Catch the Unique Retro Vibe at The Starving Artist Café

When you go to a new town, if you want to know the best places to go to avoid the tourist traps, just ask the locals. And if you happen to find yourself in the very popular river towns of New Hope/Lambertville, the locals will surely tell you to hit Tod the Mod’s Starving Artist Cafe in Stockton, just a few miles north on the NJ side.

Tod opened his doors in 2024 and calls it “a 40 year old dream come true.” All are welcome at the Cafe and it has become a home for music lovers and foodies from far and wide. They have a friendly, welcoming staff and simple, rustic dishes crafted by Tod Allan Ellis, a seasoned chef and musician whose dream was to bring his two passions for great food and great music together in one place.

The decor there is “retro eclectic” with lots of amazing guitars on the walls, stained glass art hanging in the windows, and a tv behind the stage playing nostalgic shows and videos from the 1970s. It’s a feast for the eyes, especially the life size cardboard cutout of Elvis covered in multicolored Christmas lights perched above the corner table. Tod says, “Elvis went up at Christmas and he’s never coming down.”

Tod is pretty famous for his chicken pot pie, shepherd’s pie, homemade scones, and Italian cheese & prosciutto bread, but he also creates delectable specials that change often according to his inspirations. Best of all, he’s passionate about using only quality ingredients that support the local farmers and retailers as he creates his scrumptious dishes.

All that aside, the “vibe” is what steals the show at Tod’s. He will randomly pop out of the kitchen, jump on stage to sing a song, make people laugh with a quick story or comment, and then disappear again. His passion for people and music is hard to miss and his enthusiasm is infectious.

I recently stopped in for the Breakfast Friday Live show featuring local music legend JB Kline, who always shares the mic with many talented musician friends who may be in the house. As I sipped my coffee and enjoyed a delicious breakfast, I realized how much fun it is to see live music in the morning. And the talent is very impressive to say the least.

So come out and mingle with your community while supporting a great local business. Don’t wait too long - the word is getting out so you’ll want to grab a seat while you can. The Starving Artist Café serves BYOB lunch and dinner and is open Weds through Suns with extended hours on weekends and outdoor seating when weather allows. Reservations are encouraged on the weekends.

Visit https://www.thestarvingartistcafe.org/ for more info and all event listings including Singer Songwriter events, Beatnik Poet and Musician Night, visiting musicians, and more or follow on social media here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestarvingartistscafe/

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