Best 6 Restaurants You Need to Try in Stanhope, NJ

Looking for the best restaurants in Stanhope, NJ? Our team rounded up six spots worth the drive, from a canal-side mansion with a garden patio and a German restaurant that has been family-run since 1978 to a late-night pub, all-you-can-eat sushi and a neighborhood Italian kitchen. Addresses, phone numbers and hours below come from each restaurant’s own website or ordering page.

Stanhope sits at the southern tip of Sussex County on Lake Musconetcong, right off Route 80. A few of the spots on Route 206 carry Stanhope mailing addresses but sit just over the line in Byram Township. While you are on that stretch, our look at the Byram Trading Post makes an easy stop. Heading north to the lake? See our picks for where to eat in Hopatcong.

Bell’s Mansion

Photo: Bell’s Mansion.

Bell’s Mansion at 11 Main Street sits above the historic Morris Canal and serves American fare with herbs and produce from its own on-site garden. Pick from several intimate dining rooms, the Tap Room for craft beer and cocktails, or two garden patios when the weather cooperates, and come back Sunday for brunch. Hours are Monday through Thursday 12 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Reservations are on OpenTable, or call 973-426-9977.

Black Forest Inn

Photo: Black Forest Inn.

The Black Forest Inn at 249 US Route 206 has served German and Continental cooking since 1978. Founder Chef Heinz Aichem opened it, and his son Heinrich K. Aichem, who trained in Michelin-starred kitchens in Germany and France, now leads the kitchen with the family. Expect schnitzel, sausages, spaetzle and house-made charcuterie, plus Saturday and Sunday Oktoberfest celebrations with live music through October 31. Hours are Wednesday through Friday 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 1 to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 8 p.m. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. Call 973-347-3344.

Shakey Jakes Cafe

Photo: Shakey Jakes Cafe via Google Business Profile.

Shakey Jakes Cafe at 134 State Route 183, just off Exit 25 of Route 80, is the late-night pick on this list. The pub pairs classic pub fare with a Spirit and Raw Bar and daily specials, and it caters pig roasts, turkey fries and clambakes. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 973-448-4944.

Halulu Hibachi and Sushi

Photo: Halulu.

Halulu at 90 US Route 206 is a Japanese spot for hibachi, signature rolls and all-you-can-eat sushi, with dine-in, takeout and online ordering through its website and app. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday 12 to 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 9 p.m. Call 973-448-8895.

Carlo’s Cucina Italiana

Photo: Carlo’s Cucina Italiana via Google Business Profile.

Carlo’s Cucina Italiana, the former Frank’s Trattoria, shares the 90 US Route 206 plaza with Halulu. It is the pizza and red-sauce stop on this list, with plain and Grandma pies, subs, salads and Italian entrees. Order pickup or delivery online through Slice, or call 973-347-2094.

How to Plan a Stanhope Food Stop

For a sit-down night out, book Bell’s Mansion on Main Street or the Black Forest Inn on Route 206, and keep in mind the Black Forest Inn is closed Monday and Tuesday. Halulu and Carlo’s Cucina share a plaza, so one stop covers sushi or pizza for the whole group. When everything else winds down, Shakey Jakes keeps the doors open until 2 a.m. most nights and 3 a.m. on weekends.

Featured photo: a dining room at Bell’s Mansion, Stanhope. Photo credit: Bell’s Mansion.