The Oakley -- Kitchen & Cocktails

WHY are the doors open when a Pre-K is attached to them?? Is Nutley teaching our pre-k students about alcohol consumption? Many reasons, specifically the owner. I had the most terrible experience of working there for about 3 or 4 shifts before I saw 👀 what was really going on! NOPE and NOPE! Still waiting for the tips I earned working while his son “worked too” AKA hung out 🤣🤣 I’ll pray 🙏🏽 for them Nepotism is never worth it. GREEDY How are they still operating?

I went to Oakley Kitchen in Nutley to celebrate my birthday, and it was the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had. The restaurant wasn’t even busy, yet our food took over an hour to come out. When we brought it up, there was no apology, no explanation, and no attempt to make things right.

To make matters worse, the staff was rude and dismissive from the moment we said something. And the manager, Nicole, was especially unprofessional. Her customer service skills seriously need work — instead of trying to resolve the issue, she acted like we were the problem.

For a place that presents itself as a nicer local spot, the service was unacceptable. I would never go back, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone — especially if you’re planning a special occasion. Total disappointment. I’m a local resident of Nutley and will be sure to let everyone know of my terrible experience at your establishment. I even asked for the owner number and they refused to provide it. I found it anyway and I left a voicemail. I will be expecting a call back Kristopher.

Edit:
Your response says everything I needed to know about how this place is run. Instead of addressing the service issues I experienced, you chose to insult a customer and bring up irrelevant personal details. That’s incredibly unprofessional for an owner.
My review was based on how I was treated during my visit — dismissively and without any attempt to correct the situation. Your reaction here just reinforces exactly why the experience was so disappointing.
Thank you for confirming that the problem wasn’t the staff, but the leadership. I stand by every word of my review.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

We had a party there Chris the manager was amazing he took care of everything. The staff and the food was great.

Food: 5

Service: 5

Thank you for your hospitality during these times ❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Crab cakes were cold, French fries were stuck together. Hamburger was overcooked and the bun was too small for the burger. French Onion Soup was warm, but still better than last time. We gave it another chance from the last we were disappointed. We will not be returning. The dining room could use some decorating.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

I had my husbands 50th birthday here. The upstairs party room is perfect to host your party. Drinks were flowing, food was amazing, and the service was impeccable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The owner is very personable. Food and service were great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I really enjoyed this place. The pizza was phenomenal and the staff was super-friendly. I especially appreciate Oakley has done recently for people who depend on SNAP. I salute them.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had fun on trivia night every other Wednesdays 👍 team Rutgers round up winning second place! Go RU, Go Scarlet Knights!
Thank you Oakley for helping out the community of people who may be in need (during the crisis) 🙏🏼 blessings ❤️

Very good

My sister and I came here for the first time to eat. We came in, no one greeted us. Then a nice hostess arrived to seat us. We were seated for 15min, no one arrived to bring us water or take our orders. The bartenders would casually stare at us and I’m sure they noticed we weren’t being serviced, but didn’t bother to help. People who were seated after us, were served. First impressions mean alot to us, we will never come back. I don’t recommend.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Wow -- just awesomely bad.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Haven't eaten there yet. Nice we usually go in the afternoons for a couple drinks.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 5

Delicious food. Excellent service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

the hostess and wait staff were amazing!...but thats where it ended, our table had 4 lunches, all subpar. I will only describe my plate, 3 eggs & corned beef hash, eggs very under cooked, the kitchen broke 2 of the yolks and tried to hide with a slice of toast LOL, the hash was old and dried out giant cubes of deep fried corned beef, old shriveled potatoes and the peppers & onions were disintegrated from the fryer

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 5