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Hello from Jim
A note from Jim Heigis Darco, owner and son of the original proprietors
I moved here when I was 12-years-old with my family from Rutherford, New Jersey. My grandparents were local farmers, my father, Adam, tended bar, and my mother, Louise, was a great cook — still remembered for her spaghetti and meatballs and homemade fruit pies.
I took over for my parents after I graduated from hotel and restaurant school at the age of 23. The Inn has always been a work in progress and with the help of my wife and two daughters we will continue to do our very best to accommodate all of you.
I look forward to seeing you here and sharing the beauty of spring, the summer peach pie, the crisp fall leaves, or building you a warm toasty fire to sit by, and sharing my life's work with you, a place that I will always call home.
Our History
Hosting fishermen and families since 1949
History compiled by Jacquelin Speck.
↑ Back to topHistoric Moments
More than 75 years of memories — in Jim's own words
Photos from the Inn's archive are displayed in the gallery above. The stories behind them are here.
The Inn circa 1949.
Fun Fact: Walpack Inn was originally spelled with 2 "L"s but was later changed to one "L" because the sign painter liked how it looked better!
Jim Woolsey played piano for us until he was in his late 90s. People still ask about him every weekend.
The Inn circa 1950.
My mom Louise was known to enjoy her martinis after a long day of work! Here she is with the local Fire Department.
My parents Louise and Adam ran the restaurant together and farmed the land when they first moved to Walpack.
With our Walpack team when I took over the Inn after my parents passed.
Every winter I'd ski and work in Aspen, CO. This particular year in the 70s I brought back a bartender to work with us at the Inn!
A Beach Boys concert on the lawn in the 80s.
My nephew learning how to bake bread the Walpack way.
What Our Guests Say
From first-time visitors to guests of 40+ years — in their own words
This place takes the phrase 'hidden gem' to a whole new level.
A Happy Traveler
From the moment we walked in, it felt like we were in a cozy lodge. The place is much bigger inside than you would think. The views are beautiful and the food was delicious.
A First-Time Visitor
This place just sort of has my heart, as much as a restaurant can have your heart... We took six people to dinner there recently and everyone had such a good time, from the attentive bar service to the amazing waitstaff. Food was fantastic. Just go there.
A Walpack Inn Lover
Teriyaki ribeye was amazing. Scallops were amazing. Crab cakes were amazing. Salad bar was fresh and delicious. Service was fantastic. Atmosphere is the best of any restaurant we've been to.
An Impressed Customer
We had an amazing time, everything couldn't have been more perfect! We enjoyed our stay at the cabin, so cozy and well-appointed, we're sure to be back. The food at the Inn was fabulous, best NY strip steak, so good I had it two nights! Thanks so much.
A New Visitor
This was our first time here. I have the feeling it won't be our last. Fell in love with this place. Great food and a location like no other. I'm looking forward to experiencing this place in its autumn colors and when snow is falling.
A New Regular
My family has been going to the Walpack Inn for years. I remembered being there as a kid, and just went back recently for the first time for Father's Day. There's nothing like driving along the quiet country roads in the Delaware Valley area, seeing all the nature, stopping at farm stands and antique shops, and finishing the day with some relaxation at the Walpack Inn. Start with a drink at the bar by the fireplace where you feel right at home. The smell of fresh baked bread and steaks fills the air for instant comfort. Just about anything on the menu will not disappoint — the rack of lamb is cooked perfectly and melts in your mouth. My family gets the prime rib as their go-to. Views of the great lawn where the deer and wildlife come to feed at dusk is very unique and serene. Can't wait to go back in the fall for the foliage and food!!!
A Seasoned Walpack Inn Visitor
My favorite restaurant in the area. Excellent atmosphere. Professional staff and delicious food. Large enough to accommodate a gathering of friends and family. Yet intimate enough to enjoy just a table for two.
A Walpack Regular
Simply put: the food is always fresh, perfectly prepared and delicious. The salad bar is the best I've ever had, and the French onion soup is a must! Worth the drive every time!!
A Walpack Inn Fan
This restaurant has the type of charm that draws you back. I've been here in almost all seasons now and every time it's equally beautiful.
A Seasoned Visitor
Being Greek, my family knows how to cook a good piece of lamb and I can honestly say the lamb dish at the Walpack Inn is the best I've had (dare I say better than my mom's)! It was perfectly cooked, medium-well inside, had a nice crust outside and it melted right off the bone.
A Superfan of Our Lamb
The drive was long from Hunterdon County, but 100% worth it! The Walpack definitely lives up to being rated one of NJ's most cozy restaurants and the food was fantastic! Can't wait to go back!
A Traveler Who Would Do It Again
Well worth the drive. Gorgeous setting in the Delaware Water Gap area.
A Pleased Patron
Rustic decor, beautiful grounds, great food and excellent service. Worth the trip!
An Enthusiastic New Visitor
Unbelievable views. Gorgeous mountains and wildlife right outside the windows!
An Amazed Visitor
I have been to this gem hidden in Sussex County for over 30 years! I love the food, the setting, the views and the deer who make it a great overall experience.
A Walpack Inn Enthusiast
Love the food, service, location and ambiance, this is my favorite place to dine, I have never been disappointed! I have brought many people with me to dine here, and all of them, without exception also loved it!
A Walpack Inn Superfan
From start to finish this place is a must. The bread is worth the trip alone. Enjoy the beautiful view and amazing food.
A Lover of Our Brown Bread
It is a beautiful place with a wood-burning fireplace, classic oak bar, and open windows looking out over the acres of fields and woods. As soon as you walk in, the aroma of the fireplace fills your senses, followed by the ambiance of the dining rooms. The menu has a great selection of meat and seafood dishes, and the salad bar was great. Most importantly, service was EXCELLENT.
A Nourished New Visitor
Such a unique and wonderful place nestled in the beautiful hills and valleys of Western NJ. Delicious food and drink. OMG, I could live on the bread!! Great salad bar and wonderful service. Perfect stop after a lovely hike or drive.
A Fan of Our Brown Bread
The food is amazing, the salad bar is always fresh and the bread is to die for. The view is so relaxing for every season. And we just love to see the deer at dusk.
A Regular Visitor
An aspect of this old inn that really stood out was the atmosphere that seemed to pervade the place — everyone was really happy to be there. There were patrons of all ages, and a hardworking, friendly professional staff.
A New Walpack Inn Fan
My husband went there with his family when he was growing up and now we take our children there when we're camping or visiting in the area. It's just a special, special place. Welcoming staff, great food (including a good selection of raw oysters), gorgeous setting. No matter where you sit you've got a great view.
A Family Tradition Visitor
This is a great place. Wonderful, fresh food, friendly, casual atmosphere, beautiful rustic interior, and incredible views.
An Unexpected Visitor
Been coming here for well over 40 years. The Brown Bread is the best. I always get French Onion Soup, Prime Rib and Black Raspberry Ice Cream Pie. And the staff is always friendly.
A Regular Visitor
The food served at this restaurant is not only top notch but so is the atmosphere. The portions are generous and the service is great. This is a nice place to bring the family. It's also a great place to celebrate a special occasion. The views from the Greenhouse dining room are spectacular, and you can view the deer being fed daily from your table.
A Pleased Patron
Very remote location, it's hard to believe you're in NJ! So close to Stokes State Forest and Dingman's Falls in Pennsylvania. Highly recommended.
A Happy Traveler
We were seated in the greenhouse with a beautiful view of the mountain. Well the food was great and service was fantastic! We will definitely be finding reasons to drive out here for dinner every once in a while! Simply fabulous!!
A Happy Traveler