If romance, memorable food, and nuanced ambiance are what you seek, Spring House offers it all. Nestled inside Tenafly’s historic Demarest–Lyle House, this restaurant brings history and heart together. It feels like stepping into a romantic novel that just happens to serve excellent lamb bites and craft cocktails. Here’s what makes it stand out.

A Timeless Setting with Character

Built in the 1790s, the Demarest–Lyle House is Tenafly’s oldest home and a piece of living history. That legacy weaves through every room, nine distinct spaces, each with its own personality. You might find yourself in the Art Deco Lyle Lounge, savoring a pre-dinner cocktail. Or tucked into a candle-lit corner of the main dining room, where time seems to slow. Then there’s the hidden garden bar, open in warmer months, with intimate lighting draped over wrought-iron tables and ivy-draped gates. Owners Jonathan Krieger and Brandon Hirsch intentionally preserved this sense of place, even incorporating community-focused features like market days and lounge seating.

Menus That Spark Conversation

At Spring House, prepared-from-scratch dishes channel Mediterranean soul and American sensibility. Signature appetizers like head‑on Argentine shrimp with polenta feel indulgent yet approachable, while the Piedmontese ribeye for two with roasted garlic and Bordelaise sauce gives couples a shared centerpiece worthy of celebration. European-trained Chef Pasquale Frola leads the kitchen and oversees everything from in-house stocks and pasta to local sourcing partnerships. Seasonal offerings and chef-driven specials surprise loyal guests, ensuring consistency in quality and freshness month after month.

Outdoor Magic That Feels Private

Spring House quietly outshines others when it comes to open-air dining. The garden bar, active Thursday through Sunday, feels like a private retreat under the stars, complete with candlelight and soft evening breeze. Summer’s Grill ‘N’ Chill series brings a social yet exclusive vibe, with a custom Santa Maria grill offering charred meats and seasonal veggies.

Events That Add Spark

Rather than just being another date-night spot, Spring House offers experiences. Oyster parties showcase East Coast oysters, caviar, and lobster rolls in a festive yet intimate atmosphere. Every other Thursday during summer, live music begins around 6 PM, providing background that feels lively without overwhelming conversation . These extras turn a meal into an event to look forward to together.

When to Go and What to Expect

Perfect Timing:

Valentine’s Day and anniversaries warrant advance reservations. Call early.
Thursday evenings in summer bring Garden Bar events. Great for casual sparks with a twist.
Oyster nights and live music call for a relaxed yet festive date.

Happy Hour:
Tues–Sun, 4:30–6 PM. Ideal for pre-dinner cocktails in the lounge.

Practical Tips:
Valet parking offers a polished start, so arriving in style isn’t a challenge. The setting adapts effortlessly from conversational lounges to romantic back patios. The wait staff’s familiarity with regulars contributes to a personalized experience.

What Sets Spring House Apart

Historic charm: Dining inside Tenafly’s 1790s Demarest–Lyle House brings an atmosphere you won’t feel in modern builds.
Culinary care: In-house prep, local sourcing, and Mediterranean-American fusion make every dish feel intentional.
Programmed magic: Oysters, BBQ nights, live music. It’s an evolving experience night after night.
Flexible intimacy: Sneak into a garden nook or linger over a lounge date with craft cocktails.
Community-driven design: It was built to bring Tenafly and Bergen County closer through shared experiences.

Planning a Perfect Evening With Us

We help you shape an evening you will remember:

Reserve Early – Call (201) 353-0080 during quieter hours for best availability especially for unique rooms, events or holidays.

Valet Service – Let our team welcome you so your evening begins smoothly without parking stress.

Happy Hour Prelude – Join us between 430 and 6 PM from Tuesday through Sunday for cocktails and light bites that set your night up beautifully.

Choose Your Venue – Cozy library room for quiet connection or lively patio garden for open air conversation and movement.

Check Our Calendar – Plan around an Oyster Party dinner or Grill night to add music and communal energy.

Tell Us If It Matters – Celebrating an anniversary or date night? Let us add those details in pacing or service to make your night feel personalized.

A Night That Unfolds Naturally With Heart

Your evening might start at the bar where your server mentions the farm that provided your first course. You share branzino. You move to the garden patio as lights shift from day to night. Live music drifts in as the ribeye is carved on salt rock and shared laughter rises. Dessert arrives with pistachio creme brulee or gelato and the night feels less planned and more right. This is what guests describe as effortlessly romantic, an evening that feels not scheduled but flowing with intention.

An Invitation to Something Different

We built Spring House to be more than a dinner appointment. We designed it so couples could find something spontaneous in each visit, a space that feels alive around them and centered on them. Here flavor meets form friendship meets authenticity and romance meets reality. If you are planning a date night Valentine moment or intimate celebration, consider a place where every element conspires to make you linger just a little longer.

Plan Your Visit

Spring House
91 West Clinton Avenue Tenafly New Jersey
Phone (201)-353 -0080
Dinner nightly from 4:30 PM with happy hour until 6:00 PM
Sunday brunch begins at 11:30 AM and ends at 3:00 PM
Valet parking available

We look forward to welcoming you and helping create an evening at Spring House that becomes part of your cherished story.

Why Spring House Reigns as Bergen County’s Top Romantic Dinner Choice