New Jersey is known for its Italian food, and you can find some of the state’s best in the big cities. However, going off the beaten path will reward diners with one of the Garden State’s best-hidden gems. Located in quiet Mays Landing, Merrill’s Colonial Inn is an old-school restaurant in New Jersey that has been serving up family-style Italian since 1959. If it feels like sitting down at Grandma’s house for a traditional meal, that’s because all the recipes here are the product of one woman – Dot Merrill, who opened Merrill’s back in 1959 and was a fixture in the kitchen for most of that time. Today, her kids carry on the family legacy, and the food is just as timeless as it was back on opening day! So come on in – there’s always room at the table.

The humble backroads restaurant known as Merrill's looks old-school - and it is, in every way.
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A quick look at the old-fashioned sign will show years of wear and tear, but that just adds character to this family-owned restaurant.
Merrill's Colonial Inn/Facebook
The Merrill family founded this restaurant in 1959, and it hasn't changed much since. It's still a classic red-sauce joint with a big family vibe.
Merrill's Colonial Inn/Facebook
Matriarch and founder Dot Merrill could be seen in the kitchen for most of those years. She's passed on now, but her recipes are still the backbone of Merrill's.
Merrill's Colonial Inn/Facebook

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A look into the kitchen will show big pots simmering away - similar to the way the kitchen looked at grandma's house, just on a bigger scale.
Merrill's Colonial Inn/Facebook
Sauced spaghetti, grilled steaks, and chicken parm are just a few of the Italian specialities you'll find on the menu every day.
Merrill's Colonial Inn/Facebook
It's not all Italian, though - Dot Merrill served her family's favorite meatloaf at the restaurant, and it's an in-demand special whenever it's offered.
Merrill's Colonial Inn/Facebook
One thing that definitely isn't old-school? The dessert menu! You never know what flavor of decadent cheesecake you'll find on the menu today.
Merrill's Colonial Inn/Facebook
If the house-made sangria is being offered, it's a perfect way to end the meal - light and fruity, with just the right kick.
Merrill's Colonial Inn/Facebook

Have you dined at Merrill’s Colonial Inn? Let us know about your visit to this old-school restaurant in New Jersey in the comments section! To learn more about the restaurant’s offerings and a little about its history, you can visit the official Facebook page. For another old-school New Jersey culinary adventure, try these classic hamburgers.

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Merrill's Colonial Inn, 1309 Rte 50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, USA