Tenafly’s new restaurant, Spring House, has it all, even friendly ghosts

Not long ago, serial entrepreneur Jonathan Krieger was a die-hard New Yorker. “Me living in New Jersey? Not in a million years,” he recalls.

But the pandemic had other plans. In 2021, Jon, his wife, Julia, and their two sons “moved from Manhattan” to Tenafly. This lush Bergen County borough is the Kriegers’ one-of-a-kind hometown. “We fell in love with it,” Krieger raves. “Tenafly is beautiful, pristine, and close to the city.” (Plus, it’s said to be home to a friendly ghost; stay tuned.)

His family was warmly welcomed, but he felt Tenafly was missing one thing: a downtown hub that would bring residents together. “There were no restaurants where you could come with your family, bump into neighbors, and have spontaneous conversations with strangers,” he said. “It became my mission to create that kind of community magnet.” He has successfully conceived and opened consumer businesses for years, such as Manhattan’s Bluestone Lane Café and Inglewood’s overnight success. Fat Algae RestaurantBut in Tenafly, Krieger encountered a “don’t break the rules” attitude from those in power. His solution? He was elected president of the Chamber of Commerce. Slowly, things started to change, and he got the green light to start Spring Housewhich opened in May this year.

The main dining room at Spring House. Photo: Courtesy of Fred Marcus Studio

Krieger named the restaurant “Life and Home because my family’s lives are now deeply rooted in Tenafly, and Spring House is literally a home.” And a pretty good home: Demarest-Lyle House, built in the 1790s by the Demarest family and their Lyle branch, is the oldest residence in Tenafly and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spring House is the oldest home in Tenafly. Photo: Courtesy of Fred Marcus Studio

Redesigned to be both luxurious and playful, this three-story stone mansion is a great place to unwind and unwind. Its quirky original layout encompasses a variety of dining and drinking settings, including two elegant, contemporary-chic dining rooms, the Art Deco Lyle Lounge in the charming loft, and a mid-century modern bar. Outdoor dining is also inviting, with dine-in options on the shaded porch, tree-lined patio, and bustling beer garden. Throughout Spring House, courteous, welcoming staff make guests feel comfortable and attentive.

Spring House’s inviting Lyle Lounge is one of four cocktail bars. Photo: Courtesy of Fred Marcus Studio

Culinary Director Pasquale “Paco” Frola’s passion and principles are evident in his delightful Mediterranean menu. (Lunch service begins in September.) The Naples-born chef is known for his Sophia of Englewood.

Spring House culinary director Paco Frola (left) and owner Jon Krieger. Photo: Courtesy of Fred Marcus Studio

At Spring House, Frola is free to do what he wants in the kitchen. “I can bring the best ingredients in the world to the table in a way that rediscovers food,” he says. “I don’t do what other chefs do.” These aren’t just boasts; Frola’s dishes are often unique, unpretentious, and full of pure flavor. I was dazzled by his meat and cheese platters (which are usually an afterthought in restaurants). But here, it’s a tasting tour of Italy and Spain’s rarest artisanal cheeses, juicy sausages, and paper-thin hams. A memorable bar meal might consist of a tasting platter and a few decadent cocktails.

But there’s more to try: Frola’s meaty octopus with zippy Calabrian peppers; his masterfully crafted homemade pastas; his steak frites or herb-scented, crispy-skinned roast chicken. There’s also a kids’ menu. Kids or not, you’ll want to order the chef’s sublime S’mores dessert, Italian Nutella topped with soft toasted marshmallows. If you choose to linger a little, you’ll find the entire restaurant joining in on the collective conversation, cracking jokes and switching tables at will.

One frequent visitor to the Spring House noticed another aura about the place: the female ghost of the Demarest-Lysle House. “Female ghosts have been around in the history of this house,” confirmed Krieger. At the turn of the century, he said, a nursery was opened here. “The children have a strong feeling about her. Some have seen her, heard her voice, even talked to her. Some adults, too,” he said. “They all say that the ghost is polite and enjoys people’s company. They think she could be Julia Lysle, the young mistress of the house who was widowed in the early 20th century.”

“Julia’s husband is John Lyle,” he went on. “My wife’s name is Julia. Julia and John; Julia and Jon. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true.” He added with a sense of wonder, “That’s how Spring House was supposed to be.”

91 Clinton Ave., Tenafly; 201-353-0080

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