Kinchley’s Tavern Pizza Ramsey NJ – Open Since 1937!

Pizza! Who knew that all of the regional idiosyncrasies of such a simple food could be used as our excuse to stop and partake of a pie? Tales of the bar-style pizza at Kinchley’s in Ramsey had us pulling over at the sight of the giant clydesdale.

The interior is a cozy wood paneled, red check tablecloth dining room with both booth and table seating. Wagon wheel lamps cast a warm glow on the folks gathered around their laden tables. The bar is separated from the dining room with a divider filled with toy trains, so this is a fine place for families. Just remember it’s cash only, so bring enough (or avail yourself of the ATM located onsite.)

Open in 1937 as just a bar, Kinchley’s now serves a full menu, heavy on the Italian dishes (Pastas, Parms) but since we weren’t sure when we’d be in this neck of the woods again, we stuck to what they’re famous for - their thin crust “bar pie” pizza.

I knew bar pizzas (12” or so) to be popular south of Boston where Retro Roadsis lives, but did not know this concept was also a Jersey thing. Now I do quibble a bit with calling Kinchley’s bar pizzas as they do come in a variety of sizes other than small. But the wicked thin crust and mix of sauce and cheese hit the right notes for us. As did the locally made sausage slivered on top.

Being adventurous and pretending to be healthy we tried the arugula salad with hot bacon dressing. Not the hot bacon dressing we usually see on the Pennsylvania Dutch menus in our area, we used it sparingly, rationalizing that the peppery arugula would counteract the wonderful grease and cheese of our pizza.

We’ll definitely make Kinchley’s a regular Retro Roadstop whenever we’re in Ramsey!