Chef David Burke’s new speakeasy and supper club is open
A century ago, the stone cellar underneath the Bernards Inn was where locals went for a secret sip, as it was as one of Bernardsville’s four speakeasies that operated during prohibition.
But now that The Bernie, a social room and supper club, has opened at the Red Horse at the Bernards Inn under celebrity chef David Burke, indulging in a cocktail while listening to live music is anything but forbidden.
The room follows Burke’s fall opening and reimagination of the 117-year-old hotel and restaurant above it, as The Bernie now features modern upgrades like a new sound system, new lighting and new furniture — but the same historic charm.
“It’s a beautiful room — not an afterthought at all,” Burke said. “It’s very different than what’s above it at the Red Horse.”
Previously known as the Wine Vault, a grand opening event is scheduled for early May. In the meantime, The Bernie is open 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. It can be reached through the Red Horse lobby or through its own street entrance.
Surrounded by St. Bernard’s and bowties featured in whimsical artwork displayed among original wood beams and white-washed brick, patrons can dine from a small plates menu offering items like sushi, pasta, pizza, tacos, burgers and steak frites alongside a full bar.
The Bernie will also be a frequent spot for events like Burke’s blind-folded Dinners in the Dark, local dinners hosted by winemakers, bingo, trivia nights, comedy shows and live music.
Dueling pianos might also eventually join the lineup, as the baby grand piano has been moved from the main dining room upstairs to The Bernie. It is also available for private events in its 80-person space.
“It’s good for the community, good for business and it’s another good option that’s not necessarily going out to dinner,” Burke said. “We have ourselves a little bit of a supper club/speakeasy going.”
In its prior life as a speakeasy, the space was where people would “have a drink and then race their horseand-buggies up the hill,” Burke said he was told by locals. The new logo of the restaurant, inn and social room will be a horse-drawn carriage.
Meanwhile, Burke keeps going. The lobby and 20 rooms at the Red Horse will soon be renovated. New patio furniture is coming to the pet-friendly terrace, which opens Tuesday, April 9.
The Bernie and Red Horse renovations are part of a multi-million-dollar upgrade project in progress at the landmark Bernards Inn. Burke entered the partnership with its owner, Hampshire Destination Properties, LLC, a subsidiary of The Hampshire Companies, in 2023.
Go: 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville; 908-7660002, redhorsebydb.com/restaurant-bernards.
Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com