Stone Tavern Now Open In Former Bridgewater Houlihan's Location

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Stone Tavern, a new upscale restaurant, has finally opened in the former Houlihan's location off Route 22 in Bridgewater.

"The wait is over! Stone Tavern In Bridgewater is open!" wrote StoneTavernNJ. "Wood fire steaks, seafood and burgers. 600 degree oven pizza, authentic Italian dishes and full bar with 14 TV’s."

The new Bridgewater location at 1288 Route 22 East had initially been set to open sometime in the Fall of 2023. However, construction delays pushed it back.

The restaurant is owned by Steve Desiderio, who grew up in Bernardsville. This is Stone Tavern's second location, his first is in Phillipsburg.

Food has always been a part of Desiderio's life, who grew up in Bernardsville.

"I grew up in an Italian family," said Desiderio. "My mom taught me a lot when I was little."

From there Desiderio said food and cooking came pretty naturally to him. What followed was 30 years in the restaurant business.

Before opening Stone Tavern, Desiderio owned Desi's Brick Oven Pizza and Cafe in Hillsborough in 2010.

In 2019, he opened a smaller version of Stone Tavern in Washington before moving to Philipsburg in 2022.

From there, the community response took off, prompting Desiderio to expand to open another location in Bridgewater.

"I kind of have been in the area my whole life. Opportunities came up when Houlihans closed," said Desiderio. "It's a strong location for Central New Jersey."

For the Bridgewater location, the restaurant's menu will be similar to its Philipsburg location offering wood-fired steaks, seafood, burgers, pizza, and more.

There will also be a private room for parties and meetings.

For more information visit stonetavernnj.com or facebook.com/StoneTavernNJ, or instagram.com/stonetavern.

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