The Brown Room at Congress Hall earned the number two spot on USA TODAY 10Best’s list of hotel bars, chosen by experts and reader votes nationwide.
Stepping inside, the bar blends history and modern style. It sits in the same space as Congress Hall’s first legal cocktail bar after Prohibition, and the atmosphere reflects that legacy. Soft lighting and cozy seating invite guests to relax, while live music fills weekends with energy without overwhelming the space.
Cocktails steal the show. Guests order the West Wing, with mezcal, lime, pineapple, and pinot noir, or the Congressional Cosmo, made with vodka, orange liqueur, lime, and white cranberry. Alcohol-free options like the Zero Bramble, Higbee Spritz, and Cucumber Mint Mule give everyone a chance to enjoy a crafted drink.
The menu encourages sharing. Seafood towers, local East Coast oysters, and tuna crudo pair beautifully with drinks. Dishes like Bang Bang shrimp, Cape May crab dip, truffle fries, and farm meats and cheese round out the offerings. Each plate delivers fresh, bold flavors designed to complement the cocktails.
The Brown Room no longer requires reservations, making it easier to drop in, though busy nights create a lively crowd. Guests praise the attentive bartenders, balanced drinks, and the chance to soak in the energy and atmosphere.
The bar opens Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Saturday from noon to 1:00 a.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight, giving visitors plenty of chances to experience the setting and refined drinks.
With inventive cocktails, a thoughtful menu, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, the Brown Room ranks as one of New Jersey’s top hotel bars.
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The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.