Cinder Bar

I always go here and enjoy the food every time whether it comes to the smokey, fresh pizza or the warm and gooey lobster mac n cheese. This is a very good restaurant to go to when you are looking for something casual, but unique. The scenery is very rustic, fun, and just being there puts you in a good mood. If you plan on going here, just know that there is typically a long wait, but it’s worth it.

I made my way to Cinder Bar a couple weeks ago, having been there before. When it first opened a few years back and the food was great upon opening, with unique decor and ambiance. This visit, I left a little less satisfied. The interior was the same which was nice, the day energy seemed to be different than the previous afternoons I had visited before. I started off with a bloody Mary that seemed to be a signature cocktail. The craft/local beer selection was diverse and outstanding. It was not the time to look at whiskey, though I should have and regret to say I did not. I did send back the drink at a later point which I do...never. Upon reordering, I finally decided with the Spellbound- oatmeal raisin cookie porter on tap. With a 7% ABV, it comes served in a 13 ounce. Definitely an irregular choice for me but I was more than happy with it. Recommendations from the server led me to order the bang bang shrimp and 6 wood-fired wings with spicy hot and garlic truffle Parmesan sauces on the side. The wood-fired items on the menu seemed to be a staple at the cozy spot. The shrimp was just right, not too much sauce which is a big turn off. The wings themselves were fair however a little gummy/fatty and the garlic truffle Parmesan sauce had an odd, sweet taste to it that I felt didn't belong. Toward the end, I had asked for my bill feeling a little incomplete. I saw one of the tables closest to me being presented with a dessert tray of mini-treats. I don't typically eat sweets but I was particularly in the mood for something small and light. I beckoned my server back over and asked what flavors they had for the small delights and decided upon a lemon shortcake shooter. It was everything I had hoped for and I was much happier after adjusting my check!

A day of beer and cheesesteaks with Amigo Dan started Cinder Bar. There are two Cinder Bars. We went to the one in Clarksboro. The good news is we really liked the Short Rib Cheesesteak sandwich. The bad news is we stayed too long and I tried too hard to summon my inner John Cohl and combine menu items. We got the short rib cheesesteak. It was very good. The meat was very tender and juicy. The caramelized onions added great flavor. The fontina cheese and truffle aioli were great complementary players. The roll was not a traditional cheesesteak roll. It was perfect for this cheesesteak considering this was not a traditional cheesesteak. It was $16 and came with french fries. If I was on a date I guess the $16 wasn’t bad but for any other occasion I think I would go with something else. Maybe the Lobster roll of cinder Calzone.