This week in the New Brunswick Restaurant Guide marks an historic occasion. This issue is the first in the second edition, marking the triumphant march of the NBRG through the semesters. The restaurant this week is Tumulty’s Pub, one of the oldest restaurants in New Brunswick.
A classic pub atmosphere, Tumulty’s is still family owned and managed today. The menu is basic American food, with pub favorites such as fish and chips. Pay special attention to the burgers, as this is where Tumulty’s really shines. A must have is the Black Angus Burger. This massive mound of meat is covered in bacon (naturally!), and smothered in cheddar cheese; crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and red onions complete the masterpiece. As if it couldn’t get any better, Tumulty’s has a horseradish and mustard sauce that combines the moist feeling of mayonnaise with the “punched in the mouth” feeling of strong, pub mustard. Top one of these burgers off with a Guinness, Smithwicks, Yeungling, or Tumulty’s own Ale.
Not only is the food good, but the atmosphere is one of a kind. Tumulty’s is the kind of place chain restaurants try to imitate by hanging random shit on the walls. The wooden booths are original and have the delightful patina of something well used; your grandmother’s wooden spoon, or the old family badminton set. The antique train set that circles the restaurant still runs every half hour, to the delight of young and old. Alumni of all ages gather before or after Rutgers games, around the timber bar embedded with gold coins.
The menu makes note of Tumulty’s historic significance, and while these words may not be my original writing, every Rutgers student has used the “really long quote” method while writing papers. So here it is: In 1937, “‘University Pub’ as the tavern was known, was a watering hole for a colorful blend of New Brunswick townspeople, politicians, students, and businessmen. Rumor has it that if you had an inclination to place a wager on a horse, there were certain ‘customers’ happy to help fulfill that inclination.”
“Tumulty’s thrived during the ‘70s. It was the ‘First Date’ restaurant for many Rutgers students, a meeting place for business people, and with the model electric trains roaming the dining rooms, a great place for parents to bring their children.” Lastly, this is one of the only places that will sell you alcohol with your RU Express. So don that Rutgers hoodie or jersey, get on the bus, get off downtown and bring your RU ID. Have a burger and a beer, and watch the game. You weren’t going to use that money for books anyway.
LOCATION: 361 George Street
PHONE: (732)-545-6205
PRICE: $10-$15 per person
AMBIANCE: Irish Pub
