The Boat House, Lambertville, NJ

Aside from Platform 9¾ in Harry Potter, I didn’t know fractional addresses actually existed, at least still today.

Hello to The Boat House located at 8½ Coryell Street in Lambertville! The cutest little address for the cutest little bar I ever did see.

While heading to meet our friends, Amy and Kyle, for dinner in New Hope, Amy texted asking if we were already around. Because, who just shows up to New Hope for dinner without plans to walk around? Apparently, my ideal self doesn’t, but my tardy self does, because we ended up getting into Lambertville* with only about forty minutes to spare.

*Tip: We always park in Lambertville even if we’re planning to be in New Hope because parking is so much saner in Lambertville*. Just a quick walk across the bridge, and you’re in New Hope.

*And, we love Lambertville, too!

While we were still en route, Amy and Kyle had discovered The Boat House, hidden down a side street in Lambertville so that only those who stumble upon it or already know of its whereabouts might enter*. Fortunate friends that we are, they shared it with us, promising the proprietor that they would return after dinner with friends.

*Amy is the latter. She’s a wealth of knowledge when it comes to rare finds.

I can’t put The Boat House into a simple description, because it certainly isn’t deserving of such. In one sense, it makes me think of my grandfather who had a permanent scent of cigarettes and aftershave about him, and in another it gives me all the cozy feels of childhood. Thoughts of treehouses and curling up in a cozy corner with a book come to mind in this place.

The walls are a museum of boat relics and artistic renderings of boat related scenes. You are greeted upon entering by the bar and its friendly bartender and hostess, then find a spread of tables, cozy chairs, and drinks being served on antique serving trays.

We headed for the second floor where the walls continue to draw the eye and the steps leading up display the names of famous navy admirals.

Though it was a Saturday night, the place wasn’t too packed and we were able to comfortably sip our drinks and enjoy the end of the evening. We were fortunate for this, because after having spent about forty minutes oooooing and ahhhing our surroundings, mother nature decided to also chime in. There was something about being surrounded by mementos of the boat world while hearing a raging storm outside which made me feel like I was a shipmate hanging in my quarters with friends, hoping I wouldn’t be called upon deck to help batten down the hatches.

If you’re a lover of:

a) bars with a theme

b) nautical décor

c) grabbing before or after dinner drinks

d) off the beaten path spots  

e) all of the above

…you must make a visit to The Boat House. It will not disappoint.

The Boat House 8 1/2 Coryell St, Lambertville, NJ 08530