- Attraction: Krug’s Tavern
- Location: 118 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105
- Industry: Bar & Restaurant
- Website: https://krugstavernnj.com
Four generations have passed since Frank and Laura Krug first opened their tavern doors in March 1932.
What began as a neighborhood watering hole in Newark’s historic Ironbound district has evolved into a destination for burger enthusiasts from across New Jersey and beyond.
The bar is now managed by the LaMotta family—yes, those LaMottas, relatives of legendary middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta from the film Raging Bull.
But while the family connection adds character, it’s the colossal 12-ounce burgers grilled just steps from the bar that have earned Krug’s its reputation.
Voted Best Burger in New Jersey by The Star Ledger in 2015 and ranked as one of the top sports bars in the nation, this unassuming dive bar has become a local treasure that draws everyone from blue-collar workers to dedicated foodies.
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Keep Exploring →The Legendary Burgers
The Size: You’ll immediately understand why people call these burgers mondo-sized. At 12 ounces—three-quarters of a pound of fresh ground beef—these patties dwarf the typical quarter-pounder.
The burger arrives on a large sesame seed bun that barely contains the juicy meat inside, and you’ll likely need both hands throughout the entire meal.
Cooked to Perfection: What sets these burgers apart isn’t just size but quality. The beef is never packed too tightly, allowing for that perfect tender bite while maintaining incredible juiciness.
Order yours medium-rare and watch it arrive exactly as requested, with grilled onions adding a sweet, caramelized depth. The meat quality shines through—you can taste that they’re using premium beef with excellent fat content.
The Taylor Ham Option: For an authentic New Jersey experience, top your burger with Taylor ham (and yes, locals will correct you if you dare call it pork roll in Newark). Three tangy, spicy slices of this regional delicacy complement the beef without overwhelming it.
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Discover MoreBacon is another fantastic option, adding smoky crispness to every bite. The cheese gets melted on both halves of the bun, creating gooey goodness throughout.
Those Pickles: Your burger comes with complimentary giant kosher dill pickles, sliced for sharing, plus pickled hot peppers. These aren’t your standard pickle chips—they’re thick, crunchy, and intensely flavorful, evoking nostalgia for old-school burger joints that did things right.
The Fries: Steak fries arrive golden and crispy, fried in fresh oil that lets the potato flavor shine. Portions are generous enough to share, though you might not want to. For something extra indulgent, try the cheese fries loaded with multiple cheese varieties.
Seafood Specialties
The Fried Shrimp: Don’t sleep on what made Krug’s famous before the burger craze. Large breaded shrimp arrive fried to golden perfection on an oval porcelain plate.
The real star is the homemade marinara sauce, available in mild, medium, and hot. If you appreciate spicy food, the hot marinara delivers a kick that your taste buds will remember—it’s got serious heat but balanced flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
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Keep Exploring →The Calamari: Tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside—these squid rings showcase expert frying technique. Dip them in that signature hot marinara, and you’ll taste why this dish has been a staple for decades. The sauce works beautifully with the bread they bring before your meal too.
Buffalo Shrimp: A modern twist on the classic preparation, these shrimp get tossed in buffalo sauce with just the right amount of spice. Cooked to perfection with crispy breading, they’re addictive.
Other Menu Highlights
The Wings: Crispy buffalo wings come with tangy, spicy sauce that hits the spot. Some folks also enjoy the scampi wings, especially when mixed with Krug’s special house-made sauce that adds extra kick to the garlic scampi.
The Cheesesteak: Sizzling ribeye steak cooked just right, topped with peppers, onions, and melted cheese on a long Italian roll. It’s a substantial sandwich that rivals the burgers in portion size.
Onion Rings: Battered and fried to crispy perfection, these rings make an excellent alternative or addition to the fries. The batter stays crunchy without being greasy.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Décor
Classic Dive Bar Vibes: When you walk through that storm door, you’re stepping into an authentic old-school Newark tavern. Wood-paneled walls, vintage beer signs, and well-worn bar stools create an unpretentious, welcoming environment.
A long mahogany bar with patched red vinyl stools runs through the main room, while high-top tables accommodate additional guests.
The Layout: The grill sits right by the bar, small but mighty, churning out those famous burgers where you can watch them being cooked.
Behind the jukebox and pool table, you’ll find a back dining room that works for larger groups and families. It’s a tight space that gets crowded during peak hours, but that adds to the lively, energetic atmosphere.
The Crowd: Expect a wonderful mix of Newark locals, after-work professionals, tradespeople, and food enthusiasts who’ve heard about the legendary burgers. The regular crowd creates a neighborhood feel—this is the kind of place where friends meet and stories get shared over pints.
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Keep Exploring →Music and Energy: The jukebox pumps out classic rock—you might catch some Humble Pie or other vintage favorites. The bar stays lively and packed, especially during lunch rushes and evenings, creating a buzzy atmosphere without being overwhelming.
Other Considerations
Pricing: Krug’s offers exceptional value for the quality and quantity you receive. The burgers are reasonably priced considering their size—you’re looking at very affordable pricing that won’t break the bank.
Everything from appetizers to sandwiches falls into the inexpensive to moderate range, making this accessible for regular visits. When you consider that one burger could easily satisfy two people, the value becomes even more apparent.
Wait Times: Here’s the thing about that small grill—it can only handle four to six burgers at once. During busy periods, especially lunch and dinner rushes on weekends, you might wait 45 minutes or longer for your food.
The wait is worth it, but plan accordingly if you’re in a hurry. Visiting during off-peak hours gives you a better chance at faster service.
Parking: There’s a parking lot behind the building, which is a major plus for this urban location. Look for the side street entrance to access the rear lot. Street parking is also available but can be challenging to find, especially during peak dining times.
Payment: Come prepared with cash or be ready for a credit card service fee. Having cash on hand for your meal and tip makes the transaction smoother.
Family Friendly: Despite being a bar, families are welcome in the dining room area. Just note that kids can’t sit at the bar itself. The casual atmosphere and substantial portions make it suitable for all ages.
Best Times to Visit: Lunch can get absolutely packed with the local working crowd. If you want to avoid longer waits, try visiting mid-afternoon or early evening on weekdays. The dining room fills up quickly on weekend evenings, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Perfect for Game Days: Located conveniently near the Prudential Center and Red Bull Arena, Krug’s makes an ideal stop before or after hockey games, concerts, or soccer matches. The sports bar atmosphere means there’s always a game on TV.
Portion Sizes: Everything here is generous. The burgers are genuinely large enough to share, and the appetizers come in substantial portions. Come hungry, or plan to take leftovers home.
Krug’s Tavern
📍 118 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105
