Vol. 4 No. 12, December 2007
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Comfort Food
Fred & Ethel's Lantern Light Tavern, Rt. 9, Smithville • 609-652-0544
It is comforting to escape the elements with a hearty meal and hot drink on a cold winter day. Tony Coppola Jr. and his family have created a warm, inviting pub and dining room at Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern.
Located in the heart of historic Smithville, Fred & Ethel’s and neighboring Smithville Inn were closed when the Coppolas and their partners purchased both locations in 1997. They reopened following six months of extensive renovations. Like the shopping area, the restaurant has enjoyed a resurgence in customer traffic.
Fred & Ethel’s two rooms have distinct personalities. Dark wood paneling and flooring, a jukebox, countertop video games, a fireplace and televisions enhance the comfort of the 40-seat front pub.
Seating 130, the main dining room has a softer ambiance. Originally the outer patio, it still has brick flooring and walls. Bright light shines through several windows and skylights. Foliage hangs from the ceiling, complementing the color of the wooden booths and tables.
A private banquet room accommodates 80, and has its own restroom facilities. Coppola says repeat customers book many of their parties.
Coppola serves hearty food on both the lunch and dinner menus. During the warmer weather, the new 40-seat outside patio allows the public to view the above average-sized servings.
“We have a large local clientele, but Smithville is also a tourist spot,” Coppola says. “We want to attract customers while shopping. Our steaks are hand-cut and our meats are roasted on site.”
The lunch menu is priced from $6.99 to $15.99 for appetizers. Soups and salads range from $3.99 to $9.99. Sandwiches and burgers cost $6.50 to $9.99—all are available throughout the day. Seafood, meat, poultry and pasta dinner entrees include soup/salad and two sides, priced from $13.99 to $23.99.
Daily specials include four hot items. Coppola claims they are renowned for homemade soups and chili. “Most of our specials are hand-made, and show great care in preparation,” he says.
Fred & Ethel’s offers several ongoing promotions. Weeknight specials include Mexican, prime rib, chicken wings, two-for-one appetizers and combination meals. Live music appears in the tavern on weekends. Happy Hour includes free hot munchies and reduced bar drinks Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Casino employees receive a 10 percent discount with identification. The Supper Club frequent diner program offers a 10 percent discount at both Fred & Ethel’s and the Smithville Inn. Members also receive special promotions during the off-season.
For the holidays, Fred & Ethel’s will conduct its annual “Breakfast with Santa” events on Saturday, December 8 and 15. Reservations are a must for the $9.95 buffet that begins at 9:30 a.m. The event includes breakfast and a photo opportunity with Santa.
Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern is open daily. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and later on the weekends. Reservations and major credit cards are accepted. Takeout is available. There is free parking on Smithville parking lots.
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