Welcome to Bear and Birch
At Bear and Birch, we invite you to experience the rich culinary traditions of Russian cuisine paired with the rejuvenating pleasures of our banya spa. Nestled in Freehold, NJ, our establishment offers a unique blend of savory dishes, including homemade pelmeni and traditional borscht, alongside a relaxing spa atmosphere that features saunas and therapeutic treatments. Our passion for authentic flavors shines through every bite, from flavorful shashlik kebabs to creamy baba ganoush. Whether dining with friends in our outdoor seating area or enjoying a cozy meal post-spa, Bear and Birch embodies warmth, comfort, and a celebration of Russian heritage.
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6 Paragon Way Ste 108 Freehold, NJ 07728 United States Hotline: (732) 780-3354
Welcome to Bear and Birch, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Freehold, New Jersey. This charming Russian restaurant brings a taste of Eastern Europe to the Garden State, where culinary tradition meets a contemporary dining experience. Offering a delightful array of authentic dishes, Bear and Birch is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary voyage into the rich textures and flavors of Russian cuisine.
From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance invites you to explore a menu brimming with nostalgia and innovation. The restaurant takes pride in its banya experience, renowned for its serene atmosphere and rejuvenating sauna treatments. Guests can indulge in a relaxing day at the spa, complete with an invigorating cold plunge, followed by a sumptuous meal that will leave you craving more.
Bear and Birch excels in crafting traditional appetizers that awaken the senses. Consider starting with their Chebureki, a flavorful fried pastry filled with seasoned pork, for just $7.00. Or perhaps you’d prefer the luxurious Caviar and Eggs, featuring Alaskan salmon caviar atop hard-boiled eggs for a delightful $12.00. A must-try! If you're a seafood lover, the Lox Plate showcases the finest smoked fish from Nova Scotia, a dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
The highlight of the dining experience, however, may well be the Open Fire Shashlik Kebabs. Hand-prepared chicken and pork grilled over an open flame serve as a feast for both the eyes and palate, encouraging diners to savor the nostalgic flavors of tender, juicy meat cooked to perfection. Patrons will find themselves enchanted by the enticing aroma wafting from the grill. For an elevated experience, don’t miss their Lamb Chops, known for their succulence, priced at $25.00.
In addition to a menu that showcases the best of Russian staples, Bear and Birch also offers a variety of comforting soups and salads, like the traditional Borscht Kubansky, filled with meat and vegetables—a heartwarming choice at $9.00. Each dish carries an essence of home, with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that transport diners to distant lands.
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially on weekends.
- Extras: Outdoor seating available, perfect for warm evenings.
- Payment Methods: Accepts credit cards and even cryptocurrency.
- Family-Friendly: A welcoming environment for kids and groups alike.
- Wi-Fi Availability: Free Wi-Fi for guests.
- Alcohol Policy: Beer and wine available; guests can also BYOB.
Bear and Birch isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place where culinary artistry and age-old traditions intertwine, creating an extraordinary dining experience that delights both locals and visitors. Whether you’re savoring a plate of Perogies Vareniki or indulging in a leisurely afternoon at the banya, every moment at Bear and Birch feels like a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. So gather your friends and family, and embark on a flavorful journey today!
The place is very cute but it gets crowded on the weekends. Only two saunas, one steam room, and one hot tub. Not too bad for $60 but it's not as big as sojo spa club. It's nice to spend a couple of hours here for a 44 minutes drive. Food was okay but the server seemed annoyed
Went for a massage and dinner! Place is awesome! Great for groups and relaxing....,.,..,,
What a local treasure ! I was impressed with the intensity of the heat and the steam room, Swedish sauna, and Russian room. The Jacuzzi was very nice. I liked the shower center floor with the big oversized shower head on it. A tremendous first impression!
Just had a truly life-changing experience at Bear and Birch Spa in Freehold, NJ--a Russian banya spa that redefines relaxation and rejuvenation! Between the sauna, steam room, and a refreshing (and challenging!) dip in the cold plunge, I felt my body reset and recharge with every breath. I was only able to handle the cold plunge for a bit, but it's exhilarating and surprisingly addictive! The benefits of alternating between hot and cold are incredible; you feel so much lighter and refreshed afterward. The spa offers it all: hot tea, a full restaurant (where else can you enjoy a cozy plate of pierogi between rounds?), BYOB, and even TVs to catch the game with friends. Time flies here, and I left feeling balanced, revived, and already looking forward to my next visit! Watch the full experience on my IG @foodaholicnj
Nice banya. Well maintained. Everyone works hard and is nice who works here. Haven't tried the food or juices but the food's looked good. And it's nice they serve freshly made juices.
Very nice banya with clean facilities. Here on a Friday and place is pretty busy. Certain saunas are full and you may have to wait for somewhere to sit. The Greek salad my wife and I got was very tasty and well seasoned. My only wish for this place is that there was maybe more room in saunas, otherwise it's very relaxing and enjoyable
Very nice spot in New Jersey. This place is BYOB. food was pretty delicious, but the service is slow. I also wish the Steam Room would be a bigger size