It’s a beautiful summer day so hop in your car, on your bike or in your kayak and travel about ten miles south from Easton on Rt. 611 to Mueller’s General Store and Kitchen.

This iconic landmark, just below Raubsville, has been a part of the Delaware River landscape for nearly a half century. During that time, Mueller’s has worn many hats and has faithfully served the locals their morning coffee plus their morning papers along with a hearty breakfast or lunch. There once was a miniature golf course there on which I played with my daughter perhaps 25 years ago and friends of mine told me that they used to purchase their Christmas Trees there every year.

Jonathan Davis and Greg Schuyler of Pearly Baker’s and Bank Street Annex fame expanded their restaurant holdings in the Easton Area two years ago with the purchase of Mueller’s and have big plans for this location. For one thing, Mueller’s is now serving Dinner in addition to Breakfast and Lunch and this place is hopping at all times of the day. I can tell you that Mueller’s is like no other place and I spent some time discovering it.

Mueller’s sits right on the canal adjacent to the Delaware with the towpath separating the two. Bikers come down from Easton and Raubsville or up from Reigelsville and make a pit stop for a bite to eat or a drink at the outside bar. Boaters on the river pull up onshore and come up the bank to Mueller’s for a break or supplies at the General Store, many times camping overnight near the water instead of continuing on down the river.

Jonathan Davis and Greg Schuyler of Pearly Baker’s and Bank Street Annex fame expanded their restaurant holdings in the Easton Area two years ago with the purchase of Mueller’s and have big plans for this location.

This place is definitely “country” with no frills and a bunch of great, friendly people. I began my food experience here with lunch. My friend Jennifer and I went in on a Tuesday. There are seven stools at the indoor counter/bar which were all taken during lunch as were the five tables lining the wall along the windows. We chose to sit in the dining room off the bar and ordered up Fish Tacos for me and a Rueben for Jen. My Battered Battered Cod filets served on a soft tortilla, coleslaw and southwest ranch dressing were delicious as were the freshly made salsa and chips served along side. Jen’s Rueben was a generous portion of Corned Beef, Swiss, kraut with thousand island dressing on grilled rye. (Turkey and coleslaw may be substituted to create a Rachel.) We also tasted the Sweet Potato Fries and Onion Rings accompanying our sandwiches, which were hot and contained no calories at all!

Shawnee our server and manager Alicia Fryer chatted with us over lunch. Alicia explained that the dining room is completely new. I understand the heavy wooden tables were built by Jonathan’s father-in-law from old barn wood. They are beautiful as are the clean wooden floors. The muted grey/green walls with framed mirrors, warm sconces and lighting all create a cozy atmosphere.

Tom and I again stopped at Mueller’s the following weekend for a beer at the outdoor bar on our way home from a little league game. The bar was completely full as were the adjacent tables. Randi was working the bar as well as the tables and Jonathan Davis stopped by to chat. He explained that they are currently building a storage facility next to the store where in the future they plan to stock tubes, canoes and kayaks to enjoy out on the river.

It’s obvious that many visitors to Mueller’s stop here as a result of a bike ride, canoe trip, a long walk along the towpath or simply out of curiosity but others are here because they’ve always come here for the food. The burgers and crab cakes coming out of the kitchen looked delicious to which the diners attested. There was lively conversation at the bar while I checked out the dinner menu that includes Red Wine Braised Pork Shanks with a mushroom red wine gravy, mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies; Classic Meatloaf and several choices from The Smoker including Baby Back Ribs, Chicken and Brisket Combo. There are salads and lite fare items as well as Bread Bowls of Beef Stroganoff or Seafood Au Gratin – shrimp, scallops, crab and white fish baked in a cheese sauce. All desserts are house made except for the fresh fruit pies that arrive fresh from Tombler’s Bakery in Easton.

Chef Dan Boyko has created an interesting menu for Mueller’s. A graduate of the NCC Culinary Arts Program, Chef Boyko’s previous experience includes Lee Gribbons on Main in Emmaus and The King George Inn.

Breakfast at Mueller’s is always packed but we lucked out when we went late on a rainy Sunday morning. We scored a table and Dakota was quick to take our order. We started with excellent spicy Bloody Marys. The breakfast choices are hearty and many. Their house specialties include home made Corned Beef Hash, Sausage Gravy over Butter Biscuits and Country Fried Steak. I ordered Loaded Potato Pancakes with bacon and cheddar topped with a dollop of sour cream and chives served with two extremely fresh eggs. I loved this breakfast. It was a great blend of flavors all served up very hot. Tom enjoyed “The Big” – eggs, ham, home fries, toast and pancakes. We enjoyed our choices and definitely will visit for breakfast more often. Also available are an array of Omelets or you may build your own; breakfast sandwiches, fresh baked goods, cereal, fruit and yogurt in addition to pancakes and French toast.

Please do not leave Mueller’s without a stroll through the General Store. Here you will find shelves of grocery items, a full service deli to order up your favorite sandwiches; a selection of at least 40 beers in the cooler; “Grab and Carry” dishes ranging from Breakfast Sandwiches (available at 5 a.m.) to full entrees prepared in the kitchen and restocked all day long in addition to desserts and ice cream. In a back area behind the deli are many seasonal items as well as fishing licenses and bait if you’re planning a fishing day on the river. Oh, if you’re looking for someone to complete a job around your house, don’t forget to check out the “Contractor Board” where you can pick up business cards for just about anything.

Mueller’s truly is a unique place that is fun to visit and respected by the locals but more and more river activities are drawing a new clientele here. There are many upcoming events planned including “Reggae on the River” and their “Yappy Hours” – here you can bring your pets and donate to a good cause. Check out this and other information including hours of operation and directions on Mueller’s General Store and Restaurant’s Facebook page.