Babylon Social makes its grand debut in the heart of Babylon Village

Babylon Social officially opened its doors Wednesday with a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Deer Park Avenue — marking a new chapter at one of Babylon Village’s most storied restaurant spaces.

The all-new restaurant and bar has taken over the former Horace & Sylvia’s, which operated for two decades before closing in 2024. Now under the ownership of seasoned hospitality pros James Economou and Chris Cappiello, the revamped space features an industrial-chic design, an eye-catching brick oven, and what the owners promise will be an “incredibly palleted” menu.

“The Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome the Babylon Social family to the Village!” said Babylon Village Chamber president, Tom Vitale. “We know that while they will honor the legacy of Horace & Sylvia’s, they will also bring their own unique flair to this space. Chris and James are the exact type of hard working, compassionate and responsible entrepreneurs that help Babylon Village continue to be the place to live, work and play!”

Economou, 36, of Port Jefferson, and Cappiello, 35, of East Quogue, met just a couple years ago at a bar in Suffolk County and quickly knew they were destined to team up on something big. That vision became a reality when the pair got the keys to 100 Deer Park Ave.

They quickly began gutting and transforming the space, working closely with the village to reimagine the beloved address into something entirely new.

The result? Babylon Social — a contemporary restaurant serving brick oven pizzas, creative pub fare with global influences, and craft cocktails in a space that blends the building’s historic charm with modern style. A new roll-up garage door adds even more energy to the fresh look.

“We’re not going to bring the standard fare to your table,” said Economou. “This will be an incredibly palleted menu” that combines Italian, American, and even Asian flavors — though he emphasizes it’s not an Italian restaurant.

Greater Long Island’s Grayson DeStefano was there to capture the moments from the grand opening. Scroll down for the full photo gallery.