279 Social Kitchen & Craft Bar

If you’re looking for a venue that perfectly bridges the gap between a neighborhood staple and a modern culinary hotspot, 279 Social Kitchen & Craft Bar in Galloway is a must-visit. Formerly known as Romanelli’s Garden Cafe, this South New York Road location underwent a massive transformation in February 2025. Owner Andrew Huggard—who started at the establishment as a busboy and delivery driver before eventually purchasing it—rebranded the space to move beyond its “breakfast-only” reputation and showcase its full potential as a premier lunch, dinner, and late-night destination.

The history of the space is a true “local makes good” story. After eight years under Huggard’s ownership, the classic cafe was reimagined with a complete renovation that expanded the original six-seat bar into a stunning 30-seat centerpiece. The result is a vibrant, “always social” atmosphere where the industrial-chic decor meets warm, community-focused hospitality.

Features & Highlights

The heartbeat of the new 279 Social is its Craft Bar and Wood-Fired Kitchen. The renovation introduced a brand-new wood-fired pizza oven, which has become the centerpiece of the menu. Enthusiasts rave about signature pies like The Big Wave—a seafood-heavy white pizza topped with shrimp, scallops, and crab—and the Spicy Roni.

The “lean and mean” one-page menu focuses on quality and speed, featuring elevated comfort foods like Teriyaki Lollipop Chicken, Short Rib Mac & Cheese, and their famous Anything But Traditional Egg Rolls. For the beverage enthusiast, the “Craft Bar” side lives up to its name with a serious focus on Champagne on tap (keeping their legendary mimosas perfectly crisp), a rotating selection of local craft drafts, and a creative seasonal cocktail program. With frequent live music and a high-energy “social hour” vibe, it has quickly become Galloway’s go-to spot for everything from a quick lunch to a festive night out.

Details can change — check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.