The Cranford Hotel: Charm, History, AND Good Times! 

            It’s an absolute keystone of the Cranford community.  Located, quite literally, at the crossroads of the shopping district at 1 South Union Avenue, the building has retained it’s Victorian grandeur and charm.  Walking past The Cranford Hotel gives one the feeling that they have stepped back in time, and one almost expects to hear the clopping of hooves as horse and carriages pass by. 

            The Cranford Hotel was built by the Hess family in 1893, who chose the location nearly adjacent to the train tracks to insure it becoming a popular stop for businessmen returning home from a long day of work.  It then changed hands in 1946, when the DiTullio family took over, and maintained it as an operating hotel until the 1970’s. While the hotel itself is no longer operated, the restaurant and pub continue to be a local favorite meeting place. 

            Upstairs is a charming restaurant, with a view of bustling downtown Cranford.  Downstairs is the charming pub area, with a bar and table seating, complete with a working fireplace.  The food is great, and the atmosphere is even greater.  If you’re meeting friends for food and drinks, it is the perfect spot!  It’s family friendly, as well.  Order some appetizers and some drinks and enjoy casual conversation, or order a delicious stacked burger, or splurge and go for the steak or tilapia.  It’s a full menu! And being directly next to the municipal parking garage, who could ask for more convenient parking?  The accommodating staff are happy to help arrange private parties, as well.  Check them out at http://www.cranfordhotel.com/

            If you’re tired and hungry after a long day of downtown shopping, stop in!  It’s at the heart of everything, and it is a town gem!  (By the way . . . if you’re looking for the perfect thank you gifts for the kids’ soccer, basketball, or football coach . . . . GIFT CERTIFICATE!  Boo-ya!)