Olde Silver Tavern

First founded in Manalapan in the 1930s, Olde Silver Tavern was always a staple for fantastic pub food and warm, inviting ambience. Countless families would return to the restaurant week after week for the pure joy of celebrating with loved ones over a delicious burger or bar pie, often following events and activities at the Manalapan Parks & Recreation Center around the corner.

With Olde Silver Tavern’s reputation for being a safe place that served great food with a smile, it’s no wonder that restaurant-goers were devastated when the establishment closed down in 2011. At the time, the staff had run into some trouble with its aging facility and outdated well and septic system not accommodating the business’ increasing needs. The loss of Olde Silver Tavern left a void in the lives of its regular customers, two of which were Brooklyn-raised restaurateurs James Lawson and Gus DiFiglia. James and Gus had been business partners for decades prior, so when their beloved Olde Silver Tavern was listed for sale in 2013, it was a no-brainer that the two would step up to return the restaurant to its original charm.

After obtaining the rights to Olde Silver Tavern, James and Gus got right to work building a brand new, fully renovated facility from the ground up. Not only did they upgrade the restaurant’s interior with dazzling decor and a stronger foundation, but they also went through the lengthy process of integrating municipal water and sewer systems, preparing for the business that would come rushing in soon after. By 2023, the extensive efforts of James, Gus, and their hardworking wives had paid off, and the two families proudly opened the doors of the new and improved Olde Silver Tavern.

When starting out, the owners were sure to hire some of the best talent in the industry. They built a steadfast team of employees who would provide consistently exceptional service and look out for one another along the way. Today, every frequent customer knows the restaurant staff like the back of their hand, and the Olde Silver Tavern team gives the same level of care right back, never forgetting a face that enters their establishment. With the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, it’s no wonder they have hosted countless birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, and other monumental life events across generations.

To align with their passion for genuine human connection, James and Gus prioritize purchasing their food, beers, and other high-quality ingredients from local sellers, rather than relying on major corporations. That way, there is an authentic, handcrafted nature to everything on the menu, even in the simplest of dishes. In fact, at Olde Silver Tavern, they actively value “keeping it simple”, understanding from their own life experiences that there is nothing more gratifying than sitting down with your friends and family and digging into the comfort of classic American cuisine. As the weather warms up, take the opportunity to dine out on their gorgeous patio, and experience firsthand the welcoming environment that the staff has cultivated at Olde Silver Tavern.