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Some restaurants are reserved for raising a glass to life’s most momentous occasions; others are cherished neighborhood spots known for delivering a casual and comfortable experience. Then there’s Cinder Bar, a refined yet approachable South Jersey destination that redefines both.
“This place has something for everybody,” says Scott Kronberger, a hospitality veteran who joined the Cinder Bar team in 2016. “Whether you’re marking a milestone, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to come out and enjoy a cocktail and a few appetizers in a beautiful and comfortable space, everyone seems to love the blend of rustic charm and culinary creativity we’re known for.”
Kronberger, director of beverage and front-of-house operations for Ciconte’s Restaurant Group, is among the many passionate people devoted to cultivating the guest experience at Cinder Bar’s two Gloucester County locations— Clarksboro and Williamstown—and their sister restaurants: Ciconte’s Pizzeria, Landmark Americana, and The Village Pub, which has locations in Sewell and Swedesboro, plus Ciconte’s Catering, which offers cuisine from all restaurants in the group.
Cinder Bar has earned high marks for its seasonal, chef-driven menu of small plates, wood-fired pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, and more. Signature dishes include the Ukrainian perogies, wood-fired asparagus, and short-rib poutine, as well as one of Kronberger’s favorite dishes: the candied bacon. Regardless of the menu selection, guests can expect cuisine of exceptional quality and creativity, utilizing locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Given the company’s roots in the pizza business, each Napolitano-style pizza features premium ingredients, including dough made with imported le 5 Stagioni “OO” flour that is cold-fermented for four days. Plum tomatoes imported from Sardinia, Italy, form the base of the sauce—gently seasoned with salt and basil—while the house-made mozzarella is prepared using the traditional pasta filata technique to ensure ideal texture and depth of flavor.
Cinder Bar has also earned high praise for its brunch, held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cinder Bar’s brunch includes a host of savory and sweet brunch favorites such as the shrimp and grits, French toast (bananas foster and cannoli varieties), and an assortment of Benedicts, plus house-made cocktails of the mimosa and Bloody Mary sort.
The menu of handcrafted cocktails also includes favorites such as the Toasted Old Fashioned and the Jersey Peach margarita, as well as an array of “zero-proof elixirs.” Cinder Bar also has an assortment of house wines, more than 40 beers on tap (including local brews), and a meticulously curated whiskey program. Whether someone is a connoisseur or merely “whiskey curious,” the lineup of more than 150 whiskey varieties from around the world offers something to satisfy every palate.
Cinder Bar provides multiple avenues for guests to try something new, often at discounted prices. A festive happy hour, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, includes generous specials on selects appetizers and drink specials. Likewise, Whiskey Wednesdays feature half-off specials on all whiskeys, while Jersey Thursdays offer $2 off all New Jersey draft beers.
With the return of kinder weather, patrons are once again enjoying the charms of dining al fresco at Cinder Bar. The Williamstown location has a spacious four-season room that includes “one of the most beautiful outside bars in the area,” Kronberger says, while the Clarksboro location has a lovely patio complete with a turfed area, where guests can dine, imbibe, and socialize in the open air.
“We always try to do things people haven’t seen before,” he adds. “Whatever kind of experience you’re looking for, you’re going to enjoy your time here. We truly have something for everybody.”
Cinder Bar
CinderBar.com
119 Berkley Road, Clarksboro
(856) 888-4808
410 Berlin Cross Keys Road, Williamstown
(856) 818-0800
