Visited Stage House on a busy Saturday night in December, peak holiday season. I'd read a few mixed reviews online and called the restaurant to clarify if a ""singles bar"" really was on the other side of this expensive restaurant. First, let me say the maitre 'd was extremely helpful and described the place over the phone. Stage House was built in 1737, has outside seasonal dining near its parking lot, you can enter here or in the front off of Park Avenue Scotch Plains. The restaurant is divied into a tavern (3 floors), and separated by a large foyer is a fine dining establishment. You are greeted by a fireplace and then there are 3 separate rooms, wood floors, we sat in the main room next to another fireplace -- lovely. i had requested by the fireplace but when we were 1st seated we weren't immediately granted that until i requested again. No problem though, we were moved. Food is excellent. VERY good apple/arugula/cheese salad, perfect balance of dressing. Short rib ravioli appetizer excellent -- yes a ravioli stuffed w/ shortrib meat & sauce. Full rackoflamb, cooked as ordered, to perfection. Short rib dinner a tad bland but very tender. i liked the short rib apptz sauce better. Lovely wine & cocktail, pricey though. Pecan pie very tasty, not too sweet and a hint of bourbon. Service was very very good, until the end when it got busy, I think the server got a bit overwhelmed with more than 3 tables nevertheless not rushed, but not ignored either. Neatly decorated, ample parking, clean restrooms. *Note the restaurant has a separate bar from the tavern bar if you are waiting for your table. I did not feel the tavern interfered in anyway with the ambience of the more expensive dining area. Tavern has a separate less expensive menu. They do have live music but it wasnt' on yet, so I cant judge if you can hear it next door. I would definitely recommend and revisit. Umm. Romanic, good for small groups too - kids happier at the tavern.
Pros: food, ambiance, service, parking,
Cons: tad pricey, need a pasta dish & soup, service can get slow
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