New Orleans-Inspired Restaurant Opens In Somerset County

WARREN, NJ — A new New Orleans-inspired restaurant has opened in Somerset County and is hosting a blow-out bash to welcome locals to come to check out Tap & Bitters on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Guests are invited to stop by and enjoy a celebration including live music, passed bites to experience the new menu, vendors pouring samples including Redemption Bourbon, Deustch Wines, Cape May Brewing Company, Ketel One and more.

The event is free to attend and welcome to all locals and travelers in Warren.

Located within the Somerset Hills Hotel in Warren, Tap & Bitters is a New Orleans-inspired restaurant and bar concept featuring contemporary takes on Cajun cuisine, an extensive list of craft beers and cocktails, and an atmosphere evoking the Big Easy spirit with dining and event spaces.

The restaurant recently underwent a name change in August from TAP Gastropub to Tap & Bitters.

The restaurant is helmed by Rafi Hasid, a restaurateur with more than 20 years of culinary and leadership experience.

Along with the name change, Hasid wanted the new restaurant to draw from his travels to New Orleans (where he has visited more than 50 times).

"I’m thrilled to bring New Orleans’ one-of-a-kind spirit to Warren through Tap & Bitters' refreshed dishes, cocktails and atmosphere," said Rafi Hasid, restaurateur. "I have no doubt locals and visitors alike will enjoy the Southern-inspired curated menu and will feel as though they’ve been immersed in the city I love."

The new menu features items influenced by New Orleans’ culture, dining and drinking scene. Dishes include Cajun broiled oysters, Louisiana Cajun chicken wings, signature gumbo and more.

The menu will be updated seasonally and incorporate fresh ingredients and local produce and products wherever possible.

The beverage menu will also be expanded tobe more New Orleans-inspired inspired by using a variety of different bitters, fresh herbs and more.

Some staples from the former restaurant will remain on the new menu, including the expansive tap line with local craft beers and the local favorite "Tap" Burger.

"We’re excited to see Rafi’s vision come to life," said Scott McArthur, general manager of the Somerset Hills Hotel. "The restaurant is a fantastic complement to the hotel and an incredible culinary experience for our guests visiting from near and far."

Tap & Bitters is located at 200 Liberty Corner Road in Warren. For more information, visit tapandbitters.com or follow on Instagram and Facebook.

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