The beloved Taproom & Grill on Crystal Lake Ave in Haddonfield (Haddon Township) is partnering with Santucci’s Original Square Pizza for a full kitchen takeover.
Once the transition is completed you will be able to order from the full Santucci’s menu which of course features their amazing “upside down” pizza but goes way beyond that… including pasta, strombolis, flat breads, sandwiches, burgers, salads, desserts and more.
UPDATE: The Taproom has made their official announcement on Facebook, with an estimated Santucci’s Pizza (kitchen) opening date of Mid-November (Facebook)
This is a true “joining of forces” of two iconic names in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area… which should create an amazing dining and tavern experience for customers.
And considering The Taproom currently does not sell pizza at all… this is a big shift from the menu offerings at the Crystal Lake restaurant! A deliciously big shift!
I heard about the news last week from loyal 42Freeway readers, who were told about the planned change by barroom employees. This matched up because the Santucci’s location pages have shown a Haddonfield location as coming soon, but with no address given.
I stopped in myself the end of last week and also chatted with employees, who further confirmed the news and also shared additional details with me.
I sat on the news for a short bit until this morning when I see they have made their Santucci’s Haddonfield “at The Taproom” Facebook page public. I am follower Number One! (Facebook Page)
It is expected that the full menu transition will take some time… read on for some additional details.
Haddonfield Tap Room and Santucci’s Original Square Pizza have joined forces to bring you the best of both worlds! Now you can enjoy Santucci’s pizza, pastas, strombolis, flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and desserts!
Santucci’s at The Taproom Haddonfield – Facebook Page
Earlier this year a somewhat similar transition took place at the former Uno’s location in Maple Shade, when the branding was changed to Tony Roni’s Taphouse, featuring the menu of locally operated Tony Roni’s pizza. TR’s Taphouse also offers full entrees.
The Taproom Haddonfield
The Taproom & Grill opened in 2008 on Crystal Lake Ave in Haddon Township. Recently they’ve been using their mailing address town of “Haddonfield” to identify the location. Prior to that the Taproom had operated as other restaurant brands.
The Taproom is a large elongated complex featuring 2 bars in the main dining area, a separate banquet space with a third bar… a very popular outdoor deck with two more bars including the large iconic “360 Bar”
All totaled I count five distinctive bars!
The entire space inside and out has been built out beautifully and in recent years has gone through additional upgrades including new outdoor spaces at the front of the restaurant, a dedicated stage area inside, and remodeled side dining area perfect for small private events.
The main dining room bar seating is both unique and impressive in that the large bar area is split into two sections along the long back wall for a total of probably more than 40 barstools. It’s a design that works perfectly in this space but it’s something I think that is very unique in South Jersey restaurants.
The decor balances the darker wood bar, black barstools and a variety of woodgrain surfaces with a lighter wall and ceiling coloring. It gives the large main room a classic Tavern look with modern updates.
The true balance of light in the space comes from the large windows at the front of the building which now look out to new outdoor spaces.
Santucci’s Pizza
Santucci’s Pizza is an iconic Philadelphia pizza shop offering a delicious square pizza made from high quality ingredients. The first location opened in Northeast Philadelphia in 1959 and grew into a few more family owned locations, before more recently starting a franchise program.
Besides the square pan preparation, the big twist on Santucci’s Pizza is that it’s prepared upside down! What I mean by that is the cheese goes on the crust first, and then the sauce is put on top.
It makes for a bite that really showcases the delicious freshly made pizza sauce.
But as mentioned the menu has grown to include a full variety of delicious food options including cheesesteaks, Italian hoagies, meatball sandwiches, chicken “parm”, and even amazing classics such as Santucci burgers.
Pasta, Wings, flatbread, salads and a variety of appetizers also build out the menu.
As mentioned, more recently Santucci’s has moved to a franchise model which has seen South Jersey locations open in Ventnor, Washington Township and Wildwood… with other locations planned for Deptford, Cherry Hill, Brigantine, and this “Haddonfield” Taproom location.
Santucci’s at The Taproom
For the Haddonfield partnership I was told that this is a full kitchen takeover of the Taproom kitchen.
That being said it will require work to take place within the kitchen… for example the Taproom currently does not serve pizza, so I would assume they have additional equipment to bring in such as pizza ovens.
The staff at the Taproom said there may be some additional items added to the menu, particularly in support of the private event spaces… but we may have to wait and see as management releases more details.
Some property upgrades may also take place to support Santucci’s at the Taproom.
In the front of the the main dining barroom is a small alcove which gets limited use for seating… and that area may see modifications into making it a dedicated Santucci’s Pizza customer order/takeout area.
Taproom History – Green Valley Farms
The Taproom building and property originally started out as Green Valley Dairy Farms which opened its doors in the early 19th century. They were known for their Grade A pasteurized milk and other dairy goods.
It seems “bar” has long been a part of the business model for the building… except under Green Valley it was a Dairy Bar! Green Valley Farms featured great burgers, milkshakes, ice cream and their signature pretzel sticks. Eventually Green Valley evolved into a full restaurant before becoming more of tavern restaurant.
Links and Location
The Taproom Haddonfield – Soon Featuring Santucci’s Pizza
427 W Crystal Lake Ave
Haddonfield NJ
856-854-4255
Bonus clip… 16 years ago Mark from 42Freeway performing at the Taproom! This was early in my rockstar career, so I may be a little extra “stiff” in my stage presence!