalapeno slices, a mayo frizzled onions and a bit of coleslaw. I added a little bit of A-1 to give it a little more kick. The sandwich was really good and something I would order again. The side of fries that came with the order looked like they were cooked an hour earlier and would have been better if they were fed to the seagulls. The fries spoiled an otherwise great dish. Overall, it was just an average dining experience. I will try it again, perhaps at lunch or dinner time and not in between and see if the food is a bit better.
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Marc L.

Yelp
Great new restaurant/bar out at the end of Sandy Hook. When considering its remote location i didn't expect there to be a lot of people there when I arrived... I was wrong! We had to wait for a table for two, and I'm not complaining because I want this place to survive! Menu was extensive - I ordered a salad and a mixed drink. Extremely happy with both. Wish I had been hungrier as the burgers and other more substantial offerings looked amazing as well. I'll definitely come back to the Mule!
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P F.

Yelp
Great spot to grab lunch or dinner! Perfect joint right on Sandy Hook! We enjoyed a wonderful lunch after a beach hike.
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Food C.

Yelp
We have visited there quite a few times but this last time led me to write this bad review. We decided to drive out there Friday night and to eat outside by their new "shack" where you can have drinks and it's an outdoor patio area. It was a cooler night. It was not busy at all!! Maybe there were another eight tables in the entire outdoor area. All we ordered was two drinks and the nachos. The nachos came out pretty quick. It comes with a little bit of cheese, tomato, jalapeno and beans on them. They are just ok, you can also have meat on top but we elected to not have any meat. One of the drinks we ordered was an old fashioned and it was a horrible drink. Barely any alcohol and you have the nerve to charge $13 for that. The other drink was a Margarita, same thing with that. The service was not good at all. Our waitress was all smiles but she was not attentive at all. There were 4/5 servers all at the hostess station, talking and looking through their phones. I kept looking over hoping she would come over. Our drinks were almost completely empty before she came back and then we decided to get the check and leave. The only thing good was the entertainment -2 guys-1 guy on guitar and a harmonica player. Played nice acoustic music; Neil Young, John Lennon, they were very good. Other than that, we will not be returning there. I will not waste my money there

Eileen M.

Yelp
Food was great. Service good Ambiance was hopping. Manager was super nice Beer on tap was nice and cold
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Mary W.

Yelp
Like so many, we love the history and views at Sandy Hook! Adding to this special location was the opportunity to have dinner with friends at the Mule Barn Tavern last night. We experienced great service with food quality equal to fine dining. Along with a couple of delicious appetizers, we all had rave reviews for all our entrees: NY Strip Steak, Crab Cakes, Broiled Wahoo, and from the special menu Butternut Squash Raviolis. We were too full to have dessert, but the menu sounded fabulous. Congratulations on the beautiful restoration of the building and for providing a lively atmosphere with good drinks, good food, and good service. Continued success! We will all be back again!!
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Tara M.

Yelp
4th time here and the Mule Barn never disappoints. Today we figured we'd try brunch since we've come for burgers, pizza and wings previously. I had the Southwest omelette- highly recommend- the jalapeños gave it flavor but it wasn't spicy. My husband had the Breakfast for a King- the ribeye was cooked perfectly for medium and it was a nice cut as well. As always the staff was friendly and professional. Drinks were perfect- great craft beer list and cocktail menu. Highly recommend this spot!!