Residents, Officials Remember Pals Cabin

In just a few days, the 81-year-old landmark Pals Cabin will close its doors forever, ending an era in West Orange. 

"That corner and our town will not be the same without Pals," Mayor Robert Parisi said.

Maybe just for its cream of mushroom soup, which resident Marianne Tamburello told Patch is the best she's ever had, or a long-time locally convenient eatery, Pals will be missed.

"A true West Orange historic landmark," Lori Singer Falkenstein said. "Even more unfortunate that CVS is moving there."

Since 1932, Pals has been at 265 Prospect Ave., owned and operated by the Horn family for three generations, embedded in the West Orange community. 

West Orange resident Jill Jeszeck said, she was sad to see the restaurant close. She added, "Thanks for all the memories."

Many share the same sentiment for the restaurant because memories they've created from birthday parties, rehearsal dinners or just stopping in for a drink over the years.

"As a patron, it feels like a part of our family," Assemblyman John McKeon said.

The former mayor of West Orange explained three generations of McKeon's have grown up going to the restaurant and were very close to the Horn family. McKeon's father was friends with Marty Horn Sr.

"Every time I would go in, I would think of my father," he said. "I just feel a part of our family history is ending."

Councilman Joe Krakoviak also said the closing has personally been an "emotional toll" on him and his family because of the history and relationships created at the restaurant.

"I will miss the great food and the central location that made it so easy to come together with family and friends,"  he said.

Krakoviak's wife, Clare, worked her way through college waiting tables at Pals, they had their wedding rehearsal party as well as countless birthday there and currently his son works there. 

“I am very saddened to see Pal’s Cabin close," Parisi said. "Besides being an historic institution in town, my family and I dine there often and we’ll miss that. I know this decision was a difficult and emotional one for the Horn family.""

What memories do you have from Pals Cabin? Share them in the comments! If you have any pictures share them too!