Ye Olde Centerton Inn

Ye Olde Centerton Inn American restaurant

Overview

Discover Ye Olde Centerton Inn, a historic American restaurant at 1136 Almond Rd, Elmer, NJ 08318, United States, where classic steakhouse cooking meets centuries of South Jersey character. In continuous operation since 1706, the inn has evolved into a destination for steaks, seafood, cocktails, and special-occasion dinners while preserving the warmth of an old country tavern. From a food blogger’s perspective, Ye Olde Centerton Inn stands out because the experience feels genuinely rooted in place: locally sourced ingredients, traditional recipes, intimate dining rooms, and a setting that cannot be recreated by a modern chain.

The menu blends familiar American steakhouse favorites with seafood and contemporary touches. Current selections include filet mignon and New York strip around $43, Steak Centerton at about $55, seared scallops near $36, and chicken or pasta entrées generally in the upper-$20 range. Appetizers include crab cakes, bacon-wrapped scallops, stuffed mushrooms, and seafood bisque. Reservations are required for both the dining room and bar, and amenities include private dining, a fireplace, full bar service, parking, takeaway, and table service.

The Crab Imperial is one of the signature dishes worth ordering at Ye Olde Centerton Inn in Elmer. Jumbo lump crabmeat is combined with the restaurant’s signature sauce, creating a rich seafood entrée that emphasizes sweet crab flavor rather than excessive seasoning. It has long been identified as one of the inn’s most popular seafood dishes.

For steak lovers, the Filet Mignon is equally compelling. The eight-ounce cut is prized for tenderness and works especially well for diners who appreciate traditional steakhouse preparation. Customer feedback repeatedly praises the beef, with one guest describing it as “one of the best steaks” they had ever eaten. For something distinctive, the Centerton Salad delivers crisp greens with carrots, cheeses, and a pronounced garlic-forward seasoning that longtime diners specifically recommend.

The setting may be the restaurant’s greatest advantage. Guests describe an almost museum-like atmosphere, with historic details, intimate rooms, and a slower style of dining that encourages conversation rather than rushing through dinner. One local reviewer advised visitors to “sit, savor, and enjoy the atmosphere,” which captures the experience well.

Desserts such as warm chocolate-walnut bread pudding and lemon Bundt cake provide a comforting finish, while cocktails, seasonal beers, and a curated wine list make the inn especially suitable for anniversaries and celebratory meals.

For diners exploring the best restaurants in Elmer for memorable local dining experiences, Ye Olde Centerton Inn deserves serious consideration for its steaks, crab dishes, historic atmosphere, and polished hospitality. Call +1 856-358-3201 and reserve a table for an evening that combines South Jersey history with classic American dining.

Good to know

From the business

Identifies as women-owned

Service options

Takeaway Dine-in Delivery

Highlights

Fireplace Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty

Popular for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Private dining room Spirits Wine

Dining options

Dinner Catering Dessert Table service

Amenities

Bar on site Toilet

Atmosphere

Cosy Historic Quiet Romantic Upmarket

Crowd

Groups Locals

Planning

Reservations required Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Parking

Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 264 reviews
Amazing 202
Great 29
Okay 18
Not Great 6
Terrible 24
Jacqleen Gonzalez

Amazing hidden gem. Start with the calamari and end with the brownie!!! Every bite was delicious and perfect. Steak was a tad charred and gave the charcoal taste so that was something we would address next time but definitely plan to make this one of our top spots. MAKE RESERVATIONS! Pic is of the bone in pork chop and oh my its incredible

M Obrien

Went for my husbands birthday. William the bartender kept us entertained since we were early for our reservation. William you are AWESOME. Our server Jarrod (sorry if i misspelled it) went over and beyond to make this night very special. The food was usual top notch. From beginning to end everyone made this a special night and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. EVERYONE was the best.

Travel With Trey

An absolute gem in Southern Jersey. First of all, the restaurant is the 3rd oldest in the United States, over 300 years old so you get a cozy colonial atmosphere. If the history isn't enough for you, the food is excellent. I had brisket egg rolls as my appetizer served with an au jus sauce and horseradish. The garlic house salad is so good, bursting with freshness and flavor. Finally, I had the New York Strip steak with fries. The fries were crispy and nicely well done while the steak was delectable. Just a perfect cut of meat, perfectly cooked. We have a great time chatting with the owner and our wonderful bartender who hit us off with some historical cocktails, including a Devil's Whiskers. It was a great way to top off our evening.

Will Salmons

Food is excellent! The seafood bisque is to die for! The pork tenderloin is amazing. The reason for only 4 stars is the building itself needs some tender loving care, but it is the oldest inn in NJ and 2nd oldest in the country. The staff was friendly and very inviting.

Tom Kelly

Great place. Amazing history - come for the building, stay for the amazing top notch reasonably priced food. Awesome service to complement Shawne’s awesome handlebar mustache. Great drinks too! Thanks for a great experience. We will be back!

Dan Stevens

My wife and I celebrated our 37th anniversary there today, Sean was our server and was very on point,the food was fresh and delicious,I would definitely recommend this quaint place,especially if you like old buildings, it was like stepping back in time,thanks for making it a memorable anniversary

Mike Marchlik

We had dinner here while visiting the area. The restaurant is a little on the upscale side and we were under dressed so I felt a little uncomfortable. The dining room we ate in had such charm. The food was decent and for the price with dessert and salad being included it was a good value but on the high side. We had four children with our party and they were accommodative. Great service, great character/charm, good food, priced on the high side but worth the value. I'd visit again dressed properly and with the kids at home.

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