The National Hotel

The drinks are epic, the food is divine, and the vibe is spot-on at The National. The employees, especially Linda, are legendary for their friendly, professional service. The owner is one of the coolest people you could hope to meet, and she’s attentive and very professional too. Finding yourself in magical Frenchtown and getting to experience this place feels like a bit of luck, as if the stars have aligned.

I’ve had several meals and cocktails at the bar at The National Hotel in Frenchtown, NJ. The Asian-leaning food menu is tasty, though I wish the coconut-curry entree came with more tofu. Usually there are only a couple of small pieces. The craft cocktails are excellent, especially the Pecan Old-Fashioned and the "Full Monte," and the bartenders are friendly and attentive. They also have a good whiskey selection, including some excellent Japanese and Scottish bottles. My favorite live music is the jazz ensemble when they play Brazilian bossa nova.

We were glad to find the room quiet even with a lively bar and band downstairs. My wife and I were in Frenchtown for a night out and an overnight stay, and we love the river towns. The place is modernized while still keeping its historic charm. We arrived already fed, so skipped the hopping bar. The split unit seemed to have a heating problem, but when we returned, the hotel manager had put in a space heater. It warmed the room up quickly, like an easy bake oven. That’s what good service looks like to me.

The live music in the bar made for such a great night, and the food was just as impressive. The rooms were clean and cozy too. The owner is incredibly warm and makes sure customers are happy. Absolutely the best place, would highly recommend it.