Spooky Meal: ‘Death Seat’ Burger Still Being Served In Nutley

NUTLEY, NJ — Halloween 2021 is almost here, and yes, you can still take a bite out of the “Death Seat” at the Old Canal Inn in Nutley. But to truly understand what you’re getting into, a quick bit of history behind one of the spookiest – and strangest – burger names in New Jersey might help.

According to NewJerseyHauntedHouses.com, there’s a haunting legend that surrounds the restaurant, which is located near the Bloomfield border:

“Established in 1934 as JoJos Tavern, it changed its name to the Old Canal Inn in 1948 when it was bought over by the Skorupski family. It continues to remain open and active to this day. While serving patrons food and drink, the Inn is also known for a local legend. It is the place where the Death Chair is housed. Rumor has it that an unusual incident occurred at the inn involving two men fighting at length over the seat. Both men died 10 days later of a heart attack and to this day the Inn has roped-off the area around the chair. According to reporting from “Weird NJ,” they say that at least three people have died after sitting on the chair. In 1964, when two men sat on the chair, they ended up dying of a heart attack within three days of each other. The unusual events all connected to the Death Chair has inspired the Inn to even name a platter called the “Death Seat Burger Platter” … Visiting the Inn today, you’ll see the Death Seat remains there with warning and signage as a precautionary measure should anywhere dare to try sitting in it.”

The “Death Seat Burger” – a beer battered, deep fried burger stuffed with jalapeños, cheddar and mashed potatoes that comes with fries and a salad – is available on Mondays only, the inn’s website says.

• See related article: ‘Death Seat’ At The Old Canal Inn: A Piece Of Essex County History

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