Red Horse by David Burke

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Century-Old Inn, Reimagined

Red Horse by David Burke occupies the Bernards Inn, a landmark building in the heart of Bernardsville, New Jersey. The space has been refreshed to honor its historic character while bringing in bright colors, large framed windows, a stone fireplace, and equine-themed artwork throughout. The result is a room that feels both rooted and alive — the kind of place that earns the title NJ Monthly gave it: New Jersey's Best New Restaurant.

Chef David Burke's Modern American Vision

Celebrity chef David Burke brings his signature approach to this corner of New Jersey, anchoring a menu of modern American cuisine built around sublime steaks and fresh seafood, backed by craft cocktails and a deep wine list with many selections available by the glass. That wine program earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024 — recognition that reflects the care put into pairing and curation here. The kitchen also runs a rotating calendar of themed wine dinners, with winemakers and guest chefs appearing regularly for multi-course, paired evenings that draw from California, New Zealand, New Jersey's own Meadowbrook Winery, and beyond.

Every Corner Has Its Own Character

The main dining room handles weeknight nightly specials alongside the full à la carte menu, while the bar and lounge area runs a proper Happy Hour. For those who want to go deeper, there's a Chef's Table offering 6- and 10-course tasting menus — a format Burke describes as "intimate, fun, relaxing and delicious." The outdoor patio welcomes guests (and their dogs) for al fresco dining and drinks.

Downstairs, the underground space known as The BERNIE functions as a speakeasy-style supper club with live music, cooking competitions, themed dinners, and late-night entertainment — a distinct venue within the same address. The Ballroom, a long-favored wedding site, rounds out the property for private and corporate events.

Signature Experiences

Burke's recurring Dinner in the Dark events have become a standout feature of the Red Horse calendar. Guests are blindfolded through a four-course American tasting menu paired with four wines, with chefs and sommeliers guiding the experience. As Burke explains it: "tasting without seeing refocuses your taste buds on flavor and texture. You sniff the food, explore its crispness or creaminess." It's a clever expression of what this restaurant does well — taking fine dining seriously without taking itself too seriously.