Warm Up on the Water: The Windlass Unveils Its New 2027 Winter Menu on Lake Hopatcong

The Windlass has officially launched its 2027 Winter Menu as of November 6, 2026, bringing house-made Italian comfort dishes, returning winter classics, and festive seasonal cocktails to 45 Nolans Point Park Road in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. Designed for North Jersey locals, holiday shoppers, and weekend travelers looking for cozy waterfront dining, the new menu pairs winter lake views with rich, cold-weather favorites.

Whether you are gathering the family for a holiday reunion, planning a cozy date night in Morris County, or escaping the winter chill after exploring the Lake Hopatcong region, here is everything waiting for you on our new winter menu.

New Winter Comfort Dishes Made from Scratch

Nothing beats sitting beside winter lake views with a steaming bowl of scratch-made soup or slow-simmered pasta. Crafted for the 2026 & 2027 winter and holiday season, our newest additions focus on deep, comforting Italian flavors:

• Meatball Soup: House-made meatballs, ditalini pasta, celery, carrot, and onion simmered together in a rich plum tomato broth.
• Stracciatella: A classic, warming Italian egg-drop soup made with savory chicken broth, fresh spinach, and grated parmesan.
• Arancini: Golden, crispy Italian rice balls stuffed with seasoned beef and peas, served in a light plum tomato sauce and finished with shaved parmesan.
• Braised Short Rib Ravioli: Delicate ravioli filled with tender braised short rib and tossed in a velvety Madeira wine sauce.
• Vegetable Ravioli: Layered with our chef’s seasonal sautéed vegetables and lightly tossed with fragrant garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil.
• Bolognese Lasagna: Rich, slow-cooked meat bolognese layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and aged parmesan cheeses.

Returning Winter Favorites You Crave

Alongside our new releases, we brought back the signature cold-weather staples that Lake Hopatcong regulars ask for every year:

• Berkshire Pork Chop: Grilled to perfection and layered with savory prosciutto, spinach, and melted mozzarella, finished with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze and served with roasted potatoes and chef’s vegetables.
• Calzone: Baked golden brown and stuffed with ham, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella, served alongside our house marinara sauce.
• Stromboli: Rolled and baked with ham, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and melted mozzarella, served with warm marinara for dipping.

Festive Winter & Holiday Cocktails

Toast to the holiday season at our historic Nolan’s Point bar or dining room with three new cold-weather cocktails crafted to warm you from the inside out

Plan Your Holiday Visit to The Windlass

Located on historic Nolan’s Point, The Windlass has been a year-round Lake Hopatcong dining landmark for generations. With windows overlooking the water, a warm interior and heated patio deck, paired with a menu built for sharing, it is an ideal destination for holiday get-togethers, out-of-town guests, and festive winter lunches or dinners.

• Location: 45 Nolans Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong (Jefferson), NJ 07849
• Regular Hours: Monday and Thursday – Sunday, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays; closed Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)
• Reservations: Strongly encouraged for dinner and weekend visits, and required for parties of 8 or more. Call 973-663-3190 or reserve online via Resy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did The Windlass launch its 2027 Winter Menu? The Windlass launched its 2027 Winter Menu on November 6, 2026. It is available now for both lunch and dinner service.

What are the new menu items at The Windlass for Winter 2027? New food items include Meatball Soup, Stracciatella, beef-and-pea Arancini, Braised Short Rib Ravioli in Madeira wine sauce, Vegetable Ravioli, and Bolognese Lasagna. New seasonal cocktails include the Windlass Pumpkin Espresso Martini ($16), Salted Caramel Espresso Martini ($16), and Spiced Hot Apple Cider ($15).

Is The Windlass on Lake Hopatcong open during the winter and holidays? Yes, The Windlass operates year-round on Mondays and Thursdays through Sundays from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. During the winter season, the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Does The Windlass take reservations for holiday groups? Yes. Reservations are strongly recommended for all winter dining and required for parties of eight or more. Guests can book through Resy or by calling 973-663-3190.