I had my hesitations about coming here but I'm certainly glad I did! For a Russian restaurant, Kabaret is very spacious and isn't your typical tightly-packed-table-with-no-room-to-breathe kind of place. It's not big, but the ratio of dining space to dancing space is perfect for its size. I was also surprised at how good the food was! Though I do think they had too many appetizer salads (it felt like shredded carrot/lettuce/mayo overload) and the meat entrees didn't arrive until much later, almost everything tasted very good. I really enjoyed the potatoes (though I wish they were served with the meat and not as an appetizer), seared tuna, blini with caviar and sour cream, duck, and the shellfish with pasta entree (I was too full at that point to try the kebabs and stew). Now for the music! They had both singers and a DJ. One of the singers, to my surprise, was...to be PC, not of Russian decent and very, um, soulful. He was incredible and all of us would get SO excited when he'd do a song. They played a little bit of Russian music, a lot of Spanish music, and then when all the "older" people started heading out and what was left was a bunch of 20somethings, the DJ played house music to induce mass amounts of fist pumping on the dance floor. I mean, this is Jersey after all :) read more

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Honestly this was quite an awesome experience! We had a table full of 25 people and everyone enjoyed their time. The servers were always attentive and polite. Although the place seems a bit outdated, you still got a feel for the culture not only through the food but the atmosphere itself. Not much vegan options (perhaps if you ask ahead? But I ended up coming late so I didn't get a chance to do so) it is BYOB but there is a liquor store right next door! The life music was PHENOMENAL!!! Probably the biggest highlight of my day. read more

Kabaret Restaurant - Russian Near Me - Spotswood, New Jersey

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I attended one of Kabaret's private parties which hosted about 150 people. I tried about fifteen different dishes, so I will highlight a few of my favorites rather than go through a laundry list. My favorite appetizer was the escargot. It was topped with a thin layer of baked cheese which turned a beautiful brown. The escargot and cheese were delicious on the slightly toasted bread. My favorite entree was the short ribs. The meat was so tender; it literally feel off the bone and then feel apart. It cut easier than butter! It was topped with gravy and parsley giving it a great balance of savory, bitter, sweetness, and smokiness. I would also recommend the seafood linguine. The creamy pasta is delicious alongside the shrimp, clams, and salmon. All in all, the food and service are great! Kabaret is wonderful venue for a private event. read more

Last night we had the pleasure of celebrating my husband's birthday at Kabaret restaurant. From beginning to end it was fantastic. Amazing & abundance of food, talented singers that played with only one break all night long, top notch service from the moment we stepped in and ended with them carrying leftovers and placing in the car. Can't recommend it enough and can't wait to come here again. read more

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I absolutely love this place! The food is always top notch and very delicious. The owners are extremely friendly and welcoming. They remember me and my family whenever we go there and know us all by name. I've been to most Russian restaurants in the area and this is by far the best. If you want a good night out, this is the place to go. read more

NJ's Russian restaurant game is limited in comparison to the little Soviet Union on the shores of Brighton Beach. When my friend was deciding on a place to celebrate her 21st and found out that her go-to Russian establishment was already booked, I suggested Kabaret. It's a bit hard to find considering it's in the middle of the most random town in Central NJ, and, like many of its competitors, it's attached to a strip mall. Once you walk in, however, you instantly forget there's a nail salon a few doors down. Typical of the best that Russian gaudiness has to offer, you'll find purple-gold drapes lining the walls, crystal ball chandeliers of varying sizes dangling above your head, and a stage by the dance area with a fully illuminated screen that changes colors. The space is pretty expansive and, unlike other Russian spots, you don't feel as packed as pickled herring. Speaking of Slavic delights, I thought the food was of better quality than a lot of other Russian places I've been to. The banquet style menu is standard at any of these restaurants so, of course, you get mass amounts of food. The appetizers that really stood out for me was the tuna sashimi, tongue salad with fried onions on top, and blini. There was a little too much salad action going on which, if you're Russian, never really means a "healthy" choice, but rather, a mayonnaise bath for your mouth. As far as the entrees, we shared lamb and chicken kebabs (which were scrumptious), a delicious seafood alfredo pasta dish, and, my personal favorite, a meat stew (I wasn't certain if it was lamb or beef) with a wasabi infused side dish of what was either lima beans or small potatoes. The dessert was limited; fresh fruit, apple pastries, and tea service. But, let's be real. You never come to a Russian place to eat. You come to party like the Borat you were born to be! The singers did a great job that night and, in particular, I have to give a shoutout to the black male singer. This hulking gentleman had a great voice. All my friends and I loved when he stepped on the stage! The best part of the night was probably when we were the last table left standing and the DJ began to spin house tunes just for us 20-somethings! Our inner dirty Jersey selves came out as we raved the rest of the night away! My only complaints were that the playlist for the night didn't incorporate too many Russian songs and that the music stopped fairly early for the night. There was definitely a much larger Latin flavor to the evening which did make for great dancing, but left me missing some of the songs I grew up on. The entertainment also stopped by around 1 AM, which is SHOCKINGLY early by Russian standards. read more

I want to say that I am Russian, and I loved to go to a Russian restaurant for big party's but for a long time I didn't , I decided to try this restaurant with my friends for my birthday. I was very disappointed(. too expensive,the food just ok,music was very loud and very old fashioned. I don't recomend this restaurant read more

Came here for a birthday party and had a great night. Fun ambiance, good food and live music. Me and my friends had a great night, especially with it being a BYOB and a discount liquor store next door :) read more

I wish I could've tried the place... The arrogant gentlemen had issues answering questions while I was trying to plan a great night out. He hangs up and when I call back, he says "we have no space" and hangs up again. Stay away from this place. read more

I celebrated my birthday at this restaurant and was looking forward to it as Russian restaurants are known for not just sit and eat but dance, listen live music and feel fiesta atmosphere. This place was a quite disappointing in many ways. The background music was all American, not Russian at all. When life music has started there were only a few Russian songs and it didn't last long at all. The further dancing music was all but Russian as well. I wish it could have more Russian songs and live music. The menu is overpriced, and was not that diverse and creative. The service desire improvements and was absent-minded (keep coming back asking what we ordered, and this is on slow Saturday night, and having two waiters in the dining room), and pushy with upselling. We brought our own cake which was kept in the kitchen until desert time and it seems it was not kept in the refrigerator as it was served smashed and it was served first on the wrong table. The unfinished part of the cake was returned not in its original box but wrapped in a foil without return of our own candles. My friend asked her entry (the order was not made correctly and it took three reminders to fix it) to be wrapped to go and it was taken but never returned. Restaurant photographer took pictures and offered us shortly after printed and framed, two for $40.00. We purchased it and later at home I saw one of the frame was broken on the back. It doesn't worth the money spent at all. Definitely won't go back and won't recommend to anyone. read more

They Canceled our party 1 week before our party . We left deposits for 75 guests . Another party booked for 90 so we got shafted . Shady business practice . Ordered flowers $700 . Ordered birthday cake $500. Told 90 people more the 75 re book party for another day . Done let this be you !!!!!!! read more

I absolutely love this place! A great atmosphere for the Eastern European party to thoroughly enjoy, although not necessarily drawing in the American crowd. On another note, the delicious food and awesome cabaret entertainment takes you well throughout the night. They have a coat check, traditional gaudy upscale decor, clean bathrooms and plenty of room between tables so there isn't too much crowding. Definitely a bit pricey but that's like any Russian Cabaret restaurant, but that is expected. To throw a party here like we usually so is around $90 + a person for the various banquet options. We hosted my moms birthday party here one year and it was excellent service and food. Occasionally we come back with family/friends for dinner (has own menu), to dance and drink; always leaving satisfied! This place is a definite go-to, to let out the inner eastern european in all of us, so put some vodka on the table and you're assured a good night! read more

I'm going to give an honest, but less than stellar review. tl;dr: ~BRING CASH. CREDIT CARDS HAVE A $3 SERVICE CHARGE. ~Leave your coat in the car, it's $3 for coat check. ~Make sure your food is fully microwaved before eating. The food tastes good, the music is fantastic, especially Reggie the singer who is capable of singing songs in like 6 languages and has a beautiful voice. We loved Reggie, 10/10 would party with him performing again. Overall, this is a good place. The food tastes good, and my friends were very happy with their meals. However, when a restaurant considers themselves high-end or even mid-end, I do expect the food to be fully heated when I'm paying that much for it and the experience. The Khatchipuri was literally frozen inside and we had to get it reheated. The fried onions also didn't appear very fresh. However, all in all, the food is about a 4/5 when using local Russian places as the measuring standard. I found the servers to be excellent and attentive, but when I was paying, one of the guys got an attitude with me just because I was unclear. What I was unclear about was that they have a $3 service charge for credit card usage, which, please excuse me, but is total crap. Bring cash. You're throwing money away on this made-up "service charge" and it isn't worth supporting the money-grab the managers created with it. Speaking of rip-off, just park close and leave your jacket in the car. For a tiny parking lot and the 10 yards you have to walk the door, it isn't worth paying $3 for a coat check. Just save it. All in all, I would recommend this place, but I had some minor hang-ups about it that definitely did color my memory of the experience. I've been to this place several times, but next year I might try a different local Russian place. read more

Came to this restaurant a few times and it never disappoints. Food is always wonderful and the entertainment speaks for itself. Let's just say it's pretty impressive. The best of the best Genuine European food with entertainment to match. Highly recommended!!!!!! read more

Went here for a wedding about 5 years ago.... YUM... Everything was amazing. The food fresh, Kulebyaka.... YUM. There was plenty of food, I was stuffed, the staff was well.... expected for me being at the table full of non-russian speaking people. The entertainment was the best... Two people sang dance music and traditional russian songs... a woman and man... Awesome! This was a wedding I will NEVER forget.... and that's what it's all about right?!? I always wonder if they do regular dinner and not just parties... because this place is amazing! read more

great food, entertainment, and the entire package! Highly recommended!

What a fantastic bathroom, the food and decor are amazing. Good times are guaranteed!

For any of those that are familiar with Russian dining will know how important the first item is for any Russian meal :-) No olivie salad, the waiter told us the salmon was not good and veal was slow roasted so that's a waste. So we ordered 2 Chilean seabass, beef stroganoff, and leg of lamb, I can't speak to the stroganoff but the seabass was rubbery and if my lamb didn't have a leg bone I would guess a different, exceptionally bland and dry meat. The side for the seabass was 4 pieces of asparagus cut in half and a few slices of red pepper. The appetizers were ok but not how the menu described and portions are very small. The service, however, is very good, besides a dirty knife. I wouldn't have posted this if they cared enough to ask why I only took a bite out of my entree. It's a real shame, this was a nice place. read more

Great food great music service is awesome great place to do birthdays, and special events they also have a live dj

In my opinion this is one of the best Russian restaurants in the tri-state area, and I have been to most of them. The environment is welcoming and comfortable. The food is great and the servers are very attentive. I have been there a few times and the entertainment is always great, especially the singers. Its a great place to go out with your friends or for a family event. Again I have been to some of the other places in the area and its just not the same. Kind of feels like your second home. read more

This place had fabulous food, music and ambience. Hubbie and I were invited here for a 30th wedding anniversary party on Valentine's Day. Decor was very lush with dark purple velvet drapes on walls and chandeliers everywhere. It was a full house. The dance floor was kinda small for the numbers of people there. The live music was very good... some latin beats (the Gypsy King) and lots of other stuff I've never heard of. The black singer was outstanding... What a powerful voice! My only complaint was that there was hardly any elbow room when dining. They packed a lot of people and food at the tables. Our food was pre-fixe and served banquet style. The salads and appetizers were spread out on the tables and only taken away when they were eaten. Each course came out sporadically with a big lapse of time in between. We left ~12:30am and so we missed the last course... dessert. Will be back. Best Valentine's celebration my husband never planned. I think they may only do pre-fixe meals and not a la carte from a menu. read more

Held several events here and attended many others. Atmosphere, music, and most importantly food are all amazing. Wide variety of menu which allowed us to accommodate the diverse diets of our guests. Definitely recommend giving them a shot. You will not be disappointed! read more

There are some reasons to go to this restaurant: music is terrific: four singers are on the stage, very talented, there is nothing to compare with them for sure in NJ and it is hard to find the same level singers even in Manhattan; Redgy and Susanna, Ilia as I remember, you are best guys:) the second is the price: affordable and portions are huge and extremely delicious and third is service: waiters are always polite and attentive to your needs....:) that's why five stars and highly recommend to go there:) read more

This is my favorite spot to come and have a great time. I get so happy when I come here! The food is awesome, the decor is fantastic, you can bring your own booze. The hits just keep on coming. Turns out the owners wife is a famous russian singer and she performs on the weekends. there is a dance floor for your enjoyment and a DJ that rocks the house. All in all, its guarannteed satisfaction. read more

This is the best cabaret style Russian restaurant/dinner theater/ night club venue in the state. The food is awesome, the service is attentive, the live band gets it kicking, the layout is superfluous, the space is feng shui, and the management is some of the best people you will meet on earth. I had my birthday party there last weekend. Everyone keeps telling me how much fun they had and asking when we can go back. Make sure you try the short rib with fava beans and shashlik. Still drooling for it. read more

Recently attended a birthday party, had a great time from start to finish. The interior design of the place speaks loudly of elegance and class. The food was incredibly fresh, I took special notice when trying the lobster salad among other very delicious items presented. The ambience in the restaurant was perfectly balanced between great food,attentive service and amazing live singing and dancing. read more

The best food, the best music, and the best atmosphere. This restaurant is definitely worth a drive from New York City.

It was the best dining experience I ever had in this part of New Jersey. Saying that the restaurant is an anomaly for this area is an understement. Gold and purple curtains mixed with crystal chandelier with intimate yet decodant lights set an intimate and sexy atmosphere as a 16 course prefix is presented. The waves of food keep coming until you are begging for them to stop. The food is unmatched in gastronomic integrity worthy of the tables of Catherine the great of Russia herself. The place is accommodating to BYOB and conveniently enough there was a liquor store next door. There is live DJ and singers who take request for tips so the place does take a festive dance mood towards the later part of the evening. This place is a must for a visit for anyone in the area on the weekend. Call ahead for a reservation as it does fill up fast and from what I saw guest tend to stay for the music. read more