Fresh Cherry Tomato Crostini with feta, sunflower seeds, and balsamic glaze

Blue Heron Tavern

We provide farm-to-table cuisine and create a rotating menu of fresh, in-season dishes.

Weekly hours:

Thursday – Saturday 5 to 10pm
Sunday 4 to 7pm

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Meet Our Chef

A regionally renowned culinary professional, Ken Salmon is an award-winning chef with nearly 25 years of experience. Schooled by the celebrated Culinary Institute of America in New York in the early ‘90s, Ken has since gained a wealth of cooking experience. After his graduation, he served as sous chef at a number upscale restaurants in both New York City and New Orleans, where he developed a flair for pairing unexpected flavors in exciting — and delicious — new ways.

Originally from Sparta, NJ, Ken returned to his New Jersey roots in 2010 served as the executive chef of a local restaurant for several years before opening his own restaurant, Upstream Grille. A three-star establishment (as rated by The Star-Ledger), the Lake Hopatcong American-fusion eatery was named one of the top 20 restaurants in the state by New Jersey Monthly.

Mustard pistachio lamb lollipops with truffle whipped potato, pomegranate glaze
Prosciutto Cantaloupe, Pomegranate Glaze, Micro-Greens

Amazingly creative cuisine

With a cozy, yet upscale lake house vibe, the Blue Heron Tavern offers guests the chance to enjoy a spectacular meal and delicious drinks while taking in the wide, sweeping views of Swartswood Lake. The newly revamped dining room and bar feature gorgeous dark woods and plush, comfortable booths, where an attentive waitstaff is prepared to cater to your every whim. Our talented executive chef, well-known local gourmand Ken Salmon, prepares delicious farm-to-table cuisine and offers up a rotating menu of fresh, in-season dishes.

Current Menu

Please note, due to changing market costs, prices seen on current menus are only valid for the week that they were issued.

Updated March 16, 2023

Easter Sunday - Reserve a table online

Local Farm-to-Table

Our talented executive chef, well-known local gourmand Ken Salmon, prepares delicious farm-to-table cuisine and offers up a rotating menu of fresh, in-season dishes.

Local Farm Heirloom Tomato, House Made Mozzarella, Balsamic Glaze, Basil Oil

Great atmosphere. Excellent staff & a delicious dinner.

Great atmosphere. Excellent staff & a delicious dinner. Thank you for a wonderful experience & enjoyable evening.

Francine S.

Food, staff, rooms, and setting is fabulous love love love it

Food, staff, rooms, and setting is fabulous love love love it!

Eleanor F.

Delicious meal, lovely setting - perfect!

Delicious meal, lovely setting - perfect!

Mary Eileen S.

Had a fantastic dinner

Had a fantastic dinner there Saturday night with a beautiful overnight stay! Couldn’t have asked for a better mini vacation. All the staff are so friendly and exceptional at their jobs. Food never disappoints. Osso buco was delicious! Everyone in our group was super happy! Thank you to all at the north shore house for your warm and friendly hospitality!!

Susan C.

A hidden gem

A hidden gem in a beautiful setting, great staff, fabulous food.

Donna D.

Just had an absolutely wonderful dinner with friends!

Just had an absolutely wonderful dinner with friends!

Linda M.

The best most beautiful vegetarian plate

We were there for Father’s Day. Brought my vegetarian daughter. You made the best most beautiful vegetarian plate for her she’s ever had! Thank you!

Kim K.

Nicely done!

Thank you, Van Der Hagens and staff, for the awesome meal and a wonderful experience. Each and every staff that dealt with our table was very attentive. Every bite of the food was scrumptious. Keep up the great job. Nicely done!

Beth Z.

Always wonderful here

Always wonderful here- great food, great atmosphere!

Rita

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