Your birthday is approaching, and you definitely don’t want to be that person who makes a big fuss about it. You’re over the whole ‘birthday month’ thing, and you’re still recovering from that regrettable mechanical bull incident. But you still deserve a decent meal. Here are the 14 best restaurants in Brick, NJ where you can quietly celebrate—or just enjoy a great dinner without any fanfare.
Charlies of Bay Head
$$$ | (732) 295-1110 | WEBSITE
You’re at the point in your life where having servers sing “Happy Birthday” while blinding you with sparklers in a piece of cake seems more like a fire hazard than a celebration. So go to Charlie’s of Bay Head, a popular restaurant near the beach that’s nice enough to have professional service and exceptional food, but still relaxed enough to have the manager ensure a memorable dining experience.
The menu has fantastic classics, along with some delightful dishes (like amazing BLT sandwiches and fresh Shrimp Tacos). It’s all good, and will remind you you can still have fun despite the fact that now you do your own taxes.
Yellow Brick Road Ice Cream Shop
$ | (732) 262-9226 | WEBSITE
You secretly miss feeling like a kid on a hot summer day. Yellow Brick Road Ice Cream Shop in Brick is an excellent place to do this. It has a friendly crowd and atmosphere, reliably delicious ice cream treats, and a welcoming counter area that’s perfect for acting like you’re turning eight (no matter which birthday this really is). No one will notice, judge, or care.
Taco-Tastic IV
$ | (732) 202-6982 | WEBSITE
You’re pretty sure your boss just scheduled another pointless meeting, and your neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking at 6 a.m. In other words, you’re not really feeling the “adult responsibilities” thing today. Luckily there’s Taco-Tastic IV, a neighborhood spot in Brick. It’s one of the best places in town to visit when you want to forget about your to-do list.
The Mexican lunch special, like the chicken tacos with that flavorful rice, is great for grabbing on the go, and the friendly counter service might take your mind off the fact that your inbox is overflowing. So you can focus on what’s actually important: your Taco Tuesday discount (order the Chipotle Tacos).
Mantoloking Road Alehouse
$$ | (732) 477-6000 | WEBSITE
Even though your original plan was to spend your quiet evening alone, streaming something forgettable with a six-pack from the corner store, you now regret not making it more special. Two ideas for you: One, wait a few minutes and see if the feeling passes. Two, gather your friends for craft beers and charcoal-grilled burgers at Mantoloking Road Alehouse.
The space is warm (there’s a cute dining room off to the side) and lively enough that you can feel the buzz, and the food is way better than anything from a chain restaurant. Save that for a night you don’t care about.
9th Ave Pier
$$ | (732) 749-3800 | WEBSITE
9th Ave Pier is lively and (if the rum buckets and live music are any indicator) doesn’t take itself too seriously. And while that Jersey Shore atmosphere is perfect for a fun night out with friends, it doesn’t extend to the menu, which has lost its appeal for vegetarians. You can’t go wrong with the outdoor seating and Guinness beer here, whether it’s watching the awesome sunset, enjoying the live band, or hanging with family.
Don’t leave without trying the rum buckets and soaking in that wonderful view.
Amore Ristorante | Brick Township New Jersey
$$$ | (732) 204-7901 | WEBSITE
Thanks to Facebook, everyone in your office knows today is your birthday. You weren’t going to say anything about it, but now they want to take you out to lunch, and you get to pick the place. Amore Ristorante in Brick Township has excellent Italian, as well as a welcoming ambiance – so your entire office can come, and you’ll enjoy a memorable meal. You won’t have to pay, either (we hope). Win-win.
YIANNI’S GREEK TAVERNA
$ | (609) 495-8335 | WEBSITE
Part of “not making a big deal” about your dinner plans is being flexible. But wandering aimlessly around Brick with no destination in mind is a bit too flexible. This Greek spot is where to go if you want authenticity. Have dinner at Yianni’s (order the pastichio), get your own wine or beer since it’s BYOB, and enjoy the generous portions that keep you coming back. The owner works hard and is often there on busy nights, and the service stays friendly even when there’s a wait.
If the dining gods are smiling on you, you might even catch the manager providing that great service everyone talks about.
China Express II
$ | (732) 477-2388 | WEBSITE
Repeatedly telling everyone you were craving Chinese food but didn’t want to deal with complicated menus gave people the impression…that you didn’t want Chinese food. Well, that wasn’t true, but now your craving hits and you feel bad dragging everyone to some fancy fusion spot with tiny portions. For something satisfying but not fussy, go to China Express II, a family-friendly Chinese restaurant in Brick. Try things like the fried dumplings, excellent Pad Thai, or the Chicken Wings Lunch Combo.
You won’t be posing for any Instagram pictures under neon dragon murals, but you’ll still leave with a full belly and a happy heart.
Rainbow Diner
$ | (732) 840-1555 | WEBSITE
Remember when you were little, and your grandparents would take you to a classic diner after church? This place doesn’t have stained glass windows, but you can channel the same nostalgic feeling with a family breakfast outing. Plan to start off at one of the typical diner booths near the entrance (since you can’t miss those vintage pay phones). Once you settle into the comfortable seating, get ready for the friendly service, which moves efficiently.
Then, you’ll have all the time in the world to enjoy fresh salads and be glad you’re not relying on your own cooking skills to make breakfast.
Komodo
$ | (732) 447-2562 | WEBSITE
Fresh dumplings, tender BBQ ribs, and excellent boba tea are just a few reasons why Komodo will inspire you to abandon your usual takeout routine. This casual Chinese restaurant in Brick is easy to find in its plaza location, but the welcoming, bright space is always busy enough to still feel lively.
Komodo has lots of tables good for small groups, a great boba tea bar with delicious drinks under $6, and a menu of popular dishes like fried dumplings, lo mein, and entrees like general tso’s or vegetarian options. Plus, those leftovers will (probably) still be waiting when you get home, so you’ll have time to enjoy another meal.
DeCaro’s Pizzeria & Italian Eatery
$ | (732) 262-7746 | WEBSITE
DeCaro’s Pizzeria & Italian Eatery is a classic neighborhood spot in Brick. And it’s the kind of place where your server will remember your name from last time and ask how your kids liked that heart-shaped pizza. The menu here is mainly pizza- and Italian-focused, but there are also slices like the steak and potato (which are a must-order). DeCaro’s pops up frequently on people’s ‘best pizza in town’ lists, so when you suggest it to your friends, it’s basically like giving them a delicious gift.
Smashburger
$ | (732) 475-7892 | WEBSITE
You had originally planned for a quiet afternoon of errands, but after your third stop at the hardware store, you’ve come to the realization that adulting is incredibly tedious. Course-correct your mood by ordering way too much food at Smashburger, a fast-casual burger spot in Brick. It has a friendly, comfortable atmosphere with upbeat music playing in the background, and it works for solo diners or families alike.
The kind staff like Richard and Amaire are very good about helping you choose from the menu, which is a relief, because decisions are hard when you’re hangry, and you’re pretty sure you’d just default to fries otherwise. Get plenty of refills on the amazing milkshakes and don’t leave without trying the barbecue burger—maybe add extra salt to those thin fries.
Pattie’s Franks
$ | WEBSITE
It seems like nobody in your group wants to plan a casual lunch anymore. Someone needs to break the routine, and it might as well be you. You’re really doing everyone a favor. So pick someplace that’s tasty, but not a lot of effort to arrange. The hot dogs (like the #1 combo with three dogs, chips, and a drink) at Pattie’s Franks are delicious and satisfying, ordering is straightforward, and the family-friendly atmosphere and simple counter service make it ideal for quick meals.
Maybe everyone else will have such a good time, they’ll stop their lunchtime indecision—so yours can go back to being easy.
Baron’s Bagels – Brick
$ | (732) 840-1111 | WEBSITE
Deciding to grab breakfast at a top-notch bagel spot automatically makes your morning a big deal. Which you don’t need. Not really. But…going somewhere likable and delicious with a wide-ranging selection to make everyone happy would be nice, now that you think about it. You just don’t want a sceney sh*tshow in a place where someone could get overwhelmed by cream cheese options. Baron’s Bagels, a bagel place in Brick, is a useful workaround.
The menu has huge, soft, and crunchy bagels with extensive spreads and toppings, plus massive breakfast sandwiches like the Taylor ham egg and cheese packed with six slices of meat, and the space has a simple, welcoming vibe that’s perfect for solo visits or quick stops. But the truth is, the bagels taste so good you’d be happy coming by yourself, which would be a serious breakfast power move.
