"Death Seat" at the Old Canal Inn: A Piece of Bloomfield History

The "Death Seat" legend at the Old Canal Inn dates back to around 1960 – 1964.  But to this day, people who know the tale like to re-tell it -- and current Old Canal Inn owner Mark Conca is no exception. 

“The rumor was that there were two 70-year-old guys who waited to sit in this seat for better light,” says Conca, pointing to the Death Seat, the lone, red-cushioned seat that survived the last renovation. “They would wait and fight for the seat.”

Conca says both men died of sudden heart attacks within ten days of sitting in the seat, hence its name.  Nowadays, the seat is chained off and has become a tourist attraction. So much so, Conca has named an entree after it: the Death Seat Burger Platter.

The burger, available on Mondays only, is grilled to perfection and topped with roasted garlic and jalapeno-nacho cheddar mashed potatoes. The beer-battered and deep fried burger is placed over French fries, cole slaw and macaroni salad.

“I haven’t had one complaint,” he says about the unusual burger platter.  In fact, quite the contrary. “People have been amazed with the presentation, say it looks cool on the plate. And the burger itself stays juicy because only the outside is beer battered and deep fried.”

Before Conca's time, the Old Canal Inn was owned by Bloomfield residents, Tom Skorupski and family. Truth be told, the 103-year-old building may be located in Nutley, and the Old Canal may now even be owned by a Nutley family, but it's so close to the Bloomfield line that many township residents claimed it as their spot for years.

Skorupski’s uncle opened the Old Canal Inn under a different name, "JoJos Tavern," back in 1934.  Skorupski bought it in 1948 and renamed it the Old Canal Inn in honor of the Morris Canal that used to pass through the area.

Bought in 1934, the facility was primarily a bar until the dining room was added in the 1970s.  It remained in the Skorupski family until 2008, which is when Conca began talking with Skorupski about a possible purchase. Mark and his brothers Ralph, Danny and Phil purchased the business in 2011.

“The biggest thing was resurrecting the history of this bar and breeding new life into it,” says Conca. “We’re keeping up as much of the old tradition as possible, plus adding flair and bringing life to the place.”

And nowhere is that more evident that in the current restaurant menu.  The revamped offerings include seventeen excellent burgers, all created by brother Phil, as well as a variety of sandwich choices and entrees.

Also very popular on the list is the Old Canal Inn Baked Ziti.

“It’s not your traditional baked ziti,” claims Conca. “It’s made with no ricotta, but mozzarella, and flavored with prosciutto and sausage.”   Also available are appetizers, salads, soups, bar pies and a children's menu.

The restaurant area, which can accommodate 45 patrons, is large enough for parties.  It features live entertainment every weekend, and the dining room bar, separate from the front downstairs bar, is open every weekend.

The best thing about the Old Canal Inn?  While you enjoy a great meal, you can revisit history each time.

Old Canal Inn, 2 East Passaic Avenue, Nutley, (973) 284-1272, www.theoldcanalinn.com