A New Chapter for Demarest’s Historic Train Station
For more than 150 years, the Demarest Railroad Depot has been one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks.
Built in 1872 and designed by architect J. Cleveland Cady, the stone station once connected Demarest to the Northern Railroad of New Jersey. Passenger service ended in 1966, but the building remained part of community life and was eventually restored as a historic public space.
Now it’s getting another chapter.
The Station, a new American brasserie, is preparing to open inside the historic depot on Park Street — turning a familiar Demarest landmark into a new place to eat, meet and spend time.
The restaurant describes itself as an American brasserie inspired by timeless New York City restaurants, with indoor and outdoor dining expected. An official opening date has not yet been announced, but The Station is already collecting names for opening updates and reservations.
In a town with a small commercial center, a new full-service restaurant gets noticed.
And this one comes with a little more history than most.
Park Street Is Having a Moment
Just across this small stretch of Demarest is another longtime local fixture: Demarest Deli, at 35 Park Street.
It’s the kind of place that has quietly been part of everyday life in town for years — completely different from what The Station is becoming, but very much part of the same neighborhood rhythm.
The Gazebo and Duck Pond continue to host some of Demarest’s most popular community events.
It all makes Park Street feel especially active heading into fall.
What’s Coming Up in Demarest
August 26
Summer Concert at the Gazebo
7:30–9:00 p.m.
September 2
Summer Concert at the Gazebo
7:30–9:00 p.m.
September 26
Demarest Day
1:00–6:00 p.m.
October 3
Demarest Nature Center Oktoberfest/Fall Festival
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Coming Soon
The Station at the historic Demarest Railroad Depot
Demarest Day Returns September 26
Demarest Day has become one of the borough’s signature community events, bringing residents together around the Gazebo for food, games, entertainment and activities.
This year’s celebration is also tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
One interesting detail: the Borough’s sponsorship materials note that the evening fireworks will only take place if $15,000 in sponsorship funding is secured.
It’s a very Demarest detail — a major community celebration that still depends on the community itself to make it happen.
Oktoberfest Returns to the Duck Pond
A week later, the Demarest Nature Center brings another longtime tradition back to the same part of town.
The Oktoberfest Fall Festival is scheduled for October 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event began in 1981 as an outdoor produce market and has grown into a fall festival featuring crafters, food, canoe rides on the Duck Pond, birdhouse building, square dancing and activities for families.
Proceeds support the Demarest Nature Center and its 55-acre preserve.
For years, directions to the event have referenced the area “between the Demarest Train Station and the Duck Pond.”
This year, that landmark is becoming a destination of its own.
An Old Landmark, A New Reason to Visit
That's what makes The Station interesting beyond simply being a new restaurant.
Demarest doesn’t change dramatically from year to year. Its residential character and strong sense of community are part of what people love about it.
So when a historic building takes on a completely new purpose, people notice.
This fall, within one small corner of town, you’ll have summer concerts giving way to Demarest Day, Oktoberfest returning to the Duck Pond and a restaurant preparing to open inside a railroad depot built more than 150 years ago.
An old landmark. A new chapter. And a lot happening on one small stretch of Demarest.
About the Demarest Railroad Depot
Built: 1872
Architect: J. Cleveland Cady
Original Railroad: Northern Railroad of New Jersey
Passenger Service Ended: 1966
National Register of Historic Places: 2004
What’s Next: The Station, an American brasserie coming soon
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I’m Lana Henriques, Realtor®, and I’ve been representing buyers and sellers throughout Demarest and Bergen County since 2012. I follow what’s happening locally because understanding a community goes well beyond home prices and market statistics — it’s knowing what’s changing, what people value, and what makes a town feel like home.
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I’m Lana Henriques, Realtor®, and I’ve been representing buyers and sellers throughout Demarest and Bergen County since 2012. I follow what’s happening locally because understanding a community goes well beyond home prices — it’s knowing what’s changing, what people value, and what makes a town feel like home.
