Monai’s Soulfood Restaurant — Restaurant in Carteret

Disgusting Customer Service. The website states that the restaurant closes at 8pm. My boyfriend and I got there at 7:25. For starter’s we weren’t even offered a menu, we had to ask for one. A kitchen staff member told us that we could order but to do it soon. While we looked at the menu with the understanding that we were at least within the time for takeout, the same kitchen staff member came back and told us that they changed their minds and we couldn’t order. I’ve been to many restaurants that do last call 30 minutes before closing and we were within the time frame, so I didn’t feel that our request was audacious or entitled. I asked them why the 7:30 pm closing was not reflected on the website, and why they wouldn’t honor our request considering that they made a mistake on the site. Of course they couldn’t provide a reasonable answer. A woman came out with a nasty attitude and laughed when we asked why they wouldn’t honor us being there more than 30 minutes prior to what was reflected on the site. Eventually, the kitchen staff member offered to take our order, but at that point we didn’t feel comfortable accepting food from people who were so rude so we proceeded to leave. He continued to encourage us to order, but of course by that time it was too late- we no longer felt comfortable ordering. When I explained to him why we no longer felt comfortable ordering, he got offended and became hostile. My boyfriend and I continued to leave and as we were walking out the original kitchen staff member, the woman, and now a third person who was a male came from the kitchen and followed us to the door while staring at us as we walked to our car as if to intimidate us. The woman purposefully stood at the door as we tried to get past and passive-aggressively accused my boyfriend of brushing past her. Just looking for trouble and trying to escalate drama for no reason. This feels like yet another disappointment from a black-owned business. I understand people wanting to go home, and of course they don’t have to serve us if they don’t want to, but I don’t respect laughing in customer’s faces and being rude to people who took time out of their day to come and support your business. It was especially disappointing because we drove a good distance to get there. Of course there was no apology for how we were spoken to, no respect, no nothing. I would never recommend that anyone support these people. There are way too many other restaurants with respectful staff. If they don’t have integrity and value customers to their faces, who knows what they would do in the kitchen when no...

Beautiful, cozy, inviting. Love the decor! The music selection and volume was just right. Tables available for eating in. Although im not sure if there is table service. Call for pick up or be ready to wait while this delish food is being cooked fresh and prepared. Good selection/menu not overwhelming at all. Ask for specials. They are listed on the white board or you can follow on Instagram to see available specials. Owner was front and center. She recommended the sweet chili wings. I agree 100% with this recommended dish. I have had my share of wings from different states, cities and establishments. I have to say I have never had wings quite like these. Packed with flavor, covered in your choice of sauce but still crispy on the outside, tender juicy meat on the inside and beautifully garnished. When it comes to the sides I say the mac n cheese, greens and yams are a must. If pass on the potato salad but that's just me. I like it simple however my kids loved it! Jerk chicken was so good but 2 pc so good left me wanting more. Lol if your hungry buy an extra dinner. I assure you if won't go to waste. Parking can be a challenge as there is a church on site. I went in a Sunday. Not sure what it looks like on weekdays but I'd assume more parking for customers. I've seen reviews about customer service not being so great or people being rude. That's not my experience however i do believe if people would crack a smile when a customer first enters, be a lil friendly from the start it would make a difference in reviews, repeat customers and their recommendations to friends and family to visit the establishment. On a good note overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ keep doing what your doing cooking these delishous soulful meals. Thank you...

July 1st my girlfriend and I always try and hit a different black own restaurant to start the weekend. We normally travel and started noticing some up and coming businesses in Carteret… GREAT…restaurants in carteret should reflect the diversity of the town a soul food place is needed. On this day Monai was in the store briefly! A young man was taking the orders, with a smile and was able to answer our questions on some of the menu before we settled on a dish. The appearance upon entry is nice and clean and the layout is a good look. The aura is inviting. TV To watch while you wait isn’t drowned out by other noise. I ordered Cajun chicken pasta and she ordered chicken dinner with yams and Mac. Our order was take out! The presentation of both dishes were great once opened. (See photos). The Cajun chicken pasta looked to be made with vodka sauce (my favorite), well portioned and not over wrought with peppers. What I did not do , and should have was asked if they cooked with seasoned salt (or lawrys) vs seasoning powder of any kind. I suffer from hypertension and I don’t use or cook with salt. That was my bad. The chicken was salty (when you don’t use salt you taste it in abundance when used ) not the sauce or pasta. Again my fault for not asking. I knew what to do, there was a good amt. of sauce so I just boiled out the chicken of the excess salt and reintroduced to the dish. I ate every last bit. This did not discourage me, and I will be back to try more dishes. Oh yeah tell the queen in the back to smile, she scared me! Lolol. Good...