Life is Uncertain...Eat Dessert First!

I have a special relationship with dessert.  I have contemplated running away with a good chocolate mousse, thought about marrying a raspberry torte and even dreamed of making beautiful music with some classic New York cheesecake.  It was in this spirit that I recently entered Old Man Rafferty’s in Hillsborough (there is a closer sister restaurant in New Brunswick.)

I’d been told that Rafferty’s dessert menu is second to none.  In addition to that, the regular food promised to rock as well.  Let’s just say, I was not disappointed.

The menu offerings range from casual all-time favorites, like burgers and sandwiches, to more sophisticated flavors, like the Chicken Fondue. There’s even some international flare, with a Dim Sum Sampler and Oriental Stir Fry.

The atmosphere at Rafferty’s was like going to visit friends. Walking into the expansive, atrium-like lobby area, we were greeted by no less than three smiling faces, one of whom showed us straight to our table.  We sat on the “pub side” of the restaurant, which boasts framed prints, polished wood, and warm lighting.

I was expecting fabulous dessert offerings, but was surprised to see one of the first pages of the menu exhorting me to “eat dessert first”. What followed was the most expansive dessert menu I’ve ever seen.  And in the front of the menu. Oh, yeah. I like this place.

I skipped the dessert first recommendation and, instead, ordered a steak. My companion ordered the Oriental Stir Fry.  We had salads, and martinis as well.  In fact, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention their wonderful drink menu.

And finally, it was the moment we’d been waiting for.  Dessert.  We asked for our menus back so we could make this most important decision.  As it turns out, though, no one actually orders their dessert from the menu at Old Man Rafferty’s.  Instead, you’re encouraged to head back over to the lobby, where a dessert case houses an amazing array of cakes, pies, cupcakes and other confections.

I challenge anyone to stand in front of the Rafferty’s dessert case and not get something.  I don’t think it’s possible.

My friend and I were pretty stuffed from dinner, and so we decided to split something. We had a rough time narrowing it down, but finally ended up with a slice of raspberry chocolate cake.  We were so excited to try it when it got to our table that we’d both taken a bite before I remembered I was supposed to take a picture of it for you guys. So, that explains that picture.

Rafferty’s was all that had been promised and more. I think it’s worth the drive just for the desserts, but when you throw in the warm and welcoming atmosphere, the expansive menu of food and drinks, as well as the fact that I think the people at Rafferty’s are simply incapable of cooking or baking something that isn’t delicous... well, yes, I definitely deem this one worth getting a baby sitter!

Alternately, Rafferty’s does have a Kids’ Menu, and is just as welcoming to families as they were to me and my friend.

Old Man Rafferty’s has three locations: Hillsborough, Asbury Park, and as I noted, the one in New Brunswick. I ate at the one in Hillsborough, but I see the New Brunswick Rafferty's in my future, perhaps paired with one of the shows playing in the theater district!  The hours and contact information for each of the locations are available on their website.