In honor of the start of summer, a few restaurants in Bernardsville and Basking Ridge will allow dogs to dine alongside their owners.
Three restaurants owned by Hampshire Destination Properties—The Bernards Inn, The Station and Bella’s Burger Shack—will all welcome canines for outdoor dining all summer long.
On Mondays beginning June 2, The Bernards Inn in Bernardsville will sponsor “Yappy Hour,” during which dogs may dine on the upscale terrace. The Station, also in Bernardsville, and Bella’s Burger Shack in Basking Ridge will also invite dogs to join their owners for family and casual dining on their respective patios during regular business hours.
Harold Imperatore is the executive director of Hampshire Destination Properties and the proprietor of The Bernards Inn. Since coming up with the idea three years ago at the Inn, Imperatore said it was well-received by the community and he is excited to extend the experience to the two other restaurants.
“Right now we’ve reserved it for Monday afternoons, but depending on the demand we will probably spread it out,” Imperatore said. “We do try to take everyone into consideration because some people do not want to sit next to ‘dog dining,’ but for the most part it’s been very well accepted.”
After spending around $3 million over the past eight years to refurbish The Bernards Inn, the owner believes it’s all about comfort and making his guests feel at home. Allowing dogs to dine with their guests is another example of this. Imperatore says, “We feel that dogs are really parts of the family. It makes people feel more comfortable—they are more at ease. If they are attached to their dog, they don’t have to worry about leaving it at home, they can come here and relax while enjoying a meal.”
All well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to the establishments, and will be served all-natural gourmet treats provided by Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies of Philipsburg and Bedminster. Reservations are only required at The Bernards Inn and can be made at 908-766-0002.
Bella’s Burger Shack
52 S. Finley Avenue
Basking Ridge
908-340-4545
The Bernards Inn
27 Mine Brook Road
Bernardsville
908-766-0002
The Station
45 Mine Brook Road
Bernardsville
908-204-1227
Editorial Intern: Lou Petrella is a senior at Rutgers University, with a double major in Journalism and Media Studies, and Sports Management. Having grown up in Whippany, Lou is passionate about his Morris County roots. Aside from being an avid sports lover, Lou cares deeply about food and should not be bothered while enjoying a good meal. Italian food and seafood are his favorites, but a nice summer barbecue just may trump them both. At school, Lou works as a correspondent for the Daily Targum, and is preparing for a career in writing or communications.
