Blackthorn Irish Pub To Open In Next 2 Weeks At Old Bay Location

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Blackthorn restaurant and Irish pub, the eatery that will replace the now-closed Old Bay restaurant in downtown New Brunswick, announced Thursday they plan to open in the next two weeks.

While an exact opening date has not been established, Blackthorn is planning a soft opening.

Many people in Central New Jersey were saddened last November to hear the popular Old Bay was permanently closing its doors. Old Bay owner Anthony Tola announced it would close in November of last year, and the restaurant's doors were closed and padlocked by the end of the month. Old Bay was perhaps most popular for its live music, but Blackthorn said they will have live music on Friday nights, as well.

"We would first like to acknowledge the love and loyalty to Old Bay, and we are excited to continue the tradition of providing exception food, drinks, and service to the New Brunswick location while creating new traditions as well," said Blackthorn marketing manager Carolyn Rhoades.

The food and drink menu at the Blackthorn New Brunswick location:

Blackthorn is owned by the same company, I.P.E. Holdings, LLC, that owns the existing Blackthorn in Kenilworth and Mellow Mushroom pizzeria in Toms River.

Old Bay had been in operation since 1987 and was a mainstay of the New Brunswick downtown business scene.

Photo of the Old Bay exterior from Google Earth.