Mocktails and the Famous Red Roast Beef: Why Everyone Is Talking About Columbia II Restaurant

When I first met my husband, I quickly learned that his family history was tied to something pretty iconic in Hammonton. The original Columbia restaurant. His father was the mastermind behind the town-famous Red Roast Beef sandwich, and people would pack the dining room just to get their hands on one. Most days, the sandwiches sold out before closing.

Friends from Hammonton still talk about those days with big smiles and even bigger appetites, remembering how they would devour two or three sandwiches at a time because they simply couldn’t get enough. Sadly, Joe’s father passed away before I ever had the chance to taste that legendary secret recipe myself.

But recently, something exciting happened.

The Columbia II, still proudly family-owned and operated, decided it was finally time to bring the famous Red Roast Beef back. And let me tell you, this is big news in Hammonton. Shout out to Donna, Shelia, and the rest of the family for serving up amazing food and smiles for so long. 

Now, Wednesdays and Thursdays are officially Red Roast Beef days, and the moment we heard, we jumped in the car and headed straight there.

Spoiler alert:
It absolutely lives up to the hype.

First Things First: The Mocktails 🍹

There may not be a formal mocktail menu, but Donna knows her bar, and her customers, extremely well.

Within minutes of ordering, out came the most beautiful virgin piña colada I’ve ever seen. It was served in a fun, curvy glass, garnished with a freshly cut orange slice and cherry, and smelled like summer in a cup.

One sip, and suddenly the cold, windy April day outside didn’t matter. Inside, it felt like sunshine, beach vibes, and vacation mode.

Yes… I ordered a second one. No regrets.

The Star of the Show: The Red Roast Beef Sandwich

Of course, this visit was all about the return of the legendary Red Roast Beef sandwich.

The beef is brought in fresh from the butcher, slow-cooked to perfection, and served dripping in the famous secret red sauce. And before you ask…

No, I still don’t know the secret.
And judging by the smiles in the kitchen, I don’t think anyone is giving it up anytime soon.

What I can tell you is this:
The sandwich comes on some of the best bread I’ve ever had; soft, fresh, and sturdy enough to hold a generous pile of tender roast beef completely soaked in that signature sauce.

Is it gravy?
Not exactly.

Is it tomato sauce?
Also no.

It’s lighter, richer, and completely unique. A delicious, savory “red juice” that makes the entire sandwich messy in the best possible way.

Joe insists you should always ask for extra sauce because, in his words:
“It’s the best when the bread itself is red and soggy.”

Honestly? He’s not wrong.

The sandwich also comes with a side of hot, crispy fries fresh from the fryer. The perfect companion to soak up every last drop.

A Seafood Craving: Stuffed Flounder That Steals the Spotlight

While the Red Roast Beef is the headline act, the Columbia II menu is packed with incredible comfort food, and I was craving seafood.

So I ordered the stuffed flounder dinner, and wow… This dish deserves its own standing ovation.

The fresh flounder was perfectly broiled, flaky, tender, and cooked just right, then generously stuffed with a massive portion of creamy crab imperial.

If you love fresh seafood, this is a must-order.

The meal also came with:

• A fresh side salad

• A hearty portion of pasta

Let’s just say there was a lot of food and only so much stomach space to work with.

This dish is officially in the running for my go-to order. Right up there with that glorious secret sandwich.

Saving Room (Barely) for Dessert

Even after two mocktails and more food than any reasonable person should consume, Joe insisted we couldn’t leave without dessert.

There’s another famous family recipe. It’s the blueberry cream pie that he talks about constantly, but on this particular day, the dessert case had something new:

Coconut Snowball Mousse Cake

Say less.

We ordered it to-go because I was already dangerously close to food-coma territory… but of course, we had to sneak a bite before heading home.

And oh my goodness.

This cake was exactly what the name promised. A giant coconut-covered snowball of fluffy, creamy goodness, rolled in coconut flakes and sitting on top of the lightest cake imaginable.

It was the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal.

The Heart of a True Family Restaurant

After we finished eating (and possibly unbuttoning our jeans), we hugged everyone goodbye,  because that’s just what happens at places like this.

There’s something special about a restaurant where the food still tastes like it was made for family, not just customers.

The Columbia II is one of the few places that still has that kind of charm.
Warm welcomes. Generous portions. Recipes passed down through generations (hopefully).

And now, the return of a local legend.

We will absolutely be back soon for more secrets, sweets, sandwiches, and of course… mocktails.

Until Next Time,
The Sober Party Girl

Total Sober Party Girl Score: 10 out of 10! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros 👍

🥪 The Legendary Red Roast Beef is BACK — and absolutely worth the hype
🍹 Delicious mocktails even without a formal menu
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Warm, family-owned restaurant vibe that feels like home
🐟 Fresh, perfectly cooked seafood with generous portions
🍟 Hot, crispy fries that complete the meal
🍰 Homemade desserts that are worth saving room for
📍 Local Hammonton favorite with deep community roots

Cons 👎

⏰ Red Roast Beef only available Wednesdays & Thursdays (plan ahead!)
🍽️ Portions are huge — come hungry or bring leftovers
🚗 You may have to wait during peak hours when the sandwich sells fast
🤫 The secret sauce recipe is still a secret (we tried)