Walk down South Main Street in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and you’ll see it. A massive, looming 1872 stone church that looks like it should be hosting a choir rehearsal, not a happy hour. This is the legendary home of Marsha Brown’s New Hope Pennsylvania, a spot that basically defined the town’s upscale dining scene for nearly two decades.
If you're looking for Marsha herself these days, things have changed. But her ghost—the good kind, the one that smells like garlic butter and Creole spices—still haunts the building in the best way possible.
The Church That Traded Pews for Porterhouse
The building at 15 South Main Street isn’t just some repurposed storefront. It’s the former Old Stone Church, a Methodist place of worship that stood as a pillar of the community for over a century. In 2003, Marsha Brown did something pretty gutsy. She took this sacred space and turned it into a temple of Creole and Cajun cuisine.
She didn't tear out the soul of the place. Honestly, that’s why people loved it. You’d sit under these massive, soaring vaulted ceilings and look up at a 30-foot mural titled "The Redemption" by Russian artist Valeriy Belenikin. It felt heavy. It felt important. Dining there wasn't just about eating; it was an event.
The centerpiece was always that ornate, gold-colored metal staircase. It spiraled up toward the choir loft, which had been converted into one of the most romantic dining areas in Bucks County. You’d look down at the bar, see the stained glass catching the evening light, and realize you weren't in a typical steakhouse. You were in Marsha’s world.
What Happened to Marsha Brown’s?
Then 2020 hit. Like so many places, Marsha Brown’s New Hope Pennsylvania shut its doors during the pandemic. For a while, the town held its breath. Was this iconic landmark going to sit empty?
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Fortunately, no. In 2021, the baton was passed.
The transition was actually kinda poetic. Wilfer Naranjo, who started his career at Marsha Brown’s back in 2003 as a food runner, teamed up with partners Michael Sklar and the Ferrara brothers to take over the space. They rebranded it as Oldestone, but they knew better than to erase what Marsha built.
They actually bought her recipe collection. So, while the sign out front says something different, the soul of Marsha Brown’s New Hope Pennsylvania is technically still on the menu.
The Survival of the Creole Classics
Most people who search for Marsha Brown’s are really looking for two things: the vibe and the Eggplant Ophelia.
If you haven't had it, you've missed out on a piece of local history. It’s a shrimp and crabmeat casserole topped with baked eggplant and a Creole butter sauce that is, frankly, ridiculous. It was a recipe from Marsha’s mother, and it was so popular that the new owners had to keep it.
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You can still get it. They also kept several of the "greatest hits," including:
- The Gumbo Ya Ya (dark, smoky, and exactly what you want on a cold River Road night)
- The Crab Cheesecake (which sounds weird until you taste the savory-sweet richness)
- Those signature Creole-inspired steaks
The current menu under Executive Chef Seth Wheeler has pivoted more toward a classic New American steakhouse—think 45-day dry-aged porterhouses—but the Cajun DNA hasn't been scrubbed away.
The Speakeasy and John Wick Vibes
If you visit the space today, it’s arguably even more dramatic than it was ten years ago. They’ve leaned into the "gothic glamour" aesthetic.
Check this out: the chandeliers in the main dining room were actually featured in the movie John Wick 3. They’ve also added a third-floor speakeasy and jazz bar in the old balcony. It overlooks the entire dining room, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the mural and the stained glass.
The church bells still ring every fifteen minutes. It’s a constant reminder that you’re sitting in a 150-year-old piece of architecture. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s very New Hope.
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Why You Should Still Go
People get weird about "new ownership," especially when a place was as beloved as Marsha Brown’s. You might worry it lost its spark.
But here’s the reality: New Hope is a town of reinvention. The fact that the building didn't become a CVS or a generic condo complex is a win. The new team preserved the pews, the pulpit, and the recipes.
If you’re planning a trip to New Hope, you should go for the atmosphere alone. It’s one of the few places where the environment actually matches the price point. You aren't just paying for the steak; you're paying for the 9,000 square feet of history and the fact that you’re eating in a place that’s been a community anchor since Ulysses S. Grant was president.
Planning Your Visit: The Practical Stuff
- Reservations are a Must: Especially on weekends when the Bucks County Playhouse lets out. Use OpenTable or call ahead (the old Marsha Brown number still works: 215-862-7044).
- Request the Balcony: If you want that speakeasy vibe and live jazz, ask for a table near the third-floor lounge.
- Parking: It’s New Hope. Parking is a nightmare. Luckily, they still offer valet service, which is basically a necessity on South Main Street.
- The Dress Code: It’s "polished." You don't need a tuxedo, but maybe leave the flip-flops at the hotel. People come here to celebrate.
If you're chasing the memory of Marsha Brown’s New Hope Pennsylvania, don't be deterred by the name change. Order the Eggplant Ophelia, listen for the church bells, and you'll find she never really left.
Next Steps for Your Trip
Check the current live music schedule at Oldestone to see if it aligns with your visit, as the jazz sessions in the upper balcony offer the most authentic "old school New Hope" experience. If you're staying overnight, look into the Logan Inn across the street; it's the oldest inn in the country and shares the same historic, slightly-haunted-but-very-cool energy.