Valentine's Day Reservations Going Fast At One of Trenton's Oldest Restaurants

After more than 60 years, continues to be one of the most popular restaurants in Trenton on Valentine’s Day.

Reservation slots are rapidly filling up and Sibley Gardens owner Nick Piunti said those wishing to spend an intimate evening together beneath their trademark Tiffany stained-glass light fixtures better hurry.

Nick has been at the helm of one of Downriver’s oldest restaurants since 1976, though the restaurant itself has been around since his grandfather, Sam Piunti, built it in 1949.

The Piunti family sold the business temporarily in 1955 to 1961, but regained control in 1961. Sibley Gardens has been owned and operated by the Piunti family ever since.

Today Nick and his father, Sam Piunti, run the day-to-day operations—that is, when Nick isn’t writing and performing music.

Nick and his band, The Respectables, have experienced considerable success. The band wrote the theme song for the short-lived television show “Mercy.” They are currently working with an independent filmmaker who is interested in using one of their songs in a movie.

The band even named their album after Nick’s other passion, Sibley Gardens.

Nick said he has threatened to jam in the restaurant, but insisted his patrons might not like loud rock and roll while trying to speak to a loved one.

Sibley Gardens is famous for more than its owner.

The menu has remained consistent over the years, and Nick said his regular patrons have grown to love some of the more popular items.

“People come here for the food and service,” Nick said. “We have a lot of signature dishes they really don’t get anywhere else.”

The Steak Sammy is Nick’s most popular menu items consisting of sliced beef tenderloin medallions sautéed with wine and garlic.

Nick said people also love the upscale-but-comfortable atmosphere inside the restaurant.

“Our longevity is amazing,” Nick said. “There are very, very few independent … restaurants that have been around longer than us.”