Driving down Route 206 in Bedminster, you've probably seen it. A massive, stately Federal-style building that looks like it’s been there since George Washington was roaming the Somerset Hills.
People call it "The Plucky."
But here’s the thing. While the Pluckemin Inn feels like a centuries-old relic, the actual structure you see today is a relatively modern masterpiece. It was the lifelong dream of Carl and Gloria LaGrassa, opening its doors in 2005. They didn't just want a restaurant; they wanted a temple for wine and seasonal American cooking.
Honestly, some locals still think it’s too "stuffy" or only for special occasions. They’re wrong.
The Three-Story Glass Tower You Can't Ignore
If you walk into the main dining room and don't immediately stare at the wine tower, you might need your eyes checked. It’s a three-story, temperature-controlled glass monolith holding over 10,000 bottles.
It isn't just for show.
The Pluckemin Inn holds the Wine Spectator Grand Award, a distinction shared by fewer than 100 restaurants globally. Brian Hider, the longtime Wine Director, has curated a list that ranges from "I can actually afford this" to "this costs more than my first car."
Specifically, they have a "Pluckemin 200" list. These are 200 wines hand-picked for value and approachability, all priced under $100. It’s their way of saying, "Hey, you don't have to be a billionaire to enjoy a world-class bottle."
One of the wildest items in their cellar—at least historically—was a 1934 Romanee-Conti Monopole. It came from the estate of Doris Duke, the "Richest Girl in the World." That bottle alone was once valued at over $16,000.
Why the Tavern is the Best Kept Secret
You don't always need a suit. Kinda the opposite, actually.
The Plucky Tavern (or "The Plucky") is to the left when you walk in. It’s got a big fireplace, TVs, and a much more relaxed vibe. The best part? You can order the high-end dining room menu in the tavern if you want, but you can also just grab a "Plucky Burger" with bacon and cheddar.
It’s the intersection of "I want a $300 bottle of Bordeaux" and "I just want a beer and a good sandwich."
The tavern menu is surprisingly diverse. You've got:
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- Margherita pizzas with fresh mozzarella.
- Tuna tartare with chili aioli and ponzu.
- Fish and chips made with beer-battered cod.
- Griggstown chicken, which is a local NJ favorite.
Revolutionary Roots and Washington’s Letters
The history here isn't fake, even if the building is newer. The inn stands roughly where the original Jacob Eoff tavern sat during the Revolutionary War.
General George Washington knew this spot well.
In fact, there are 20 letters from Washington in the Library of Congress that mention Pluckemin. The village was a massive hub for the Continental Army. During the winter of 1778-79, the first American military academy (the precursor to West Point) was located just a short distance from where you’re now eating your steak.
The architects used reclaimed French oak and stone floors to give the new building that "old soul" feeling. It works. The brick archways and massive fireplaces make you feel like you're in a colonial manor, minus the drafty windows and lack of indoor plumbing.
What’s On the Plate in 2026?
The kitchen is currently led by Executive Chef David C. Felton. His philosophy is basically "if it didn't grow nearby, why are we cooking it?"
He’s obsessive about seasonal ingredients.
If you visit during the right window, you might catch the Truffle Dinner. It’s a legendary event where every course features these "earth diamonds." It isn't cheap—recent tickets were around $289—but for foodies, it’s a bucket-list night.
On a standard Tuesday, you might find Maine halibut with corn and pickled chanterelles or a 32 oz. rib-eye for two. They even do a "Pluckemin Salad" that changes daily based on what the local farms brought in that morning.
Common Misconceptions
- "It’s too expensive." Look, the dining room is a splurge. But the tavern is competitive with any high-end pub in New Jersey.
- "It’s only for old people." The wine crowd here is getting younger. People are realizing that learning about wine is cooler than just drinking cheap swill.
- "You need a reservation months in advance." For a Saturday night in the dining room? Yes. For a weekday lunch in the tavern? Usually, you can just walk in.
How to Actually Experience It
Don't just go for dinner.
The Pluckemin Inn is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. It’s a power-lunch spot for the pharmaceutical execs and golf pros in the Bedminster area.
If you’re a wine nerd, check out their off-site shop, Plucky’s. It’s where they sell the stuff they serve, often at prices that won't make your bank call you about suspicious activity.
Planning Your Visit
- The Wine Tower: Ask the sommelier for a quick "tour" or just some info on what’s currently exciting them. They love to talk shop.
- The Tavern: Go here first if you’ve never been. It’s the gateway drug to the full Pluckemin experience.
- Seasonal Events: Keep an eye on their calendar for the New Year’s Eve four-course blowouts or the specialized wine-tasting dinners.
- The Drive: It’s right off I-287. If you’re coming from the north, take Exit 22. It’s the second building on the right after the second light.
The Pluckemin Inn is a weird, beautiful hybrid. It’s a 20-year-old building with a 250-year-old soul, serving some of the best wine in the country in a town better known for horse farms and golf courses.
Whether you're there for a $16 burger or a $600 bottle of Burgundy, it’s one of the few places in New Jersey that actually lives up to the hype.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Check the current tavern menu online before you go, as it rotates frequently based on farm availability. If you're planning a weekend dinner, call at least two weeks out to snag a table near the wine tower for the best atmosphere.