When the weather warms and the daylight stretches, there’s no better way to spend an evening than under the open sky with a cold drink in hand and a plate full of fresh, wood-fired flavor. For those seeking that perfect outdoor dining experience in Bergen County, the Garden Bar at Spring House in Tenafly is the place to be.

Open Thursday through Sunday from 4:30 PM, the Garden Bar is more than a patio; it’s a fully built outdoor experience behind the historic Demarest–Lyle House. With cocktails in hand and grilled plates on the table, you can enjoy a backyard-style evening with restaurant-level service and detail. Whether you're catching up with friends, celebrating with family, or looking for a new weeknight ritual, this is where comfort and sophistication meet under the stars.

Mark Your Calendar: Grill ‘N’ Chill Thursdays

Every other Thursday at 5:30 PM, Spring House fires up its custom Santa Maria Grill for a one-of-a-kind outdoor BBQ. Guests gather for smoky skewers, grilled steaks, and the kind of food that tastes just right under an open sky.

Upcoming Grill Nights:

July 25
August 10
August 24

Seating is limited, and weather plays a role, so booking ahead is smart.

A Backyard with Personality

Step past the main dining room and out into a setting that feels both unexpected and familiar. The Garden Bar isn’t some makeshift patio. It’s a fully imagined outdoor dining space built with intention from its lush greenery and climbing vines to its thoughtful layout of comfortable seating options. The stone path winds past potted herbs, soft lighting, and cozy tables, each spot offering a slightly different view of the space.

The entire layout allows for casual conversation without feeling crowded. Soft music plays in the background, and on select evenings, live performances elevate the mood without overpowering it. It’s elegant, but never stiff.

Lighting That Sets the Mood

At Spring House, the lighting does more than help you see your plate. As the sun dips below the trees, the Garden Bar begins to glow…literally. Warm bulbs strung overhead give the area a soft amber hue, flickering candles adorn each table, and the pathways are subtly lit to guide your steps. Every detail is intentional, creating a relaxed atmosphere that feels like your own backyard; if your backyard came with Wagyu steak and fine wine.

This glow isn't just pretty. It’s practical. It makes every plate look better, every cocktail sparkle just a little more, and every photo worth sharing.

Seating That Works for Any Occasion

The Garden Bar’s seating is versatile and thoughtfully arranged. Intimate tables for two sit tucked near the flower beds, while larger round tables accommodate bigger groups without losing that personal touch. There’s space to lean back, stretch out, and stay awhile.

Whether you’re here for a quiet date night or a small celebration, the setup adapts. And with the option to reserve in advance, there’s no guesswork involved.

The Drinks? Top Notch

The cocktail program at Spring House pulls inspiration from global flavors while staying grounded in seasonal ingredients. From the bar at Garden House, bartenders shake up classics with subtle twists; think a cucumber and mint gin refresher, a smoky mezcal spritz, or a spruced-up Old Fashioned.

The wine list is equally well considered. Whether you’re craving a crisp white, a bold red, or a bottle of bubbles to toast with, you’ll find something worth sipping.

And for non-drinkers, the zero-proof menu holds its own. House-made lemonades, botanical sodas, and iced teas infused with fresh herbs round out the beverage offerings.

Thursdays Are for the Grill

On alternating Thursdays, the Garden Bar hosts its now-famous Grill ‘N’ Chill series. This is where Spring House leans into its wood-fired roots, firing up the custom-built Santa Maria Grill and sending out plates piled high with skewers, steak, grilled fish, and charred vegetables.

It’s BBQ, but done with precision. The swordfish skewer, kissed with the chef’s signature Salmoriglio sauce, is a standout. So is the Wagyu steak, served sliced and sizzling, with your choice of sides. Even the burger, dressed in-house and paired with hand-cut fries, manages to be elevated while staying true to what makes a burger great.

It’s hard to beat the feeling of enjoying a perfectly grilled meal while the sun sets over a garden filled with laughter and clinking glasses.

Perfect for Summer Events

Planning a celebration? Spring House’s Garden Bar is also available for private bookings. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or engagement dinner, the space adapts easily to your needs. Staff handles everything from setup to service, letting you focus on your guests.

And if you’re just dropping in for a casual night out, the vibe is equally inviting. You might meet a neighbor, spot a familiar face, or just lose track of time as the evening unfolds.

Weather Permitting, Always Worth It

Like any true outdoor experience, the Garden Bar is weather-sensitive. But when skies are clear, and the air is warm, there’s no place like it in Bergen County. And even when rain moves in, Spring House’s main dining rooms offer the same level of warmth and attention to detail.

If you’re unsure about the forecast, a quick call or online reservation can help you plan your visit accordingly.

Beyond the Plate

What makes Spring House special, and what sets the Garden Bar apart, isn’t just the food or the space. It’s how everything works in harmony. From the locally sourced ingredients and the farm partnerships to the genuine hospitality from staff who remember your name, there’s a feeling here that’s hard to replicate.

It’s why guests come back. It’s why tables fill quickly. And it’s why, once you’ve spent an evening out back under the string lights, it becomes your go-to spot for the season.

Ready for a table under the sky?

Book your spot at Spring House's Garden Bar today and make this summer one to savor. Located at 91 W Clinton Avenue in Tenafly, Spring House brings open-air dining to life, one skewer, one cocktail, and one evening at a time.

The Best Outdoor Dining Experience: Garden Bar at Spring House