Landmark Lower Bucks Co. Restaurant Closes After 40 Years

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA —A landmark restaurant —known for its reputation for serving some of the best seafood in the region —has announced its closure after more than 40 years in business.

The owners of the Kopper Kettle said late Thursday that they were permanently closing their doors were they permanently closing its doors at 1985 Bridgetown Pike.

"It’s with a heavy heart that we share the news that the Kopper Kettle is permanently closed," its owners posted on Facebook. "We would like to thank every customer, employee, vendor and friends for being a part of our history. The support through the years has meant the world to us. We will miss everyone! Best wishes for the future."

The owners did not give a reason for the closure.

Kopper Kettle's tavern was always was "full of energy and excellent service," its website stated.

It's menu featured Baltimore Crab Cakes, Deviled Crabs, Fried Filet of Flounder, Fried Oysters, Jumbo Fried Shrimp, Breaded Fried Scallops and seafood combination platters besides its famous Steak Fries and sandwiches.

It also featured takeout, lunch specials and a wide array of drinks.

The restaurant and bar opened in 1973 at the corner of Bridgetown Pike and Bristol Road.

In 2020, one of the owners pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges.,according to a prior Patch story.

Stephen Eckler, 68, of Ivyland, pleaded guilty to charges of willful failure to pay employment taxes, federal authorities said.

According to prosecutors, Eckler and co-owner Robert Yost did not report $263,340 in cash wages that they paid to dishwashers at the Kopper Kettle from March 2012 through at least September 2016. As a result, Eckler and Yost failed to collect and pay employment taxes to the IRS, including Social Security tax and Medicare tax, the U.S. Attorney's office said.