About John & Molly's Tavern – Eastampton's Historic Neighborhood Favorite

Eastampton's Historic Neighborhood Tavern – Serving Burlington County Since the Early Days

Nestled at the bustling crossroads of Woodlane Road and Route 537 in Eastampton, NJ, John & Molly's Tavern stands on a site that's been welcoming travelers and locals for over 200 years. Our building traces its roots back to around 1820, when local blacksmith Samuel Parker built the Turpentine Hotel—a stagecoach stop complete with its own distillery where farmers brought apples to be turned into whiskey. Located along the Jobstown Turnpike (now Monmouth Road), it served as a vital rest point for those heading to Fort Monmouth and northern destinations. Historical records even detail the tolls charged at the nearby booth: one cent for a carriage drawn by one horse, plus extras for additional beasts or livestock.

The Turpentine Hotel thrived through the mid-1800s before closing in the late 19th century. The building then became a farmhouse until 1937, when Ellis Emley purchased the property and revived its tavern legacy as Emley's Inn. Starting humbly with just six barstools and a handful of beers, Ellis and his wife Emily built a warm, welcoming spot that quickly became a gathering place for local farmers, residents, politicians, and passersby. The Emley family ran the inn for more than 50 years, cementing its place as a Burlington County landmark.

Today, the Haloulos family proudly carries on that tradition at John & Molly's Tavern. We've modernized the space while honoring its historic charm, transforming it into Eastampton's go-to bar & grill for hearty meals, cold drinks, and good company. Locals and visitors from Mount Holly, Eastampton Township, and across South Jersey know us for our generous portions that often require take-home boxes, award-winning jumbo wings (with sauces like garlic parm, hot honey, and classic buffalo), and housemade favorites like Disco Fries, Chicken Parm, sizzling fajitas, fresh daily soups, and more. Our menu features high-quality, comforting classics alongside a rotating selection of craft beers—including local NJ favorites and our own Eastampton Lager—plus daily happy hour specials from 3–6 pm Tuesday through Friday.

What keeps people coming back? The friendly service, the lively neighborhood atmosphere, and the unbeatable value in every oversized plate. Whether you're stopping in for weekday lunch specials, a casual dinner, a cold draft after work, or catering for your next event, John & Molly's delivers the kind of reliable, delicious experience that makes us a true Eastampton institution.

Come visit us at our historic spot:
John & Molly's Tavern
1291 Woodlane Rd, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060
(609) 702-1701

We're open Tuesday–Sunday for lunch and dinner—first-come, first-served (no reservations needed). See you soon at Eastampton's favorite tavern!