Stonehouse at Stirling Ridge, Warren, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

The Stonehouse at Stirling Ridge is an architectural gem in the style of a spacious California modern rustic lodge, set on ten acres in the hills of the Watchung Mountains,

Dining Patrons are attracted to this restaurant mostly for its ambiance, high energy, and trendy setting.

The 110-seat, two-level, western-style lodge motif is gorgeously nestled among the trees on a ridge in Warren, and the interior is done up with stone walls, copper-clad fireplace, wood beams, prominent three-level twin glass towers filled with wine bottles, and a 10-seat chefs table with a window into the kitchen.

The bar and lounge are equally dramatic with comfortable couch-like seating for intimate conversations. The bar is stocked with an excellent selection of cocktails and wines by the glass. A huge bowl of olives with attractive little plates accompanies you at the cocktail tables.

There is also an expansive outdoor area with a huge fire pit. reflecting pool, and bocce courts outside.

It's a great dining destination for an evening out with a group of friends, for a date ---- they offer a friendly dining atmosphere, good food and drinks, and live entertainment.

The restaurant was created by owners Frank and Jeanne Cretella, who own the waterfront Liberty House in Jersey City's Liberty State Park.
Together they have teamed up with acclaimed Executive Chef, David Drake.

Davd Drake is credited as a “New Jersey pioneer of modern American cuisine with classic French roots”.

He has an impressive culinary career despite not having any formal culinary training.
He eventually worked his way up to executive chef, starting in the kitchen of the Frog and Peach in New Brunswick. His later chef ventures include working with chef Jean Francois Taquet at the Taquet in Wayne, PA, working with chef David Burke at the River Café in Brooklyn, and with chef Craig Shelton at the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse, NJ.

He also was the Chef/Owner at the Stage House Restaurant in Scotch Plains, opened the restaurant David Drake in Rahway, NJ and was Executive Chef/Partner at the Daryl Wine Bar in New Brunswick.

Executive Chef Drake oversees a well-executed seasonal menu using on local and humanely raised products, --- creatively and artistically presented.

Many of the ingredients are sourced locally from a company called Zone 7 and their own organic farm behind the restaurant, The Dancing Goat Farm.

The servers are professional, friendly and attentive.

They are child friendly.

When it comes to offering private dining rooms for all occasions and all-sized gatherings, Stone house has it covered.

The Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 325 guests with 16' ceilings and a series of glass doors and walls that open up to private gardens and fire pits.
The Lodge, a mid-century modern, yet industrial space with floor-to-ceiling windows, wrought-iron chandeliers, and a stone fireplace standing 20 feet tall. can accommodate up to 170 guests.
The Town House - two versatile, multi-level, rooms with warm wood finishes, a private bar, and glass walls overlooking the lush patio below, that can accommodate up to 40 guests.
The Wine Cellar with a private entrance, in a rustic, subterranean setting with handcrafted wine cabinets and an exposed beam ceiling that can accommodate up to 30 guests.
The Chef's Room is a glass-enclosed, private dining space adjacent to the kitchen with direct views of the culinary action that can accommodate up to 16 guests.

The Stonehouse is open five days/week for dinner and for Brunch on Saturday & Sunday. Closed on Monday & Tuesday.
They are also open on Thanksgiving serving a traditional turkey dinner.

Updated July 2024