By Jessica Moon

“I love it here, you can get away from life’s daily chaos and just relax,” Joseph Mannarino, a part-time bartender at Fricke’s Old Hook Inn, a local seafood restaurant in Emerson, N.J., said.

Fricke’s Old Hook Inn was delectably donned with Marine Corps memorabilia, mounted deer heads against wood paneled walls and awards upon awards accrediting the founder of the restaurant, Jack Fricke. The staff was comprised mostly of vibrant women in their late fifties, which made the restaurant’s atmosphere feel like home awa from home. The staff greeted the guests with warmth only to be felt by a close companion. This truly delineated the restaurant as individualistic in comparison to staff at franchise restaurants that appear to greet overzealously, void of sincerity.

Aside from being known for its seafood, more specifically their king crab legs and lobsters, Fricke’s Old Hook Inn is also recognized for their prime ribs and steaks.

“You would think we would only be known for our seafood, given this is a seafood restaurant, but the steaks are great [and the prime ribs are my personal favorite],” Diane Jaramillo, manager of Fricke’s Old Hook Inn, said.

After lengthy viewing the menu which had a wide array of options, all making my mouth water, I opted for the Junior 14-ounce New York steak cooked medium-well with a side of baked potatoes and a cup of Turkey Rice soup. The soup was hearty and rich, each ingredient tasting as if it was fresh from the farm and not from a can. The steak was served with a side of ripe green string beans, onion rings and the baked potato I ordered. The steak, cooked just as I had ordered, was tender and juicy. The sides were just as flavorsome. The meal exuded a homemade taste that left not a single cause for complaint, not to mention the price of the meal was under twenty dollars. The service was impeccable; each course arriving promptly so I would be able to savor my meal void of long pauses. As the staff passed me by they’d throw me a witty comment about the news or the weather, all occasionally asking me how my meal was going.

Though I had consumed my dinner, I felt compelled to prolong my stay; not to further review the restaurant, but simply because the environment welcomed it. As I sipped on my green tea to finish off the meal, to my astonishment, the mayor of Emerson entered the restaurant. Despite the fact that I am not a resident of Emerson, his brief appearance at the restaurant further reinforced the sense of community. When a sense of community is so leisurely exhibited, it’s difficult not to feel that you are right where you are supposed to be; at home.

Fricke’s Old Hook Inn provides live entertainment on Friday nights called “German Night,” which is also the busiest night of the week.

I left the Old Hook Inn feeling content and eager to return. The ambiance was cozy and the staff was amiable. As with any town, there are local restaurants but this restaurant far surpasses any local restaurant or diner I have visited. Each facet of Fricke’s Old Hook Inn was superb and above par; in all honesty I had not expected to be so amazed by a restaurant I so often pass and never think twice about. I would do a great disservice to Emerson and their community if I did not give two thumbs up to this local seafood restaurant. As written on their announcement board, Fricke’s Old Hook Inn is undoubtedly the “Home of the Happy Lobster.” If there ever be a reason to venture into the suburbs of northern New Jersey, this would be one of them.

Fricke’s Old Hook Inn is located at 422 Old Hook Rd. in Emerson, N.J. The phone number for the restaurant is (201) 262-2888.

Fricke´s Old Hook Inn in Emerson, N.J. is an excellent, inexpensive restaurant that focuses on seafood. (Jessica Moon/The Chronicle)