Village Hall Restaurant + Beer Garden, located at 101 South Orange Avenue in South Orange, is home to a 40-seat bar, fire pits, and an event space. Its beer garden features a variety of beers on tap as well as a food menu curated by the culinary team. It was once a historical building but has since transformed into a space for dinners and drinks for guests to enjoy — the spot officially opened up to Essex County locals in late 2022. Read on for the history of The Village Hall Restaurant + Beer Garden in South Orange and how it came to be.
About the Historic Village Hall
South Orange’s Historic Village Hall once housed offices and is well known as a landmark in the region — though it was admittedly falling apart.
Years ago, locals debated whether the village should keep the historic hall, revitalize it for community use, or simply sell it — and in 2015, the building was sold to Landmark Hospitality. Landmark owns a variety of restaurants — like Maddy Rose at Liberty House + Felina Steak at Hudson House in Jersey City, Felina in Ridgewood, and Ferry + Main at Logan Inn in New Hope, PA.
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“The board of trustees voted [to sell], and Landmark won the bid for the property, in a move supported by village president Sheena Collum,” NorthJersey.com reported back in 2021.
The hall was originally built in 1894 and is listed in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. When it comes to its exterior appearance, it catches the eye.
“The German-style building looks like a gingerbread house, made of brick, stucco and decorative wood trim with a striking octagonal clocktower capped with a green copper dome,” NorthJersey.com described.
As the Landmark Hospitality team moved in and began renovations, one of their main goals was to be sure to preserve the integrity of this historic building while also updating and revitalizing it. The team acknowledged the special opportunity they were given when they bought the space.
“Historic buildings have a story,” Frank Cretella, who has been overseeing the project for Landmark, told NorthJersey.com. “You don’t get that with new construction.”
About Village Hall
Village Hall is a historic building, that has become symbolic to South Orange. From its architectural designs and modernized feel, Village Hall houses the Village Hall Tavern, and the Pumphouse Beer Garden. On its menu, guests can find dishes inspired by French cuisine and touches of an NYC tavern menu. The Pumphouse Beer Garden is a custom 40-beer tap in a communal indoor and outdoor environment, with live music performances played from time to time.
The Menu
Village Hall’s menu is separated into sections: appetizers, raw bar, salads, entrees, sides, drinks, and a kids’ menu. From appetizers like burrata, wild mushroom soup, and grilled oysters to entrees like potato gnocchi, pork Milanese, and a Village Hall Burger — there’s is something for everyone’s taste buds.
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The beer garden is open Wednesday – Thursday 5PM-10PM, Fridays 5PM-11PM, -Saturday 11AM – 11PM, and Sunday 11AM-10PM. The tavern area of Village Hall is open Wednesday – Saturday 5PM – 10PM and Sundays 5PM – 9PM.
To make a reservation, guests can head to this link here to reserve seats. Village Hall hosts special dinners for occasions like the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day, so be sure to stay updated on its website here for seating information and menu when it comes to these occasions.
