I had read reviews online at how rude the manager is, and I wasn't disappointed. The servers and bus people were wearing masks- he however, was not and actually said the whole COVID situation was "a made up joke". UM. OK... I was surprised at how indifferent/rude our server was. From his overgrown fingernails in our glasses, to rolling his eyes to a simple request, to messing up our order, the list goes on and on. Of course, he developed somewhat of a personality as the night went on and it came closer to him getting his tip (too late). FOOD: mediocre at best. Filet was tiny and over cooked. Tuna tower was lacking in flavor. We got our breadbasket when we were practically done with dinner. SERVICE: See above. However, busboys were nice and attentive. People were eating inside, which I'm pretty positive is currently a no-no. The bathroom- there was a used mask left on the sink (not necessarily their fault, but they should be on top of sanitizing the premises given the circumstances). The soap dispenser in the bathroom was a ketchup bottle (gross- spring for the $3 Softsoap dispenser). Suffice it to say, I had heard bad things about Brandl and I should have went with my gut and cancelled my reservation. How they are still operating is shocking. Do yourself a favor and stay far, far away from this "restaurant". read more

My wife and I got the lazy lobster and the Thai shrimp. They were delicious!! I think the Thai shrimp will be a definite reorder for me. The pineapple pared so well with the shrimp and purple rice.Lazy Lobster was very good too. Enjoyed sitting on the porch... waiter was very attentive... ALL GOOD... GOING BACK SOON !!!! N Leigh Kirby read more

We were looking forward to a girls night out for the first time since quarantine and having dinner at Brandls. We arrived and the Manager aka Paul said "sit them at the high top." I saw a table with regular chairs with backs on them which I prefer over a bar stool. The Manager who was not wearing a mask snapped at me and said "that's your only option." Meanwhile there were tables in a tented area available plus they were sitting people inside the restaurant, which I believe is not allowed according to the Governor. I can't believe this is your front line person who greets people. The Manager is beyond rude and certainly ruins a night out. We are locals and will not be back. Thankfully, our waiter, Vincent, made up for the rudeness of Paul. As for the food, it was just so-so. I won't recommend Brandl to anyone for the fear of how they will be treated when they arrive. I work with the public also and if I ever treated my clients the way we were treated you better believe I would be fired. The owner? I have no Idea why he keeps this man on the job, who I was informed has been there for a number of years. read more

I have been wanting to try this place ever since I moved to belmar in November. I was very disappointed and probably won't be back. The service is so bad...we walked in to wait about 10 mins to be seated because there was no host. And then our waiter switched us off mid way through and we then waited a while for food and dessert. The appetizers we had were the salmon which was oddly flavored and the potstickers that were decent. The entrees were again average for the price we payed. It is not worth it in my opinion there are better steak houses then this restaurant. read more

Had a reservation at 8pm. It is 9:15pm and there are still couple of people before me in line. How is it even possible?!? But the worst thing that they lie that it's a few minutes wait, and it is more than one hour wait in reality. read more

For a Saturday night near the holidays at 6:30pm, the place was only half-filled, which is unusual, but we decided to give the place a chance anyway. Service was very attentive and they provided a table-side ice bucket for our wine (BYOB). The atmosphere was urban modern but with with low lights and intimate. The menu was varied and we chose the special--gnocchi with bolognese sauce. The gnocchi was homemade, well-prepared and delicious. As for the 8 oz filet mignon we also chose, it was way off the mark. We asked for medium-rare, but it was well-done to the point of being stringy and tough. Definitely not the "it's like cutting through butter" the way it should be. Also it was as if the chef doused it in salt. Perhaps it was to preserve an older cut of beef? Or an attempt to tenderize a poor quality meat? Definitely the worst filet mignon we have ever had. In an attempt to save an evening out, we ordered the soufflé for dessert which we were advised to order at the beginning of the meal, as we were told it was quite special in its preparation. It came out piping hot and more than enough for two people to share. We likened it to a lava cake baked n a soufflé dish with a chocolate sauce on top. It was good, but could have used some fresh whipped cream on the side perhaps to elevate it to something more interesting. If you do dine here, opt for the specials of the day, and skip the filet mignon and chocolate soufflé. We doubt, though, that we'll be back. read more

The night we ate here, the restaurant was packed and NONE of the staff was wearing masks. EAT HERE AT YOUR OWN RISK! In addition to being a health risk, the restaurant has significant service and food quality issues as described below: We made reservations for Christmas Eve, largely based on the restaurant's website which touted a "Seven Fishes a la Carte" menu (in addition to a Take Out Menu option). When we arrived, we were told that the seven fishes menu was only offered for catering; at that point it was too late for us to go somewhere else. Not finding any of the offered seafood entrees appealing, we ordered their Beef Wellington instead. When asked by the server how we wanted the meat cooked, I requested medium rare; the server responded that they could only offer medium because the beef is cooked in a pastry. Three issues - (1) if they only offer medium, why bother asking? (2) Given a price of $55, I should be able to order medium rare if I want (3) The restaurant should be able to use a meat thermometer to deliver a medium rare Beef Wellington. Additionally, because the restaurant is BYOB and we had planned on seafood, we had brought an expensive Sauvignon Blanc which did not pair well with the beef entree. Finally, in order to accommodate a party of six at a table next to us that is usually reserved for four, the restaurant squeezed in extra seating. Unfortunately for the couple adjacent to that table, one of them had to get up EVERY TIME a server came to our table. read more

My first experience here was at a Bridal Shower on a Saturday afternoon. Apparently, the restaurant did not have a record of the shower happening that day, so the whole event was a big scramble. I don't know how that happens, but it did. The service was nothing to brag about, and the waitress for our table kept walking out of the kitchen chewing food. This was really irritating, especially considering the portion sizes were minuscule. I posted two pictures - one of our salad, and one of the shrimp over risotto they served as the main course. These were by far the smallest portions I've ever gotten at a restaurant, even during a party/event. The salad was literally less than 10 leaves of lettuce - it was beyond pathetic. I don't know if it was because they weren't planning for the party and so didn't have enough food to go around, or if this was the norm for them. The food itself was OK. The risotto was doused in entirely too much butter. The shrimp was cooked well. The restaurant wasn't the cleanest I've seen either. The bathroom in particular was pretty gross and very poorly kept. The walls and moldings were rotted and painted over a million times, the garbage can was broken, the fixtures were rotted... not somewhere I would revisit. Overall, I wouldn't go back. This place has a long way to go to get their act together. read more

Brandl - Shrimp over risotto. Smallest portion ever. - New American Near Me - Belmar, New Jersey

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Went here on a Saturday night. Ordered the blue point oysters and the lazy lobster. Both were very good. They were out of the lobster bisque and the tuna, but that's what happens when you get seated at 9 pm. Table and service was very good too. They don't take the Discover card. read more

Brandl - Oysters - New American Near Me - Belmar, New Jersey

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had a reservation on a Saturday night in august. stood at the reception desk and which nobody was attending. stiod there for way too long. finally the host came over and asked if we had a time. note--. the restaraunt was empty. we said we had a reservation but were concerned that service would mirror the host desk. he beame rude and asked how long have u been standing here, 2 minutes? his attitude did not warrant staying. if the host doesn't care about the satisfaction of the customers I assume the servers and chef are going to be on the same poor attitude page. funny how a business can allow their staff to be so rude as to turn away business. never had been there and will never go back. read more

My husband and I came here on Friday to celebrate my husband's birthday. We had a reservation at 8:15pm, had to wait about 15 minutes and then we were sat. This place was packed! The staff were all running around, literally didn't even have time to stand still for a minute. My husband ordered the Filet Migeon and I ordered the Thai Shrimp with a side of Mexican Corn. The food was absolutely delicious with just the right portions! The souffle for dessert took quite some time. They said it does take about 45 minutes but it was way longer than that. They were super apologetic and offered to take it off our check but we told them it was okay and don't worry. I do understand a busy kitchen! The best thing though was the service. The waiters were WONDERFUL! They were so friendly and talking to us and actually seemed like they cared. I would definitely recommend this place to celebrate a special event or celebration. I will be back! read more

We went here the Friday before Mother's Day to beat the crowd. Food was great! The lazy lobster was delish! My family had a great dinner and had a great time together. We will be back! read more

Rude host and rude waitress. Food was ok. We ordered tuna dish which was very salty. We also ordered soufflé which came out very hot without any warning from the waitress. This was our second and the last time we were there. There are much better, friendlier and more delicious places in the area. Looking at the positive reviews it makes me wonder if the reviews are real or paid by the restaurant. read more

Enjoyable dinner. It's pricy but knew that going, probably the nicest in Belmar for steaks & seafood not mass produced. BYOB and have the coolers right at the table for white wine. Manager and waiter both attentive. Enjoyed filet, tuna (would ask for more rare next time) and French onion soup to start was delish! We sat inside and it was comfortable to speak among the table. read more

Was just here for a friends party and it was great. The restaurant is beautiful and the food is fantastic. I highly recommend. read more

Excellent service from start to finish without disappointment. The food is outstanding, ambiance as good as it gets. Taste buds will thank you twice . read more

I don't remember the last time we had such a bad experience with a waiter. He didn't even say hello when he came to the table, was rude and annoyed because they were short staffed. Still doesn't warrant such an abrasive treatment of the diners. When we finally got our food, it was disappointing. Not as bad as the service but definitely would not go back or recommend it. read more

I haven't dined here in about 15 years and went for a celebration dinner. How things have changed.... Back of house, incredible. The food is great. However, front of house needs some work. For approx $40 a plate al a carte you'd expect a server who is attentive, respectful and appreciative. We were a party of 8 who ordered apps, entrees and dessert and the bill was over $600. Never were we asked how anything was, do we need anything, etc. A simple ask for more ice seemed like an annoyance. After our $27 souffle came out our server finally asked if anyone wanted dessert or coffee. Also the "manager" or "maitre'd" was extremely rude to people calling as we were right in earshot, he looked like he was mad at the world and the restaurant was practically empty. I was excited to come back to experience Brandl again, but it fell flat. So disappointed. read more

Sub par is a compliment. Beside the portions being very minimal and $$$$ mostly everything was submersed in butter. When I asked to please speak with the chef he said he was too busy. I'm not sure with what as the restaurant was empty. We were told the soufflé took 45 minutes to prepare I think because they used an easy bake oven. It was dry and had little flavor. Just a heads up. read more

We have had nothing but great experiences here. Food is delicious. Very underrated restaurant in my husband and my opinions! We love the short ribs and lazy lobster. We split a Caesar salad which was also very good. Staff is always very kind. Love that it's BYOB and right in town. Cool ambiance, family friendly or great to go with friends read more

First time here and totally disappointed. I normally don't leave reviews but overall I felt like I needed to give other diners a heads up, especially for special occasions. Even if you make a reservation, you'll still need to wait, in fact we waited for over 45 minutes. The food was mediocre for what they charge. We even had an issue with a raw dish and instead of it being replaced, the server said it's out of their control and that it's "wild life". Our server smelt like a dirty cigarette, the seating was horrible to the point where we can't even sit in it without the table being up to your neck. Totally over priced for being an BYO. Wouldn't recommend at all. With the amount of restaurants in the surrounding areas that actually care and give you quality dining, don't waste your time here. read more

I first dined here about six years ago and it was good. But it has gone downhill. I will not return. The last time I went to Brandl, I felt that our group of four (which included two minorities) was disrespected by the pretentious host and inattentive waiter. The place is a BYOB which saves you money. You'll need it: the overpriced entrees are small. They are just mediocre, nothing extraordinary. Similarly, the appetizers and desserts are nothing special. Go elsewhere for dinner! read more

UNBELIEVABLY RUDE & DO NOT HONOR RESERVATIONS. AVOID. Had an 8:15pm reservation. Staff ignored us for 15 min as we stood waiting at the front counter. Then manager was incredibly nasty and basically told us to wait until they had a table for us and maybe they could seat us in another 15min. I stated that I had a reservation and his response was "yeah so do the 6 parties ahead if you." They then did the same thing to several other parties that were waiting behind us. There were plenty of open tables. No idea why they were not seating anyone or being so nasty. We left and so did several other parties that apparently had reservations which were not honored. read more

We are never disappointed when we come to Brandl. They really know the menu inside and out and are very accommodating. The manager Paul really wants everyone to enjoy their meal and will gladly exchange your meal if you're not happy with your choice. The menu isn't huge but there definitely is a wide variety of options and they always have specials. The filet is possibly the best I've ever tasted. Calamari is one of our favorites as well. Don't come here expecting a cheap meal, but it's definitely worth the price and considering it's BYOB makes it even more worth it. Make sure you try the dark chocolate soufflé but put it in when you order your apps read more

Perfect place to splurge on a date night. The filet mignon was cooked perfectly and the burrata appetizer was so fresh. The service was quick and great, we never needed to ask for anything because our server was super attentive. Definitely would recommend to anyone coming to town for summer months! read more

Brandl - Burratta - New American Near Me - Belmar, New Jersey

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We had a great dinner experience . The food was wonderful and the staff was amazing even with food allergies in our group and young children. Just wanted to say a big thank you to the entire staff. We will definitely be back. read more

Super friendly service . Everything we ate was delicious and fresh . The Reasturant was BYOB . Wish I took pictures to show off the meals ! Will definitely return read more

I ate here last night and was very disappointed. From the minute my friend and I were seated the staff rushed us- to tell us the specials, to take our order, in clearing our plates and rushing to drop the check. They just wanted us out so they could flip the table. We had a reservation, the place is pricey and we were not lingering. I ordered the scallops with mushroom risotto which was very salty. My friend preferred the lazy lobster and enjoyed it. Salads were good but nothing special. I was a server for many years in high end restaurants and we would have been written up for the rude behavior to our guests. Our check was $120 and not worth it. I love to explore high end restaurants and this one was a huge disappointment. In an area with lots of choices, I will never go here again. read more

Didn't even give this place the opportunity to try the food. The manager, who was incredibly rude, had us wait 20 mins past our reservation time. Sat us at the table, and my friend asked why he wasn't wearing a mask but was delivering Peoples food and drink to their table. He claimed he forgot and would put one on. He didn't. Acted like we were annoying him, but if you're trying to have a business open during Covid, just be respectful and put on a mask to make your patrons feel safer as you to go to every table delivering peoples food. We got up and left. If management can't be respectful during this time i can only imagine how poor this place runs during non pandemic times. read more

Somewhat disappointed years ago with the attitude of the wait staff we vowed never to return. However, that said we decided to give Brandl another chance a month or so ago and it was not a bad experience at all considering the quality of the food and the fact that we had the advantage of a 20 buck Brandl coupon. Still not cheap mind you but not outrageous either. We returned last night and decided to order from their Sunday - Thursday special $10 per course cash only with a minimum of 2 orders per person menu, which was a mistake. We really expected a meal but got a tasting sample of a few of the house dishes served on small platers. The food quality was still very good but considering the quantity and cash only proposition - not worth the price of admission. My wife and I joked as we walked out the door asking each other where we should stop for a burger on the way home. The staff could have been more forthcoming and explained exactly what the $10 plates were about. The bottom line here: Brandl has the potential of a five star restaurant but to get there they need to bring their pricing into the reality of 2012 dinning and tweak the front room operations a bit. read more

Brandl Scores always out of 5 Carl & Nicole: 2.5 Service: was ok Our entrees were served before our apps. The manager/host (he sat us when we arrived) was being unreasonably harsh to the staff in front of guests. It was awkward. Atmosphere: was good Food: was good Well, it was a steakhouse and the server recommended the lobster so we were immediately skeptical. For appetizers we ordered the burrata and tuna tartar tower. The burrata portion was outrageously small. Carl liked the tartar, Nicole felt it was very boring. The entrees were great. We got the filet mignon with Brussels sprouts and the grilled wild boar chop with shishito peppers. It was the best wild boar we've ever had ! We were not interested in the dessert offerings so we skipped. Drinks: BYOB Price: EXTREMELY overpriced!! The portions were very small for the price and although the entrees were good, they definitely were not worth the $$$ Overall: Skip Brandl, there are much better options in the area. The portions were small and the food was not exciting. If you do find yourself there, be aware you must go inside the building to check in with the host (we were one of many guests standing awkwardly outside, unsure of where to go)... and expect to wait 20 minutes even with a reservation. They operate like a brand new restaurant but are surprisingly not. #shorelovesfood #foodie #njfoodie read more

I have NEVER experienced such rude service like this. The old (poorly tanned) male waiter did not even say "hello" or "how are you" only moments after getting the menu. Instead we were greeted with a rude "what are you getting." Our terrible service continued with no smiles, no recommendations, and no love. Thankfully the meal made up for the service, but wow, be better. HIGHLY recommend the "lazy lobster" read more

The food is pretty good. The service is not bad once you get seated. Getting seated can be very frustrating as it is arbitrary. The manager/maitre'd is exceptionally rude. He is rude to both customers and to staff. He can be regularly heard cursing at young junior staff members. He ruins evenings. Avoid this place unless you're craving for and willing to pay for an argument with a smug rude arrogant manager. He must be the owner, otherwise I can't imagine any other owner being willing to keep him on board. read more

Understaffed and overbooked. 1 star service for 5 star prices. Awful experience don't waste your money or time.

Let me tell you something, Yelpers are so full of themselves. Specifically those that eat at these American cuisine places. My theory is that most Americans legit get subconsciously offended by a restaurant that offers small portions. If this was a French Bistro it would be a 4-4.5 Star restaurant rating on yelp. Because it's American fare, people are not forgiving. Especially if people feel like they are paying too much. This place is fresh, tasty, and underrated. read more

I was really excited to order our Easter Dinner from here after getting word that my husband would not be allowed to come home. Since it's just my 2 small children and I, I figured ordering out would be nice change for them. This is the second Easter in a row that my children have not been able to spend with their Dad. Last year was due to my Husbands 11 month deployment and this year is due to him working COVID-19. I know take-out will never be on the same scale as dining in but this is just sad. Food is cold. Portions are a lot smaller than what is pictured on their Social Media sites. The Corn & Shrimp Bisque is missing the shrimp and has 2 little corn kernels in it. The Deviled Eggs have a weird taste to them and are overly sprinkled in Paprika. Entree's are okay. My kids were underwhelmed with their dinner and that makes me upset. All I wanted was to treat them to a nice Easter Dinner since we've been stuck in the house for over a month with everything that is going on. read more

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I'm giving it three stars because of the service. Listen, we all know the food is going to be excellent..so being treated very well is important. Especially if I'm spending $20 on an appetizer and $40 on an entree...and I dined alone tonite! I'm 32 years old, well dresses and I walk in to the gentleman host on the phone- not even acknowledging I'm there! Didn't even look up. No "I'll be with you"look..nothing. After concluding his lengthy call, he finally look up at me with a super fake smile. I ask if could see a menu and he hands me a TO GO menu!! As if I'm there looking for a job!! I gave him a look like WTF..totally offended!! I have to tell the gentleman I'd like to see a regular menu and that I was hoping to eat..he seemed surprised and his attitude changed...ever so slightly. I was then ignored. I didn't expect them to fall all over me (I was alone), but if the Lobster Risotto is gonna take a hour..ask me if I'm ok..the"manager", my waiter and the bussesr stood in a corner and whispered all night. There were two table. Me and a four top. My waiter also asked me if I was Spanish -I'm not but if that mean I get better service then "si"! Over all, this is suppose to be a 5 star restaurant in Belmar Nj and I've gotten better service at a diner and I walked away feeling as if they were glad I was gone. Never going back. read more

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We were invited to go out with friends for an early New Years Eve dinner. The restaurant quickly filled up and our server was very nice although she quickly became overwhelmed by the number of tables she had to cover. This restaurant needs to hire additional wait staff. We were given the fixed menu, which had no prices listed; however, we have been here before and knew it was on the $$$$ side with smaller servings. The food was delicious; however, when we received the bill, we were shocked. The bill for the four of us was $500 - may not have been bad if we had purchased drinks. VERY disappointing and not likely to return. read more

SO excited and looking forward to our first dinner out after quarantine for months. This was one of very few available reservations so we booked an early dinner. The plaza is a pretty setting and the outdoor tables are nice. However we were quite shocked to be greeted by the host /manager not wearing a mask. The whole time, despite serving people and going in and out. All the other people working wore masks. Not Paul. Paul was brusque to the point of rudeness. We have eaten here before over the years-- usually Vincent is our waiter but tonight we got the short straw I guess. He explained the menu prix fixe with some additional options. I asked a question -- he snidely replied. " you have to order all of it. ". He took our order-/ still no mask/- and walked away. no pleasantries. We were barely greeted when we first arrived. You don't have to be charming, but PLEASANT would be ok. Especially after we have all been in lock up for soooo long. Nobody asked if we liked our food. Ever. Just "are you done ". The busboy took away our plates by making a giant tower of plates and silverware with a clatter. After dessert Paul barked at another waiter "give them their check" which was then literally slapped down in front of me without a word. We were so rushed and hurried-- a three course meal in 45 minutes!!! I left my credit card- which was swept away quickly - then receipt was again slapped down . Not one Polite word to either of us. It was actually shocking to me. This is a high end , local restaurant just reopening to onsite dining this week. mind you, the food was good-- tuna tartar fresh, delicious risotto and crazy good desserts , although why a nice place like this would present a frozen dessert in a foil mini pie tin is beyond me. Overall. Food 4 stars Price 4 stars. Service 1. Just bad. There are lots and lots of other places around here. Skip this place if you don't want to catch Misery from the unmasked Manager. read more

My wife and I decided to give Brandl a try as she had gotten a gift card for Christmas. The staff was amazingly friendly and the food was outstanding. If was a quiet winter night in Belmar so I can't 100% say what the noise level and service would be like when it is busy, but I can say this: every bite of food was excellent and we will be going back!!! read more