The Fox & Falcon mixes classic New Jersey Italian taste with the homely feel of an English-Irish pub. Finding inspiration in the tavern names of old, The Fox & Falcon takes after those such as The Red Dragon or The Spotted Horse. The name itself harkens from New Jersey’s very own Essex County. The red fox and the peregrine falcon are historically the most prominent predators in the Essex area, and so owner David Massoni explained he felt it right that they should represent his establishment. He felt that by using the animals in the restaurant’s name he’d be representing the place and using an alliteration that rung nicely to his ear.
The layout itself offers a vast selection of styles. The building offers access from both the street and back parking lot. The restaurant’s entrance is located on the side where there’s outdoor seating and decorative lighting. There are two dining halls in The Fox & Falcon, the first being the main dining hall and the other the Essex dining hall. The main hall includes art pieces from Massoni’s personal collection that have been sought after and handed down through the generations. Accompanying the unique decorations of the main hall is a gas fire that completes the warm feel that the dining experience has to offer.
The location includes three bars, the first being the city-style main bar, the second the English-Irish style Snug, and the third the speakeasy-style Essex Bar. The Main Bar is found right upon entry, and can seat about 35 people all around the bar’s core. Multiple televisions populate the bar which makes the spot a great place to watch sports or whatever event is on. The Essex Bar pulls upscale city and speakeasy vibes. The bar lines the wall and includes no televisions for full bar immersion. Downstairs below the Main Bar is The Snug, which provides the warm embrace of a country club. The Snug includes old style writing and decorations reminiscent of English-Irish pubs.
The Italian feel The Fox & Falcon achieves is in part due to Executive Chef Matt Ruzga. Having previously worked in New York City and New Jersey, Ruzga attributes his love for his craft to his Scillian grandmother. The NJ native recalls the days where he’d come home from school and his grandmother would send him on his bike to get the ingredients she required. Ruzga always found the process of mixing flour and water to make pasta a simple yet beautiful one. He brings a fiery passion to kitchen which matches that of Massoni’s, making him the perfect chef to serve you up dinner.
The menu includes such items as the watermelon margarita, which is exactly what you’d want to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. If you’re hungry the meatballs are light yet delicious and filling. If you’re still hungry for more, the chocolate cake with butterscotch glaze is a must for dessert.
Upcoming events at The Fox & Falcon include:
Trivia every Wednesday at 7:30 pm
Live music every Friday at 9:00 pm
Karaoke every Saturday at 10:00 pm
Hip New Jersey had the chance to join in on the RCM Trivia on 7/3 and had an absolute blast! RCM Trivia put a fun and interesting twist on each round and gave bonus points to those who could name the song’s artist which played during every answering period. Some rounds included multipliers, others included multiple part questions. There was even a period to wager points, which means you could gain extra or lose points you already acquired!
The Fox & Falcon is a definite must if you’re in the Essex area. If you want to know more about them, follow them on Instagram, Facebook and TheFoxAndFalconNJ.com. For more on New Jersey food and drink, keep your browser locked to HipNewJersey.com.
