Driving on the Upper Black Eddy-Milford Bridge heading toward New Jersey, you get a sense of the history of the Milford area as you approach Bridge Street. The line of buildings, many well-preserved from decades past, can conjure a time when it was a covered bridge for much of the 1800s, or when the current bridge was constructed in 1933. Situated on the Hunterdon Plateau abutting the banks of the Delaware, Milford is the picture of a “river town,” but if you stop for a bit, behind the imagery is a place to delight Jersey foodies.

Milford really is more a small town than a borough, as it is designated. It’s a bit more than a square mile, and the population is around 1,200. Some stop to explore while biking along the towpaths along the river. Others park and stroll up and down Bridge Street, looking in the shops and grabbing something to eat.

Canal House’s influence on the food scene will be centered in Milford for the foreseeable future. Photo courtesy of Canal House Station Café and Restaurant

Most are unaware that current food history is being made in Milford since 2007. Before the Canal House Station Café and Restaurant opened in 2019, offering freshly prepared delicious fare, there was Canal House. It is not a stretch to say Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton have been at the forefront of the New American food movement. After helping pioneer Saveur magazine, they started Canal House — a culinary, photography and design studio, and publishing movement that focused on home cooking. Their work took on added prominence during the pandemic as home cooks looked for more inspiration and guidance, and Hirsheimer and Hamilton provided it with their award-winning bestsellers. The establishment has been twice nominated for James Beard Awards in its short tenure but will eventually morph into an event space as the celebrated team take their cooking for the public to the Frenchtown Inn in the near future, but Canal House’s influence on the food scene will still be centered in Milford.

Head east on Bridge Street from the bridge, and you will pass by numerous other places to eat to satisfy numerous cravings. Want some fresh authentic tacos? Try El Charro del Rio. For a no-frills, dependable breakfast with friendly service and a side order of local folks, there is Ma-De-Chat Shop just off of Bridge near the river. For really good pizza, go to Pipolo’s; for even more types of pizza you couldn’t decide on the first time, go back to Pipolo’s. There is Goldberg’s Bridge Street Bagels and Deli, and the Citgo just across the street, arguably the most attractive gas station around, houses a convenience store that makes unexpectedly good breakfast sandwiches.

Descendants Brewing boasts one of the most extensive whisky collections in the state. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Bridge Street has still more to offer. Descendants Brewing at the Old Ship Inn combines a new microbrewery with the state’s first brewpub. This historic eating establishment, the Ship’s Inn, in what was once a Victorian house, was purchased by Joe and Ana David. They have restored and revitalized the space; started making their own beer while featuring other well-known craft brews; and expanded a menu that still includes some nods to the previous incarnation. The bar also boasts one of the most extensive whisky collections in the state.

The Potager at 17 Bridge is not open year-round, but when they are, you are in for a treat. Owners John and Kristin Schwarz have created a beautiful ambiance within this wonderfully maintained historic building that combines a garden café with a kitchen and home gift shop and florist.

Speaking of treats: If you can’t satisfy your sweet tooth at Chocolate in the Oven, there may not be much chance anywhere can. This bright, friendly storefront is a bakery and confectioner and hits all the major categories — custom cakes, breakfast items, Italian specialties, a rainbow of macarons, chocolate baked goods, good chocolate candy creations … and ice cream, too.

There is more of Bridge Street you can explore, but there is more to Milford than Bridge Street. Minutes away, you can find Jimmy’s Ice Cream. A throwback ice cream and food stand, it is a Hunterdon County destination. Phillips Farms is a five-generation, family-owned farm. Its produce can be purchased at some of the most prominent farmers markets in New Jersey and New York, but you can visit the farm stand or, in-season, pick your own fruits at the peak of their respective seasons.

Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse offers popular bread baking or cheesemaking classes. Photo courtesy of Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse

Finally, more of a Milford destination than a stop on the way out of town is Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse. This family-owned, regenerative farm was founded by Jonathan and Nina White 20 years ago. Today, sitting on 185 acres of preserved land, Bobolink raises grass-fed livestock and sells heritage grain breads from its wood-fired oven, as well as pasture-raised meats and some of the best artisanal cheeses in the Garden State. But wait! There is much more. There are farm tours and a calendar of events. If you aren’t satisfied simply buying your bread and grass-fed milk cheeses, you can try to find a slot in one of its popular bread baking or cheesemaking classes.

It is obvious that you likely won’t leave Milford hungry if you set out to explore the community’s food scene. What is less obvious driving through is just how much is packed into the borders of this river town and that, at just about every turn, you will be supporting a small, family business, too.

Hank Zona writes regularly about wine, spirits and a range of other topics such as food and culture. He also has been running wine and spirits events of all sorts for over a decade.  

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