SHAME ON YOU SERVER! My husband and I ate here for Valentines Day, and it was lovely. We took our daughter there for dinner last night. The appetizer special was fried oysters, which were ok. The bill comes and THE APPETIZER was $50.00, which we paid. Fool me once Brandi, we won’t be back again.
Sabrina Loehwing
Dear [Manager Name],
I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding several recent experiences at your restaurant. Despite the quality of the food, the level of service I have received is not reflective of a high-end establishment.
On my birthday, my party had a reservation and was seated by the window during extreme cold. When I requested to be moved due to the draft, the server reacted unprofessionally by slamming a glass onto the table. Although he stated he would consult management, he never returned to our table, and we ultimately chose to leave.
Furthermore, I encountered significant issues with an online carry-out order placed yesterday. Despite receiving a formal email confirmation, I was informed upon calling the restaurant that the order had not been received because management did not have access to the website. It appears that online orders are not being monitored, causing unnecessary frustration for customers who have received valid confirmation numbers.
I hope you will take this feedback into consideration to improve your customer service standards and operational communication.
Service: 1
Sra. Valentine
I never leave a review, but came here based on other reviews… so… Stay away! Awful experience! It was overpriced, the food was bland and the scallops meal was soaked in oil. Plus, we made a reservation and still waited 30mins.
Brice Lewis
brandl is hands down the most impeccable underrated restaurant in all of belmar. I would say this far exceeds any restaurant within a 10 mile radius. Their soufflé is an absolute must. You have to order it 45 minutes in advance, and it’s 100% worth it. Easily one of the most original and best soufflés I’ve ever had. Their food and service is unmatched. The atmosphere is a place where it doesn’t matter where you are, or where your coming from it is home.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
damien barrett
We had the most incredible dining experience at Brandl in Belmar honestly one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, inviting, and effortlessly elegant. It’s the perfect mix of upscale without being stuffy, where you can relax, enjoy great conversation, and truly savor every bite. The food was absolutely outstanding. Every dish was beautifully presented, packed with flavor, and clearly made with top-quality ingredients and real passion. You can tell there is so much thought and creativity behind the menu. Each course was better than the last, and we kept saying “wow” after every bite. What really made the night special was the owner. He took the time to come over, check on us, and share his love for the restaurant and the food. That personal touch meant so much and made us feel like more than just another table. The service matched that same energy attentive, friendly, and perfectly timed without ever feeling rushed. Brandl is truly a gem in Belmar. Amazing food, beautiful atmosphere, exceptional service, and an owner who genuinely cares about his guests everything you could want in a restaurant. We can’t wait to come back and experience it all over again!
I really enjoyed the food at brandl. We had delicious bread, pot stickers, burratta, a filet and a chicken Marsala. It was a great atmosphere for a date or a night out with a friend.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Lorne Phelps
Have been coming here since they first opened. We had a reservation for 7:00 pm on Dec 31st, 2025. Was finally able to check in at 7:20. Like many that evening, the place was overflowing with people waiting to be seated. Tables were literally on top of each other. Close to 8:00 pm and was no closer to being seated, we left. And with that, that is the absolute last time I enter and exit Brandl. It worked out for us though as someone had just cancelled a reservation at The Poached Pear in Pt Pleasant Beach. Have been there many times, consistently excellent. Walked in, greeted immediately and seated immediately, and enjoyed an amazing meal. Night and day experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jordan Szostak Photography
I photographed a networking event here and also stayed to enjoy the bar afterward, and both experiences were excellent. From a photographer’s perspective, the space is very aesthetically pleasing for events—great energy, thoughtful design, and lighting that works well with flash for sharp, polished photos. The atmosphere was lively but comfortable, which made capturing candid moments easy. The staff was professional and attentive throughout the night, and the food and drinks were genuinely great. A strong choice for both events and casual visits.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jim Opdyke
My wife and I had dinner last night and overall a very good experience:
The short ribs my wife ordered was off the charts.
My strip steak was cooked to perfection, which is not an easy task, I ordered it Med Rare and it was red edge to edge which is not easily accomplished.
The only negative thing was the cold air every time someone opened the door and it was pretty uncomfortable.....i would recommend turning on the heat under the canopy...
The booth seats were very soft, they could use new foam with a little more support,
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
john
Been going to Brandl off an on for years and it never disappoints. Last Friday was exceptional.
Food was great, but everything else was awful. Went for a 6:45 reservation and didn’t get seated for an hour. They clearly overbook, don’t care about service and good experience, and I unfortunately cannot recommend this place due to how abysmal and pathetic the service was. Get a host that actually cares, and to the owner, stop overbooking reservations, I, and the 10 other groups waiting at the same time to be seated was actually dumbfounded that what was happening was happening
Amy
Just awful!! over priced and the maitre'D has the worst personality, not very welcoming and rude. The food is overpriced, fillet minion was overcooked and everything is ala carte. All the water glasses were cracked and when we mentioned it the waiter got an attitude. would not recommend it or ever go back.
c o
For a restaurant that is advertised as upscale this was probably the worst dining experience my family and I have ever experienced. To begin with, our reservation was made a week in advance for 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve. Making a reservation was not an easy task. Multiple phone calls to the restaurant went unanswered and messages left received no response. Frustrated and limited on time I finally drove to the establishment to make our reservation in person. I was met by the host, a tall gentleman that was rude, condescending and difficult with zero personality. I explained that this was my first time attempting to make a reservation and was also looking to see if the Christmas Eve menu was a set menu or the regular full menu. Mr. Personality suggested I go to the Brandl website for answers to all my questions and to reserve a table. I should have walked out at that point and chosen another restaurant but against my better judgment went ahead and reserved a table online. My family and I arrived about 10 minutes earlier than our scheduled reservation and were met by the host (not greeted) at the host stand. Offering no apology, Mr. Personality said there would be 20 minute wait in the porch area outside. The area was heated with overhead heaters but every time another guest opened the door Decembers chilly breeze followed them in. After waiting approximately 45 minutes past our reservation time I saw the owner Chris Brandl. Being the owner I had hoped he might be able to check with his staff and get us in. Instead I was met with yet another condescending attitude when he asked if he should ask other guests to leave so our party could sit. Just a rude and poor display of unprofessionalism. Finally after another 15 minute wait we were seated one hour past our reservation. Our server was the best part of our night. He was courteous, pleasant and helpful. Our food was mediocre at best. Portions were generous but extremely overpriced. One of my daughters ordered a tuna tower that was to include caviar but had none. The waiter informed us the inclusion of caviar was a misprint on the menu. My lobster bisque soup was lukewarm and another daughters filet mignon was sent back to the kitchen twice for first being overcooked as she had ordered it medium rare and it came out closer to medium well then the second came out undercooked, it was cold to the touch in the middle and not even medium rare or rare but blue. Two of us ate our meals together while the third waited patiently for hers before finally giving up and losing her appetite. I had to ask for table utensils and bread plates from Mr. Personality, but not before being asked why. Really? You want to know why I need table utensils and bread plates. All while these wonderful events were unfolding the owner, Mr. Brandl himself, sat at the bar eating and tossing a few back. Not once did he greet his guests, offer any apologies or attempt to make things right. He just kept eating and tossing his cocktails back. A total lack of concern. Had I read the restaurants reviews earlier I would have been well aware of what to expect. A sports bar would have provided a better dining experience at a reasonable cost and made for an enjoyable evening. Do yourself a favor and drive right past this place. It’s not worth your time, money or aggravation.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
debra
The food was fantastic! Everything from appetizers to entrees. The lazy lobster never disappoints.
Nissa
Found this restaurant during restaurant week and what a pleasant surprise! Food was excellent, service excellent and a nice unique atmosphere. Some seating family style which adds to the ambiance. BYOB. Excellent meal and especially the deserts (ended up ordering an extra!) they also had nice live guitar player. Easy parking. I will certainly put this place top of the list going forward!
SHAME ON YOU SERVER! My husband and I ate here for Valentines Day, and it was lovely. We took our daughter there for dinner last night. The appetizer special was fried oysters, which were ok. The bill comes and THE APPETIZER was $50.00, which we paid. Fool me once Brandi, we won’t be back again.
Dear [Manager Name],
I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding several recent experiences at your restaurant. Despite the quality of the food, the level of service I have received is not reflective of a high-end establishment.
On my birthday, my party had a reservation and was seated by the window during extreme cold. When I requested to be moved due to the draft, the server reacted unprofessionally by slamming a glass onto the table. Although he stated he would consult management, he never returned to our table, and we ultimately chose to leave.
Furthermore, I encountered significant issues with an online carry-out order placed yesterday. Despite receiving a formal email confirmation, I was informed upon calling the restaurant that the order had not been received because management did not have access to the website. It appears that online orders are not being monitored, causing unnecessary frustration for customers who have received valid confirmation numbers.
I hope you will take this feedback into consideration to improve your customer service standards and operational communication.
Service: 1
I never leave a review, but came here based on other reviews… so… Stay away! Awful experience! It was overpriced, the food was bland and the scallops meal was soaked in oil. Plus, we made a reservation and still waited 30mins.
brandl is hands down the most impeccable underrated restaurant in all of belmar. I would say this far exceeds any restaurant within a 10 mile radius. Their soufflé is an absolute must. You have to order it 45 minutes in advance, and it’s 100% worth it. Easily one of the most original and best soufflés I’ve ever had. Their food and service is unmatched. The atmosphere is a place where it doesn’t matter where you are, or where your coming from it is home.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had the most incredible dining experience at Brandl in Belmar honestly one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, inviting, and effortlessly elegant. It’s the perfect mix of upscale without being stuffy, where you can relax, enjoy great conversation, and truly savor every bite.
The food was absolutely outstanding. Every dish was beautifully presented, packed with flavor, and clearly made with top-quality ingredients and real passion. You can tell there is so much thought and creativity behind the menu. Each course was better than the last, and we kept saying “wow” after every bite.
What really made the night special was the owner. He took the time to come over, check on us, and share his love for the restaurant and the food. That personal touch meant so much and made us feel like more than just another table. The service matched that same energy attentive, friendly, and perfectly timed without ever feeling rushed.
Brandl is truly a gem in Belmar. Amazing food, beautiful atmosphere, exceptional service, and an owner who genuinely cares about his guests everything you could want in a restaurant. We can’t wait to come back and experience it all over again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lazy Lobster Sunday Pre-Fixe, Chocolate Soufflé, Bread Pudding
I really enjoyed the food at brandl. We had delicious bread, pot stickers, burratta, a filet and a chicken Marsala. It was a great atmosphere for a date or a night out with a friend.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Have been coming here since they first opened. We had a reservation for 7:00 pm on Dec 31st, 2025. Was finally able to check in at 7:20. Like many that evening, the place was overflowing with people waiting to be seated. Tables were literally on top of each other. Close to 8:00 pm and was no closer to being seated, we left. And with that, that is the absolute last time I enter and exit Brandl.
It worked out for us though as someone had just cancelled a reservation at The Poached Pear in Pt Pleasant Beach. Have been there many times, consistently excellent. Walked in, greeted immediately and seated immediately, and enjoyed an amazing meal. Night and day experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I photographed a networking event here and also stayed to enjoy the bar afterward, and both experiences were excellent. From a photographer’s perspective, the space is very aesthetically pleasing for events—great energy, thoughtful design, and lighting that works well with flash for sharp, polished photos. The atmosphere was lively but comfortable, which made capturing candid moments easy. The staff was professional and attentive throughout the night, and the food and drinks were genuinely great. A strong choice for both events and casual visits.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife and I had dinner last night and overall a very good experience:
The short ribs my wife ordered was off the charts.
My strip steak was cooked to perfection, which is not an easy task, I ordered it Med Rare and it was red edge to edge which is not easily accomplished.
The only negative thing was the cold air every time someone opened the door and it was pretty uncomfortable.....i would recommend turning on the heat under the canopy...
The booth seats were very soft, they could use new foam with a little more support,
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Been going to Brandl off an on for years and it never disappoints. Last Friday was exceptional.
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was great, but everything else was awful. Went for a 6:45 reservation and didn’t get seated for an hour. They clearly overbook, don’t care about service and good experience, and I unfortunately cannot recommend this place due to how abysmal and pathetic the service was. Get a host that actually cares, and to the owner, stop overbooking reservations, I, and the 10 other groups waiting at the same time to be seated was actually dumbfounded that what was happening was happening
Just awful!! over priced and the maitre'D has the worst personality, not very welcoming and rude. The food is overpriced, fillet minion was overcooked and everything is ala carte. All the water glasses were cracked and when we mentioned it the waiter got an attitude. would not recommend it or ever go back.
For a restaurant that is advertised as upscale this was probably the worst dining experience my family and I have ever experienced. To begin with, our reservation was made a week in advance for 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve. Making a reservation was not an easy task. Multiple phone calls to the restaurant went unanswered and messages left received no response. Frustrated and limited on time I finally drove to the establishment to make our reservation in person. I was met by the host, a tall gentleman that was rude, condescending and difficult with zero personality. I explained that this was my first time attempting to make a reservation and was also looking to see if the Christmas Eve menu was a set menu or the regular full menu. Mr. Personality suggested I go to the Brandl website for answers to all my questions and to reserve a table. I should have walked out at that point and chosen another restaurant but against my better judgment went ahead and reserved a table online. My family and I arrived about 10 minutes earlier than our scheduled reservation and were met by the host (not greeted) at the host stand. Offering no apology, Mr. Personality said there would be 20 minute wait in the porch area outside. The area was heated with overhead heaters but every time another guest opened the door Decembers chilly breeze followed them in. After waiting approximately 45 minutes past our reservation time I saw the owner Chris Brandl. Being the owner I had hoped he might be able to check with his staff and get us in. Instead I was met with yet another condescending attitude when he asked if he should ask other guests to leave so our party could sit. Just a rude and poor display of unprofessionalism. Finally after another 15 minute wait we were seated one hour past our reservation. Our server was the best part of our night. He was courteous, pleasant and helpful. Our food was mediocre at best. Portions were generous but extremely overpriced. One of my daughters ordered a tuna tower that was to include caviar but had none. The waiter informed us the inclusion of caviar was a misprint on the menu. My lobster bisque soup was lukewarm and another daughters filet mignon was sent back to the kitchen twice for first being overcooked as she had ordered it medium rare and it came out closer to medium well then the second came out undercooked, it was cold to the touch in the middle and not even medium rare or rare but blue. Two of us ate our meals together while the third waited patiently for hers before finally giving up and losing her appetite. I had to ask for table utensils and bread plates from Mr. Personality, but not before being asked why. Really? You want to know why I need table utensils and bread plates. All while these wonderful events were unfolding the owner, Mr. Brandl himself, sat at the bar eating and tossing a few back. Not once did he greet his guests, offer any apologies or attempt to make things right. He just kept eating and tossing his cocktails back. A total lack of concern. Had I read the restaurants reviews earlier I would have been well aware of what to expect. A sports bar would have provided a better dining experience at a reasonable cost and made for an enjoyable evening. Do yourself a favor and drive right past this place. It’s not worth your time, money or aggravation.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
The food was fantastic! Everything from appetizers to entrees. The lazy lobster never disappoints.
Found this restaurant during restaurant week and what a pleasant surprise! Food was excellent, service excellent and a nice unique atmosphere. Some seating family style which adds to the ambiance. BYOB. Excellent meal and especially the deserts (ended up ordering an extra!) they also had nice live guitar player. Easy parking. I will certainly put this place top of the list going forward!
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