- Attraction: The Windlass
- Location: 45 Nolans Point Park Rd, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://thewindlass.com/
Picture this:
You’re settling into your seat at an antique-style boat bar while the sun begins its slow descent over New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake.
The Windlass has occupied this prime waterfront real estate at Nolan’s Point since the 1800s, evolving from an entertainment pavilion and amusement park into one of Lake Hopatcong’s most beloved dining destinations.
After a major renovation in 2015, this year-round restaurant seamlessly blends its rich history with contemporary style, offering diners spectacular lake views alongside a menu that celebrates both Italian traditions and American favorites.
Whether you arrive by car or boat, you’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that perfectly captures lakeside living.
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Menu Highlights
The Wood-Fired Pizzas: You absolutely must try the pizzas coming out of the wood-burning oven. The four-cheese white pizza stands out as a crowd favorite, featuring generous dollops of creamy ricotta paired with broccoli, all atop a perfectly crispy crust.
The Margherita and specialty pies showcase that ideal balance between charred edges and pillowy centers that only a traditional pizza oven can achieve.
French Onion Soup: This classic starter delivers everything you want from the dish. You’ll discover rich, caramelized onions swimming in hearty beef stock, crowned with toasted Italian bread and a blanket of melted Swiss, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses. The frizzled onion garnish adds a delightful textural contrast.
Bang Bang Shrimp: Looking for something with a kick? This appetizer brings the heat with crispy breaded shrimp tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce that keeps you reaching for more. It’s become a popular choice for those who want to start their meal with bold flavors.
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Discover MoreSeafood Selections: The restaurant takes its lakeside location seriously with fresh seafood preparations. The lobster bisque offers a creamy, luxurious beginning to any meal, rich with chunks of lobster meat.
The Seafood Cobb Salad combines quality ingredients in generous portions, while dishes like sole meunière demonstrate the kitchen’s skill with classic preparations.
The Windlass Burger: When you’re craving something comforting and familiar, this signature burger hits the spot. It’s substantial without being overwhelming, served with all the fixings you’d expect from a well-executed American classic.
Chicken Saltimbocca: This Italian favorite showcases tender chicken paired with prosciutto and sage, finished in a delicate wine sauce. The preparation demonstrates the kitchen’s commitment to authentic Italian techniques while keeping flavors approachable and satisfying.
Prime Rib Special: Keep an eye out for this daily special when it’s available. You’ll be served a generous, expertly cooked cut of meat that rivals high-end steakhouses, all while enjoying those spectacular lake views.
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Keep Exploring →Eggplant Caprese Sandwich: Vegetarian options shine here too. This sandwich layers roasted eggplant with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, creating a satisfying meat-free option that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Trio Sampler: Can’t decide on just one appetizer? This platter brings together homemade mozzarella sticks, crispy chicken fingers, and fresh calamari with light breading. It’s perfect for sharing while you watch boats glide across the lake.
Pasta Dishes: The linguine preparations and rigatoni options provide classic Italian comfort. While some dishes lean toward the spicier side, you’ll find familiar flavors executed with quality ingredients and generous portions.
Atmosphere & Décor
The Antique Boat Bar: The centerpiece of the dining room is a stunning Chris Craft-style bar that immediately transports you to the golden age of lake living.
This nautical-themed focal point sets the tone for the entire space, celebrating the venue’s deep connection to Lake Hopatcong’s boating culture.
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Discover MoreIndoor Dining Experience: The airy, bright interior features contemporary updates while honoring the building’s history through thoughtful decor. You’ll notice memorabilia from every era of Nolan’s Point throughout the space.
The semi-open kitchen allows glimpses of the culinary action, including that impressive wood-burning pizza oven. The lively atmosphere creates an energetic buzz during peak hours, so if you prefer quieter surroundings, consider requesting a table away from the bar area.
Outdoor Paradise: The seasonal outdoor pavilion and lakefront patio are where The Windlass truly shines. You’ll feel the gentle breeze coming off the water while taking in panoramic views of New Jersey’s largest lake.
The dockside gliders offer a particularly charming spot for cocktails, letting you swing gently while watching the sunset paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. During summer months, these coveted outdoor seats fill quickly.
The Views: Whether inside gazing through expansive windows or outside on the patio, those lake vistas remain the restaurant’s most impressive feature. You’ll watch sailboats drift by, see kayakers paddle past, and witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets in New Jersey.
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Keep Exploring →Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: The Windlass sits in the moderate-to-upscale range for the area. Pizzas run around $18-20, entrees typically fall in the $19-30 range, and appetizers average $8-12.
While it’s definitely pricier than casual dining, the waterfront location, generous portions, and quality ingredients create good value. When you factor in those spectacular views and the historic setting, you’re paying for an experience beyond just the meal.
Reservations Essential: Use the Resy app to secure your spot, especially for weekend dinners and outdoor seating during summer months. Walk-ins might face waits of 45 minutes or longer during peak season, though the bar area offers a comfortable place to enjoy a drink while you wait.
Arrival Options: One unique perk is that you can dock your boat right at the restaurant, making it a popular stop for those exploring the lake by water. If you’re driving, you’ll find convenient parking on-site, eliminating the stress of hunting for street parking.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday lunches and early dinners tend to be less crowded. Summer weekends pack the patio, but there’s good reason for those crowds. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall offer pleasant weather with smaller crowds.
The restaurant operates year-round except Wednesdays, plus select holidays like New Year’s Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and the Tuesday and Friday around Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
Family-Friendly: You’ll find a children’s menu available, making this a solid choice for family gatherings and celebrations. The casual-yet-elevated atmosphere means you can dress up for a special occasion or keep it relaxed in summer attire.
Special Events: Music Under the Stars evenings bring live entertainment to the waterfront setting. These events create a festive atmosphere perfect for date nights or celebrations.
The venue also hosts private events with dedicated event coordinators to help plan everything from rehearsal dinners to bridal showers and graduation parties.
Dietary Accommodations: Gluten-free pasta and buns are available, with many menu items easily modified. The menu clearly labels options, though cross-contamination may be a concern for those with severe sensitivities. Vegetarian selections exist, though choices are somewhat limited compared to the overall menu.
Dress Code: The atmosphere welcomes both dressy and casual attire. You’ll see everything from sundresses and button-downs to shorts and polo shirts, especially during summer months. Feel comfortable dressing to your preference.
Historic Context: The site’s history runs deep. Starting as Allen’s Pavilion in 1887, the location has served Lake Hopatcong visitors for well over a century. It operated as an amusement park from 1928-1935, then transformed into a dance hall and roller skating rink before becoming Crater’s Tavern.
In 1963, the Spinelli family purchased the property and opened it as The Windlass, transforming it into a full-scale Italian restaurant that served the community for 51 years before new ownership took over in 2014.
The Windlass
📍 45 Nolans Point Park Rd, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
