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Up The Creek Tavern: Discover Keyport's Hidden Gem

Up The Creek Tavern, located at 350 W Front St in Keyport, NJ, is a gem that blends American comfort food with stunning views of the Matawan Creek. This local hotspot garners diverse reviews—some cherish its friendly service and reasonable drink prices, especially the $2.50 draft beers, while others have had mixed experiences with food quality. The tavern features a second-story outdoor deck, perfect for enjoying a meal with leashed pets. With its lively atmosphere, pool tables, and potential for a vibrant outdoor scene, Up The Creek Tavern invites guests to unwind and enjoy all it has to offer.

Up The Creek Tavern at a glance

  • Address 350 W Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735, United States
  • Phone +1 732-497-0821
  • Restaurant type Bar & grill , Restaurant .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Up The Creek Tavern: Reviews & Ratings

Richard Bangs
4

Fun time. First time there. Service was good. Nice drinks. Linda was friendly. Taking away one star because the outside area while nice reeked of dirt bags smoking skunk weed

Brenda Mersinger
3

Where do I start? The fries were cold & some areas weren’t even cooked, the taco salad had hair in it, the sliders were well done with minimal cheese on it & the 1 roll was stale. My husband had the flounder sandwich & it was warm on 1 side & cold on the other side. My daughter did like the pulled pork slider. I was so disappointed.

Monmouth Dog NJ
5

KEYPORT: Up The Creek Tavern is a great local spot with gorgeous views of the Matawan Creek and marina. Leashed and friendly dogs are allowed on their second story outdoor deck and there is a staircase to the left of the building to go up. Depending on the season, there could be wait service or you have to go inside to order. The food menu is American-style comfort food and a full bar of drink options.

Brenda
4

Been here a few times to try and play pool. The one time I did play ( it takes $1 dollar bill to play ) had a really good time. I met some pretty cool ppl to beat up on lol jk. Heard the food got a lot better due to the new chef. I on the other hand did not have a good experience. They got my only item ( fries ) wrong. Too much to text but needless to say I haven't ordered again, I'm not saying I wont give them another try cause they really spoke highly of the new chef. Price of draft beer is freaking great! Yingling is only $2.50!!! The cheapest I have ever paid lol. Not sure about the drinks but they look pretty stiff lol. I'm sure its worth the money. It's a hit and miss type of place. You make the best of it that's what I do. Oh and they have a patio in the back of the bar it's open summer time.

Dennis Isenburg
5

We originally pulled up to the bar across the street to play pool but it was packed. I took a chance and was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed this place. The pool table takes $1 bills, the bar tender was EXCELLENT, the drinks were reasonably priced, the bar pie was good and the outdoor deck has a ton of potential- it overlooks the marina. I lived here for 30 + years / never knew about this place. Needless to say; I'll be back for sure

Dotty “Dotty”
5

love coming here! we sat outside overlooking the creek. the food is good, beer is cold. Nice crowd. pleasant staff

Helen Rotondo
5

Got to sit outside with a beautiful view. Though we were told they don’t serve outside, they did for us and we were so thankful The food was delicious we were there for approximately 2 1/2 hours hanging out~ they actually grill the burgers and fries were fresh cut potatoes so rare to find nowadays. Id definitely go back, it was a chill atmosphere (lunch on Sunday) I noticed they had a pool table inside, a decent bit of seating and bar. This location had plenty of parking, stone driveway as this was attached to a marina.

Location

  • Up The Creek Tavern
    Up The Creek Tavern
    350 W Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735, United States Hotline: +1 732-497-0821

Welcome to Up The Creek Tavern, a hidden gem nestled at 350 W Front St, Keyport, NJ. Offering stunning views of the Matawan Creek and marina, this local tavern combines a laid-back atmosphere with a dash of charm. Whether you’re looking to relax on their second-story outdoor deck (dog-friendly, of course!) or enjoy a game of pool, there's something for everyone here. Just a quick note for visitors: the deck can be a little tricky to access, so be prepared to navigate a staircase on the left side of the building!

The menu at Up The Creek Tavern features comforting American-style fare, which has drawn mixed reviews from patrons. While some rave about the value—like the $2.50 Yingling draft that feels like a steal—others have encountered a few hiccups with food quality. Of particular note is the new chef, who seems to be revitalizing the kitchen. Many regulars have noticed improvements in the food, with a few dishes like the pulled pork sliders earning positive mentions amidst the more critique-heavy feedback.

It's clear that the bar's ambiance plays a major role in its appeal. The friendly bartenders and vibrant atmosphere have contributed to a sense of community, with many guests meeting new friends over drinks and games. Reviews highlight a mix of great service and occasional lapses, but the overall vibe is one of camaraderie and fun. While some dishes may have missed the mark—think lukewarm sandwiches and less-than-ideal fries—there's a consistent theme of loyalty among return visitors eager to give the tavern another shot.

However, be mindful of the tavern's outdoor area; it can sometimes be affected by the smell of smoke, which can detract from the beautiful views. But don’t let that discourage you! Instead, embrace the charm of this local haunt. With its inviting atmosphere and evolving menu, Up The Creek Tavern is a place where the experience can truly vary. Whether you're in for a casual drink or a full meal, the tavern’s potential shines brightly next to the creek.

With a bit of patience and an open mind, you might just find the perfect spot to unwind in Keyport.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards