Cloverleaf Tavern

Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Bloomfield Avenue lies the Cloverleaf Tavern, a well-established staple in Caldwell, New Jersey. It is currently the oldest business in town. George Dorchak Jr. founded the Cloverleaf Tavern in 1933. George was 23 years old when he borrowed money from his uncle to purchase the first liquor license in Caldwell after prohibition. The building at the time consisted of two stores: a vegetable stand and a bakery. The bakery was called The Bake Shop with a shamrock as it's logo. This is where George got the idea for the name of his Tavern. In 1940, George made an election bet that won him a ride down Bloomfield Ave in a wheelbarrow. That's right! The gentleman pushing the wheelbarrow (who remains unidentified today) lost the bet. Watch this amazing video below of George being pushed from the "flats" of Caldwell to Central Avenue. Established in 1933. George Dorchak Jr. founded the Cloverleaf Tavern in 1933. He purchased the first liquor license in Caldwell after prohibition. In 1942, the bar that is currently at the Tavern replaced the original 12-foot bar. The current bar was purchased used in Verona for $325.00 and is estimated to be over 100 years old, originally built in Brooklyn, NY. In 1972, the present owner, Richard Dorchak, joined the business. Rich's vision of developing the Cloverleaf Tavern into a family-oriented, neighborhood restaurant became reality in 1976 he opened the first dining room. In 1990, two more dining rooms were added including a glass Atrium and outdoor patio. In 1993, George's grandson, Ryan Dorchak joined as the third generation to assist in running the operation. Today, The Cloverleaf Tavern has the capacity to serve 230 guests and has two private party rooms which seats up to 35 and 50 guests.