Galentine’s Week: Historic Charm, BBQ Bliss & My New Favorite Coffee Spot

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If your Galentine’s didn’t include historic charm, life-changing mac and cheese, and bread pudding that altered your brain chemistry… did you even Galentine?

The last time I was in Smithville it was 78 degrees, the sun was shining, and we were living our best summer lives at the Heart of Surfing Fundraiser at Fred and Ethels. Now? We’re tracking a blizzard and panic-buying salt like it’s a competitive sport. South Jersey really keeps us humble.

But before the snowpocalypse threatens our weekend plans (I hope it doesn't make next week’s blog awkward 🙃), let’s talk about the absolute dream that was my Galentine’s weekend.

Galentine’s at the Smithville Inn

Valentine’s Day was reserved for my forever gal: my mom. We treated ourselves to lunch at the iconic Smithville Inn, located in the heart of the Towne of Historic Smithville.

A little history moment (because we love a place with character): originally built in 1787 by James Baremore as a one-room stop along a stagecoach route, the inn grew thanks to the Baremore family’s legendary hospitality. After years of expansion, abandonment, and a revival in the 1950s, it became the beloved restaurant and event space we know today. Historic charm? Check. Cozy tavern vibes? Also check.

Pro tip: make a reservation.
Did I? No. I like to live dangerously. Thankfully, we snagged seats on the Tavern side.

The Mocktail Situation

Confession: there’s no official mocktail menu in the Tavern. Deep sigh.

But our sweet server saved the day and offered a few zero-proof options the bar does well. I went with a virgin pomegranate mule, served in the classic copper mug with a rosemary garnish (presentation matters, people).

It was tart, bubbly, refreshing perfection. The pomegranate was bold without being overpowering, and the ginger bite gave it just enough drama. Exactly what a Galentine’s lunch calls for.

The Food (aka Why I’ll Be Back Immediately)

We are lunch girlies through and through, and narrowing down our order was almost painful.

Filet Medallion Sandwich
Thick cuts of filet, cooked perfectly, topped with gooey Swiss, mushrooms, and onions on fresh French bread. It was like a sophisticated cousin of a cheesesteak. I will think about this sandwich at random moments for the rest of my life.

(Though nothing will ever replace a late-night stop at Jim's Steaks after a long day of partying in Philly. But that’s another story.)

Turkey Platter
My mom is a Thanksgiving-in-February kind of woman. This plate delivered: turkey with gravy, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and the portion was larger than our actual November servings. Comfort food excellence.


After lunch, we strolled through the village, popped into the Irish shop (where I absolutely needed a couple new rings, obviously), and drove home full and happy.




BBQ Worth Pulling Over For: Henri's Hotts Barbeque

Galentine’s Part Two featured the one and only Jenna Russo (queen of prepared foods at B.F. Mazzeo’s) introducing me to a local gem I have driven past for YEARS: Henri’s Hotts Barbeque on the Black Horse Pike.

Why did no one physically force me to stop sooner?


Owner Ruthier Henri runs the restaurant in honor of her late husband, who started barbecuing as a passion project. What began as love turned into a thriving business — and you can taste that heart in every bite.

Let me be clear:

  • The meat? Fall-off-the-bone tender.

  • The brisket? Fork-soft perfection.

  • The mac and cheese? Life-altering.

  • The cornbread? Elite.

  • The green beans? Some of the best I’ve ever had.

I even grabbed a BBQ chicken family meal to go because self-control is not part of my brand. After years of driving by, I am officially converted.

Coffee Shop Redemption Arc: Cafe Bru

Galentine’s weekend wrapped up with my Valentine, Joe. We had a spa day and then finally stopped at Cafe Bru on Tilton Road. Another place I’ve side-eyed through my car window for years.

You know the fear: Is this a real café… or am I about to pay $10 for coffee-flavored milk over ice?

Friends. It’s the real deal.

Real fruit smoothies. Specialty lattes. Incredible pastries. I ordered a strawberry banana smoothie and banana fosters bread pudding, and I have not emotionally recovered.

Can you be addicted to bread pudding? Asking for me.

I now regret every chain coffee purchase I’ve ever made. Support local. Drink better coffee. Eat the bread pudding!

Final Thoughts from Your Sober Party Girl

Weekends like this are why I love South Jersey. Historic charm, heartfelt BBQ, authentic coffee shops, and time with the people who matter most.

Now, as we brace for snow and stock up on driveway salt, I’m hoping the party continues next weekend. Blizzard or not, we’ll find a way.

Until next time,
 The Sober Party Girl 💕

Final Sober Party Girl Score for all the places above: 10 out of 10!!!

💖 Pros

🏛 Historic Charm at the Smithville Inn
 Cozy tavern vibes, rich history, and food that never disappoints.

🍹 Mocktail Magic (Even Without a Menu)
 No official mocktail list, but a helpful server + a virgin pomegranate mule = win.

🥪 Filet Medallion Sandwich
 Basically a cheesesteak’s classy cousin. Ooey gooey. Zero regrets.

🦃 Thanksgiving in February
 The turkey platter delivered holiday comfort without the family group chat drama.

🔥 BBQ That Changes Lives at Henri's Hotts Barbeque
 Fall-off-the-bone meats. Elite mac & cheese. Corniest (in a good way) cornbread.

☕ Local Coffee Redemption at Cafe Bru
 Real fruit smoothies. Legit lattes. Banana fosters bread pudding that may require a support group.

👯‍♀️ Quality Time
 Mom dates, bestie BBQ runs, spa days with Joe. 10/10 energy all around.


😅 Cons

❄️ Blizzard Threatening the Vibes
 Nothing says romance like panic-buying driveway salt.

📋 No Official Mocktail Menu
 We love options. We need options. (But shoutout to the MVP server.)

⏳ Why Did I Wait So Long?
 Years of driving past Henri’s and Cafe Bru like a fool.
Location: Smithville, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA

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