Legendary NJ dive bar abruptly announces closing after 60 years

Here today, gone tomorrow. Or at least very soon.

A legendary dive bar in the heart of the Garden State has announced it is closing after over 60 years of serving beer and burgers.

But here's a positive spin on an otherwise sad story: six decades is a heck of a lot longer than a lot of other bars and restaurants stay open for.

Case in point, the National Restaurant Association says only about one in five restaurants are successful. 60% will fail in their first year and 80% close within five years of opening.

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So even with every person on the planet having to eat and drink at some point, there is a 4-in-5 chance that the trendy, new eatery or bar that you just discovered will be gone within a handful of years.

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But that was not the case for the Tilton Inn on Tilton Road in Egg Harbor Township.

Since 1963, the Tilton Inn has welcomed people for lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.

Tilton Inn in Egg Harbor Township NJ - Photo: Google Maps

It's where locals celebrated the Eagles and Phillies and yelled at the Flyers and Sixers (or vice versa, as is usually the case with Philly sports teams). It's where you went if you had a lousy day at work or wanted to hang out with your co-workers (even the ones that you can't stand) after a good day on the job.

The Tilton Inn is one of those places that's just always been there.

But not for much longer.

The bar's owners recently took to Facebook to share their news:

In 1963 Al and Mildred Ulrich opened the doors to Tilton Inn. We are incredibly grateful for your support over the past 60+ years. At this time, we have decided it is time for our family to close those doors. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our incredible staff and loyal customers.

They say they anticipate their last day to be April 27th, which will be plenty of time to see how the Phillies look in spring training while chugging two or three beers after you file your federal and state taxes.