As part of a refresh, Tap Gastropub in Warren is jazzing things up to become a New Orleans-inspired restaurant and bar.

Located within the Somerset Hills Hotel, a property owned by 6R Capital Group and managed by Valor Hospitality Partners, the new eatery – Tap & Bitters – offers a contemporary take on Cajun cuisine, as well as an extensive list of craft beers and cocktails.

Tap & Bitters marks the latest concept from New York City-based restaurateur Rafi Hasid, whose other ventures include Mediterranean restaurant Miriam.

When deciding on the direction of Tap & Bitters, Hasid said he drew much of his inspiration from his travels to the Big Easy and wanted to bring the city’s incredible cuisine to Central Jersey.

The menu – which was heavily influenced by Hasid’s Cajun-Creole restaurant 1803 – includes a variety of dishes, like broiled oysters, chicken wings and gumbo. It will be updated seasonally, with a focus on incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients and products.

However, Tap & Bitters still plans to serve a few staples from the former restaurant, including its expansive tap line with local craft beers and the popular “Tap” Burger.

The beverage lineup is also being expanded to further infuse New Orleans’ famed cocktail culture, utilizing a variety of different bitters and fresh herbs.

“I’m thrilled to bring New Orleans’ one-of-a-kind spirit to Warren through Tap & Bitters’ refreshed dishes, cocktails and atmosphere,” said Hasid. “I have no doubt locals and visitors alike will enjoy the Southern-inspired curated menu and will feel as though they’ve been immersed in the city I love.”

The changes also include additions to the décor and interior, such as more communal seating areas, cozy benches, low set tables, greenery and antique brass jazz instruments hung throughout the restaurant.

Additionally, Tap & Bitters will soon offer a variety of unique events and programming, as well as regular live music.

Scott McArthur, general manager of the Somerset Hills Hotel, said, “We’re excited to see Rafi’s vision come to life. The restaurant is a fantastic complement to the hotel and an incredible culinary experience for our guests visiting from near and far.”

After opening in 2003 as the Tap Room, the restaurant quickly established itself as the local watering hole and go-to eatery in Warren. In late 2020, the restaurant rebranded as Tap Gastropub as part of a $22 million project to renovate the property as a Tapestry Collection by Hilton Hotel.

In November 2022, 6R Capital Group acquired Somerset Hills Hotel and the Marriott Basking Ridge for $36 million.