Red Horse by David Burke at Bernards Inn in the rustic yet posh town of Bernardsville, NJ, offers a sophisticated dining experience blending Modern American steakhouse fare with Italian classics with a twist. Adding to its allure is the fact that it’s across the street from the Bernardsville train station where you can get a train directly to Penn Station or Hoboken’s PATH train that takes about 70 minutes.
The menu features an eclectic mix of dishes, including appetizers like Burke’s trademark Clothesline Bacon and Octopus. Don’t start your meal without ordering the most famous bread plate in all of elevated dining, which features two giant popovers and two small corn muffins that resemble hats. The butter is served soft and has an interesting mix of spices on top that includes a tiny dusting of cayenne and black pepper (yet it’s not overpowering).
Classic Modern American and Southern Italian entrées include the Rack of Lamb, Veal Parmesan (available on Saturdays), and Filet Mignon. For seafood lovers, there’s the six oyster starter shown above, but also sushi, ceviche, and a signature cod dish served in parchment. Brunch options are just as varied, with offerings like the Brunch Burger and Chorizo Scramble.
Every dish has an element of fun based on Burke’s love of pop art and everyday objects turned into food accessories! There is nothing at Red Horse that doesn’t have artistic plating–there are always little flourishes that you cannot find anywhere else, some in the form of quirky sauces. Above you can see the halibut special served with Hollandaise sauce, asparagus and a unusually spiced potato pancake which has fennel seed.
In addition to the à la carte options, the restaurant hosts special events like Pasta Night and Burger Night, making it a dynamic dining destination. You can get your fries with prosciutto, melted butter and a spritz of lemon as pictured above and these are simply unforgettable. Nightly “specials” offer high end fare at super reasonable prices but the three course dinner for $50 on Sunday nights is one of the tristate area’s best luxury dining deals.
I strongly recommend the roasted Brussels sprouts as a side to share (but honestly all sides at Red Horse By David Burke are big enough to share). They are roasted with EVOO and maple syrup to a beautiful golden brown color and thrown in the mix are chunks of artisanal bacon. The drizzle of thick balsamic vinegar is the finishing touch that gives this dish a kick.
The Tiny Dancer is a very special take on chocolate mousse cake that features thin butter cookie “dancer leg” cookies and lovely large drops of homemade caramel sauce and bubblegum flavored whipped cream. Other notable dessert selections include Bananas Foster and Tarte Tatin, finishing meals on a sweet note.
You will love the decor including both edgy and classic art, mostly with a horse theme–but get an up close look at Murano glass piece between the bar and main dining area. The round bar is unique and there are signature cocktails and mocktails with unique equestrian inspired names. My favorite mocktail is the Pony Ride which consists of strawberry, thyme syrup, lemon juice and Lyres non-alcoholic spirits.
Above is the previously mentioned Pony Ride in case you are curious about what it looks like! It is easy to knock back a few of these. At Red Horse, the cocktail menu is creative and features several signature drinks that stand out. Among the offerings are artisanal cocktails like The Devil’s Garden, a mix of reposado tequila, jalapeño, cucumber and lime, perfect for a spicy kick. Another highlight is the Classic Margarita, made with top-quality tequila and lime for a refreshing taste. Additionally, their Gin Blossom, a floral gin-based drink with a hint of elderflower, is popular with those who prefer something light and aromatic.
For more details on this “Best Of New Jersey” award winner from many different media outlets, explore here: https://redhorsebydb.com/menu/.
