Plus: A bar-slash-pizzeria lands in Wayne, and Zai Dessertery closes in Bergenfield.

By Olivia Bardo | | August 17, 2023

Plates of food at Tap & Bitters in Warren

The menu at the recently refreshed and renamed Tap & Bitters is influenced by chef Rafi Hasid’s Cajun-Creole Manhattan restaurant and his many trips to New Orleans. Photo: Courtesy of Tap & Bitters

Openings

Tap & Bitters, Warren

Tap & Bitters, formerly known as TAP Gastropub, recently unveiled a new menu influenced by Cajun and Creole flavors. The restaurant is located within the Somerset Hills Hotel in Warren. The New Orleans-inspired menu includes dishes like BLT eggs Benedict, Cajun broiled oysters and lemon ricotta pancakes.
200 Liberty Corner Road; 908-573-2173

Wayne Ale House & Pizza, Wayne

The newly opened Wayne Ale House & Pizza serves shareable plates, pizzas, sandwiches and salads—and a 24-inch slice of pizza for the hungriest guests. The drink menu includes cocktails, draft beers, bottled beers and wines by the glass.
611 Ratzer Road; 973-706-5505

Wholly Cow; Rahway

Downtown Rahway recently welcomed a new gelato and coffee cafe. Wholly Cow serves classic coffee and espresso beverages and several gelato flavors. Cozy seating and tables offer a nice atmosphere to catch up with friends or work remotely.
1542 Main Street; 732-669-7925

Closings

Zai Dessertery, Bergenfield

Known for serving sweet treats like macarons, crepes and cupcakes, Zai Dessertery has shuttered after six years. The business also previously operated locations in Cresskill and New York. In an announcement via social media, the Zai team shared that they sold the business to friends who will take over the Bergenfield space with their own cafe and bakery; the new spot, they added, will still offer some of Zai’s products.
108 North Washington Avenue

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