Timeless Dining

THERE ARE CERTAIN landmarks in Upper Makefield Township that embody the area’s rich history and can also be experienced daily by residents and visitors. One such destination is the Washington Crossing Inn. Located adjacent to Washington Crossing Historic Park, the original site was home to Bernard Taylor in 1817. In fact, the main feature of the original kitchen, a large open hearth, still exists today for diners to see what life looked like 200 years ago.

“It’s an historical place,” Washington Crossing Inn Restaurant Manager Alex Bielanski says. “We’re so close to the park. We have the crossing on Christmas Day and reenactments. The area is so special. This is the point where the Revolutionary War took a turn for the better and we started winning, and that was the genesis for the United States.”

STANDING THE TEST OF TIME

After switching owners throughout the years, William Haven and his wife purchased the property in 1932. They renovated the home, built a banquet hall, and established the Washington Crossing Inn, which offered nine rooms and a restaurant. Throughout the years, ownership has changed hands. In 2003, Frank Pisaturo and business partner Marc Naids bought the inn and hired Bielanski as general manager. Bielanski has continued to hold that position for 23 years. In 2009, Dr. Eli Mordechai acquired the business to continue the tradition of preserving this landmark of Bucks County hospitality. The inn was eventually brought under Mordechai’s Genesis Hospitality umbrella, which includes a collection of historical inns, restaurants, bakeries, and boutique hotels.

“Dr. Mordechai passed by one day and said, ‘I want to buy this,’” Bielanski says. “We were the first historical inn to be part of Genesis, and under them, we have done a lot of renovation, extended our horizons, added high tea, expanded our menu, and it has helped to build the business.”

RENOVATED WITH CARE

Bielanski says the Washington Crossing Inn no longer has guest rooms; they have been transformed into a bridal suite and groom’s room, as well as office space. Under Mordechai’s ownership, major renovations have been completed—including the porch, brick work, patio, outdoor pergola and bar, and hearth room—but they have preserved the importance of the building’s history.

Throughout the renovations and changes over the years, many historical artifacts have been found, including an underground well and glass jars where medicine used to be kept. Bielanski says he’s even had some supernatural experiences.

“At night, I would turn off the fireplace, and then the next morning, the fireplace is on,” he says. “They are nice ghosts, not malicious, and like to play pranks.”

CUSTOMERS KEEP COMING BACK

Washington Crossing Inn is more than a place to gather; it’s a place of comfort and familiarity for customers. The consistent high quality of the food is a big draw. One of the highlights is that the menu keeps its popular staples that guests have come to enjoy and expect.

“We have a special bread we make, crab soup, and one of the previous chefs brought chicken schnitzels,” Bielanski says. “We do seasonal menus, but when something new comes up that the customers love, we keep it.”

Bielanski emphasizes that most of the staff are long-term employees and there is little turnover. He also says they have regular customers, so the staff and those guests have become family over the years.

“It’s one of the oldest businesses in Washington Crossing,” says Hilary Rickert, who has been the hostess manager for more than 10 years. “We’re still going strong. It’s a great place for locals, and a destination for people who are visiting Bucks County or Upper Makefield and want to see something unique and historical. When we have repeat customers, it’s wonderful— they know your name, they’re happy to see you, and they come back because they love the ambiance.”

Karen Dawkins was part of a group of women from Doylestown who recently met for lunch at Washington Crossing Inn. She says they have all come back to the restaurant many times since, due to the historical setting, great food, and friendly staff.

“Hilary is such a gracious hostess,” Dawkins says. “When I call to make a reservation for a couple of groups, she’s always very kind and it always works out perfectly.”

 A SPECIAL-OCCASION VENUE

Besides serving memorable meals, the Washington Crossing Inn is highly regarded as a top-notch banquet facility for events, weddings, and business functions.

“It feels like home, not just for us but for everybody,” says Washington Crossing Inn Banquet Manager Christina Marrazzo. “About 70 to 80 percent of our special-occasion clients are repeat clients, and if not repeat, they are generational because their parents came here, their grandparents came here, and they always come back. People know they are always going to get the same perfect result every time.”

Danielle Godorecci, Washington Crossing Inn events specialist, had her first communion at the inn and sang with the restaurant’s pianist when she was younger.

“It feels full circle,” she says. “This is a dream job for me. It’s a job that has touched my soul. When you see people walk in the door, no matter what the occasion is—a wedding, an anniversary, a rehearsal dinner, or even a memorial—those are the memories people will take with them forever. 

HOSTING THE HOLIDAYS

Although every day is special at the inn, the holidays are an extremely popular and festive time. During December, the Washington Crossing Inn is busy with corporate events, family gatherings, and holiday parties. It also offers a buffet on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as a New Year’s Eve dinner. Since the Crossing Reenactment takes place in the adjacent park on Dec. 25, the staff expect 800 to 1,000 diners that day.

“People come from all over for the holidays, and repeat guests come here every year,” Rickert says. “The buffets take up a third of the ballroom, the chefs are hand carving, and family and friends are celebrating together with an excellent meal.”

Bielanski agrees that the holidays are a special time at the inn. “This time of the year is always special to everybody—it doesn’t matter what religion,” he says. “It’s a time for family and a time to get together and see each other. What makes this place special for the holidays and year-round is its historic charm. It’s just a magnet for people.”

BY DARI KOTZKER