Blackthorn Restaurant/Irish Pub Opening In Old Bay Location

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Many in central New Jersey were saddened to hear Old Bay restaurant in downtown New Brunswick will close at the end of December.

The news was announced this week in a Facebook post by Old Bay owner Anthony Tola. But a new bar/restaurant is planned to open in that location, Blackthorn Restaurant and Irish Pub. It's the same owners who own the existing Blackthorn in Kenilworth and Mellow Mushroom pizzeria in Toms River. Blackthorn in New Brunswick anticipates a February/March opening in downtown New Brunswick.

"We wanted to move into a location that's already really well-known and we want to become known as everyone's local spot," said Blackthorn marketing manager Carolyn Rhoades. "This is a great corner location right in downtown New Brunswick." Related: Old Bay Restaurant In New Brunswick Closing

There will still be live music on Friday nights and a DJ on Saturdays at the new location. But expect some changes inside. "It's definitely going to look different than Old Bay," she said.

Blackthorn's executive chef will be Rodrigo Hernandez from Luke's Kitchen in Maplewood. Blackthorn and Mellow Mushroom are owned by I.P.E. Holdings, LLC.

Top photo from inside Blackthorn in Kenilworth; used with permission; bottom photo the exterior of Old Bay via Google Earth