Charlie's of Lincroft

Pricey...

Beautiful decor, great food, friendly service... Couldn't ask for more!

Excellent food and excellent service. Our waiter Bryan was the best we’ve had in a while

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The staff was stellar! The filet mignon and mashed potatoes were amazing. I enjoyed the asparagus; my boyfriend substituted the Brussels sprouts, and they were also delicious. The bread was warm and crusty, which we loved.

It was our anniversary, and they greeted us with well wishes when they checked in with our reservation. There was a Happy Anniversary card on the table, and as we left, the waitress wished us well again.

We asked for water with no ice, and later when another server refilled our glasses, he confirmed that we wanted no ice — a small detail, but much appreciated.

The atmosphere is rustic and romantically lit. The only small concern was that we were a bit chilly. We were seated by a window, and I believe a vent from the very high ceiling was blowing on us. If you go, you may want to bring a light sweater or scarf.

Overall, it was a wonderful choice for a special occasion.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great meal, great ambiance! Brian was a fantastic server, so helpful and made great recommendations!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very busy Sunday afternoon. We had brunch. Service was abit lost and forgotten and disappointing. But the food was excellent.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

Food is good, but could be served hotter. Service was excellent. The place is beautiful with lights, charming brick facade and various eating areas. We ate in the main dining room and it was nice. The wine cellar looks beautiful for special occasions, and the bar area is stylish with some tables as well.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

I have dined regularly at both Charlie’s in Lincroft and Bayhead and have had generally good experiences at both. However last night my friend and I were treated horribly by the manager at the Lincroft location. We had arrived early for apps and drinks and really were enjoying ourselves as a kick off to the new year. We were in the bar NOT the dining room where I understand there would be a time limit out of respect for servers and other patrons. There was no line at the door and open tables right next to us in the bar and he was annoyed that we had been there for some time even though we ate and drank and were never sitting without actively ordering from the menu. I mean so angry right off the bat he was literally snarling at us for no reason. It was so disturbing! We were in the middle of opening Christmas gifts and he rudely asked us to leave the table. I asked to speak with him after we got up to share with him that in my experience after dining all around the world and hosting many corporate parties that you don’t treat your repeat customers this way, especially when there is no wait for a table. Had there been, I would have gladly moved and wanted the server to turn that table over as I was a server for years in my teens and 20s and they rely on tips. There is a gracious way to handle these situations and managers should know better. He turned the exchange into a bad scene and should be ashamed of himself.
This man is named Mark Bernard and should not be managing anything or even speaking to customers. He’s rude, threatening and clearly hates women. After reading other reviews I am sadly not the first person to have this experience. Our server on the other hand was attentive… this review is not a reflection on the wait or hostess staff at all because they are always friendly and kind. I am sorry they have to work for someone who is that awful.
There are so many wonderful restaurants in NJ who value their customers and treat them like gold. This place is overpriced and mediocre at best with a manager who is unprofessional and really bad at his job. Skip it!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

I can’t thank Corey enough for the most unbelievable experience for my daughter’s bridal shower downstairs in the wine room. The setting was magical and like a winter wonderland. The food was outstanding. The servers were so attentive. So many compliments and rave reviews from our guests. Would highly highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Christine was so amazing! She was so attentive and made the experience even better. Food was 10/10 and atmosphere was gorgeous and decorated for Christmas. Will definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food and ambiance were excellent. We had the French onion soup, lamp lollipops, pork special and a burger. The girls at the front desk were not friendly or welcoming and our waitress, Sherry was also very cold. Disappointing as everything else was excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 2

Beautiful place

Connor was great

The Charlie Burger and fries were way to salty. Please reduce salt.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

I am not being dramatic when I say Charlie’s of Lincroft has fundamentally altered my personality.

From the moment I decided to go, the universe aligned. Zero traffic. Zero construction. Not a single orange cone. I floated into the parking lot in a state of peace usually reserved for monks and people who don’t live in New Jersey. That alone set the tone: this was going to be a spiritual experience.

And then… Charlie’s.

Every bite felt like the kitchen had access to my private thoughts. The food didn’t just arrive hot and perfectly timed — it arrived with purpose. Each dish tasted like someone back there cared too much, in the best, most unhinged way. The kind of care that says, “No, remake it. They deserve better.” And wow, did I deserve that.

The flavors? Relentless. Balanced but bold. Comforting but exciting. The kind of food that makes you pause mid-conversation, stare at your plate, and say “I’m so sorry, go on,” because nothing else matters in that moment. I would like to formally apologize to every other meal I’ve ever eaten — they were all just practice.

Service was immaculate. Not hovering. Not disappearing. Just there, like a guardian angel who knows when you need water, another bite, or five minutes alone with your thoughts and a fork.

By the end, I wasn’t full — I was fulfilled. Nourished emotionally. Healed spiritually. Ready to tell strangers about this place like I’d joined a very delicious cult.

Charlie’s of Lincroft is not a restaurant.
It is a destination.
A lifestyle.
A standard I will now unfairly hold every other restaurant to.

I will be back. Frequently. Obsessively. Possibly too much.
And every time I go, I will silently thank the traffic gods for clearing the way to greatness.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very nice place, very good food, nice service.The atmosphere was very nice.The only thing I didn't like is they seeded us over by the bar was a little.Noisy.But I have no complaints on the food, really other than oysters being eight dollars a piece, but my wife had the filet mignon, and she got one.Heck of a big piece, very good, highly recommended

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

First of all, the Christmas decorations were beautiful and the carolers were such a lovely touch. The Prancing Poinsetta cocktail was perfect for those of us who love sweet drinks. We ordered the calamari, French onion soup, Charlie burger, spicy vodka gnocchi, and a side of macaroni and cheese. Nearly everything was delicious, but the burger was disappointing. The patty was very thick, so there was too much meat compared to the bun and the chipotle ranch had an odd consistency and not much taste, so the burger was pretty bland compared to the rest of our food, which was SO flavorful. The fries were addictive though.

Our server was so lovely and attentive, and her hospitality really warrants mentioning.

I would still highly recommend visiting Charlie’s for the food, drinks, and atmosphere; just skip the burger.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5