By: | September 14, 2025 | Dining | Lincroft
%20smaller.jpg)
By Bill Clark
Whether it’s a special occasion, a major celebration or just a simple night out, Charlie’s of Lincroft has the table set. And with a main dining room and two private areas to cater to large groups, Charlie’s has the versatility to host a variety of functions all under one roof.
Although its menu features some truly outstanding gourmet dishes, nothing about Charlies feels stuffy. It boasts a sense of class without pretentiousness.
“It's upscale, but it's still approachable,” said Mark Bernard, Director of Operations for Charlie’s of Lincroft.
Charlie’s isn’t just a restaurant for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Bernard revealed one of the highest compliments he has received was from a patron that came in for a night out and left feeling as if it had been a special evening.
“That's what I want. Every time you walk in the door, it should be special,” Bernard insists.
That’s also a testament to the ethos of Charlie’s staff. From the person greeting you when you first walk through the doors all the way to the crew working the kitchen, everyone is there to make it a memorable evening.
The staff is ready to pivot when they must, as each day brings new surprises and challenges. It might require increasing a party’s size at the last minute or recognizing a life event that just popped up. For those times, Charlie’s staff is prepared, and the guests always come first.
“Everything is guest forward. Everything is inviting,” Bernard said. “That's how I want my staff to treat everybody — as if they are guests here in our home.”
The pack of friends coming in for beers and burgers at the bar are treated to the same hospitality as the family celebrating a baby shower in the Great Room. Great service for all who enter is a must.
Digging in
The menu changes seasonally and boasts upscale favorites including a variety of steaks and a rack of lamb. Pastas are made from scratch in the kitchen. Each night, diners can expect new appetizer, entree and dessert specials. Even the bartenders will create weekly cocktail specials to keep the options fresh for frequent patrons.
Though the menu is solid from top to bottom, Bernard has his personal favorites, like the Spicy Tuna Rainbow that is served on crispy rice. But perhaps the best part of the menu is that it offers a dish for everyone. The seafood lover can choose from octopus, calamari, or oysters, while those in the mood for lighter fare have salads like the Beet and Pistachio or the Burrata Panzanella. And, of course, simple classics like burgers and pizzas are always popular as well.
The vibe
The interior at Charlie’s channels the perfect aesthetic for a restaurant so near to the agrarian and equestrian nature of central Monmouth County.
“The building has sort of a farmhouse look to it,” Bernard said of the dark wooden bar tops, exposed beams and stone walls. “We wanted to have that old tavern feel.”
Charlie’s may feel timeless from January to October, but the holiday season is when the decorations are taken to the next level. The tradition started at Charlie’s of Bay Head and continued when the Hesse family opened the Lincroft location. In 2024, Charlie’s of Lincroft had 48 Christmas trees throughout the building, many of which hung upside down from the ceiling as the wreaths, garland, ornaments and other decorations left such little room on the floor.
“People love it, and the guests love it. If guests walked out last year believing there was no way to top those decorations, more are coming for this year. There's not an inch of the restaurant that's left untouched,” Bernard promises.
Until then, Charlie’s of Lincroft will remain a spot to visit for any reason (or any season).
Charlies of Lincroft is located at 700 Newman Springs Rd in Lincroft.
For more info, go to CharliesOfLincroft.com
