Historic Mendham Spot Named One Of The Best Restaurants In NJ: Report

MENDHAM, NJ — A Mendham steakhouse with a 90-year history was recently named among the top 25 restaurants in New Jersey for 2023.

According to a recent report by NJ Advance Media, Sammy’s Ye Old Cider Mill comes in at spot number 21 on the list.

Sammy’s Ye Old Cider Mill is an American steak house that was started as a speakeasy in the 1920s by Samuel Fornaro. Sammy’s is today owned and operated by Fornaro’s grandchildren, Samuel, Philip and MaryAnn Fornaro.

"Sammy’s Ye Old Cider Mill doesn’t have a sign out front to signify that 'this is the place,'" officials said.

This roadside restaurant stands out because, according to the owners, guests place their order as soon as they walk in. Guests then head to the authentic Prohibition-era tavern to unwind while their dinner is made.

When their meal is ready, they are summoned to the upstairs dining room, where the first course awaits.

All dishes are prepared to order, and meat is dry-aged and hand-cut on-site. In addition to dry-aged steaks and chops, popular dishes include Maine lobster, shrimp scampi, pastas, and seasonal soft-shell and stone crabs.

"Don’t be fooled by our name. Although renowned for our juicy steaks and chops, dry-aged and hand-cut on premise, Sammy’s also receives consistently high praise for our outstanding seafood," the Fornaro family said on the company website.

Their distinctive one-and-a-quarter-pound lobsters, served as singles or twins, are delivered fresh every day. According to restaurant owners, instead of steaming, their lobsters are boiled in kettles in their own broth, which allows them to be basted in their salt brine while remaining sweet.

Every dinner, whether steak or not, comes with salad, a vegetable dish, French fries and a dessert.

"Whether you’re here for a business meeting or a Sunday family dinner, you’re going to enjoy a great meal accented by a casual, welcoming ambiance. From our family to yours, we invite you to dine with us soon so we can do what we’ve done best for three generations… make you feel welcome in your 'other home' here at Sammy’s," the Fornaro family said.

Sammy’s Ye Old Cider Mill is located at 353 Mendham Road West (Route 24), in Mendham.