Update: The Dog and Cask is now open

We had the opportunity to talk to owner David Parker and staff to get more info on the upcoming “craft pub” The Dog and Cask (formerly Bistro 55), which they expect to open early November in Rochelle Park.  The space is under renovation and will retain the 155-166 seats of its predecessor. 

Chef Jason Ramos (Bernards Inn, Pluckemin Inn) will be helming the kitchen, which will be serving high end, farm to table food in what they plan is a casual setting. A heavy emphasis will be put on “craft”, meaning the kitchen will be constantly changing the menu with seasonal/daily availability and not tied to the typical once a season menu change. This includes a heavy emphasis on homemade, including charcuterie and sausages. There will be a large selection of small bites which Parker hopes will “encourage experimentation”. 

The bar, which will be overseen by both a bar manager and mixologist, also will push the craft trend. Craft beer is a given, with 6 permanent and 6 rotating choices on tap and cask conditioned ales thrown in for good measure. Wines will be sourced from smaller, family vineyards with up to 30 being available by the glass, courtesy of their use of the Vinfinty wine preservation system. They will also be a pioneer in the NJ area, working with the Gotham Project (a collaboration of vineyards promoting reusable stainless steel kegs) to serve certain wines through the keg/tap system.

The cocktail program will draw heavily from artisanal and craft spirits at The Dog and Cask. Cocktails will be seasonal as well with fresh fruits use to make homemade infusions, aiming for a “farm to glass” experience. Cask aged cocktails and an American whiskey and bourbon program round out the liquor options. Parker also emphasized that sampling and experimentation would carry over to the drinks, as  beers and spirits would have flight options and wine would be available as a half pour.

The Dog and Cask will be open seven days a week with Attitude Adjustment/Happy Hour on weekdays, a late night Happier Hour and serve brunch on Sundays.

The Dog and Cask 55 Route 17 South, Rochelle Park, NJ