Yesterday’s Pub

Yesterday’s Pub
Décor is vintage, and done very nicely, everything in the pub is old but in good working order, down to the doorknobs to the restrooms, If you are like me all of that real vintage décor will set a mood similar to an earlier time in life when things were good and simple. That’s not to say that this is low grade in any way. Don’t dress like a bum, this ain’t no greasy spoon.
The service is sort of part of the overall experience, the owners are vintage just like the pub, so expect good old fashioned greetings and some nice small talk. Don’t expect or compare this place with a corporate casual dining place or any fast food place, this is not that. Here you get drinks and chat for a while, appetizers come out, maybe another round of drinks and more talk. This is laid back casual dining, nobody is rushing you, and everything is cooked to order and is gonna take a while. This is not a bad thing if you are with friends, order more drinks and continue the conversation.
Prices are reasonable, menus are clear. Specials are written on the blackboard as you come in, or don’t worry, they will go over them again at the table if you missed them.
Bathrooms are clean, well lit, in good working order and vintage as well. It works as part of the charm.
Food is good, appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and meals were all decent size and very tasty. Everything came out good and hot, so well worth the few minutes of extra wait time. Everyone enjoyed what they had ordered. The coffee is fresh, yes, they even have whole milk if you want, I know of no other eating place in the Newark/​Heath area that does, so I was impressed. They have a full bar and beer menu. This is good home made food, Good job.
Of note is that they seem to have many diabetic customers and cater to them, their sweet tea is made with artificial sweetener and served in carafes on the table. If you prefer real sugar, no worries, sugar and a spoon gets it done.
Overall I enjoyed the dining experience provided and certainly recommend Yesterday’s Pub to anyone who is not in a hurry and has the time to relax and eat casually. They won’t rush you and the atmosphere is very much home style.

Yesterday’s Pub is probably Newark’s best kept secret. Located in an old working class neighborhood that has lost its factories, the restaurant is definitely off what passes for «the beaten path» even in Newark. Known as Fox Brother’s Café for many years, the restaurant has been operating since my great grandfather worked at the nearby Wehrle Stove Factory in the early 20^th century. Back then, the place served breakfast, lunch, dinner, and after-​work beer to men working all three shifts at the factory. Now, the hours are greatly reduced: the Pub is open for dinner on Wednesday through Saturday, and for lunch on Friday. It’s worth coping with the quirky hours to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the home-​cooked food. The cooking is done by Kay (the owner) and her husband Dave, with occasional help form their grandson. Service is provided by Rachel, the friendliest server-​bartender I have met anywhere. After your second visit you will feel like she is your long lost aunt. The regular menu features awesome pork chops, great hamburgers, and other standard pub and diner fare. Off menu specials include Kay’s amazing soups (the oyster stew is my favorite, in season), crab cakes that rival anything you will get anywhere away from coast, and deserts that make my mouth water as I sit here thinking about them. The décor can best be described as kitschy — but it is the real thing, not some contrived confection shipped from a corporate office. If Kay has wrapped up most of her cooking she will probably be enjoying a drink by the time you get there. She will probably come over to your table to greet you personally, and if you are uncomfortable talking politics with new acquaintances, be sure to steer clear of anything that could possibly head in that direction. Kay has no such inhibitions, and she won’t hesitate to let you know how she feels. Since it is a family operation, they also close a couple times a year for vacation, and they aren’t open much past 8 in the evening (and that’s my biggest criticism!). It’s probably a good idea to call before you go to make sure they’re open. There is plenty of parking in the rear. The place is never crowded, but don’t go if you are in a hurry. Just relax, and enjoy yourself. Rachel will get to you as soon as she can.