Carli Clesmere 
Halloween is here and the crisp fall air brings a craving for stories that are just a little spooky. In Bergen County, one historic spot blends upscale dining with a brush of the supernatural. Nestled within a 300-year-old Dutch house at 91 West Clinton Avenue, The Spring House in Tenafly serves up not only great bites + craft drinks but also a touch of ghostly charm. It’s a space where history, community, and a friendly spirit intertwine in the most unexpected ways. Read on for more about how a new iteration of this long-standing Bergen County spot incorporates its spooky past.
About the Space
In a recent interview with The Bergen Girl, Carli from our team sat down with Jonathan Krieger, the owner of The Spring House, to hear the story behind the ghost that reportedly wanders the restaurant. Jonathan’s enthusiasm for the tale was contagious; his smile never faded during the conversation. Carli’s first question set the tone: “Well, tell me…spill the beans. Is there a ghost in The Spring House? Friendly or not?” Jonathan’s answer was immediate: “Oh, this ghost, or spirit, I like to say, is friendly, and I have a personal connection to her.”
Read More: A Guide to the Haunted History of Bergen County
Jonathan shared that he acquired the space at 91 West Clinton Avenue in 2021, envisioning a school-like environment. The building soon became a community hub where children and families could gather, learn, and explore through classes, “mommy and me” programs, and other activities.
According to Jonathan, Children wandering the space would whisper to one another, “Have you seen her?” Jonathan initially wasn’t sure what they meant; kids have vivid imaginations, after all…but the story repeated itself often. The little ones seemed to be talking to someone invisible. While such encounters might feel eerie to some, Jonathan embraced the presence, believing in the essence of spirits and welcoming the positive energy that seemed to linger.
Around a year later, several potential buyers approached Jonathan as the children’s center was struggling. Yet letting go of the building, or perhaps the spirit he had grown fond of, just didn’t feel right. Instead, he joined forces with his business partner Eddie, closed the old program, and envisioned a new gathering space for all ages. The Spring House was born.
A New Chapter
During the renovation, Eddie and Jonathan unearthed relics tucked away in corners: newspapers dating back to the early 1800s, objects resembling bones, and other mysterious artifacts. “Really crazy, spooky stuff,” Jonathan recalls.
Eddie, the creative mind behind the restaurant’s design and a history enthusiast, dove into the building’s past. He discovered that the Demarest family and its Lyle branch originally built the structure in the 1790s. The original owners, John S. Lyle and his wife Julia, were multimillionaires in their time. Jonathan paused with a knowing smile: “My name is Jonathan, I go by Jon, as you know, Carli, and my wife… well, her name is Julia.” Centuries later, the space continues to welcome individuals with the very same names, a detail that adds an almost eerie resonance to the story.
The Spring House is now a bar, restaurant, and event space. With an Italian chef at the helm and a revamped patio space, the built-in-1790 space feels right at home among its more modern neighbors.
Since its reopening, The Spring House has grown into more than just a restaurant. For Jonathan, the spirit of Julia represents a personal connection to history, a reminder of why this space feels so destined. The restaurant continues to honor its past while serving as a hub for community, where visitors can gather, enjoy, and appreciate this historic spot.
See More: A List of North Jersey’s Most Haunted Places
With Halloween season here, Jonathan knew it was the perfect time to share this story, one that captures the season’s spirit of mystery and history. In Tenafly, the past and the unexplained come together, and the gentle presence of Julia continues to make every visit to The Spring House an unforgettable experience.
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