A new restaurant from a familiar face is now open in Red Bank. Chef Nicholas Harary and his wife, Melissa, are known in town for Restaurant Nicholas, a fan favorite since 2000. Now they are transforming the space into something new, called Nicholas Barrel & Roost. The restaurant’s tagline is simple: “Where great food and good friends come together.”
Restaurant Nicholas was a modern fine dining spot; In fact, it was named Zagat’s highest-rated restaurant in the state for 15 straight years. The restaurant also made several national best restaurant lists. “Now, with Barrel & Roost, we strip off the white tablecloths and serve up a bold new menu; made-from-scratch food that’s crazy-delicious, yet entirely accessible any night of the week,” Nicholas says.
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The new interior design offers a rustic and upscale vibe with a comfortable feel. The eatery seats 150 inside at full capacity. Meanwhile, the cozy, landscaped patio seats 45 guests and is heated during cold weather.
The New Menu
Fans of Restaurant Nicholas will be happy to hear that Nicholas Barrel & Roost keeps several favorite dishes. However, it also adds some “chef-driven comfort food” with a twist. To be specific, they offer “killer bar snacks” such as crispy pork belly and fried cheese curds; in addition to oysters from both coasts, brick-oven pizzas, and short-rib burgers with house-made pickles. They also serve salads made with local ingredients and entrees such as chicken pot pie and hand-made pastas.
Likewise, the lunch menu features burgers, salads, house-made pastas, and pizzas. Weekend Brunch, however, is where things get creative. For instance, Nicholas recommends the Jules “Famous” Pancakes with Berry Compote. The “Buffalo Bleu” sandwich, brioche French toast, and J.A.M. pizza are also popular picks.
But be warned, you’ll want to save room for dessert at Barrel & Roost. The S’mores Skillet Dip and Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie with Bourbon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream are current customer favorites. Click here to see the full menu.
“When creating this menu, I wanted there to be something for everyone,” Nicholas explains. His favorite dishes are their pizza and the Nicholas burger; the latter is a wood-grilled sirloin and short rib blend with cheddar cheese on a toasted bun.
What’s on Tap
The Barrel & Roost drink menu highlights wines and liquors from Nicholas’ private-barrel stash. You also find a selection of aged bourbons available by the bottle. (Made exclusively for him under his direct guidance and sold at the Nicholas Wines website.) The bar features craft beers on tap as well as an expertly curated wine collection.
You’ll find Nicholas Barrel & Roost at 160 Route 35 in South Red Bank. (Click here to see it on Google Maps.) For more info, click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
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Nicholas Barrel & Roost FAQs
Yes, they do accept reservations.
Barrel & Roost offers Gluten-free options, yes.
Yes, they have vegetarian options.
They do not offer takeout, no.
No, they do not offer delivery.
Yes, Barrel & Roost serves alcohol.
There is a kids’ menu, yes.
All Photos: © Barrel & Roost
