The Windlass (Waterfront - Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey)

Over the weekend, I went out to dinner with my family at The Windlass in Lake Hopatcong to celebrate my birthday, and everything was spectacular. The food, views, ambiance, everything was just fantastic!

To start the night off, I ordered a 'Windlass Sunset,' with bourbon, strawberry liquor, bitters, lemons, and goslings ginger beer. The drink had my two favorite combinations: sweet and strong. It had lots of both, which was a win for me. The 'Windlass Sunset' was so good that I ended up having a second one as well.

The Windlass Sunset looks like a dream

My family and I started with the 'Sweet + Spicy Corn & Crab Dip' as an appetizer, and it was delicious. The dip came with fried saltines, and it was a balanced combination of sweet, spicy, creamy, crabby, and tons of corn. I have not had fried saltines before, so I did not know what to expect. They are still salty but are very golden and crispy.

Sweet, spicy, & creamy...what else could you ask for?!

For my main meal, I had the 'Orecchiette & Sausage,' which came with orecchiette, Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, and roasted red peppers with shaved parmesan in a garlic white wine sauce. The dish itself was super tasty, and I devoured every bite of it! You can not go wrong with a good pasta dish, and this did not disappoint!

Nothing more heavenly than a good pasta dish

As a surprise, I had a 'Molten Lava Brownie Cake,' for dessert since it was my birthday and my family and the waiter sang for me, which was really special and felt nice. I do not think I need to explain how the brownie tasted because we all know what to expect. It was warm, gooey, chocolatey, and mouthwatering, and it came with vanilla ice cream and caramel that hit the spot.

My mouth's salivating just looking at this dessert

Before coming, make sure to check out their menu to see what all the goodness The Windlass has to offer. They have some events held at the restaurant, and more information is on their website. Also, on the website, you can find how to inquire for private parties, purchase gift cards, sign up for their rewards program, book reservations, and order takeout for pickup only. Something to also keep in mind is that there are performers who come and sing weekly on Wednesday's, so check it out and see which bands and musicians are performing that you may like to see. Good food, good views, good atmosphere, good service, good everything at The Windlass, so what are you waiting for?! Go try it today!

Rate: 9/10