Sweetwater History

Life Is Sweet At Sweetwater

The Best Stories Always Start At A Bar…

The Sweetwater Casino

     The Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck is situated on the site of the iconic Sweetwater Casino. Established in 1927, the Sweetwater Casino was well known across South Jersey for its riverside dining, banquet facility and of course, its cheese!

     The Sweetwater Casino never did contain an actual casino, but rather, it got its name during the Prohibition period when it was run as a speakeasy where many came to drink booze and gamble. 

     In its day, Sweetwater Casino was the sight of many wonderful weddings. Many folks still return to the site of the old Sweetwater Casino with fond memories of the special times they had there.

The Fire

     Early one morning in the summer of 2008, a fire broke out at Sweetwater Casino. While the blaze was reported at 4am, Sweetwater’s rural location made it hard for firefighters to control the flames. Ironically, the fire was not put out until after 6am due to a lack of water. Tankers from nearby towns had to be called in. Despite firefighters’ best efforts, the building that held so many memories was destroyed. Investigators later determined that a lightning strike was the cause of the devastating scene.

     The Sweetwater Casino was sold shortly after the fire. Its new owners operated it as a small grill and tiki-bar for several summers with live music.

 

 

A New Start

     In the Winter of 2016, the former Sweetwater Casino was purchased by Mike and Kimmie Iles. Before purchasing the property, the Iles family had spent over 30 summers on the Mullica River.  Knowing the memories, “The Casino” held for so many, Mike and Kim considered themselves very lucky to be able to give life back to one of South Jersey’s best kept secrets. 

     In the Summer of 2016, the Iles family began operating the property under a new name, the “Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck.” From 2016-2019, thousands of people flocked to the Riverdeck and some were shocked to find that the local favorite was really just a glorified party tent with a large bar underneath and about 50 picnic tables out on the lawn. 

     Despite its modest appearance, people quickly realized that the laid-back style of The Riverdeck was one of the best things about the destination! Families enjoyed being able to let their kids play while dining, friends enjoyed sitting back and relaxing by the riverside.  

Back & Better Than Ever

     Shortly after closing for the season in 2019, the Sweetwater crew began demolition. Early in 2020, they broke ground and began construction of two brand new buildings, one being the restaurant and the other being an event space.

     The building pictured above is home to Sweetwater Riverdeck’s bar and restaurant. Sweetwater Riverdeck serves a variety of food from salads and sandwiches to pizzas and sushi. The Riverdeck building features roll-up doors to merge the indoor and outdoor space when the weather cooperates.

     The second building on the property is home to “The Riverview,” Sweetwater’s new event space. The Riverview is the perfect venue for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, parties and more! As the name suggests, guests can enjoy beautiful sweeping views of the Mullica River during their celebration from the venue’s balcony.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

 

Now Open for Lunch Wednesday & Thursday

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH WED/ THURS We are excited to say that we will now open at 11am on Wednesdays and Thursdays so stop by for lunch! . Wednesday: Open 11am-11pm 1/2 price Whiskey 4 - Close $7 River Burgers 4-6pm . Thursday: Open 11am-11pm Dinner specials starting at...

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Sunrise Meditation and Mimosas

Rise And Relax Riverside Enjoy 45 minutes of guided sunrise meditation with Jenny from Revive and Risa Yoga, followed by delightful drinks and a light bites buffet! June 25 8am- 10am $35 per person Includes... 45 mins of guided meditation Mimosas Light buffet Must be...

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Memorial Day Weekend

Skip the shore traffic this MDW, and head to the river instead!! We open tomorrow at 4pm! Come soak up the sunshine with us! . THURSDAY 👉Happy Hour 4-7pm 👉 Juicy Trio plays 6-10pm . FRIDAY 👉Happy Hour 4-7pm 👉Cat 5 plays 7-11pm . SATURDAY 👉Ian & Christina plays...

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Hours of Operation & Location

Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck

2780 7th Avenue, Sweetwater, NJ 08037

609-668-1545

 

Monday-Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: Thursday: 11am - 11pm

Friday: 11am - 1am

Saturday: 11am - 1am

Sunday: 11am - 9pm

**All guests must be 21+ to enter Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck after 9pm. IDs will be checked at the door. **

 

We do not take reservations.

 

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