Ate here for the first time in my 18+ years living in the area and I've been missing out! The hostess was friendly and there was no wait to be seated. They start you out with in house made potato chips. They were crunchy and fresh and very tasty. Their specialty is burgers. I don't eat burgers my self but my buddy had one and he said it was "a hell of a burger" and "a party in his mouth". He was pretty thrilled with it. I had the chicken quesadilla. Was the best quesadilla I have ever eaten. Lots of cheese, chicken, fresh diced tomato, black olives, fresh jalapeño and a nice serving of sour cream and salsa, which I didn't find nesecary but only because the meal it's self really needed no enhancements. Wait time for food was very short considering the amount of people in the restaurant. Dessert was amazing. I had chocolate walnut pie. Large chucks of walnut and chocolate. Pie crust was also very good. Our waitress suggested ice cream to go with it. She was right, with out the ice cream the chocolate would of been too rich and overwhelming. But with the ice cream a nice balance was struck. Our waitress was very tentative and friendly but not overwhelming. If you go ask to be seated in Jen's section and you won't be disappointed. The atmosphere is cozy and country. The noise level is loud but not over bearing. About what you'd expect from a place that is similar. The prices are also pretty fair. And their more expensive stuff is that way because things are made fresh. I would and will be eating here again and will tell my friends about it. It's a nice hidden gem! read more

Food was not worth the table.cloth. there was 1 server running around on multiple tables.

Went here with a group of six after a family party. We went on a Saturday night and were able to be seated quickly. The place looks very quaint from the outside. Inside the place has a western or settlers theme (mixed in with a bit of random clutter and lots of dog photos). There was also live music which was great. For appetizers we got the guac (very fresh - recommend), wings (also quite good with a little crisp to them), and the frontier onion (which was just okay, a little more done than I would have liked, with a bit of an odd signature sauce). For dinner I had the rodeo chicken and I highly recommend it. It was very tasty. As a side note, I had ordered Russian dressing for my salad and what came was not Russian so I'd avoid that if you're a fan. It was mostly ketchup. I will say that service felt a little slow (for instance getting the check) and if you've read any of my other reviews you may know I also have a pet peeve about being without a drink for too long and I felt it took too long to fill waters. Also our table was a little sticky and I'm not sure why and don't really want to think about it too much. All that being said, I'd go again. It wasn't a bad experience and the entrees were quite good. read more

Homestead Rest - American Near Me - Sparta, New Jersey

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Used to go here in the 90's on lunch dates with my friends. I loved the chili. My husband has stopped for a beer recently with his friends after golfing. So together we decided to try it for an early Friday night dinner. We ordered French Onion soup, a burger, potato skins, and chili with chips (I really was excited about that, since I used to LOVE it). First, there was no internet or tvs. Not a big deal for us but definitely noted (credit cards not working, etc). Next, there were not a lot of people here at 5 ish on a Friday. There was a guy set up to sing and play guitar-he was fine (a local guy who was talking with a worker about where they live, so def local). The server comes back, no French onion soup. So we ordered mozz sticks as a replacement. They came, a plate of 3, with a pretty crispy coating (so crispy they were tough to eat). I didn't like the sauce but my husband said it was ok. For the price, 3 mozzarella sticks seems silly. My husband said his burger was ok, not something to rave about like the old Homestead reputation leads you to believe. The potato skins were great in the middle, edges were burnt, but great in the middle. My chili was the most disappointing. The chips on the side were covered in jarred salsa, jalopenos, black olive pieces, and sour cream. I was under the impression those things would be ON the chili and the chips were there to dip and scoop the chili. However, the metal crock that the chili was in was hot for the entire time we were there, the issue being that every time you tried to get chili on a spoon/chip, the crock spun around in a circle on the plate. You couldn't grab the handle because it was seriously at a molten lava temperature. Needless to say, not what it used to be, overpriced, and just not a contender with other restaurants in the area. Go a bit further on route 94 and surrounding areas each way for something better, fresher, & maybe priced for the product quality. read more

We've been going to Homestead Rest for years. The food used to be excellent and consistently good. We have noticed over the past few months that the food and the quality of the food has gone way down hill. Come to find out that the chef who had been there for a long time left the business. With great regret, I can no longer recommend the food at Homestead Rest. read more

Starting with the positive: The ambiance is country and cozy! There was a great 2 man band who sang beautifully. Now for the not so positive: My husband ordered the cheesesteak sandwich with no mushrooms. The sandwich had mushrooms and peppers. I confirmed for my husband there were mushrooms. The waitress took the food back removed the mushrooms and tried to tell us the mushrooms were peppers. She's took a fork and stirred the sandwich at the table to prove it and didn't have mushrooms. Strange. She then charged us for the sandwich that my husband could not eat. If you sit at the bar you will have a better experience! The bartender was pleasant! read more

I had high hopes for this place as I drove by it and it looked inviting so I decided to stop by on my way back to Greenwood Lake. The service was fine and relatively quick. The food was ok. I got the chicken spurs (chicken tenders) and fries. I had no complaints but the food was nothing special. The glass of wine was bad, tasted very alcohol-y. I didn't finish it, which, is a first for me. The bill was high for the quality. Basically $30 for a mediocre dinner. The restaurant was very dark so it's hard to comment on the ambience. Sorry to say I would skip this one if I were you. read more

I saw someone dumping garbage in their dumpster. The owner and kid used foul language directed at me only because I Wanted to protect their interest. As someone who lives close and a past customer I felt a loyalty to them never again. Will I frequent this place and be subjected to that kind of treatment. read more

Stopped in for a late Saturday night dinner. Food was delicious and service was excellent and attentive. I had a southwest salad with grilled shrimp. My wife had a cheeseburger cooked the way she requested and the fries were great. Two others in our party had the fish & chips and a steak. Super friendly hostess and waitress . Look forward to returning soon. read more

There was not a single thing redeeming about my experience here recently. I've been here a handful of times now and was never really impressed. The food was mediocre and the service was slow and careless although mostly friendly. This most recent time I visited however was a different story where the food was absolutely horrible. The "sampler platter" appetizer came with ONE wing, ONE mozzarella stick, and two potato skins. We only got two potato skins because they were out of jalapeño poppers and were told they'd replace it with something else. Felt entirely scammed out of our money there. I ordered the homestead burger which is listed on the menu as being a 1/2 pound burger with onion rings on top. It had barely cooked raw onion on top and the burger was barely a quarter pound. A family member ordered salmon but wasn't told they were out of salmon until the rest of us were literally being served our entrees. The quesadilla was barely seasoned, the chicken inside tasted completely bland. The server made us feel rushed and a burden for minor changes like "no mushrooms" on the burger. Horrible food, mediocre service, will definitely not be coming back anymore. read more

Place has gone down hill. Maybe they are are having financial trouble. They have a dozen beer taps, but most of them were unavailable. I order a BLT , and soup. The soup came and was very good, at the same time I was told these was no bacon. My dinning companion ordered cheese steak, and was told there were no mushroom's, or peppers. AND it was priced as "MP". Give me a break, Market price for a cheese steak in bar, it was 24 bucks. Eat some place else. read more

Had the Duke sandwich here years ago. Really enjoyed it. Would recommend to anyone who likes Taylor ham/pork roll.

I'm Not happy with the Cleanliness of this Restaurant hidden jem's under the table. Disgusting. The food was Okay, I cook better. The Front of house not good. My wife and I Drink and order steaks. We were told there were no tables and had to wait. But after us (5 min)a 70yr old,35yr old and 10yr old ish women walked in and got sat immediately. 30 mins we had to wait! we were eating and those 3 women were already walking out. I watched as they got salads and drank water. what did they spend $60 bucks???? I spent $200!! I will never go back, To be treaded that way! There are many other food places in the area that treat you better and the Food is so much better!!! read more

Great local place! Food is always delicious and consistent! Been coming here for years, love the ambiance!

Food and service was good. Bill was $107.42 and I added a $25.00 tip which made it $132.42. I checked my bank statement the next day and I was charged $132.42 plus they charged the tip again for the $25.00 I HATE BEING TAKING ADVANTAGE OF read more

Really disappointed. For years this was my go to place in the area. The food has really become mediocre and the service was awful. We were one of two tables in the restaurant for an early, 4:30 PM dinner. The staff stood and sat at the bar BSing, and rarely checked in on us? Sorry, but I will only return for an occasional drink, maybe. read more

This restaurant has seen better days. We dined at 6 pm on a Thursday, and found it very strange there was a band playing at that time of night. The restaurant was loud and you could barely hear the person across the table. Food is average and nothing to rave about. Also, how does a restaurant run out of sour cream when it is only open a few days a week for minimal hours? The waitress brought us our check without even offering dessert. We will not be returning. read more

Food was terrible service was terrible brought our food to another table people forked through it and they tried to give to us very expensive for what you get read more

Prices have gotten very expensive, food good but overpriced. Waitress very friendly but so dark we couldn't read menu without a flashlight. Used to love it there, seems after Covig went downhill. read more

We loved Homestead prior to the Covid lockdown. Great prices and a ton of food. We went tonight for the first time since their reopening. They gave us another tables food (we ordered the same), it was missing my daughter's kids meal. Took them 20 more minutes to bring her meal, only for her burger to be cold. Portions were nowhere near what they used to be. We get the check and wow!!! They charged us $12 a glass for Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. Robbery. $5 a glass for the kid's Shirley temples. We realized when got home they also charged a fee for using a credit card, no mention that if we paid cash it would be cheaper. $117 for 4 people (2 are children). The food was not what it used to be and the service was a mess. So disappointing as we like to support local businesses, but it seems their customers are now paying for the renovations and year long closure. read more

Homestead Rest - Overpriced and a credit card fee! $12 for a glass of house Chardonnay! - American Near Me - Sparta, New Jersey

the service was great- there was only one server rushing around, she was great! the food was overpriced for the offering. on a Friday night it completely emptied out by 6:00 pm! very few choices on the menu, we selected the steak, for two people and only one drink from the bar the bill was over $100! the steaks were dry and unseasoned read more

Awesome. I have no more words. I'm approaching food coma status. Just try this place.....then you will know..... read more

Homestead Rest - Dining room - American Near Me - Sparta, New Jersey

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We just stopped in for a quick bite. The service here is excellent. They carry my favorite beer too...Coors Banquet. I had the soft shell crab appetizer and it was delicious. Unfortunately, they charge more for using a credit card. That's a deal breaker for me so I won't be going back. Too bad. It's a nice place. read more

I love this place. It's really good! It's kinda the only game in town up there in the country, and there's always a little bit of a wait. Well, actually, that might not be accurate. I have only been there on weekends, so I can't speak for weekdays. It's very country which is kinda fun. Drinks served in mason jars, pictures of horses everywhere (well, everywhere except the menu! ) Huge bowls of chilli served in metal crocs that remind me of what life must have been like for those on the Oregon Trail (and not just the computer game - child of the 80's reference, just ignore it). I like the headings and descriptions of the food. For example on the plain burger it reads "Nothin' but steer" You would think a place called Homestead would only be good for steaks. Not true at all. I have had salads, sandwiches, chicken entrees with rice. All excellent. They even have an Outback Bloomin Onion and other awesome apps. I am kinda partial to the burgers here, they have a few differnet kinds, they are perfect size, taste great, and just generally make me very happy. I came here on Sunday for Mother's day and i had one with alot of cheese and an onion ring on it, and i think a lil spicy chipotle mayo. I would def consider this a top burger place. Ohhh side though, a few years ago I think we had a loaded nachos app and it was RIDIC... yeah, so I kinda like this place....cool decor and the staff is very nice. It's one of those places that you wish you could have more food and not fill up cuz everything is so good. The Homestead is really the reason I visit my Mom many times.. Ohh, and the prices are very reasonable. Good deal. Enjoy your day. read more

My family regularly dines at this restaurant and all of us love it. Everyone from the owners to wait staff make you feel like family. We love the specials and look forward to seeing what is new as they offer new items regularly. The live entertainment is also a big plus as is the excellent wine list. Overall an excellent dining experience in a casual atmosphere. read more

Joke of a restaurant Kept us waiting for 5-10 min before anyone even said a word to us. Then told us to wait "about 3 more minutes." 15 minutes later still nothing with 3-4 open tables in sight. Gave it about 5 more minutes before leaving read more

The Homestead has a nice homey feel to it and is a great place to unwind with friends or family. The food is good but not great.We used to come here alot,and I was interested to see what the experience would be. Most of my dinner was on the medium to high sodium level which is suprising in this day and age.My french onion soup was tasty but heavy on the salt. I had a steak and it was alright. The chips that accompanied it were home made and perfect.The included Caesar salad was good as well. My son had the Drifter burger and thought it was great. They have an ok selection of beer in bottle or tap.The prices are ok but I would be willing to spend more for better quality. The service was good and our waitress friendly. I think next time I come back I will have a burger and beer and leave it at that. read more

Homestead Rest - My steak dinner at the Ol' Homestead - American Near Me - Sparta, New Jersey

The service was good. The food was meh. The shrimp franchiase was average. My daughter got the Mac and cheese which was nothing more than out of the box with a few cheese its crumbled on top.The bread was stale. read more

Homestead Rest - American Near Me - Sparta, New Jersey

We arrived just after 5pm on a Friday. We were seated promptly and our order was taken in a timely manner. Nancy, our waitress, was pleasant, but slow. She seemed to walk around talking to various other customers rather than getting back to those of us in need of other service. My wife had the "Homestead Burger" with a side of sweet potato fries. The outside of the burger was burned and left an acrid taste in her mouth. The mushrooms on the burger had an off taste, and the roll was stale. She enjoyed the sweet potato fries. My Grilled chicken sandwich was nothing to write home about. The chicken piece was a one quarter inch slice of chicken. Burger King gives you more chicken on their grilled chicken sandwich. The chicken was seared on the grill which left burned areas from the grill that gave it an acrid taste. One would expect a lightly browned piece of meat. This chicken was blackened where it was in contact with the grill. There were actually black fragments from previous food on the grill. Not a good situation. To top that off, the roll was stale. We will not be going to the Homestead Rest again. read more

Needs a facelift (inside and out), waitress was not pleasant, the fried onion app was absolutely terrible tasted like it was stored in a musty basement before cooking, burgers way over cooked and got sick after the meal. Also had some service charge on the bill and paid cash. Never again. read more

I don't know why this place has a three star review. We came here after skiing. They were able to seat our large party. The menu is sufficient for all people. The waitress and bartender was extremely courteous. The burgers and sandwiches were amazing. Good bar:drink selection. Great find! Thanks homestead rest !!! read more

Homestead Rest - American Near Me - Sparta, New Jersey

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I love that this place looks like a barn. Its close to the Sussex County Fair grounds so it fits in well. The service was terrfic. We ate at the bar and everyone was friendly and attentive. The sandwhiches we got were great too. The chef even came out to see if everything was up to par. Yee Haw, this place was great! I would return. read more

Omg, $17 for a lemon drop martini?!? The menu is almost nonexistent. My chicken Cesar wrap was full of mayonnaise. Ugh! Definitely do no not recommend. The place has definitely gone downhill. Limited menu. Very sad! read more

I have been going to the Homestead for years! I've never had a bad meal and I leave stuffed every time! It's become one of my must-go places to eat when I'm in the area. I love every single appetizer and the mains are always perfect. If you haven't gone yet, you definitely must... plus the live music is awesome!! read more

My latest visit had overlooked meat and undercooked fried onions and French fries covered in oil. Waitress Forgot drink order. Very noisy men at bar yelling about sports. Used to think this was someplace special. read more

Burger and fries were fresh, delicious and cooked to perfection. The desserts were great also. The buttercream on the lemon cake was out of this world. read more

PLEASE READ THIS!!I used to love this place bu it really went downhill . I was just there today and pulled a WIRE out of my French Onion Soup! Looked like a wire from a scrub brush that is used to clean a grill About a week or go a friend of mine who is a contractor worked in their kitchen and said is was disgusting and there were always health code violations. It used to be good but they keep changing chefs I think.They took a whole 3 bucks off the check.to compensate for a wire that could have sent me to the ER. Thank God I did not swallow it. Done with this place. It is also dirty, I watched as a big party with kids left and there was paper and food on the floor under the table next to me, No one even came with a broom to sweep it up. The owners are the really wealthy people who own the farms across the street and most of the horses you see in the photos. Really a shame because 10 years ago it was a fun place with really decent food. Never Again read more

I have always enjoyed the food there! Great atmosphere great staff! I have gone back several times. Not cheap but the food is good!

The food, the service and the Spivey Bloody Mary. All are really good. The dining room is large and lots of soo po ace between tables. The bar is busy and has music on weekends. read more

I've been here a handful of times in the last few years and I have yet to be disappointed. I was skeptical at first to eat here on Valentine's day because I would assume there would be a long wait. Even though the restaurant was almost completely full there was no wait and we were seated right away. Entire staff was very professional and polite. I ordered fillet mignon and lobster which was cooked perfect and was delicious. Hands down our new favorite restaurant. read more