Driving down Route 22, you might miss the turn if you aren't looking for it. But tucked away on Old Highway 28, the Ryland Inn Whitehouse Station New Jersey stands as a massive, white-clapboard reminder that some things actually do get better with age. It isn't just another fancy restaurant. It’s a 230-year-old stagecoach stop that has survived structural collapses, ownership changes, and the fickle whims of the Jersey dining scene.
Honestly, if these walls could talk, they’d probably brag about the time Ronald Reagan popped in for a meal. Or maybe they'd mention the legendary Craig Shelton era, when the place was basically the only spot in the state where you could find a 55-cheese cart and a James Beard Award on the mantle.
The Comeback Story Nobody Expected
Back in 2007, the Ryland Inn almost vanished for good. A cracked load-bearing beam and a nasty pipe burst in the basement effectively killed the vibe. It sat empty for years. People thought it was over. But Frank and Jeanne Cretella of Landmark Hospitality saw something in the ruins. They spent a fortune reimagining the space, turning it from a dusty relic into a "equestrian chic" powerhouse.
You’ve probably seen the photos of the Grand Ballroom. It has these 30-foot windows and six massive chandeliers that make you feel like you've accidentally wandered into a Ralph Lauren catalog. It’s refined but doesn't feel stuffy. Kinda like wearing a tuxedo with leather boots.
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What’s Actually on the Menu at Ryland Inn Whitehouse Station New Jersey?
Executive Chef Daniel Brunina is the guy running the show in the kitchen these days. He’s a CIA grad who’s obsessed with whole-animal butchery and the "garden-to-table" ethos that everyone talks about but few actually do.
The menu changes because, well, the seasons do. If you’re heading there for a casual Tuesday or a blowout Saturday night, here is what you’re likely to run into:
- The Tavern Experience: You don't have to get married to eat here. The Landmark Tavern is the "chill" side of the house. You can grab a Steakhouse Burger for $25—it comes on brioche with Comte cheese and cognac onions—and pair it with fries tossed in Ryland garden herbs and truffle ketchup.
- Small Plates with Punch: The Parmesan & Prosciutto Palmiers are addictive. If you’re feeling spendy, the LMT Tower for $125 is a seafood flex that’ll cover your whole table in oysters, clams, and crab.
- Main Events: The Wild Boar Bolognese is a local favorite. It’s rich, heavy, and perfect for when the New Jersey wind is whipping outside. For something lighter, the Pan Roasted Black Cod with spaghetti squash and sage spätzle hits that sweet spot of "sophisticated but filling."
The "Boozy Brunch" is a whole other beast. For $65, adults get the run of a smoked fish station, an Italian antipasto spread, and artisanal cheeses. It’s basically the ultimate Sunday recovery plan.
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The Wedding Machine
Let’s be real: a huge part of the Ryland Inn's identity involves people saying "I do." They have two main spaces that feel completely different.
The Grand Ballroom is the classic choice. It fits about 225 people and has that floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that looks incredible in photos. Then there’s the Coach House. This is a 200-year-old barn they refurbished using the original silo. It’s got whitewashed ceilings, dark exposed beams, and Italian porcelain floors. It feels more "modern farmhouse" than "stately manor."
One thing most people overlook is the Breyer Barns. They have these overnight cottages—the Pelham House and the Kimblewick House. The Pelham House even has a private barber shop and a pool table. It’s basically a high-end playground for the wedding party so they don't have to stress about driving to a Marriott at 11:00 PM.
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Why It Still Matters in 2026
In a world of "fast-casual" everything, the Ryland Inn feels permanent. It’s one of the few places in Central Jersey where the staff actually knows the difference between a West Coast and East Coast oyster without checking a manual.
Is it expensive? Yeah, it can be. You’re looking at $40+ for some entrees and a cocktail list where most drinks hover around $17. But you aren't just paying for the calories. You're paying for the fact that you're sitting on ten acres of historic land in a building that was around when George Washington was still a recent memory.
A Few Insider Tips
If you're planning a visit, don't just wing it.
- Check the Calendar: They host a lot of "Supper Club" events and wine festivals. These are often better value than a standard a la carte dinner because you get to see the chefs experiment.
- The Fire Pits: Even if you aren't part of a wedding, the outdoor courtyards are open. Sitting by the fire with a "Black Honey Old Fashioned" is the move.
- The "Secret" Rooms: If you have a small group, ask about the New York Room or the Washington Room. They’re tiny, private spaces (the NY room only fits 14) that feel like a private club.
The Ryland Inn has managed to stay relevant by not trying too hard to be "trendy." It leans into its history but keeps the kitchen modern. It’s a weird balance, but it works. Whether you're there for a $200 tasting menu or just a burger at the bar, it feels like you're part of a New Jersey tradition that isn't going anywhere.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
If you're planning a dinner, book your table via OpenTable or Toast at least two weeks out for weekend slots, as they fill up fast with wedding guests. For those looking at the venue for an event, schedule a tour specifically to see the Coach House at sunset—the light hitting the original silo is worth the trip alone. Check the current seasonal "Tavern Menu" online before you go, as Chef Brunina often rotates the "Small Plates" based on what's hitting peak harvest in the Ryland garden.