This place reminded me of "Cheers," where everybody knows your name. You can tell the locals frequent this place for its homey and reliable essence. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much when I ordered the Manhattan on their menu. And while they use a maraschino cherry vs. a luxardo, which is typically a telltale sign of quality, it was a really good drink -- not overly sweet or sharply boozy. The food was also solid. They offer your regular bar food like wings, mozzarella sticks, and burgers, but also salads made with actual mixed greens and not just iceberg lettuce. Their fries were good, as well as the quesadilla, chicken fingers and steak salad (although crazy spicy so beware). The bartenders were so friendly, it must be a good place to work. I loved the retro atmosphere, and will be back to sit out on the patio next time! read more

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Dark, so dark I could not see what denomination of money was in my hand. $8.50 for Yuengling beer??? On top of that they had a woman washing the floor with bleach at lunchtime. Been here many times. never again. read more

I went to the old Canal Inn tonight with my dad after hearing about the story of the death seat. The in itself was very large and spacious. It was pretty dead for a Thursday night, but I was not complaining as it meant. We got served faster! I loved all the Christmas decorations they had up and that they had space for a band. Unfortunately, we were not able to stay for the bands performance tonight. My dad ordered a chicken Parm dinner which he said he really enjoyed. I ordered a chipotle burger, but I'm not sure that's what I received. The burger I got had onions and what I think was American cheese. There was no chipotle taste to it. It was delicious nonetheless though so I would be interested to see you with the chipotle burger itself tasted like. I was also disappointed that they did not have the death seat burger. Apparently they only serve it once a month on Wednesdays and you have to look on Instagram for one that is. I shall go back for that one day. read more

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Not mad at it, especially with the back being upgraded and not looking like a creepy dungeon bar like the front but hey maybe that's what appeals to others... read more

Great food and great to meet with your friends! Weekends the bands come and it's a great experience!

This has been on my bookmarked list for years and I was really excited to try it. When I walked in I enjoyed the little bar setting. Had a cool vibe. Unfortunately that's the only thing we liked. Tried ordering a drink and they were out of few liquors on their list. No biggie. We ordered French onion soup to start. It was not good at all. I couldn't even finish it- tasted greasy and unflavorful. Tried their burger and it gave me a stomach ache. Sad to say, the food here was not great and the prices were a little steep for a local dive bar. I was disappointed when I left. read more

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Stopped in mid afternoon. Staff was very pleasant and had a great burger. A lot of nostalgia inside. Nice find.

The manager lost it on me for asking why a 1 ounce cup of mostly mixer (less than 0.33 oz of liquor) constituted a $6 shot. Never before have I been yelled at a restaurant, let alone by the manager, especially in front of a group of people on whose behalf I was speaking (super bizarre). See picture of the "shot," next to ketchup and a small plastic cup for reference. read more

The Old Canal Inn - The 1 oz cup of mostly mixer was a $6 shot. - New American Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

Great service, good food, wonderful pace to go and visit the Death Chsir on Halloween.

Was told this was the GO TO Place to watch a sporting event and with Game 5 of the Rangers - Pens series in the balance we headed over grabbed a table only to find that its "WEDNESDAY BINGO NIGHT" WTH lol... we were warned up front bingo gets loud but after getting the game turned on to a TV we settled in anyway. I'll keep it short - Food is your typical bar food fried concoctions and it tastes as you would expect. The House blackened sirloin tips were ok while the side of fries were on the lukewarm side. Service was fine and everyone was extremely friendly so no complaints there. Where my complaint comes from is the price of their drinks? Ordered Kettle rocks and it came in small glass. I asked if I could have a larger glass and she said sure I'll just charge you for a double. Bill comes and 2 double & single vodka are $62.00... WTH where am I in airport? Double vodka on the rocks in local watering hole $24.00 each they should be embarrassed. 5 Shots of liquor for $62.00 no problem with supporting the local establishment and everyone should make money but that is highway robbery. An appetizer platter - 1 steak appetizer platter and 3 vodkas & 1 glass of wine $110.00 before TIP, I'm not cheap but this was a rip off. Sorry I will spend my hard-earned dollars at a place more reasonably priced especially since the food was far from memorable. read more

Great local bar. Dive bar vibes. They have shuffle board and darts for some fun and games. Decent beer selection. The food is typical bar fare. Service is great. My bar tender Amanda was friendly and quick. I have a feeling if you come more then once they really will "know your name". They also have a pretty big outdoor seating area. read more

after my third visit to OCI, I have to say the food is overcooked to a hardness that was inedible, and the prices were too high. A buffalo wings lunch consisted of 5 tiny wing parts that were fried to a crisp, dried out inside, and the chicken itself, underneath, was bruised and bones broken. Nothing came with those five little wings, and the cost was $12.45. My friend ordered a medium-well burger platter and got a meat hockey puck with shriveled French fries. Even the roll was stale. my last time there. no more chances, OCI. read more

When I heard about the Death Seat Burger I had to come here. Legend has it that on 3 different occasions, people have died sitting in the seat, or later on after sitting there. I always have loved the Weird NJ stories, and have even visited many of the spots around the state (got arrested for trespassing at the Gates of Hell in Clifton, but that is a story for another time). The bar area is a real dive, you can see how being the oldest restaurant in Nutley has added real character over the years. They have also added a nicer dinning area in the back. They have a decent beer selection, and I like that they have a fridge for the glasses to keep them chilled. Stella, our bartender, was really nice, got our food fast, and let us taste any beers we wanted. On to the burger. It is constructed of a burger, jalepeno mashed potatoes, nacho cheese, all of which is dunked in beer batter and deep fried. I have deep fried burgers before, and they are normally a bit dry, but this was not. Very flavorful, fried to perfection. The outside was crispy, which was a nice compliment to the soft mashed potatoes. Only complaint was it needed a little salt (maybe bacon?). I have no idea how the burger was not greasy. Another thing was it came with salad, fries, and purple slaw, all for 13 bucks! The fries were good, but I really enjoyed the purple slaw. The salad was a nice touch of something fresh that was kind of needed after that fried burger. BTW, THIS BURGER IS ONLY SERVED ON MONDAY! read more

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I have now been to Old Canal Inn twice. The first time I was too drunk to remember much other than their shuffleboard table being shitty. I also remember walking into the wrong bathroom by mistake. But on my second visit last Monday, my good friend Harry P. and I were on a mission to try their Death Seat Burger. The Death Seat was featured in Weird NJ, but I did not realize I was in THAT particular bar the first time I was here. Local lore claims two people have died in that seat with a third person dying shortly after getting up. The Death Seat Burger may also kill whoever eats it. It is a burger, served only on Mondays, topped with jalapeno mashed potatoes and a hollowed out top bun filled with nacho cheese. The entire thing is assembled, dunked in beer batter, and then fried whole. Surprisingly, the burger wasn't too greasy. The creamy mashed potatoes and cheese complimented the burger well, but it felt a little underseasoned. I added salt to mine, but the addition of a salty ingredient such as bacon or Taylor Ham (if you're feeling Jersey) would be great. The $13 platter included a salad, fries, and delicious purple slaw, a filling meal and great deal. Our server, Stella was awesome. She was quick to serve us and even allowed me to sample beers before ordering them. She was also very friendly, learning our names and telling us all she knew about the Death Seat. I enjoyed the banter between us greatly. The other food she brought out looked good too, so I wouldn't be surprised if I found myself here for more than just the Death Seat Burger. read more

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We've been coming here regularly, every Wednesday for bingo. Super fun atmosphere with great people. The food is good and the drinks are plentiful. The staff is awesome and always gives you great service. Make a reservation for bingo (because of covid restrictions). They're adding a trivia night on Thursday, starting next week. We'll see you there! read more

The Old Canal Inn - New American Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

My first restaurant Adventure since the Covid 19 era.Visiting the family in NJ - pick this place for drinks and an early meal on this wonderful Saturday fall like afternoon. This place offer outdoor dining and tables were set up in a social distancing pattern - The service was friendly -the restaurant was not crowded this time of day - I ordered a cheeseburger which was over a little over cook for me ,but still tasty . they also ordered the garlic wings (spicy ) and the steak tips with a great salad and chicken Pram. All the food was very good and served properly- the beer was cold the drinks were good- it was an enjoyable afternoon had by all read more

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For such an unassuming-looking dive bar, incredible craft beer selection & amazing food. A real gem. Plenty of characters at the bar - does not get boring ! Def did not expect the food to be this good upon walking in for the 1st time - can't wait to be back in the area so I can come back again -! read more

Wednesday night = bingo! Great environment, AMAZING list of beers and great bar food. read more

I popped in here last Friday to meet a friend. I figured everything would be crowded on a Friday night but I'm not from the area anymore. It has a local/dive bar feel to it but it is redone and clean and beautiful! Better than I ever expected! I walked in to my favorite classic rock jam playing and they just kept em coming. There were people there and socially distanced of course, but it wasn't crowded. It was just perfect. The food was fantastic. The drinks were great. The staff was adorable and very sweet and took great care of us. I really really enjoyed myself, my dinner, my company and this bar/restaurant! I would drive the 20 minutes there again any day. The vibe itself was enough to make me want to go hang out there. I really had a blast. The salads looked incredible. I got the peel and eat shrimp and a banging potato soup and a few cocktails. Highly highly recommend! read more

We recently held a memorial service for my father at The Old Canal Inn. Mark and his staff were professional, detail oriented, and kind. The food and atmosphere were incredible. They welcomed us and our guests like family. My dad loved to go there for a beer and I understand why. I will visit there every time I am back in the area from Massachusetts. I can't recommend The Old Canal Inn highly enough. read more

Another bar that I wish was much, much closer. We walked in to country music playing and what looked to be a few regulars at the bar. We checked out the game room then settled in at a high top table in the bar area. This is a place filled with cool history like "The Death Seat" and sitting along the old site of the Morris canal. Service was fast and friendly and we loved that happy hour was 12-7 Monday - Saturday. $2 PBR drafts were perfect as my husband beat me in 2 rounds of arcade beer pong. That's right it's an arcade version of beer pong, $1 per player per round and well worth it. There is also a shuffle board in the game room. We ordered mac n cheese bites and chicken fingers and both were good bar food quality. The dining room raises this out of complete dive bar distinction but we both commented on how we like the feel and history of the entire place. Looks like there is outdoor seating off the dining room for the warmer months. Very happy we made the trip. read more

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Came here for drinks, stayed for the food! I will say I was a bit skeptical since it seemed like a cheesy weird new jersey bar. On the contrary I did have a great time and enjoyed great craft beer on tap (not a huge selection but quite good). Bar food isn't amazing but it's good and most important for me, it's QUICK. Staff is friendly and fast service for the most part, I've heard this place can get crowded on busy weekends with locals. This location also has a nice outdoor area that you can enjoy. Shuffle board and jukebox for all your party needs. I would definitely come back And try more food. Enjoy your visit! I know I did!!! read more

The Old Canal Inn - New American Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

Not enough parking. Found it tough to park. Wings was ok.. but over all experience was good read more

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Great Food Great Drinks and Great people. Ample out side and inside dining options. Favorite menu items Chicken Wings; Onion Soup; probably the best Corned Beef Ruben in Essex county! All the burgers are on points and the cheese steak is fabulous, Best Nachos and the spinach dip is out of this world. Family Owned and run everyone that works there is on top of their game. I highly recommend this place. read more

Had a very nice dinner here. Excellent burger. Service was very friendly and a cool looking place. We will definitely go back soon. Chill spot for a nice relaxing meal. Would love to come back and hear some music. read more

Best around the area for sure owners and bartenders take care of you like family great for events read more

Came in cause I drove by it and look it up and heard the Legend of the Death Seat Burger. Me and my brother came and needed a bite. I got the super nachos for the apps. Entree of bag full wrap and I got the chicken parm. Parm was real good, Peter mine a bit more crispy tho, but that's just me. Food wise great CHEAP place with LARGE PORTIONS, FRIENDLY staff. read more

The Old Canal Inn - New American Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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Service is good. Food is pathetic. Fresh breaded cod is actually fish sticks. Don't do it!!!!

This is real Jersey through and through. Hard working staff making good drinks and bringing out true Jersey bar food and drinks. Music. Shuffle longboard game. And good tough Jersey people having fun. An institution. Classic and worth a visit when you are tired of the too chic, too trendy, too cute. read more

The Old Canal Inn - Game room - New American Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

This place is great local bar with great food and nice vibe. My friend moved nearby and I picked this place to have dinner and catch up. There was a charity event going on and there was live music. We shared the mussels with spicy tomato sauce, calamari. I had a regular cheeseburger and a couple of beer. I reach somewhere they serve the juicy lucy but it wasn't on the menu. The staff is nice. My friend forgot their food that was wrapped to-go, the owner maybe manager ran out and made sure we didn't without it. I look forward to coming back. read more

I'm ashamed to admit that I lived right around the corner from this place for almost 5 years before finally dropping in. It's a total dive but apparently they've cleaned up the dining room a bit and finally fixed the "C" on the giant neon sign out front that used to read "Old Anal Inn." Decent draft selection, an even better bottled beer selection, and a huge shuffleboard table. Unlike most dives, this one takes credit card. Plenty of parking in their lot. read more

Awesome service and knowledgeable bartender. Friendly and great tasting. Beer list is phenomenal. Good menu is surprisingly amazing. Dive bar with local brews and not being a dive bar, if that makes sense. Definitely will be back. Live Entertainment on Friday and Saturday will keep us coming back. Ambiance is good and friendly. Definitely will be recommended to many people. read more

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This is our favorite place in town! Food and service are consistently excellent. Friendly vibe and great people!

So confused about all the 4 and 5 star reviews for this place...After moving to Bloomfield my fiancé and I were dead set on finding our local bar where we could just casually come, have a few beers and get some good bar food. Was really hopeful that this would be it but we were so disappointed. Food and service were both really off when we came and it wasn't busy at all... I ordered fish and chips which was pretty bland but the real disappointment was the Reuben sandwich that my fiancé ordered. It was just some poor quality pastrami on rye bread (no sauerkraut, thousand island, etc that you would normally expect on a Reuben). Our server didn't check on us after taking our first drink/food orders so it took a while to get someone's attention to say something. We would've stayed to have some drinks but because of how slow the service was we didn't bother. Fortunately since coming here we've found some other great local spots but we wouldn't come back here read more

Great local spot. Service is great, crowd is mixed and friendly and the food is damn good. I suggest the calamari. I don't know what kind of magic they're working but it's top two in the many places I've tried. The breading is super light and crispy. Not oily. You almost don't want to ruin it with the marinara. Almost. The wings are a decent and respectable staple, but the mussels are definitely something special. I prefer the Provençal style but you can get Fra Diavolo as well. The sauce seems to have a garlic, white wine base. Super savory and tangy. Great stuff. Utilize your bread. If you're a shuffleboard enthusiast as I am, you'll find one of the few here. Throw some pucks, meet some people, eat some grub. Do it again tomorrow. Ciao read more

Craft beer heaven. Tons of great beer and tasty bites. Grab a flight or some half pours to sample a few of their local craft beers. They also have cans available. Try the garlic buffalo wings well done.... tangy, garlicky and spicy, AWESOME!!! read more

The food was good. Had fun. The owner Marc made good food. Very Excellent and very nice people to talk to. I enjoyed it. read more

This place holds special Memories for me- grew up here, my grandpa would bring me here when I was a kid- like 8,9,10 years old- he would have his beer, I had a birch beer (on tap no less- this was 1968 !) and we would share a box of Bachman pretzels- Recently returned after too many years away- and while there's a few changes, it's still Number 2, the OCI. And one really special thing for me- my gramp's picture is in the wall paper on the wall opposite the bar! All the good things said about this place are true- read more

Been here a few times in the past year, and this place continues to impress me. It's part local dive bar, part gastropub and part local music venue. I'm starting reconsider the last few years of my life when I insisted on heading 20 minutes away in order to enjoy some craft beer when I could have gone here instead. My first recent trip to OCI was to see my friend's band play. The entire upper section was dedicated to the show, and their friends were able to enjoy themselves without fear of bumping into people who just wanted to sit down and have a brew. This upper section had smaller, but still full, bar and a relatively decent beer selection. In the lower area is the main area complete with games (one of the longest shuffleboard tables I've seen), more tables and the bigger bar. Here you'll be able to pick from at least 20 different beers, including some relatively rare beers. If you're a beer aficionado, experimental or just want to have your name nailed to the taps, you can earn your way into the Old Canal Inn Craft Beer Social Club Membership. This requires you drink all 45 beers on their list. Be forewarned that 10 of the beers are seasonal, so you'll have to come in at least once a season. In addition to letting everyone else know you're an alcohol using craft beer as a justification, you get to take home a banner with your name and a member card. And if shelling out $6 x 45 isn't your style, you can enjoy their $2 PBRs. read more

For a dive bar, the food is not bad, but I think we went on a day when the manager or person in charge was on vacation. I went there with a couple friends for lunch in the middle of the week to grab a burger. After my friends and I ordered our food, some guy comes out with, like, a three gallon jug of smelly pesticides (the kind that you can almost taste in your mouth at the slightest spray) and he just starts spraying all the corners of the room we are sitting in and all around us. Several of us had to scream "Excuse me! Can you not spray pesticides all over like that while we are eating?" more than once before the guy realized we were talking to him! Which means they aren't following safety protocol for pesticide application. Every restaurant I've worked in, it had to be done after hours, overnight, after the staff had wrapped everything up (utensils, etc.) in plastic, so you weren't eating off plates with a slight coating of poison on them the next day. It's too bad, because the food wasn't all that bad, and the new paint job looked nice. They need to reprimand the guy with the pesticides. That's not safe. P.S. As for the "has TV" question below, the answer is yes, and all the channels are turned to sports...ANY sports, so if you don't want to watch deer hunters killing Bambi while you eat your lunch, make sure you aren't facing a TV set. read more