Walk down South Union Street in Lambertville and you’ll see it. It’s not flashy. It doesn't have the neon glare of a modern tourist trap or the sterile vibe of a corporate hotel chain. The Inn of the Hawke looks like it’s been there forever, mostly because, in the ways that actually count, it has. It’s a 19th-century building that feels like a living room for the entire town. Honestly, if you're looking for white-glove service and a pillow menu, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a pint of Guinness, a massive burger, and a room that feels like your grandmother’s guest wing—if your grandmother was really into Federal-style architecture—then you’ve found the spot.
People get Lambertville wrong all the time. They think it’s just a playground for New Yorkers on a weekend getaway or a place to browse expensive antiques they’ll never buy. But the local soul of the town lives in places like the Inn of the Hawke. It’s a pub. It’s a bed and breakfast. It’s a landmark. It’s also surprisingly hard to pin down.
The Real Story Behind the Stone Walls
The building dates back to the mid-1800s. Back then, Lambertville was a gritty industrial hub, not the boutique destination it is today. Think coal, trains, and river traffic. The Inn of the Hawke occupies a structure that has seen the town evolve from a manufacturing center into the artsy, high-end enclave it is now. What makes the place special isn't just the age; it’s the atmosphere. You walk into the taproom and the first thing you notice is the wood. Dark, heavy, and smelling faintly of hops and history.
It’s small.
You might have to squeeze past someone to get to the bar. That’s sort of the point. It’s an intimate space where the distinction between "tourist" and "local" blurs after about twenty minutes. Most people find the Inn of the Hawke because they’re looking for a meal that isn't pretentious. In a town where you can easily spend eighty bucks on a tiny portion of braised duck, the Inn serves up comfort food that actually fills you up.
What to Expect From the Food (And What to Avoid)
Let’s be real: you aren't coming here for molecular gastronomy. The menu is basically a love letter to British and American pub fare. You’ve got your fish and chips. You’ve got shepherd’s pie. You’ve got the Hawke Burger.
📖 Related: Novotel Perth Adelaide Terrace: What Most People Get Wrong
The burger is the heavy hitter. It’s thick. It’s juicy. It usually comes with a mountain of fries. If you go on a Friday night, expect a wait. The dining room isn't huge, and the service—while friendly—moves at a "Lambertville pace." That means it’s slow. Don’t go if you’re in a rush to catch a show at the Bucks County Playhouse across the river. Go when you have two hours to kill and want to actually talk to the people you’re with.
- The Shepherd’s Pie: This is the real deal. Ground beef, peas, carrots, and a massive crust of mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to take a nap immediately afterward.
- The Beer Selection: They keep it rotating. You’ll find local jerseys brews alongside the standard imports.
- Outdoor Seating: In the spring and summer, the patio is one of the best spots in Hunterdon County. It’s shaded, quiet-ish, and perfect for people-watching.
One thing that surprises people is the price. For a place that feels this "authentic," it’s remarkably affordable compared to the riverfront spots. It’s one of the few places left where a family can eat without needing a second mortgage.
Staying Over: The Bed and Breakfast Experience
The Inn of the Hawke has a handful of guest rooms upstairs. If you’re looking for a Marriott, you will be disappointed. These rooms are "quaint." That’s travel-writer speak for small, oddly shaped, and filled with antiques. But they’re also incredibly charming.
Each room is named differently, and they all have that slightly creaky, historic feel. You might hear the muffled sounds of the pub downstairs until closing time. Some people hate that. Others find it comforting, like the heartbeat of the building. Honestly, if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on the top floor or bring some earplugs. But staying here means you’re right in the thick of it. You wake up, walk down the creaky stairs, and you’re a block away from the Delaware River.
Why This Place Survives When Others Don't
Lambertville is a tough town for businesses. Gentrification has pushed out a lot of the old-school spots. So, why does the Inn of the Hawke stick around? It’s the consistency.
👉 See also: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside
They don't try to be something they’re not. They haven't rebranded as a "gastropub" or added avocado toast to the menu just to chase a trend. They know their lane. They serve the locals who have lived on the hill for forty years, and they welcome the weekenders who just stepped off the bike path. It’s a delicate balance.
The owners and staff have maintained a culture of "come as you are." You’ll see guys in muddy work boots sitting next to collectors in designer loafers. Nobody cares. That’s a rare thing in 2026.
Navigating the Lambertville-New Hope Dynamic
If you're visiting the Inn of the Hawke, you're likely doing the "bridge walk." For the uninitiated, Lambertville (New Jersey) and New Hope (Pennsylvania) are connected by a bridge you can walk across in five minutes.
New Hope is the louder, more flamboyant sibling. It’s got the bright lights, the shops, and the crowds. Lambertville is the quieter, more refined one. The Inn of the Hawke sits firmly on the Lambertville side, offering a refuge when New Hope gets a bit too chaotic.
- Parking is a nightmare. Don't even try to park right in front of the Inn. Look for the municipal lots or prepare to circle the block for twenty minutes.
- Walk the canal path. Before you settle in for a heavy meal at the Inn, walk a mile or two along the Delaware & Raritan Canal. It starts right nearby.
- Check the hours. Like many local spots, they aren't always open 24/7. Monday and Tuesday schedules can be wonky, so check their social media or give them a call before you drive out.
Misconceptions About The Inn of the Hawke
Some people think it’s a "dive bar." It’s not. A dive bar doesn't have a curated wine list or fresh-cut flowers.
✨ Don't miss: Why Molly Butler Lodge & Restaurant is Still the Heart of Greer After a Century
Others think it’s an "upscale hotel." It’s definitely not that either. It occupies this middle ground. It’s a "Public House" in the traditional British sense. It’s a community hub.
There's also a rumor that the place is haunted. You’ll hear that about every building in Lambertville that’s older than 100 years. Is it? Who knows. The floorboards moan, and the shadows in the corners of the pub are deep. If there are ghosts, they probably just want a Guinness.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head to the Inn of the Hawke, do it right. Don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Go on a weeknight. Tuesday or Wednesday nights are fantastic. It’s quiet, you can actually snag a seat at the bar, and you can chat with the bartender about the town’s history.
- The outdoor patio is dog-friendly. Usually. It’s always good to double-check, but historically, they’ve been very welcoming to four-legged guests in the garden area.
- Try the specials. While the staples like the burger are great, the kitchen often does some interesting things with seasonal fish or local produce.
- Explore the neighborhood. South Union Street is full of little shops and galleries that are much more relaxed than the ones on Main Street.
The Inn of the Hawke represents a version of New Jersey that is slowly disappearing. It’s rustic, it’s honest, and it doesn't care about your Instagram aesthetic. That’s exactly why people love it. It’s a place to disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with a good meal and a stiff drink.
When you leave, take a right and walk down to the river. Watch the water flow toward Trenton. You’ll realize that while the world changes, places like this stay the same because we need them to. They are the anchors.
The next time you’re in Hunterdon County, skip the fancy bistro. Find the stone building with the sign of the hawk. Sit down. Order a pint. Stay a while. You won't regret it.