Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse

Had a very nice shrimp and scallop meal, and my wife had beef sirloin tips meal yesterday, great value with salad bar, total 32.00 better than most local seafood places at great value prices, will go back again, thank you for your service.

The new «Bourbon Tasting» flight of bourbons is a great idea. Enjoyed the «Buffalo Trace» bourbon — «spring in a glass.» Service was good, salad bar fresh and well-​supplied, and steak and meals met expectations. Overall a good experience.

Wasn’t good at all… was very pricey for what we got… chicken fingers meal and a salad bar. I remember the salad being so much better than it was. wouldn’t go back

Had dinner on a Saturday night with my husband. Husband is watching his salt intake. Asked our server if we could have fries without salt. No problem he granted our request. He later came back to our table and stated that the chef would like to know if he should leave out seasonings for our burgers. We stated yes and the fries and burgers were outstanding! Kudos to the chef for granting our requests especially on a Saturday evening when there was a long wait for a table. I would definitely recommend Charlie Browns to others. Great service all around that’s why I’m giving it 5 stars. Burgers came out just the way we ordered them.

Someone recommended Charlie Brown’s as a good place to grab a quick soup and salad. Despite some of the reviews we gave it a shot (good option for a sit down meal if you are attending a long track meet at the Bennet Bubble). Prior review about the «Host» are pretty accurate. Not crowded and we were seated immediately. We decided to go with two entrees (extensive menu) and the salad bar. The salad bar will not disappoint. A lot of options to choose from on the salad bar. Definitely fresh and well maintained. The sliced bread was a nice add on (try the raisin nut bread). Both entrees, Dill Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Tilapia Bruschetta with baked potato were good. Portions are decent. Overall good experience with food and service.

Very dissapointing. Salad bar was the only salvation for this meal hence the reason I’m giving this two stars. It wasn’t bad, seemed fresh. The meals were another story. I had the Salmon special. The fish was very dry and tasteless except for the extremely fishy taste and smell which usually means its not fresh. Every family member (there were six of us) except for one said their meal was not very good. The balsamic chicken was the only decent thing ordered. The chicken quesadilla came with dark green, old-​looking guacamole, the seafood trio – again dry and not very flavorful. The steak was edible but nothing to write home about. I hate to give bad reviews for restaurants but this was a $ 200 mistake for my family.

While there are many words I could use to describe this place, I feel that the best one to sum it up is «mess». I try to be forgiving when possible, though the sheer number of issues here makes it impossible for me to be anything but honest.
My dad’s side of the family is from NJ originally, and we happened to be in need of dinner when we were passing through the area a few weeks ago. We were deciding between places and when I noticed that this place has a free shrimp appetizer coupon just for checking in on Unilocal,we settled on coming here. It didn’t take long to recognize that this decision was a mistake.
Upon coming in, a disinterested gentleman with no discernible clothing marking him as an employee showed us to a table. When our server came, she seemed spritely enough, though when asked about the draft selections she was completely at a loss. Considering that many restaurants depend on alcohol sales to turn a profit, her not being able to relay the beer options was both unusual and disconcerting. My dad had to go to the bartender to get the options, who seemed surprised that the server had been unable to assist with it. Moving on, when we placed our orders, our server seemed confused by the coupon (understandable, I suppose management didn’t bother to inform their servers of the promotion), though checked with her manager and said it was okay to use. Our orders taken, we waited patiently for our appetizer to arrive.
And waited.
And waited.
Still more waiting. But why? When we managed to flag down our server, she promised to check on the order. Her answer when she returned seemed unnecessarily verbose, and when the appetizer was rushed out a few minutes later, it seemed to indicate that she had forgotten to put in the order (though she assured us it was the kitchen being slow, who can you believe, really?). The entrees arrived shortly after (terrible pacing), and I wish they had taken the extra time to actually make the food well and correctly: not only did they still include the fixings I requested to be removed, though the bacon they used was entirely inedible due to its thickness and toughness and the burger was thoroughly undercooked. This was quite enough, and we requested that the manager come over. He seemed apologetic, and offered to comp our appetizer. When we informed him the appetizer was already free, he offered dessert. Realizing that there was no way to remedy the timing or quality of food at this juncture, we accepted the offer. The server proceeded to avoid us for the rest of the evening, which I can tell you as a server is a bad way to go: at least be attentive to the table and offer drink refills, the last thing you need is for the already-​upset customers to think they’re being snubbed.
When we finally did receive the check, the coupon for the appetizer had not been accounted for. After finally coaxing the skittish server back to the table, she went and fixed the check. This entire experience took over an hour and 20 minutes, a ridiculous amount of time for a party of three who made their ordering decisions quickly.
The free appetizer, the quality of my dad’s steak (which was actually quite good), and the availability of easy parking are all that keep this place from being a one-​star establishment. Still, I would avoid this place like the plague if you have any other options available to you. As Charlie Brown says, «Good grief.»
Overall: 1.5 stars
— — — –
Pros:
— Free shrimp appetizer coupon was cool, and the shrimp were great.
— The steak here is quite good.
— Plenty of parking available.
Cons:
— «Host» dressed like he wandered in for a beer and ended up with a job.
— Service was atrocious: uninformed servers with «kitchen problems» and an unwillingness to take responsibility for their mistakes. After all this, she STILL forgot to apply the coupon and avoided our table completely. If there were seven deadly sins of serving, she would have been guilty of all of them. Where’s Kevin Spacey when you need him?
— Food quality for non-​steak/​shrimp items was poor.
— With all of this, they still charge upscale prices for what is arguably on par with or worse than fast food. Don’t waste your time or money.

Stopped in for an early dinner, around 4:00pm yesterday as I had a 5:00 appointment. There was no hostess waiting when I arrived. Eventually someone walked by, saw me standing there, and asked, «what I wanted?» Not very nice. Eventually I was seated, but proceeded to sit there for over 10 minutes in a section with only one other customer. Apparently whoever seated me, never told the waitress I was there. The waitress was very apologetic and very nice. This review does not reflect her attitude which was very pleasant. It’s a shame because I cannot imagine returning there after being treated like I was asking for a lot by expecting to be seated.

Waited in the bar for 10 minutes without any service. Bartender away talking to other customers and showing them videos on his phone. Restaurant was not busy at the time.

Nothing the staff did it’s just so blah here it’s a shame they can’t make it better I guess that’s how chains are

In area and stopped here for dinner late in the evening. Have not been in a Charlie Browns in quite a number of years. The décor here was very much as I remember them. While neat and very clean, it felt a little tired and could benefit from a refreshing.
Since neither my wife nor I are fond of salad bars, we started with soup. She had the chicken vegetable while I chose the potato cheddar. Both were good but not particularly memorable.
We both order the Bistro Steak with garlic sauce; one the entrée and the other a smaller serving with shrimp as a part of a 3-​Course Fix Price special. Both were cooked as requested and were quite tasty as were the sides of green beans and potatoes that were somewhere between a fried potato and a chip.
The brownie sundae that came with special was as good as one might expect.
Our server was quite attentive without be obtrusive. She definitely made our dining experience better.

Service was okay and food was pretty good. The salad bar was great, overall atmosphere felt blah and old/​outdated. Good steak though.

I’ve been here many times since the day they opened here in Silverton. It’s been a couple of months since my last visit, sadly this visit was not the greatest. We waited about 5 minutes before even being acknowledged for seating (not just at all). After being seated aw we told our server (the bartender) would be right with us after what seemed like forever she came over and asked what we wanted to drink. We had already decided on what we were going to eat so we gave her our complete order.
Food came out Farley quick, my husband ordered a hamburger medium and it was RAW! He ate it because he was very hungry and the waitress/​bartender wAs not in site.
When we were done eating she yelled from bar «how are you guys doing». At that point we asked for another drink. By the time the drink came we were ready to leave and she brought only 1 drink. She was pre-​occupied and it wasn’t with clientele.
Well the veggie burger was decent. Service was lack there of. I can’t imagine a manager or owner was anywhere near the restaurant seeing the service was terrible.

First time here. Had the buffalo chicken wrap, not too bad but lacked flavor, not much hot sauce, wrap itself didn’t hold its shape and started to fall apart after 2 bites. Service was good, kept my diet coke constantly filled without ever asking which was nice. As a work lunch place I would stop by again of on the area, maybe.

It was good. Service was good.

I had a real love affair going with the Charlie Brown’s in Brielle. The salad bar was spectacular. The burgers were indescribably delicious and the staff extraordinarily hospitable. Then out of nowhere it closed and has since reopened under a different name.
I’ve since been to three different Charlie Brown’s locations in the general vicinity and none lives up to how great Brielle was. The ultimate worst is this one in Lakewood. I’ve been there twice.
Yes, the salad bar is fine. It doesn’t seem to have has many selections as were offered in Brielle. For me that’s fine. I really just want classic vegetables and these are fresh and taste good.
The first time I visited there was a wait for a table in the dining room. To avoid that, my friend and I sat at a booth in the bar where a female bartender «served» us. I put that in quotes because as the night went on, it became clear this woman had no interest in providing any service whatsoever. Initially I chalked this up to her being busy which I really get after having waited tables for years myself.
It was very difficult to get her attention. Only one time did she coame to our table without our actively trying to get her attention. She never asked if we wanted more drinks. To get those we had to stand up and fetch them from the bar. As the night progressed she became louder and louder, laughing in the most curious way, that my friend speculated she’d been doing a few laps in the cocktails herself.
Again, I’ve worked in many restaurants and know this is not that unusual. What is odd is that she wasn’t able to conceal her partying by being a little more subtle. What also surprised me is that the burger I ordered medium was nearly raw inside. I like beef tartare as much as the next girl, but I wanted a juicy flame-​grilled burger. So for the first time in my long life, I sent it back and asked her to have it cooked more.
She was nice about it. But there is something odd about the way she «serves» guests. When I first ordered it, she told me it was going to take «a loooooong time» to prepare because the kitchen was backed up. I am not sure I would say that to someone. Still I didn’t really care. I had lots of time. But then after waiting maybe 30 minutes for it, to have it come out nearly raw seemed odd.
She took it back to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later and it was basically still raw though I could see it was cooked a bit more. At this point, I had a feeling that she didn’t hear that I said «medium.» After all she was busy and it was kind of loud in there. So I asked her if she heard that I said «medium.» She said she did. And added, «hey I asked them to heat it up. I don’t know why this happened. I’m getting the manager.» Now keep in mind I wasn’t rude. I wasn’t even remotely angry or disappointed. I just wanted the burger medium. I cannot imagine why she had to get the manager to help me.
The manager came over, took the burger, agreeing it was nearly raw and returned later with a well done burger which honestly was fine with me. Truth is I like well done burgers, despite that not being the most chic way to order them.
I returned there again about a week later because I love salads. This time I was sat in the dining room. The waitress more or less ignored my table which I really don’t care about. Just give me what I want and I’m fine. I don’t need to be entertained. Again the salad bar was fine. And again the burger came out nearly raw but this time didn’t even have the cheddar cheese on it that I ordered. Plus it was obviously made from inferior meat that had hard bits in it. I took a few bites, asked for my check, tipped the woman 20% because as a former waiter I am incapable of leaving less.
I would NEVER return here again. And I am sure they won’t miss me. The place seemed very busy during both of my visits. The crowd fascinates me. It’s a combination of senior citizens (undoubtedly from the considerable number of nearby retirement communities) and super laid back Ocean County types in their flips flops and t-​shirts.
I may sound like I am making fun of them. Trust me I am not. I grew up in that general area and I find it comforting to see the same faces I remember from my childhood.
Still I will never return and I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone.

Love going here for drinks and the game. The bar is very nice and clean. The food is very good and the salad bar is a big plus.

Haven’t been to a Charlie Browns in well since I moved from Jersey some 15 plus years ago. What I always remembered was a moderately priced menu that featured American fare, along with a large salad bar that accompanied all entrees. Nothing much has changed as 3 of us dined this past week.
This location is enormous and certainly I would imagine is packed on weekends in the summer but being a mid week dinner with some old friends it was fairly empty. Seated promptly in the library area and were served quickly. Standard menu, featuring chicken, fish, and of course Steaks. All very reasonably priced including the aforementioned salad bar and one side. Wine list is downright CHEAP with a $ 17.00 retail bottle being marked up only $ 10.00 to $ 27 while the same glass is $ 9.00 each. Stick with the bottle purchases much better value.
First of Salad bar with over 60 Items to choose was clean, fresh, salads and accoutrements cold and fresh and dressings plentiful and large array to choose from. Not a fan of Salad bars but this one certainly fits every requirement and was excellent
3 Entrees tonight 1 NY Strip 12 oz boneless $ 21.95 ordered MEDIUM as told medium was a Hot Pink center all the way through. Side was Garlic smashed potatoes. Although steak was really good they dried it out. Manager offered to replace it, but aside from it being over cooked it was really good. 2^nd Entrée was $ 21.95 24 Oz Bone inn Prime rib that was really good with plentiful au Jus with Steak Fries. Medium Rare which was my expectation of medium, so if your ordering steaks or beef go 1 less as they tend to cook a little more than described. Last entrée was shrimp scampi and lobster tail $ 23.95 large shrimp coated with crusted parmaigan in plenty of garlic and butter, and nice sized tail cooked perfectly with rice pilaf side.
NO deserts. Service excellent. All and all good value for what is presented with solid size portions, good quality food and excellent service. Only downside was the overcooked strip which I declined to be replaced but the Staff and Management was all over it which is always a good thing. A repeat and wish they had them in South FLA!

How a Charlie Brown’s has no reviews is beyond me. Guess people know it so well they feel like its unnecessary. Well if you don’t know Charlie Brown’s, here’s my opinion. Very good steaks here. Nothing too crazy or fancy, just good old fashion steak. Love the prime rib! Other than the steak, the salad bar is also notable. Lots of options here. What I was most pleasantly surprised with in my last visit was the grilled chicken, ham or beef that is on the salad bar. Didn’t know they had that up there, but its a huge plus. They have other great menu items, but lets be honest, if you’re considering Charlie Browns its either for a good steak or the salad bar. Both are great.
I was a little disappointed to hear that the franchise is struggling and locations are closing down. I’d hate to see this one go. It’s like a quarter mile from my grandparents’ and a place they love to treat me to. Say it ain’t so Charlie!