We have been going to Galloway for a few years now on a work trip and every time we are on the plane their the first thing we say is, we have to go to Fred and Ethels! We love having all of the different options of food and their weekly specials that you definitely don't want to miss out on! They always have very quick service and the nicest staff year after year. We end up going here at least a couple times during our week long trip because we just can't get enough! read more

Food was very good. Service was completely lousy. From the server to the bartender, it was like I was in invisible. at least my party had one drink each. Perhaps take out next time. read more

What a great experience! First time at Smithville and found ourselves hungry for a meal. Saw the ample outdoor seating and stopped in. Nice menu of American type food (salads, sandwiches, burgers, etc) and a good selection of drinks as well. We had a mixed group of kids and adults and the menu selections fit perfectly (ask about the kids menu choices of hot dogs, nuggets, pasta, etc as they're not advertised). I ordered the cold corned beef sandwich that was just fantastic. My wife ordered the grilled chicken sandwich, which she also enjoyed. The others got a mix of kid menu choices and an assortment of apps and sides. Everyone was very happy. Prices were reasonable and the service was five stars. I will admit the place definitely over delivered on my initial expectations. Would happily recommend read more

Although there's a very limited menu, the food is very good. So are the drinks. Theres indoor and outdoor seating which is very nice, overlooking the Smithville Village. Service was good and quick. Our waitress was amazing. I would suggest read more

Stopped for a late lunch with friends during the smithville mayfest. On a beautiful spring day there was no line so despite the crowds we were able to get a seat right away. There was a limited menu which at first was a disappointment but was soon forgotten when the mild buffalo wings showed up. They were well done just the way I like them with a tangy little on the sweet side. They were finger licking good. My friends shared the mahi tacos which by the sound of things were very flavorful. We shared the bacon cheese burger and Caesar salad. All in all a very satisfying lunch just enough to take the hunger away but not too much to stop from getting a funnel cake to share. Would stop again next time to try items off the full menu. read more

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Awesome food , great service. Prices are very reasonable too. Really cool old school atmosphere. Bar area looks awesome too, was closed unfortunately due to covid restrictions. Highly recommend the California burger! read more

This place came highly recommended by a friend who swore she had a fantastic sandwich here last year. Had a quick bite to eat on a sunny late spring day. We were lucky enough to score window seats when we asked for them. Although it was a crowded festival day, it seemed service was on top of getting our orders out pretty quickly. Portions were plentiful with the table favorites being the tasty burgers and fish tostadas. I would love to return on another afternoon to try other lunch options. read more

We are local and always enjoy our meals at this quaint little place. I had the Tavern Burger on this visit and it was cooked medium rare as I ordered and the fries were hot and fresh. Wait staff is always kind and efficient as well. My only complaint is the seats are so uncomfortable. Maybe the owners don't want you hanging around too long and small, creaking, hard chairs are the way to do it. That aside, give the place a try, you won't be disappointed. read more

Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light - Tavern Burger with Fries - American Near Me - Galloway, New Jersey

Service was barely average though our server always had a smile. But refills weren't something you were getting. I had the world famous chili. PASS I think hormel in a can is better must have been the bottom of the pot was terrible. I also had the F&E chicken sandwich was overcooked. Food wise for us was a FAIL. Not coming back anytime soon. read more

Been here before and had a pretty good meal and experience., not tonight though ! I ordered the Mahi taco's and the should of could them corn taco's since the had almost no mahi and were about 80 plus percent corn and lettuce. I also ordered the wings and they have been amazing in the past, but not this trip... Wings were small, poor quality and just not like I have had in the past from this place... I would of asked for manager but the waitress didn't want to engage with us and by the time I was already disappointed with everything- it was time to pay and leave... I don't believe I will be returning to this place again for a meal... read more

Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light - American Near Me - Galloway, New Jersey

Read the reviews and was looking forward to trying it. The menu looked great. Ordered the F and E Chicken sandwich and the Chicken was like rubber. The French dip was mostly Bread , very little filling. Hamburger was decent but Fries were not good and paid extra to add them to each order. Won't be going back. read more

If your going to Smithville, NJ you have to stop at Fred & Ethel's. I had the French onion soup and Triple B burger. Burger, Brisket & Bacon. Food was excellent. Tried their wings also. Great atmosphere and our waitress was awesome. Pricing wasn't bad on the wallet either. We had 6 adults and 1 child and the bill was only $145.00. That included drinks, appetizers and lunches. My second time there and both times perfect I do give a 2 thumbs up. Will visit again. read more

Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light - American Near Me - Galloway, New Jersey

On a Sunday, after finishing visiting and shopping around Smithville, I stopped in this restaurant for a late lunch. Service was great. Good beer selections too. But the food was just average. We ordered the Santa Fe Salad and Jersey Devil Burger. They charged extra $1.50 to substitute the potato chips for French fries. The salad was good. It came with chipotle ranch dressing which I liked. The buffalo chicken strips in it, nothing special. The meal looked better than it tasted. The jersey Devil burger was the better of the 2 meals I tasted. I enjoyed the jalapenos on the burger along with the pork roll. The bun was so large, I didnt eat all of it. But, for a place directly in the smithville village, and not having to drive out for food, cant go wrong trying this place. read more

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So nice! Everyone who works here were so nice to us. We celebrated my nephews wedding here on site and had the rehearsal dinner here and the post wedding drinks here. Plus ate here twice during our stay. Can't say enough about how kind friendly and accommodating they were to our family, including the vegetarian folks with us. Highly recommend this place when visiting Smithville. The bar is great. read more

Not many places to eat at in Smithville except for some coffee and pastry spots but Fred & Ethel's is a welcome reprieve to get off your feet for a bit and fill up. Good spot to grab some lunch in a tavern type setting while walking around the village. Shopping makes one ravenous! Nice service. Family friendly. Rustic and cozy atmosphere. Been here a few times now and pretty satisfied. Solid craft beer list too. Over 30 craft and local brews to choose from, along with some house cocktails. Themed dining evenings weekdays, but basically an American pub fare food menu. The crab cake sandwich I devoured was tasty, and those seasoned fries are the shizz! read more

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Some people can skip meals and it won't affect their personalities. I am not one of those people. It's safe to say that I was on a food mission upon entering Fred & Ethel's, which is good since it's a restaurant and all. Stopped in for a late lunch on Sunday and was greeted by a packed house. Yet it was [fortunately] only a five minute wait for a table. They boast about offering a bunch of beer. I think 30? But I wasn't in a beer-mood (yeah, it happens!) so I stuck with water. For my meal, I chose the bacon burger...and kind of wish I hadn't. I ordered it medium, but I guess I should've requested medium rare, because this one was one dry burger. I ended up peeling the bacon and cheddar off the top and leaving the patty behind. I realize that's probably weird, but I'll never waste bacon or cheese. Plus, it filled me up! From what I tasted of the chicken ceasar wrap, that was definitely the better choice of the table. I'd head back here though if I return to Smithville -- and try something else. It was a cute tavern, after all. read more

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Just the kind of day to start "spring" in Smithville. Chili, tomato soup, taco and Caesar salad and a few beers. Nothing out of the ordinary except the company and the day. Nonetheless, this is a regular stop for us and I'd say it should be for you too (if you're in the neighborhood). read more

We have been here multiple times over the years & despite maybe 2/10 times being positive - they keep getting our business as it's only 1/2 restaurants available in Historic Smithville. It was absolutely awful. The waitress Bree was very kind - but clearly not a tenured server. She talked to her tables for ages w/zero sense of urgency or awareness of her surroundings &/or the needs of her customers, never cleared a single plate or glass, allowed our meal to take over 50 minutes to be served (including a peanut butter sandwich for a 4 year old) & served (by someone other than herself with multiple inaccuracies) never asked if we'd like a drink refill. NOTHING. She was a very nice young lady - but most certainly doesn't have the skills of a server. The food as I stated took 50+ minutes to be served on a moderately paced Thursday evening in early December - the oddest part was at 40 minutes , Bree told us the foods taking a long time & she was aware...but it's done and ready to be served. She then did not turn around & bring us our food...she INSTEAD opted to go chat with two tables. By the time a runner brought it, 10+ more minutes had passed & not only were multiple things wrong with the order (as Bree clearly didn't verify accuracy) but multiple items were destroyed by heat lamps & inedible. I'd like to credit the manager on duty with professionalism, empathy and humanity. She was wonderful and understood the situation to be unacceptable and was helpful. Also she was the ONLY person who came to our table & removed a plate or asked about our drinks or if we needed anything. Both of my parents were in the restaurant industry. My father owned 10+ establishments in his lifetime, my mother worked at &/or managed over 20 & I have personally served, hostessed &/or supervised at 8 restaurants/bars - I've never ONCE considered not tipping. I know the importance of tipping. This was my first time in my 35 years considering not leaving a dime for a server - because what do we ask/expect of our servers? To take our order, cater to our party, keep our table in order, verify accuracy of our meals and drinks, be a presence & all in all to serve our group. Bree did none of these things. Not one. I left her $10 which was just about 10%...frankly I'm hoping it got tipped out to the food runner. Atleast he did something to earn it. I've had solid experiences at F&E's for lunch - NEVER for dinner. As I mentally mapped out a letter I wanted to write to management as I waited what felt like a lifetime with a toddler for my food.....I realized I'd done that years prior. My coming back & spending my money & precious time w/my family there was a choice I made & being disappointed was always on the table. I do not recommend this place. Nope - not a lick. But I do want to again note the manager on duty did a great job of trying to mitigate the situation. I think her name was Bridget I wish I knew for sure, but I was so frustrated by the time she came to support us that I could be wrong. She could easily be placed in a high end, high capacity establishment anywhere & run the room w/grace. read more

The bartenders are always friendly & attentive. I thought their food was pricey but it turned out to be worth the price. I come here often and will continue coming back. read more

Service was great ! Our servers name was Lauren ( Loren ) and she was super friendly and very personable. Food was very tasty and enough to fill you up . Will go there again ! read more

Wrong prices on the menu online so don't be surprised at pick up and their wings had a chicken feather cooked in it read more

Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light - Uhm ew.... A chicken feather in my wing. No appetite now - American Near Me - Galloway, New Jersey

I guess the better and more prominent the location, the less a restaurant has to focus on food quality. This place is situated in the heart of historic Smithville and had quite a crowd waiting for tables so we tried it out. The server was attentive, friendly, and the food came out quickly. Too quickly. I've never seen a sandwich so poorly put together, it was like the chef hated the food and the quality was also below poor. Won't ever return, better off eating at wawa even. read more

Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light - Corned Beef Special Sandwich - American Near Me - Galloway, New Jersey

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After a long day at the beach, we decided to do some outdoor dining at this little establishment nearby. We were seated about three tables away from others and the waitress was friendly and kind. The menu had lots to offer. The littlest B in the family got chicken and fries, my other daughter had mozzarella sticks and the rest of us shared a sausage sandwich and potstickers... while we were waiting for the order, we all enjoyed fresh cantaloupe lemonade. Yum! Unfortunately, a storm swept in before we were served. The waitress was amazing. She told us to get our car and had the order packed to go in a heartbeat. She legitimately cared that we were taken care of. The food was simple.. but great. Not greasy, which can sometimes be the case when ordering pub food. We would definitely go back!! read more

Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light - Social distancing while eating out. This place did a great job! - American Near Me - Galloway, New Jersey

As always a really good meal. Wish they had a few items for gluten-free allergy beside salads.

I was visiting Smithville for the day and stumbled upon this restaurant where I ate for lunch. We were sat almost immediately and the server showed up a little later. We put our orders in very fast once we looked over the menu, but we wouldn't get our food until around 40 minutes later. The service wasn't great, but the food made up for it. I got the California burger with fries. It was hot and clear it just was cooked, it was a nice portion size and a really good meal. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant if you are in the area and looking for a place to eat. read more

Decent food, nice beer selection. Great for a quick lunch. Basic atmosphere, not fancy. read more

Great food - never had a bad meal there. Some of the best burgers around and the service always great!

My husband and I visited Smithville for the first time and decided to eat dinner at Fred and Ethels. We were seated immediately and chose our drinks. The waitress was very friendly and after looking over the menu, we both chose the turkey dinner. I enjoyed a garden salad and my husband liked the soup of the day while we waited for our food. We received large portions of food but the turkey was a turkey roll,not freshly roasted turkey breast which was a disappointment. My husband didn't like the stuffing that came with it, and I didn't eat it either. The mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes were good as was the cranberry sauce that came with it. The turkey was dry and flavorless and adding gravy didn't help. If we visit Smithville again we'll probably go with the pub-style food as the reviews I've seen give high ratings to those dishes. read more

Wow. What a treat. The moment we walked in we were promptly greeted and seated. Restaurant and bar area are so comfortable, bright and welcoming. We had the great fortune of having Morgan as our server. So professional, friendly and informative. She was great guiding us to our final selections. The menu choices for lunch included specials of the day as well as favorites such as Mahi Fish Tacos. Wow! Generous portions and so fresh! A must go to when in the Smithville area or just make your way there to just go for lunch or dinner. PS. Leave room for dessert! Fresh and yummmm. Very reasonable. read more

Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light - American Near Me - Galloway, New Jersey

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My experience at Fred & Ethel's was brief, but very positive! My cousin booked this place for his wedding after-party. After dancing the night away, I was planning to go directly to my room, but as we walked past Fred & Ethel's, live music streamed out the door and I couldn't resist. A super nice manager welcomed us as we arrived and pointed out the snacks and pitchers of water that were set up on a table. I had been craving wings all week so I helped myself to a couple and was blown away by how delicious they were! My husband, brother and sister-in-law ordered a round of beers and they were happy with the craft beer selection. It's also worth noting that my sister had visited the restaurant earlier in the day for lunch, and she had very positive things to say as well. Great spot for a meal or late night! read more

Ordered meatloaf and the gravy was congealed like a nasty blood clout! WTF people! Server had zero personality. Really has gone so far downhill it will be our last stop ever! read more

Popular tavern/ restaurant and a good place to bring the family. I would say the food is slightly above average for a the type of place it is. Service is good, and the restaurant is run well by management. Depending on the time of day and the time of year, there most likely will be a wait. If you don't want to wait, there is another restaurant in the inn which is a sister restaurant to this one. Overall- Food 4/5 Service 4/5 Ambience 4/5 I would go back and recommend it. read more

Great lunch & dessert. Nice selection of wines and beers but the drink special was delicious. Had a chicken (cold pasta salad with a vinaigrette sauce and would order again. Server was jersey and great service read more

Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light - American Near Me - Galloway, New Jersey

We were at Fred and Ethel's today.. the bartender must not have liked our looks.. served people on both sides of us.. people directly behind us. We had to move so he could serve them. So we waited 25 minutes with nothing in front of us.. WTF!! Never will we walk in this place again.. we even asked bartender about a beer and he walked away!!! NEVER read more

We 'dined' last night, a Wednesday 6:30ish. We were seated at a high top, restaurant was clean. Our server had the whole bar area and was very busy, she was very sweet.. honestly only reason I'd consider going back. Seemed to be a lot of problems with the bar, I didn't even get my drink until after we finished our meal. It was the same at the next table. I ended up getting gin instead of vodka, but whatever, it was easier to just drink it. My husband had a burger, it was fine, what you'd expect basically. I had fish and chips, couldn't get through it.. weirdly had the taste/ texture of a elementary school chicken patty. Asked the hostess for a manager but one never came. read more

Again I'm down at Stockton university my daughters' vehicle acting up so dad come down to get it and fix it. While I'm here may as well do dinner yummy. I go on yelp and find Fred and Ethels inside Smithville Village. I saw the pictures and loved the name so off we went. Smithville is an adorable shopping area which looks like a small town lovely decorated. We pulled into its parking lot next to fred and Ethels and walked in. It has the appearance of time with old wooden floors stepping down to a brick floor dining area. Its old wood accents and dim lighting make it very inviting. Our waitress was very nice. We both ordered burgers which were cooked as ordered however they lacked seasoning. All in all a cute place to go to for a meal and the prices were fine. Two burgers and some sodas the bill was $25. read more

Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light - Interior - American Near Me - Galloway, New Jersey

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Do not support this business my food was disgusting the manager bridget was extremely rude to customers and staff, there were flies everywhere the environment is hectic not the place i want to eat in. i do not recommend this restaurant to even my worst enemy. read more

I only comment on the food that I actually tried: Mahi tostados - I thought the fish was a bit dry, but my significant other like it BBQ pork and burger - tasty and juicy. Definitely recommend! Chili- it wasnt my cup of tea. It was really thick and chunky, but I'm sure some people would like this type Ambience was nice and the waitress were very courteous. This is around a small town with winery and bunch of little shops. read more

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This weekend we were there for lunch And one of us ordered a sprite not ginger ale and was brought ginger ale which you could even tell by the color so we asked her to take it back and just had water. When she brought the food there was a hair in the bun. She said she would bring another burger but he said no figuring it would be the same burger with a different bun or worse the same burger with the hair removed. It was so disgusting my daughter and I couldn't finish what we ordered and just asked for the check. She said the manager told her she could take his order off which he had her take away and never touched. I feel they shouldn't have charged us at all. read more

Always good food. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Highly suggest stoping here for a great time at the bar or for a nice dinner