Approach the entrance of Equus in the center of Bernardsville and you are immediately transported back in time to 1848 when the building was The Old Stone Hotel, a stage coach stop between New York and Philadelphia. According to Frank Cotroneo, the owner of Equus, which opened in August 2007, the exterior of the building is almost exactly the same as it was when it was originally built.

Step inside, and you will see that in renovating the interior of Equus, Frank decided to go back in time, tearing off plaster walls and ceilings to expose the original wood and stonework. The effect of the high wood beam ceilings and exposed stone and brickwork combined with the restaurant’s warm colors and elegant fixtures is eclectic, unusual and quite beautiful. “We like to think that our ambiance compliments our menu,” said Frank, “and that together with our attentive wait staff makes dining at Equus an exceptional experience.”

Offering a very creative menu that changes with the seasons ensures that customers will always find something interesting at Equus. On the dinner menu, favorite dishes that appear all year long such as grilled lamb chops, a daily fresh fish selection, homemade pastas and aged steaks, share the menu with seasonal items such as crab cakes, braised short ribs and oxtail. There is also a lunch menu that offers a burger and special sandwiches in addition to a selection of the dinner entrees, and a bar menu, offered in Equus’ pub, that is its own unique selection of appetizing dishes. And all three menus are accompanied by an impressive selection of wines and liquors.

Equus also offers customized menus in a private dining room that seats 15-50. Parties and weddings are held in this room which, like the restaurant and the pub, has its own separate entrance. Equus can only be described as a complete dining experience – a beautiful place, a great menu, excellent service, a bit of local history, and last but not least, an unbelievable cheesecake made daily by Frank’s own mother!

Equus is open 7 days a week. Dinner reservations are recommended and can be made by phone or on-line at www.equustavern.com.