Introduction
Phillip A. Glass
Phillip A. Glass was the nom de plume for a fellow who wrote an “advertising column” about the Camden and South Jersey bar and nightclub scene in the 1930s. “Phillip A. Glass” is a pun — “fill up a glass” (with now-legal liquor) is the joke here.
I have no idea who wrote this column, or if the picture at left, which purports to be “Phillip A. Glass” is that person. If anyone has a clue to this, please comment at the bottom of the page.
Phil Cohen
Making the Rounds
Camden Courier-Post —
MAKING THE ROUNDS
with Phillip A. Glass
Here we go again on another epoch making trip… with much slipping and sliding, we managed to mark in our log the following ports of call… those of you who have followed us in our meanderings will agree that much fun can be had at the following;
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Congratulations Tom Mayer and Herb Marker for your great find, the Original Blue Jay Orchestra… besides knowing your mixing business you have keen ears for what’s good in the music line… Many of the Blue Jay’s friends have been around to wish them a long run and it looks as though they’ve clicked… I predict many capacity nights for the Hi Hatters Club from now on, the address is 224 Market street, Camden.
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Every nite is party nite at the Lakeview Inn, Cooper street, Almonesson… Johnny Cusick, fun making “prop” of the Inn, will be glad to extend the hand of hearty welcome to his old pals… the Rhythm Rascals are still turning out their fine brand of music… Call Johnny and arrange for a party; number is Blackwood 182.
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Good old Cap the capering captain of Cap’s Grille, Northwood avenue, Merchantville, is still doing a whale of a business… he sure deserves the popularity… Cap has the happy faculty of making everyone feel at home… and he makes it his personal pleasure to see to it that you… and you… and you, have a rip roarin’ time.
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Eddie Wilson, keeper of the finest copper bar in this territory… invites you to quaff the foaming beverage with him and the fellows at his lively spot tagged Wilson’s Grille, just go down Black Horse Pike to Grant avenue in West Collingswood; can’t miss it… get Eddie to show you some of the fine points of the ancient game of Rummy… and incidentally he mixes a wicked high-ball.
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Saturday night’s the night at the Smart Spot in Batesville. “Hal” and Mary have asked this column to extend a blanket invitation to all to attend their first anniversary party… enjoy one of Mary’s own delicious deviled crabs served by Ernie… listen to Ed Finnegan’s 10 magic fingers rhapsodize on the keyboard… and by the way Hal’s brother Ed, who is maestro of the bar at the Hollywood in the big bad city (N.Y. to YOU), is coming down to officiate on the big night… we’ll see you there!
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Balloons, balloons, what if they should burst (happy thought) what a catastrophe that would be down at Abe’s Browning Lane Inn, Bellmawr… Lucille Ray is there with her sensational balloon dance… the first to be presented around these parts… Abe figures there ought to be some crowd present with Lucille’s presentation; what with a real supporting show full of pep, snap and variety.
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Close your eyes, listen — who is that singing? Who! “Morton Downey”! Nope, you’re wrong again… that was Johnnie Carns, Downey’s voice double… Johnnie’s doing his stuff out at Rodeo Ray Hinkson’s Dude Ranch along with a complete, new, all-star floor show which is ably assisted by Curly Mack’s orchestra. Travel out the Marlton pike, stranger, ‘til you come to 27th street and you’re there — Pennsauken’s the township.
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In the shadow of the great Delaware River Bridge lies one of Camden’s foremost fun spots; to wit, Caesar’s Grille, Point and Elm streets, Caesar has been rightly enjoying immense popularity for quite some years — good, clean entertainment in a homey atmosphere, wholesome food served properly and good music are the paramount features of Caesar’s place… stop in there tonight — see if you don’t agree with us.
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Club Lido, 1411 Broadway, Camden, is still wowing ‘em with Joe Campbell and his rollicking crew of merry-makers, which crew includes Elaine Hinkle, Charlotte Clune, and Eddie Carrigan’s band… Joe always sees to it that there is something new and different each week for the edification of the cash customers.
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These cold days always bring out a yen on our part for a good hot steaming dish of sauerkraut prepared a’la Beringer… for those addicts to good old fashioned German cooking we can heartily recommend Mrs. Beringer’s famous meals, served at 2nd and Federal Sts., Camden. We’ll bet you’ll come out feeling like “a million” after one of her soul satisfying meals.
Making the Rounds
Camden Courier-Post —
Well, for a change there’s a snap in the air . . . and plenty of zip underfoot . . . tires, too. Sorta pepo one up to the idea of wanting to step out. Have some fun with the string of props that aren’t interested in recession, wars, or anything but the sole purpose of making you, and keeping you happy.
Madame Violet knows all, knows all . . . and was such a success and sensation on her last appearance that our friend Tom Mayers has arranged to bring her back again. So if you ‘rounders need advice, have something, or are in trouble consult Madame Violet Monday evening at the Hi Hatters Club, 224 Market Street, Camden. Your patronage is all that is required to obtain a private reading with this celebrated prophetess. This team wants dart players for his team to enter Joe Gallagher’s Golden Dart Tournament.
They’re going to make the next bellowing big beer looky beeky contest out at Abe’s Browning Lane Inn, Bellimawr, according to the informal reports of that fine lady that should know because Edna makes the N.Y. trip weekly to pick winners for the famous Browning Lane Inn’s floor shows. This week’s super-stunner is Lucy Lee . . . tipsily dancing eyeful . . . and as usual an all-new galaxy headed by Jules Diamond’s publicity department featuring Billie Franklin, Jean Andrey, Lin Drake and Len Parice, booked solid for three shows . . . twice nitely . . . Sunday, too.
Governor Hoffman has nothing on Tom Stuebing when it comes to shaking hands with old friends at the Gruner Hotel, 1101 Kaighn avenue whereas Thomas developed a swollen hand after last week’s party and at that very moment Tom can’t take it because he was right up on top in athletic activities and merits for the year ‘32. The name Stuebing has developed Tammany House, Five Points, Seven Points, the Inn, and Lakeview Inn and the boys are repeating with Stuebing Tavern, Westville.
Making the Rounds
Camden Courier-Post —
Give us a blare on the trumpet and a roll on the drums professor. (musical intermission) . Presenting the MARCH OF TIME . . ly events and stuff scheduled for you lads and lassies at . . .
My pal “Little Sam” the mahogany gracer at Mr. and Mrs. Clark’s Lansdowne Cafe, located on the corner of Lansdowne avenue and Broadway, tells me that as a special attraction this Friday and Saturday nites they have booked Louise Anderson and her band and an outstanding group of colored entertainers. That should prove real company for their famous southern fried chicken, jumbo shrimp, giant sandwiches and all the other good things from the Lansdowne kitchen. Remember—this Friday and Saturday evenings—Louise Anderson and Company . . . an all-star show.
With the popularity of Hawaiian music sweeping the country our ever on the alert friend Wilbur Hess of Hess Tavern, Haddonfield, out and rounded up the tops in the guitar strumming business, Ralph Kolsiena and his native Waikiki Switzeters. Having over 600 Victor recordings and long runs at Steel Pier, Coconut Grove, Benny and Annabelle’s and many other ships in the way of reputation they should prove worthy successors to Paul Titus and his boys who lately tendered a farewell party the Saturday nite.
Greetings and salutations to another newcomer . . . one of Camden’s best known proprietors, Joe Macciocca and his famous Genova Cafe and Restaurant, 306 Arch Street. Joe spots some of the best talent in the way of floor shows in this section. Heading his aggregation this week is the charming Emma Aliens, singer and dancer, ably supported by Ginger Dunn and the Royal Hawaiians orchestra . . . three shows, nitely. As the Genova implies it specializes in Italian food. Have Eleanor Bernhoff get Joe Trotter to put a head on one of those marvelous Gretz beers.
They’re back again . . . Tom Mayers and Herb Marker . . . two splendid chaps . . . the light and life of the famous Hi Hatters Club, 224 Market Street, Camden . . . and that’s only half the good news . . . they’ve brought in a new bunch of tunesters, this band has signed a guarantee to keep the customers off the chair seats . . . on display every nite. By the way, the Hi Hatters have entered the S. J. Golden Dart League and they need a few more dart heavers . . . no fee . . . plenty of valuable prizes . . . see Tom or Herb for full info.
Making the Rounds
Camden Courier-Post —
MAKING THE ROUNDS
with Phillip A. Glass
Tom Mayers and Herb Marker, two old pals of mine, are twining again at the famous Hi Hatters Club, 224 Market Street, Camden… which means in brief, barrels of fun. If any of you guys and gals haven’t as yet paid the boys a visit we’re here to tell the world you’ve missed one grand port of call. That new orchestra is sure packing ‘em in with a sax player that plays a mean reed… music every night in the week. Stop in for one of those jumbo sandwiches, there’s a full meal in every one. Keep in mind that Hi Hatters are out to win the S.J. Golden Dart championship, so if you toss ‘em join the best, no fee.
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Danny Rich dancing, singing emcee heads this week’s floor show at Joe Macciocca’s Genova Cafe, 306 Arch Street, Camden. Danny is ably supported by the famous vaudeville team of Doyle and O’Donnell with music for dancing by the Royal Hawaiians orchestra, three shows nightly. This famous Arch Street hacienda specializes in Italian food prepared by an Italian chef and any and every favorite dish you desire will be served from the Cafe’s complete kitchen. That’s a mighty glass of Gretz beer Joe retails, one of the largest I’ve ever looked o’r… time for ‘nother.
Making the Rounds
Camden Courier-Post —
MAKING THE ROUNDS
with Phillip A. Glass
This desk was heaped with replies to last week’s riddle and Joe Kelly, mgr. of the Broadway Theatre was besieged with answers at the door. Ans. Hawaiians run ‘round till they’re down and out… Indians run ‘round till they’re all in. Passes are in the mail.
Here’s another riddle and its answer. What’s become of the famous S.J. maestro “Reds” Alibone and his orchestra, formerly of the White Way Inn and Steubing Tavern? “Reds” master of the hot sax and his bunch of note swingers are holding forth at my good friend John’s Chews Landing Hotel, on the turn of the old section of the Black Horse pike at Chews Landing. John and his father are great team mates for this ace band leader and they should prove a combine worthy of a visit from all you ‘rounders. The Inn is large with a spacious dance floor… excellent food and drinks.
Danny Richards heads another outstanding revue at Joe Macciocca’s hit spot the Genova Cafe, 306 Arch street, Camden, featuring Patsy Taylor, singing and dancing beauty; Betty Brooks, petite dancer, music by the Royal Hawaiian orchestra… three shows nitely. As the name Genova implies the Cafe specializes in Italian food… full course Italian dinners at 50c, 75c, $1… and they’re the real McCoy prepared by a native chef. Joe has a tempting business men’s lunch every day at 25c, 35c. When it comes to drinks he sports the most complete selection in the city.
Tony Egidi, well known to Camden sports, now propping a spot light rendezvous he is rapidly bringing to the fore… Ha-Del Cafe on Chapel avenue, one quarter mile beyond Haddonfield road, South Merchantville… announces an all-new show blending beauty, comedy, singing, dancing and novelty. Mary Hubbard, mistress of ceremonies heads the show with her blues renditions supported by gorgeous Sue Lombard and a host of others making up a bill that Tony justly calls “the largest and best floor show in South Jersey.” Music by the Imperial Hawaiians, direct from Steel Pier.
Another riddle. Where are all the Camden boys these nights? Well, they got wind that our good friend Abe down at the Browning Lane Inn, Bellmawr, was having his troubles with a flock of N.Y. cuties. It seems the prop is the only man there and the gals crave company… they’re easy on the eye and the swellest bunch of entertainers the Inn has had in many moons and that’s saying plenty. To name a few: Rose Aurora, Doris Ardroore, Hazel Leonard, Billie Franklin, Jean Andra and Joan Sennett. Shows twice nitely… Sunday too.
Down at a spot famous for its contagious brand of merriment… the Silver Slipper Cafe on Pine Hill, one quarter mile from Clementon, they’re going to celebrate the seventh anniversary of Wayne and Ina’s ball and chain act this Sunday. It shows promise of being a grand time with oodles of fun and stuff as only these two can provide… drop down it’ll be open house. Our pals the Four Keys orchestra are still packing ‘em in every weekend… it’s a complete orchestra even to an accordion… and “Smiles” Ina throws together a great floor show.
If good music you crave and plenty of room to swing your tootsies then drive down to Mr. and Mrs. Applebee’s Apple Inn, on Berlin-Cross Keys road, Albion. “Reds” Wright and his Four Gates are supplying plenty of sock in the way of toe tickling chimes these nites… and if you’d like to hear an expert on the musical saw this is the place, the best we’ve ever heard. Keep in mind the barn dance shindig to be held mid real rustic atmosphere here at the Apple on February 18th… plans are almost completed so watch this column for all the details next week.
Florrie, the genial hostess of the Mason-Dixie Inn, on the White Horse pike, one block north of the Silver Lake Inn, Clementon, informs me that she has a Valentine party scheduled for Satiday nite… if we judge it by events the lady has tossed in the past it’ll be a wow. Of course the orchestra will be on hand providing backtime for the entertaining talent that frequents the Inn. Suggestion: Mills at the piano and Carl vocalizing. Remember the magician the Ernst family (Bill, Tom, Nellie and Florrie) have booked for next week… and does Florrie have the goods on him?
From one extreme to the other… that’s Wilbur Hess the regular guy in charge of affairs at Hess Tavern, at the intersection of Berlin and Kresson roads, Haddonfield… Wilbur has made a complete change in his music dept. for the coming weekend… so ‘elp me the boy has me bewildered… he’s brought in a topnotch group of swingsters, (radio contracts forbid mention of their name). But why should I dwell so much on the rhythmic end of the entertaining features of Hess Tavern when there are so many points to play up, fer instance the moderate prices, excellent quality of food and drinks, etc.… well, because dancing at Hess’, has always been tops.
If Sunday afternoon or evening is slow in your neck of the woods take a gander out to Cap’s Grill on Northwood avenue, South Merchantville… bend elbows with as great a gang that ever put foot on a brass rail… and the beers fairly shake the bar when you set ‘em down they’re so big. Cap, the man at the helm down there, tells me in addition to his regular setouts he is specializing hot dogs and sauerkraut… real juicy kraut and big meaty franks, ‘nough said. Music and floor shows Cap makes no claim to sport… but anything else… the stuff’s there.
Making the Rounds
Camden Courier-Post —
Activity continues along the night club front with the cabaret impresarios bringing in whole new detachments of variety talent and stuff that’ll mean a veritable bombardment on the cash registers under this fresh onslaught of amusement seekers.
Unk has been down the list as far as drinks are concerned with the exception of champagne… rather that was the score until last nite when I voiced the fact that my wallet couldn’t stand the strain to Joe Macciocca prop of Genova Cafe, 306 Arch Street, Camden… Joe popped the cork on a bottle of “Heaven’s wine” and staggered me… with the price at his place—just half what I guessed. Everything is of moderate cost at Genova Cafe. . ’meals . . . a Gretz beers.
“Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow is another day,” so Says our good friend Dale Rose, the prop of Dale’s Inn, on the Black Horse pike, two blocks below Browning road. “Eat—No finer food was ever placed before a guest than that served at Dale’s.” “Drinks—Name them all from ale to zippers.” “Be Merry—In an atmosphere where you immediately feel at home with no inhibitions”… the latter quotations are ours and for that matter the sayings of every frequenter of Dale’s Inn.
Extra! Extra! Located, our old friend Paul Titus and his orchestra of master musicians and entertainers now packing ’em in at Crescent Garden Inn on Route 25, Crescent Blvd. at Garden Ave., Pennsauken, one minute from airport. Paul sets the pace with his genial clowning supported by Robert and his accordion lately of the Cleveland Exposition who will play your requests… and how… Crescent Gardens is that all-brick rendezvous on the New York highway that’s rapidly coming to the fore as “the talk of those who…”
A startling revue goes on twice every nite down at brother Abe’s Browning Lane Inn, Bellmawr. Shades of the trouble in Spain he has imported the rage of Broadway… Alicia Bassot a beauty of the deposed Spanish nobility… who knows? her beauty may have started it… she heads an all-girl Manhattan extravaganza featuring a gal from the Southland, Norma George and an eyeful from down East, Betty Gordon and Billie Franklin the Lane’s swing singer… Len Parker weaves the musical background.
Dropped in at Johnny Cusick’s sumptuously appointed Lakeview Inn on Cooper street, Almonesson and had a chat with the boys… this is one of the few really big places of mirth in this vicinity and the Hilltoppers a new importation in bands are supplying dance interludes. There is not to our knowledge a more engaging feller than the chap who holds down the driver’s seat here “Pop” Cusick… and when I say engage I mean he’ll engage talent, music, anything and everything to provide the ultimate in nite life.
Tonight’s the night of the big barn dance down at Mr. and Mrs. Joe Applebee’s Apple Inn… they’ve been preparing for this shindig for some time and the completeness of the plans insure a wild and rustic time for all attenders… “Reds” Wright and his boys add a distinctive background to the fun… Rhythm of yesterday will go on parade in the dress of tomorrow… so hook up ’ol Dobbin or twist Lizzie’s tail and off to Apple Inn at Albion.
In my anxiety to tell of the whereabouts of “Reds” Alibone and his bunch of note swingers’ last week two talented balladists were passed up… it’s darn hard to crowd into a few words all the goings on and entertainment prevalent at my pal John’s Chews Landing Hotel, Chews Landing… the two lads, both named Dan, were formerly hitting high C’s at Stuebing Tavern. Just to refresh your memories— “Reds” and the orchestra are the same crew spot-lighted at the White Way many seasons.
Sizzling entertainment in an environment of mirth just about describes a place that ranks high on our four star list… and high it is… ’way up on Pine Hill, one quarter mile from Clementon… the Silver Slipper Cafe Wayne (Big Boy) McVeigh handles the proprietor’s reins while genial Ina acts as emsee in the impressive floor parades. This is a favorite spot of the “Who’s Who” of the after midnight world because the bewitching hour usually sees the diversities just getting under way.
Ray Zeisweiss skipper of Ray Log Cabin says, “I’m packing ’em in Phil,” and here’s the lowdown… Ray has that neat and cozy place of his on Crescent Blvd., Gloucester Heights fairly oozing with talent headed this week by Helen Niles, lissom stepper and Mary Nana, winsome tapster coupled with Mort Irinsberg, Ernie Stuebing and Ray Burke… Swingapators in charge of the dancing. Think that’s enough?… Ray doesn’t, so he cuts prices to the bone so you can have a grand time on a few shekels.
Discriminating nite club habitues are making a habit of dropping in on the Ernst family down at the hit spot of the lower White Horse pike… the Mason-Dixie Inn, one block north of the Silver Lake Inn on the famous route to the shore… particularly on Wednesday evenings when a tempting spaghetti and meat ball platter is served free. There’s plenty doing here over the weekend too… orchestra, talent. This Saturday’s headliner is a noted sleight-of-hand performer… be seein’ you!
Making the Rounds
Camden Courier-Post —
Here’s a six-course panorama of night-club entertainment and eye and ear gaiety that’ll keep you going ‘ell’s bells.
Found all the guys and gals on the register side of the bar extra cheerful because… Bock beer’s on tap out at my pal Cap’s Grille on Northwood avenue, South Merchantville… and that means Spring is just ’round the corner… and when you drop in on Cap take a gander ’round the corner into his dolled up side room… inspect that new music box, it’s a 24-record player, bet you uns never saw its twin. But back to the beers… they’re so big it’s considered a feat of strength out thataway if you can heft ’em with one mitt… for the really strong boys they add a hot dog.
The V.F.W. are giving a wow of a combination vaudeville and motion picture show next Friday nite in St. Laurence Auditorium, Laurel Springs… seven big-time acts garnered together by Wayne McVeigh, prop of the Silver Slipper Cafe, Pine Hill… Wayne, a former headliner, has arranged a program in which song, dance, comedy and novelty abound… Ina, she of the Slipper’s Kosy Korner Kocktail Bar, will knock off a few ditties… all $0.60 stuff. It’s for the NOUR by the Vets. “Nough said.
Last week’s floor show down at Abe’s Browning Lane Inn sure was a pleaser… the all-femme show seems to have been a successful innovation… and this week’s array of charmers tops ’em all with Joan Dermott held over for her third stanza… principal support comes from Lucile Renee, B’dway singing star; Evelyn Durkin, arrangements that are different; Josephine Console, character dancer; Billie Franklin, blues warbler and Len Parker’s danceable tunes. Two shows seven nites a week.
Bill and Florrie are packin’ ’em in down at the Mason-Dixie Inn, on the White Horse pike, Clementon… and why?… well here’s the lowdown… the place has a congenial atmosphere inspired perhaps by Dot (Aunt Jemima) and Big Tom (not Little Tom) not to mention the fun provided by Nellie, George, Arthur and all the regular lads and lassies who assemble there… and when it comes to music… Bill Robinson and his bandsmen swing out the dancepation. Wednesday nite spaghetti and meat balls on the house.
Who? What? When? Where? Why?… the five W’s of a newspaper man’s life can be well applied to my friend Joe Macciocca’s Genova Cafe, 306 Arch Street, Camden. Who—Billy and Kitty Duval, show-stopping dancing demons. When—this week’s duo of floor show toppers. Where—at Genova Cafe of course. What—dancing. Why—for those disposed to while away the fast fleeing hours, hours that are saturated with entertainment. I might toss in another W… Wine… and Joe has all kinds, champagne too and when it comes to beer… huge beakers of Gretz.
Just as we predicted the barn dance came off in grand style and Joe Applebee gave this yere colyum most of the credit (how’s that for modesty). This strip gives Joe a return compliment, and not the first… when Joe Applebee gets an opportunity to put the Apple Inn’s parade of inducements before a customer he makes a sale… speaking of inducements Joe let us in on a little secret that we’ll spring soon that’ll have every ’rounder headin’ for Albion… Music Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Making the Rounds
Camden Courier-Post —
Here’s your Friday nite commentator facing an Underwood that has seen better days. If its metal heart could ache it sure would envy you guys and gals because of the fun and stuff on tap at the hi-de-ho and hotcha parlors listed in this five-star final.
Johnny Cusick (“Pop” to us) was rather reluctant to let me wax eloquent on the merits of that swell chicken dinner he’s serving with all the trimmings for the modest sum of 60¢… so I won’t mention it… rather will Unk dote on the neatness of his beautiful Lakeview Inn, on the shore of Almonesson Lake, Almonesson, and its huge dance floor with the Lakeview Swing Band dealing out dance lilts every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Jackie Kay… nit-wit, half-wit emsee holds forth at Abe’s Browning Lane Inn, Bellmawr. Jackie, prince of laugh provokers heads the peppiest show shown at Abe’s for some time and introduces such N.Y. favorites as Mickie Andrews, pepper pot singer; Billie Beck, blonde dejovely dancing personality; Viola Holden, vivacious comedy tapster; Len Parker, what happens at the 700; and a number of sketches by Kay and the gals. Vince Byrnes and likeable Eddie Tualane at the taps. The big picnic June 12.
Charlie Bowers, show stopping master of ceremonies heads the gaiety down at the Silver Slipper Cafe, Pine Hill, this weekend. Wayne and Ina prop a place that bespeaks their cheerfulness. Music by the Four Keys, a quartet of master musicians who knock out rhythm over the entire weekend… good food and your favorite drinks mixed by the Seeges Wayne or at the cocktail bar by Ina. For your party big or small, try the Slipper and its success is assured.
John DeLeon and his Island Troubadours carry on for a third smashing week at Genova Cafe, 306 Arch Street, Camden. Grass skirted Rita Lopez is the featured danseuse in a show that gives the Genova a real Hawaiian atmosphere. This program is presented three times nitely with the Troubadours playing for dancing throughout the evening every Friday and Saturday. Joe Marciocea, the smiling host, serves only the best at very moderate prices… his specialty is Italian dishes.
If good music you crave then drop in on Arthur and Fred DeMarco, props of Rustic Tavern, Route 40, Marlton Pike, and tune your ears to Bill Clements, the crooning drummer and his orchestra any Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening… the stuff is there. Delicious spaghetti and steak platters as well as sandwiches are part of the cuisine. ’Tis a place of constant merriment with energy in high gear at all times.