After completing extensive renovations to the main dining room and bar/lounge areas at the historic Bernards Inn, celebrity chef David Burke is gearing up to launch his latest unique restaurant concept.

Currently in the midst of a soft opening and scheduled for a mid-October grand opening, Red Horse by David Burke at the Bernards Inn will be a modern American steakhouse featuring premium local and global seasonal ingredients, like Italian truffles and New Jersey bison.

The menu will also include a variety of Burke’s U.S. patented Pink Himalayan salt dry-aged prime beef, lobster with pasta, sushi and whole roasted fish.

Earlier this year, Burke partnered with the property’s owner, Morristown-based The Hampshire Cos. subsidiary Hampshire Destination Properties, to revitalize and then operate the century-old restaurant and hotel in downtown Bernardsville. After its anticipated grand opening this fall, Burke’s hospitality group will oversee food and beverage service at the property and then later manage hotel operations, including its 20 luxury guest rooms.

The upgrades will also include a revamp of the former wine room/cellar area into a “fun speakeasy/supper club/music venue” called The Bernie that will feature live entertainment, like comedy shows, music and trivia nights, as well as patio dining in the spring and summer.

A more formal and larger event space for private, elegant affairs with a 200-seat capacity will be updated at a later date, according to Burke’s group.

“We are all very excited about this project,” Burke said in a statement. “This is one of New Jersey’s greatest, iconic properties and we are bringing it back to its glory days.”

“Ever since I was a young chef, I had a lot of respect for this property and its contributions to New Jersey’s fine dining scene. The area’s residents are well-traveled, sophisticated diners who want a relaxed yet refined place to dine nearby. So, for the concept I looked to the old horse country feel and the graciousness that came with that era invigorated by my playful style. The décor reflects the equine interest of the area from my signature red and white horse tack wallpaper and a variety of original works of equine themed art,” he commented.

According to Burke’s group, hiring for the new restaurant is also underway, with positions available in the front and back of the house. Click here for more information. 

The Bernards Inn will be Burke’s ninth full-service restaurant in New Jersey and 19th worldwide. The upcoming establishment is described as a spin-off of Burke’s award-winning Rumson flagship restaurant, of the same name, which opened in March 2021.

Within New Jersey, Burke’s portfolio also includes: Orchard Park by David Burke in East Brunswick, The Fox & Falcon in South Orange, Ventanas at the Modern in Fort Lee, David Burke’s Dixie Lee Bakery in Keansburg, 1776 by David Burke in Morristown, Drifthouse by David Burke in Sea Bright, The Goat by David Burke in Union Beach and Son Cubano in West New York.

The group also owns and operates restaurants in New York, North Carolina and Saudi Arabia.