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Poor Herbie's
Categories: Nightlife Restaurants Burgers Restaurants American (Traditional) Nightlife, Burgers, American (Traditional) [Edit]
13 Waverly PlMadison, NJ 07940
(973) 966-0211
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Poor Herbie's
Review Highlights
"side of the House dressing, which everyone on Yelp."
(in 5 reviews)
"Great local spot with a very timeless feel."
(in 3 reviews)
"Live music on weekends from 9pm to 12:30."
(in 3 reviews)
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Matt P.
Madison, NJ
11/21/2011
The crown jewel of Madison, New Jersey is still as bustling and as wonderful as it has been for years.
This cozy, warm, Irish pub/bar is the perfect place for anything - a family dinner, a romantic date, a beer with your best friends you haven't seen in months. The menu is small but everything is excellent. Great selection of draft beers at the bar. They have nightly specials and the burgers are some of the absolute best in the area. If you really want to splurge, get the Kobe beef burger......ohhhhhhhhhh yes. Appetizers appear small, but are heavy - don't order more than one per two people. You'll thank me later.
Atmosphere is dark and nice and cozy. Unlike 54 Main, or the newer Prospect Tavern, it's not loud at all in here. Its family-owned and operated with a relaxed manner of professionalism. It's been around forever, and I hope it never goes away.
Their kitchen closes around 10pm but they stay open LATE through the night. Live music on weekends from 9pm to 12:30. They are often open past 2am. Just don't forget that the borough of Madison does not allow on-street parking between 2am and 6am, so use the parking lot behind the building during that time (you can enter it right below the train tracks on Green Village Rd).
Eat/drink here and forget your troubles for a night. You won't regret it. -
Review from Rich P.
Cedar Grove, NJ
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place never changes.
Great local spot with a very timeless feel. Go here for your Guiness and a shot. Same bartender has been there for 10 years, and he's not bitter! I couldn't believe it! A semi-dive with the usual suspects of local drinkers as part of the decor, and the bartender wasn't a bitter jerk.
Even though I'm not local anymore, and no one knows me, I felt like I was - no one was vibing me for intruding on this very local-feeling spot. You can stop here and feIt's a great nightcap spot for any night of the week. -
Review from Don M.
Chatham, NJ
Updated - 12/31/2011
A favorite. Good food, great service for many years.
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Review from Hank C.
2/10/2011
When we walked in, we knew that the locals knew about this joint. Turns out, quite a few of them were sitting in the bar eating ... bar food, effectively. More on that in a bit. But the locals here... mostly older locals. Didn't see many office workers or anything in here. Maybe we came at a bad time on a Thursday lunch? The U-shaped room has a bar in the inner bend as you enter.
The place isn't easily identified - you are better off looking for the flowers painted on the windows, because the text there is hard to read. There's no sign on the door to the left, but that's the main entry, and go in to the center to get seated (or drop yourself at the bar). Parking is a pain - one hour up front if you can get parking on Waverly.
Service was personable but slower than your average place. Not a fast food place, by all means, two burgers and fries took the better part of 30 minutes to prepare and get to us.
Water, came with ice and a lemon, that was a good start. I ordered a mozzarella and grilled mushroom burger, and my coworker and I split an order of the shoestring fries. The fries were exactly as ordered, nothing special but certainly not as salty as a McD's fries or bland as wedges would be.
The burger... well, I got a cheddar mushroom burger instead. Yes, I ordered mozzarella, but someone somewhere decided cheddar was better for me that day. I took it anyway. Still charged for the mozzarella, though, so that was nice. Simple burger is $8. Add a cheese, and you go up to nearly $9 for American/mozzarella/Cheddar/Swiss or $9.50 for bleu cheese. Comes with a pickle, bun, and small side of coleslaw (was okay, but warm, which was strange to me). Grilled mushrooms? Add $1.50. Tomatoes & lettuce, add $0.50, etc. etc. The burger... was okay. It wasn't as juicy as others (I suspect just cooked with less oil/butter), and the roll the bun was comprised of was grilled (which was nice) but a bit plain. Mushrooms were nicely cleaned and grilled, though, no out-of-can mushrooms here.
Took a request to actually get my water refilled rather than someone keeping an eye out on the patron's water supply.
The appetizers look pretty good, though. Maybe I'll try it here another time.
There's live music some nights, though. -
Review from Joe T.
New Paltz, NY
4/19/2011
In fairness, I could give Poor Herbie's 2.5 stars, but in general I'm not that crazy about it. I know it's a pub, but it'd be nice if places in 2011 updated their tired "chopped iceberg lettuce salad with one tomato wedge" to something a little more modern.
Pros - they have Brookyn Lager on tap, the house dressing on my chopped iceberg salad was tasty
Cons - service wasn't stellar, mediocre food -
Review from Jennifer W.
Whippany, NJ
7/9/2010
Great for what they offer - good bar food in a very comfy, old-school environment (I mean that as a compliment - the paneling, all of it just reminds me of a bar I used to go to all the time!).
We ordered a few appetizers - mozz sticks, chicken fries, broccoli bites and skins - all good and not at all greasy; everything was light, crisp and hot. The portion sizes were not huge, but I would rather have a few good things than a plate filled with crap, yanno?
The girl child picked on the mozz sticks and chicken fries as her dinner, and my husband and I shared a Kobe burger. The Kobe burger was cooked perfectly medium and super tasty and it almost melted in your mouth. Perfect bar burger!
For dessert, my daughter ordered a piece of Boston Cream Pie, which was very, very fresh and tasty. Again, not a huge piece of cake; it was just right. Good, fresh, hot coffee as well!
If you have a picky eater for a kid, want to go to a bar to have a drink and have some great bar food - great place to do it! We will be back for sure! -
Review from Brian V.
Chatham, NJ
12/4/2008
I'm kind of in shock right now. I know that Poor Herbie's only has 4 reviews. I am not trying to suggest that this is comparable to if none of the eleventy billion McSorley's reviews mentioned they only sell beer, but it's close. How in the WORLD has nobody mentioned the house salad dressing here?
I have no idea what's in it. The owner, who my family knows relatively well from our many trips here for dinner over the years, will not say a thing. But it's awesome, and there is absolutely no way any meal at Poor Herbie's can be complete without it.
Except for maybe all you hoity-toity, "I'm a foodie types." The salads here aren't really salads, it's just a bunch of iceberg letture and a 1/4 of a tomato in a bowl But that's all you really need with this salad dressing. All that other nonsense would just get in the way.
Other than the house salad, while they have a large menu, the only things I'd really seriously think about ordering here are steaks and burgers. They do a really good job with steak, I'd go for pretty much anything, but my usual is the Pub Steak. It's about an 8oz steak (I'm embarrassed to say I'm not even sure of the cut) covered with sauteed onions and melted cheese. Good stuff. The burger is the standard around here, most trips home I try and get at least one dinner here. I also definitely recommend the onion rings and, if you're feeling slightly healthier, the sweet potato fries.
Mike R's description of the decor/atmosphere is so spot on I'll just copy it: "Atmosphere is the real version of what places like Applebee's try to manufacture." Also, a quick heads up, they do not take reservations and it can get pretty busy on the weekends, so either show up early or be prepared to have a couple of beers at the bar while you wait.
I've only focused on a couple of things on the menu, and that's because the rest really isn't all that great. But just stick with the burgers and steaks, you can't go wrong. -
Review from Blanca V.
Madison, NJ
9/25/2009
Wow! I finally found a good place for lunch near work. Went here today - 9/25 for my birthday lunch.
Decor' resembles Arthurs in Morris Plains, signs and pictures everywhere, high ceiling, bar.
I got the Grilled Chicken Salad w. side of the House dressing, which everyone on Yelp! recommended and were they right. It was delish and I wanted to drink it or take a needle and inject in my veins, or if it was a man - I would marry it!!! As a side to share we got the sweet potatoe fries, they were good too, the best? No, but they were good. Never had them served crinkled, but they were tasty.
As an app we got the Mac and Cheese triangles - which is fried mac n cheese, I liked it, would I order it again? Ch! Yeah! While on the suject of apps, I have to say they all looked appetizing... Wink Wink.
My co-workers got the Herbie special in which they thought was okay.
Service was very attentive and I was happy over all. -
Review from Scotty J.
3/29/2010
Long before Burger King offered their mediocre version of chicken fries, there was Poor Herbie's.
I discovered this place through my best friend, who grew up and lived through his twenties in Madison. There's something about the charm of the local bar, the one frequented by residents. I love to support small businesses in great towns like this one, so I was pleased that the food and service are both high caliber.
I have yet to find an item on the menu that I haven't enjoyed, from the comforting appetizers to the ostrich (which doesn't taste like chicken). In fact, I would often take the train from NYC to visit friends and have a hearty meal here, so that alone should say something about how much I love this place. -
Review from Dan E.
Basking Ridge, NJ
3/5/2011
I had been trying to go to Poor Herbie's for a while and I finally did. I think this place is more around 3.5 stars but I decided to round down. Poor Herbie's is right off Main St in Madison - we were lucky enough to find a parking spot on the street, but I can definitely see how parking could become an issue if you aren't able to get a street spot.
When I first walked in, Poor Herbie's looked pretty much exactly how I thought it would (in a good way). We were seated and I have always been told that you have to try the salad with the house dressing and the burger and that is exactly what I did. My wife had the same.
Our waiter was very good and he brought the salads out very quickly. I must say that I was very impressed by the salad. The dressing was very good and the salad was a very nice size. The only minor knock I had with the salad is that it only had lettuce and one little piece of tomato, but I would definitely get it again.
As I said earlier, I ordered the burger as my meal. I had the cheddar burger with lettuce, tomato and onions and an order of the shoestring fries. I am one of those people who believes that fries should come with a burger, but I can live with the fact that some places make you pay extra. But, I think it is absolutely terrible when a place charges you for lettuce, tomato and onion. Poor Herbie's charges extra for all. I think it is like 50 cents for the each of the veggies and like 2 bucks for the fries. I can live with paying extra for fries, but I hate that a place charges extra for "normal burger toppings". Lettuce, tomato and onion should not be purchased a la carte. And, it isn't about the money - I would rather they just charge an extra $1.50 for the burger and be done with it. It is just a pet peeve of mine.
Anyways, the burger was good - not great but a good burger. I ordered mine medium but it came out more on the well done side. Still, it was a pretty flavorful burger. My wife ordered her's medium rare and it was cooked perfectly. The shoestring fries were fine - nothing extraordinary but certainly not bad, either. All in all, it was a very enjoyable meal and I would not be hesitant to go back again. -
Review from Kristin C.
Summit, NJ
6/30/2008
I haven't been to Poor Herbie's in ages and I didn't know it was still there! Glad to see it is. A great local bar/restaurant for locals!
I remember going there for dinner with my dad about 13 years ago. He got the duck a l'orange and I got a sliced egg sandwich on whole grain bread. Not sure if that was on the menu but it was what I was in the mood for!
Reminds me that I need to go here soon! -
Review from Nicole P.
Morristown, NJ
12/8/2008
Poor Herbies is a good place to grab a bite to eat. Our wait on a Saturday night was about 30 minutes. They have your standard pub fare. They also have a good number of beers on tap.
One odd thing worth mentioning is that their sandwiches and burgers do not come with french fries, only cole slaw, so if you want any fries you have to order a side of them.
The customers hanging out at the bar while we waited for our table were all friendly and very talkative. Seems like a lot of locals hang out here. -
Review from Julia D.
Chester, NJ
12/2/2010
Poor Herbie's is a cozy, local pub with your standard so-so fare. I generally lean towards the more updated, non-greasy establishments that offer at least a few health-conscious items. But if I wanted to don an ugly sweater and grab a beer (good beer selection), I'd probably go back here.
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Review from Lisa Z.
Morristown, NJ
1/6/2009
Your standard pub fare. It is a little odd that the sandwiches and burgers don't come with fries- makes a meal more expensive that you would imagine from a standard kinda place like this... but, I guess it's Madison, right? An unusual item I tried recently after being steered to them by the bartender were the fried green beans- sounds a little gross- but with the mustard-y sauce than was served alongside them- YUM!
Also worth mentioning, the bartenders here are particularly friendly (and cute too, I might add ;-) -
Review from Mike R.
Chatham, NJ
5/18/2008
Greasy, tasty, pub food. The burgers are good. Usually a good selection of specials. Pastas if you're there for dinner. Not the place to go to start your new diet.
Atmosphere is the real version of what places like Applebee's try to manufacture.
The best reason to come here is they pour a mean pint of Guinness. They also have Murphy's on tap which is not something you'll find at many places. It looks like a decent bar too but I've never gotten anything but beer here. The owners are really nice. -
Review from Ben M.
Dover, NJ
Great local Irish bar located in the heart of Madison. A favorite for locals and should be a favorite for everyone else too! Bartenders are very friendly and the owner (also bartends) makes your afternoon beer all the more enjoyable. GET THEIR WINGS, made with a secret sauce and the blue cheese is mixed with their famous house dressing (also a secret).
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Review from Ed M.
Livingston, NJ
6/26/2011
I discovered this nice little spot in downtown Madison on a business colleague's recommendation. A good recommendation it was. They serve excellent burgers. The place is nicely decorated and makes you feel right at home. A fully stocked bar is there to provide your libations. the staff is friendly and the kitchen supplied a quick and properly doen burger. I'll surely be back.
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Review from Pasquale R.
Chatham, NJ
Updated - 9/2/2010
I must say the second time around I was rather disappointed with the burger and wings. The wings apparently are "amazing" based on the recommendations of the server. They are good but I have had much better wings. The sauce they give you is really good but they don't give you vege's like a typical restaurant. The burger this time was overcooked and for some reason they don't come with fries. Umm, sort of unusual. The service was spotty. My friend had the Kobe burger which he loved. He is such a finicky eater that I was shocked. For the most part the meal was good but just didn't live up to the expectations I had the second go round.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2010
I have been looking for a local Irish pub to chill out, watch the game and enjoy a decent meal. I… Read more »
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Review from Anthony P.
Summit, NJ
8/27/2008
Poor Herbie's is good if you're in the mood for pub style food, burgers, fries, simple salads, cold guiness or any beer for that matter. Comfortable atmosphere. Try thecrumbled blue cheese dressing over a big wedge of ice berg lettuce.
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Review from MARY L.
Chatham, NJ
8/4/2009
This is a run of the mill bar. However what makes it stand out is the house salad...or the house salad dressing....it is made fresh and I have never tasted anything like it. It is a light tangy caesar. Pair the house salad with the delicious burgers....they must use ground sirloin because they certaining aren't runof the mill. The place has a conservative clientele..appears waspy but truthfully anybody can feel comfortable in this place.
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Review from Holly S.
10/5/2009
Good food, good service, good atmosphere. A constant countdown to St. Patrick's Day. Live music on Saturday night. :)
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Review from scott T.
Madison, NJ
8/1/2008
This place really went up in marks once the smoking ban came into effect. The food, particularly the burgers, is really good and consistent. This is the kind of place you can bring your kids to and not feel like you're walking on egg shells.
Their house salad has some mystery dill dressing that while certainly a fat bomb is super tasty.
Poor Herbies is a great little spot to have in town. -
Review from Chris S.
Madison, NJ
12/17/2008
They make a very good french dip that combines nicely with sweet potato fries and a Guiness for lunch.
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Review from Chris L.
Morristown, NJ
1/24/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Darn good local pub food in a dingy hole in the wall type of place is great once in a while. House salad is off the wall, its this light almost blue cheesy blend of goodness. The marinated chicken sandwich is a favorite, hot open roast beef, fried chicken, and occasional special are good. reasonable prices, good beers and average deserts (Judy's Bread Pudding is awesome though) the service can be a bit spotty on busier nights but no major issues i suppose. I'm there a few times a month for sure...
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Review from A L.
Summit, NJ
1/23/2011
Just discovered Poor Herbies alike six months ago but since the first time going have been there a bunch of times. I love places that have good bar food and Poor Herbies has great bar food. The good thing is they have bar food but they also have regular dinners. The only negative for me are the prices for some things, a grilled cheese with bacon costs ten dollars. Its a good sandwich and they put a lot of bacon on but thats still a little much for that kind of sandwich especially since it does not come with anything. That doesnt keep me away though because everything is good.
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Review from Sam S.
Phoenix, AZ
11/13/2009
Loved the burger and fries.
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Review from Betty B.
Madison, NJ
7/15/2009
Watering holes don't get much better than this. Have never eaten anything that didn't taste great. The burger is worth going out of your way for. They must be grinding their own beef, and tasty beef it is they're grinding. Friendly staff and patrons who run the socio-economic gamut. I've been at the bar with to university professors, cops, Wall Streeters, construction dudes, etc. Can get crowded, but waiting, which I usually never do, is OK here due to the interesting crowd. You know, I may head there tonight.
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Review from max b.
Teaneck, NJ
9/9/2010
This is the kind of restaurant that every town needs to be a good town. It is a place that guarantee a satisfying meal. The place has a very relaxed nature about it, I had my baseball uniform on and cleats and the people at Poor Herbie's were OK with that and I really appreciated that. They make a great burger, I can't imagine it being any better. It was a very reasonable dining experience in a friendly setting.
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Review from Jesse G.
Bridgewater, NJ
5/14/2008
A great pub. One of my absolute favorite places to grab a meal & a drink. Again, a really great pub.
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Review from Cindy L.
Brooklyn, NY
7/13/2010
The very best buffalo wings this side of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo. This is the secret to POOR HERBIES. Hot Wings. I have eaten hot wings in MANY places- and I will tell you unequivocally that the HOT WINGS here - are the very best I've had. I know I can be single minded- but If I find a place that has 1 exceptionally awesome item - I will go there for that one thing. I have eaten other things here and they were just fine - If you HAVE TO bring a friend that doesn't eat wings - they won't starve. They even have a double veggie burger platter that is very good. But do not leave without having the wings. The only other item that is a MUST HAVE is their house salad - A large wedge of iceberg with some tomatoes - I ask for sliced onion too and it's sweet vidalia - The real treat is their TOP SECRET House Dressing - the salad is just a nice dressing holder. They call the dressing Blue Cheese - and it is not like any other blue cheese you've had. Its much thinner with a stronger flavor and they add large chunks of real crumbled blue cheese to the dressing and to your salad. The recipe is an old family secret so yummy that people have gone to great lengths to find out what's in it. The owner will not tell -she's been offered large sums of money -- no deal -- people go to work there to try to figure it out. I got a container of it to go with some wings and spent three months using my kitchen as a laboratory - there were gallons of ball jars with different recipes of blue cheese in my fridge. I was blindfolding the children and conducting taste tests -UNTIL I figured out the secret ingredients - I befriended her son and played the Rumpelstiltskin game - if I tell you what's in it.. will you tell me if I'm right? I promised the family I would never divulge the secret - so you have to go there and eat the wings.. and by the way You can not order the blue cheese dressing as a beverage --but they have a great bar and a good selection of beer.
