Lauren Rivera 
If you’re looking for a last-minute day trip less than an hour away from the Montclair area, The Montclair Girl suggests escaping to Lake Mohawk in Sparta. Located in Sussex County, this lakeside community, rich in Native American lore, features a mix of restaurants, dessert spots, and novelty shops to explore. Read on for a day-trip guide to Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey.
History Behind Lake Mohawk
Lake Mohawk is a three-and-a-half-mile manmade lake located in the heart of Sparta. Before there was a lake, there was the 2300-acre Brogden Meadow, which was named after a colonial judge who settled there, according to the Lake Mohawk Country Club. In 1926, the Arthur D. Crane Company began construction of the “largest of private artificial lakes in New Jersey.” Just a year later, in 1927, Lake Mohawk was officially founded and named in honor of the Native American Mohawk Princess, Princess White Deer, who was known for her many Broadway performances at the time, including Ziegfeld Follies.
White Deer Plaza, which surrounds the lake, was built from 1926 to 1928. The architecture of the plaza, “a fanciful amalgamation of Tudor, English Cottage, and German Baronial styles, as well as structures in the Vernacular style,” per the country club, has its own architectural name: Lake Mohawk Tudor.
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In 1937, Lake Mohawk celebrated its 10th anniversary with a town-wide event, where Princess White Deer was in attendance. A bulletin displayed near the boardwalk recounts her words at the ceremony: “The Great Spirit was kind; he heard the voice of White Deer. This valley of your people is now the valley of my people, and your flag is now my flag. Therefore, I raise this emblem over Lake Mohawk, and ask again that you continue here in health and happiness, and that you enjoy great peace.”
Today, Sparta’s Lake Mohawk, which is listed on the New Jersey + National Register of Historic Places, boasts all kinds of restaurants, dessert spots, and novelty shops, as well as a boardwalk where visitors can stroll along and watch the boats go by. As visitors explore the area, they’re encouraged to remember the rich history that shaped this lake community.
Restaurants to Try: Our Picks
Angeloni’s on Lake Mohawk | 7 Boardwalk, Sparta
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MG suggests dining here if you’re in the mood for: lakeside dining with a view.
Located in the former iL Porto, Angeloni’s is an Italian spot hailing all the way from Caldwell. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, and one-of-a-kind pizza options like the Nicky Boy’s Italian Style Hot Dog, topped with potatoes, peppers, onions, and hot dogs. Angeloni’s outdoor seating features a panoramic view of the lake, giving diners a front-row seat for leisurely boat-watching.
Bone Yard | 2 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
MG suggests dining here if you’re in the mood for: a space as cool as the menu.
When guests first step into this Mexican restaurant, they’re greeted by vibrant murals lining the walls, bamboo detailing, and greenery cascading from the ceiling. The menu includes Mexican-inspired dishes, like carne asada, burrito bowls, and tacos with a variety of meat options such as chicken, chorizo, shrimp, and mahi mahi, among others. Plus, this spot serves $3.75 street-style tacos every Tuesday, as part of its weekly Taco Tuesday nights.
Casa Mia | 20 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
MG suggests dining here if you’re in the mood for: a New Jersey-style pizza slice.
Casa Mia is an MG-approved pizza spot serving a menu of Italian classics like chicken francese, eggplant rollatini, and, of course, NJ-style pies. On its gourmet menu, diners can find 36 different pizzas, featuring options like the Grandpa Pizza (broccoli rabe, sliced sausage, olive oil, garlic, and fresh mozzarella on artisan crust) and the Uncle Mike Pizza (spinach, broccoli, tomato, roasted peppers on artisan crust). Plus, for those on a special diet or who have a gluten intolerance, this restaurant serves low-carb, cauliflower crust, and gluten-free pies.
Krogh’s Restaurant + Brew Pub | 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
MG suggests dining here if you’re in the mood for: a side of history with your meal.
This property, now known as Krogh’s Restaurant + Brew Pub, was the first commercial building to be built in the White Deer Plaza, according to the eatery’s website. The space first opened as the Tea Room + Gift Shoppe in 1927, passing through several owners and concepts before Frede Krogh purchased it in 1937 and established the restaurant that still operates today. Though under different owners now, the space has retained the same vintage and rustic charm.
On the menu, modern-day diners can find classic American eats like wings, wraps, sandwiches, pizza, steak, and more. The MG team recommends the brisket burger and grilled chicken sandwich, which are both fully customizable with a variety of toppings, cheeses, and sides available.
Lake House Cafe | 8 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
MG suggests dining here if you’re in the mood for: a classic brunch spread.
If you can’t decide between a hearty breakfast or a light lunch, try The Lake House Cafe for brunch. This spot features a menu of crepes, coffee, breakfast classics like French toast, omelets, and avocado toast, and lunch options like sandwiches, soup, and more, with gluten-free bread. MG recommends that diners enjoy their meals al fresco at one of the many street-facing tables, weather permitting, of course.
Mohawk House | 1 Mohawk Lane, Sparta
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MG suggests dining here if you’re in the mood for: a steakhouse that looks like it belongs in the countryside of England.
Boasting a stone exterior, Mohawk House is an upscale steakhouse located in a charming cottage on Mohawk Lane. The menu at this restaurant includes options like grilled prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella, an eight-ounce filet mignon, organic brick chicken marsala, and more.
St. Moritz Grill + Bar | 9 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
MG suggests dining here if you’re in the mood for: patio seating + smoked dishes.
St. Moritz Grill + Bar is a lunch and dinner spot specializing in wood-grilled cuisine, which the restaurant describes as “a culinary artistry” using intense heat, a specific type of wood, and a wood-fired grill to infuse dishes with “a unique smoky flavor.” Its menu features a mix of American and European dishes, from chicken schnitzel to whipped ricotta panzanella. St. Moritz also has a street-facing patio that boasts ample seating with shade.
Dessert Spots to Visit
Alpine Creamery | 14 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
Homemade ice cream is what this creamery boasts. The menu includes Italian ices and ice cream in flavors like banana, coffee, cheesecake, graham crackers, vanilla choco chip, and more. There is plenty of outdoor seating for customers to enjoy, as well as vegan ice cream options.
Nutty Over Sweets | 6 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
Care Bear-themed sodas, freeze-dried Starbursts, and Poké Ball-shaped chocolates are the kinds of wacky treats visitors will find at this old-school candy shop. Nutty Over Sweets features aisles upon aisles of goodies from watermelon, grape, and cotton candy-flavored rock candy to chocolate-covered pretzels to licorice coins.
Pattycakes | 20 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
While known for its custom cake services, Pattycakes is a great spot to visit for a post-brunch or dinner sweet treat. This spot serves options like lemon bars, edible cookie dough, brownies, lava cakes, cake pops, mini cheesecakes, and more.
MG pro tip: If you’re craving a strawberry matcha latte, opt for a matcha latte with strawberry boba instead. It tastes just as good, with the added fun of a chewy boba ball in every sip.
Places to Shop
Etched in Time Engraving | 10 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
Etched in Time Engraving is a cozy gift shop specializing in handcrafted wood pieces like engraved charcuterie boards, coasters, ornaments, and more. Beyond woodwork, the store also carries clothing, wind chimes, and all kinds of trinkets.
Garlic + Oil | 12 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
Despite its name, this spot sells more than just food, though it does have plenty of that too. At this woman-owned gift shop, shoppers can find gift baskets, clothing, tote bags, and home decor. Garlic + Oil, best known for its olive oil and balsamic vinegar, even sells house-made gourmet pasta for patrons to cook at home.
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Yippy Art | 14 Winona Parkway, Sparta
Serving as a “creative sanctuary…where imagination comes alive,” per its website, Yippy Art is a multipurpose space where visitors can take workshops, attend art events, and buy locally made art. From graphic tees to hoodies to handcrafted mugs, Yippy Art sells a host of creative finds, all while supporting local creators.
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