building history

s t a g e h o u s e
r e s t a u r a n t & w i n e b a r

h o m e

s i t e i n d e x

m a p

B u i l d i n g h i s t o r y

like most historic inns, the stage house restaurant, originally opened by john sutton in 1737, was an
integral part of the community and served as the center of social, business, military and political
circles long before the revolutionary war. when it opened, george washington had reached the tender
age of five; there was no such thing as the state of new jersey; and the residents living in the ten
houses that made up the village of scotch plains were subjects of the british crown.

parts of the building were erected as early as 1684, and some additions and alterations were
made during the next fifty-odd years. sutton's proprietorship seems to have marked the building's
introduction to the commercial world, a venture dictated by its location on the old york road that ran
from elizabeth to lambertville.

as commerce in the colonies increased, stage lines reached out between new york and philadelphia,
and sutton's tavern became a regular port of call on the "swift-sure stage line." a succession of
innkeepers, one by the name of recompense stanberry, helped to build the stage house restaurant's reputation
as one of the finest and most hospitable establishments in america. for 142 years after it's opening,
the stage house restaurant continued its traditional service to travelers from all corners of a growing nation.
during the revolution, its taproom rang to the shouts of colonial and british soldiers alike as the campaigns
surged back and forth. during the civil war, its historic walls looked down on feverish enlistment rallies
as president lincoln called up more troops for the defense of the union.

today the stage house restaurant is the central feature of an authentic colonial restoration,
which includes many shops.

s t a g e h o u s e
restaurant and wine bar

366 park avenue
scotch plains, new jersey 07076
reservations 908 322 4224 ext. 3
stagehouserestaurant.com
email:tbritt@stagehouserestaurant.com
fax: 908.322.4225