Outdoor patio bar, cafe opens at Old New York

CHRIS KELLY staff A customer at Old New York's patio bar chats with the bartender.

OLD BRIDGE - Outdoor patio bar is a term often heard in shore towns, but one local business owner wants people to know they don't have to spend $3 a gallon on gas to go to one.

Old New York owner Frank Stella has opened an outdoor cafe complete with a full bar at his Route 516 restaurant, a feature he believes is rare for the area.

The outdoor patio is open daily, with happy hour from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., and a DJ on Fridays to celebrate the end of the work week. With seating for 100, the patio provides a meeting place for locals and newbies alike.

Stella has been operating Old New York's indoor restaurant and bar since 2003.

"I wanted to bring an upscale place to town without the upscale prices," he said. "There is nothing like this, even in Red Bank."

During the day and evening, the restaurant features daily specials.

"We are home of the world's best baby-back ribs, guaranteed," Stella said.

At night, Old New York features original and cover bands, running the gamut of musical tastes and age groups ... over 21, of course. The dining room converts to a spacious dance floor in front of the stage.

Stella said he goes out of his way to choose the best bands in the area. There is a $10 cover for all bands, which Stella said he thinks is sometimes a deterrent.

And those with a sense of adventure, and perhaps a spirit of the Wild West, can jump on the mechanical bull to see just how long they can stay on and ride.

"We brought that in as a joke, but it turned out to be a success," Stella said.

The bar has DJ entertainment on Friday nights, and Tuesday night karaoke with DJ Flip. Thursdays are Ladies Night, with a DJ spinning favorites.

Stella said he always does his best to provide a personalized touch for patrons. One customer was hungry at 1 a.m., after the chef had gone home. Stella donned an apron and whipped up an order of stuffed rigatoni with vodka sauce for him, he said.

Old New York is open until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and until 2 a.m. for the remainder of the week.