Where to Eat After Golfing at Great Gorge: Discover Hef’s Hut at Vernon, NJ
Ask any regular at Great Gorge what happens after the 18th hole, and they’ll tell you the same thing – the day isn’t complete without a stop at Hef’s Hut at Vernon, NJ. While golf might be the reason people come to Vernon Township, this unexpected culinary gem is often why they linger long after turning in their carts. From 70s icon to Vernon’s go-to gathering spot First, the backstory that everyone whispers about: yes, this sits on the grounds of Hugh Hefner’s former Playboy Club. But today’s Hef’s Hut has traded the bunny ears for something with way more soul. The place manages to feel both upscale and completely unpretentious at the same time – a rare combo that’s harder to find than a hole-in-one. The space balances rustic elements with modern touches – exposed beams overhead, comfortable seating throughout, and a bar that manages to be both the heart of the room and a perfect perch for solo diners. Weekends bring a lively crowd, but somehow the acoustics allow for actual conversation – a thoughtful detail that seasoned diners appreciate. “Bar Food” That’s Anything But Basic For those seeking lighter fare, the salads defy the usual afterthought status. Hef’s version of the Wedge salad takes crisp iceberg lettuce and dials it way up with a bold beet ranch dressing that’s as colorful as it is flavorful. It’s topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, a snowfall of shaved Parmesan, crispy pancetta, and golden fried onions for that perfect salty crunch. It’s a salad with a serious attitude—equal parts fresh, rich, and totally addictive. The burgers deserve their reputation as the menu’s crowning achievement. Unlike the towering, impossible-to-eat creations that have become trendy elsewhere, these focus on quality and balance rather than Instagram aesthetics. The pineapple bacon burger has become particularly legendary – a perfect sweet-salty combination that somehow makes sense of golf’s frustrations and triumphs alike. Drinks and Desserts That Don’t Disappoint Despite intentions to resist, the dessert menu proves difficult to ignore. The brownie à la mode has ruined many a golfer’s dinner restraint, with its warm, fudgy center and rich vanilla ice cream. Our strawberry cheesecake tastes distinctly homemade rather than mass-produced – a small but significant detail that reflects the kitchen’s overall approach. More Than Just Post-Golf Grub While Hef’s Hut excels as a post-golf destination, it’s also become a sought-after venue for events. Wedding parties, corporate gatherings, and family celebrations fill the calendar year-round. The events team approaches each occasion with remarkable attention to detail – from last-minute floral adjustments to accommodate wedding colors to remembering returning clients’ preferences months later. In a region where dining options have historically been limited, Hef’s Hut represents something special: a restaurant that would succeed anywhere but happens to be perfectly positioned for hungry golfers. It’s transformed from a convenient stop into a destination worth visiting even when clubs are safely stowed at home. The next time Great Gorge beckons with its challenging fairways and stunning scenery, consider the full experience. The last hole isn’t really the end of the day’s pleasure – it’s just the transition to a different kind of satisfaction at Hef’s Hut, where good food, mountain views, and warm hospitality create the perfect final score.
The Hef’s Hut Menu Decoder: What to Try If You’re New Here
So, you’ve finally made it to Hef’s Hut—that spot your Instagram feed has been not-so-subtly suggesting for weeks. Maybe a foodie friend dragged you here, maybe you’re chasing those “best wings north of Route 23” rumors, or maybe the patio just looked too inviting to pass up. Whatever cosmic forces aligned to get you here, congratulations—now comes the hard part: figuring out what to order from Hef’s Hut menu. After countless Friday nights (and lazy Sunday brunches) spent at this local hotspot, we’ve compiled the ultimate cheat sheet to help you order like a regular on your very first visit. The Heavy Hitters When You Can’t Decide, Great Gorge Burger Always Delivers Burgers remain a beloved staple in American cuisine. A recent survey revealed that the average American consumes approximately 60 burgers annually, equating to about five burgers per month . This enduring popularity underscores the burger’s status as a comfort food and a go-to choice for many dining occasions. Sometimes you just want a damn good burger. Great Gorge burger delivers that primal satisfaction: a half-pound of Angus beef that’s seasoned properly (revolutionary concept, right?), topped with the classics on a brioche bun that somehow never gets soggy. Nothing flashy, just consistently excellent. 🍽️ Pair it with: Sweet potato fries and a cold Stella. Basic? Perhaps. Regrettable? Never. Shrimp Tacos: The Joyful Choice That Still Feels Kinda Healthy We’ve all been there—promising ourselves a salad but craving something more exciting. Enter the Shrimp Tacos: three little happiness vessels filled with perfectly seared shrimp, crunchy cabbage, and those pineapple bits that somehow make everything taste like vacation. That charred jalapeño avocado cream sauce, though? That’s the real MVP here. It’s good enough to make people consider asking for a side of it to put on literally everything else they eat. 🍽️ Best enjoyed with: Our Moscow Mule, which has this ginger kick that complements the tacos in ways that make food critics fumble for new adjectives. The Sleeper Hits Why Other Bar Snacks Just Don’t Hit the Same These should come with a warning label: “May cause you to silently judge all other appetizers for the rest of your life.” They are smoky bratwurst wrapped in bacon, which is already an unfair advantage, but then they’re dunked in a BBQ sauce that walks that perfect line between sweet and tangy. The horseradish cream on the side cuts through everything with a zingy punch. Friendships have temporarily fractured over who gets the last one. Consider yourself warned. 💡 Pro Tip: Order these with a Guinness. The hoppy bitterness plays off the richness in ways that might make even the stoic types misty-eyed. Lumpia: Crispy, Golden, Impossible to Share Sure, this place is known for bold flavors and hearty plates—but seriously, the lumpia is where it’s at. These Filipino spring rolls vanish from our table EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. My brother-in-law actually tried to hoard the last one and nearly lost a finger! They’re stuffed with this amazing mix of seasoned pork and beef, plus some carrots, celery, and onions that somehow make the meat even better. Plus, they’re rolled up super tight, fried until they’re perfectly crunchy (never greasy!), and served with this sweet chili sauce that I’d honestly put on everything if they’d let me. 🍽️ Level up: Order one plate for the table… then order another for yourself. You’ll thank us later. The Sweet Finale No matter how full you are, the Brownie à la Mode deserves attention. It arrives still warm from the oven with that perfect contrast between fudgy inside and slightly crisp edge. The vanilla ice cream starts melting immediately, creating this hot-cold situation that’s basically a dopamine trigger in dessert form. If you’re more of a fruit person, the Strawberry Cheesecake with house-made compote is surprisingly not-too-sweet and has this perfect density that makes each bite feel like an event. The Bottom Line Whether you’re here for a casual Wednesday dinner or a weekend celebration, Hef’s Hut delivers that rare combination of food that impresses but doesn’t intimidate. It’s the culinary equivalent of that friend who’s somehow both cool and approachable—elevated comfort food that doesn’t take itself too seriously. And the best part? You’ll leave already mentally composing your order for next time. Because trust us, there will be a next time. 📍 *Find Hef’s Hut at 414 County Road 517, Vernon Township, NJ