Chef David Burke has returned to “SOMA” — South Orange, Maplewood — with the Fox & Falcon by David Burke, his eighth full-service restaurant and bar in New Jersey.
An official ribbon-cutting will take place at 4 p.m. Friday.
Many fans will recall Burke’s successful restaurant at Orange Lawn Tennis Club, Orange Lawn by David Burke, which opened in early 2019 and was immediately voted one of the “Best New Restaurants” by NJ Monthly & North Jersey newspapers. (But, like many New Jersey restaurants, it was a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
“We are very excited to be back in town and are happy to see many familiar faces again at the Fox & Falcon,” Burke said. We’ve recently joined Fox & Falcon as an operating management partner. We’ve already revamped the menu and have some fun plans ahead that I know will be a hit in this lively community. The Fox has been around for a few years and has a super tavern vibe, similar to our flagship David Burke Tavern in New York City or THE GOAT by David Burke in Union Beach.”
The Fox & Falcon offers multilevel space with four bars and several unique rooms, each reflecting its own personality and purpose, all under the same roof. Guests can choose from “the Snug,” a traditional Irish pub setting at the street level serving casual pub fare, or the well-appointed Essex Bar and spacious dining room located on the main level with a second bar, which in addition to the new main Modern American menu, will also offer a sushi and dumpling menu.
Guests can expect plenty of engaging activities too, such as trivia nights, comedy shows and live music. There are also multiple spaces for private dining to accommodate social or business events. The Fox & Falcon is conveniently located in the South Orange business district, steps from the New Jersey Transit train station and a short drive from Seton Hall University and South Orange Performing Arts Center.
“I’m very excited to bring Chef Burke to the Fox & Falcon,” Matt McCusker, the original investor and sole owner, said. “The David Burke Hospitality Management team has an excellent record in New Jersey and beyond of owning and operating top-notch, full-service restaurants. I am confident their expertise, inner knowledge and purchasing power will bring a world-class dining experience to the Fox & Falcon that the whole community will take pride in.”
The Fox & Falcon by David Burke is open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, for lunch Friday and brunch Saturday and Sunday. Burke said to “stay tuned” for more improvements, such as opening Monday night for dinner, a new entrance to the main dining area and renovations to the top floor to hold private events. A new outdoor sign will be installed in March.
The Fox & Falcon by David Burke tavern menu is Modern American with Burke’s signature popovers served steaming hot, Lobster Dumplings, Clothesline Bacon and various cuts of his famous U.S. patented Pink Himalayan Salt Aged Beef. The appetizers include Chickpea and Herb Hummus, Meat & Cheese Board, Wings & Rings, Chopped Salad, Little Gem Caesar Salad and more. Entrées include Short Rib, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Rigatoni with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe, Falafel Burger, Foxy Burger, Tuna Steak Teriyaki, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Pot Pie and many more selections. Desserts include Spiced Chocolate Pot De Crème, Apple Crostata and Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Burke is known to utilize a hands-on style, so expect to see him walking the rooms and popping in and out of the kitchen during the evening, checking on his latest restaurant and personally assuring each guest a world-class dining experience.
With the Fox & Falcon by David Burke, Burke now has eight restaurants in New Jersey — each having its own unique concept — with five of those opening during the height of the pandemic. He also added the historic Dixie Lee Bakery to his native Garden State roster. Globally, for physical sites, he now has 18 restaurants, one bakery and one events venue.
