Good God where do I start? Tried 618 for our anniversary on Friday, 4/25/25 first time and certainly not the last time there! Combed through hours of reviews and “best of” lists for NJ to find a new place. No wonder 99.9% of reviews are 5 stars…. Arrived at 6:20 for a 6:30 reservation and did the easy option of valet parking. Came inside and checked in, was promptly told “happy anniversary”waited no more than 5 minutes while they “set up our table”. Nice atmosphere and upscale looking decor. Get to the table and looky looky, a happy anniversary card waiting for us. Nice touch, certainly never got a card at any other upscale place I celebrated at. Our server was Marielle C, she was fantastic and attentive throughout the night. Started off with bread and the famous pistachio martini. Have you had one of these yet? If so, you already know how fantastic they are! If not, put it on your to do list. And they came out with “happy anniversary “ written on the top of the drink! Another nice touch I have never gotten anywhere else. We did the “618 Experience” and what an experience it was. Granny’s meatballs were big and like a sweet meatloaf, they were accompanied by the short rib ravioli, which you get 3 of to share. I could eat those raviolis all night! They are both big and plenty. Then the Burrata salad, which we had no problem making disappear. After that, the scallops and steak. The scallops were all for me, my wife doesn’t eat seafood. Fine with me! The scallops were perfectly done and came on a bed of rice that was flavored just right to go with seafood. Also the scallops come with abundant crabmeat too. Then the steak! I love steak! Cooked medium well perfectly like we asked, juicy, no sauce needed but I liked the steak sauce they brought out so why not? After that was ANOTHER surprise…complimentary champagne and strawberries for two! Check out my photo of the receipt so you see we were not charged for it. The manager came over and wished us happy anniversary, then the desert came out, the pistachio olive oil cake with…you guessed it…”happy anniversary” scribbled on the plate. Starting to see a pattern here? Amazing care and service. So while dining, the table to the right got an Old Fashion bourbon and they hit it with a torch to give it some smoke. The table to the left got The Bubble, which is a grapefruit tasting drink they top off with giant bubbles. And the birthday candles! Now I love fireworks, their birthday candles are just that. Not the wimpy candles others have, 618 used candles that look like something used to set on the street, light it and run away! I love them! Search other reviews photos, you’ll see what I’m talking about. Those things all add to the unique atmosphere of 618. It seems like every server there has gotten phenomenal reviews, our Marielle C was no exception. Some people review that the food takes too long between dishes…not us. We like the extra space between so we have time to enjoy. Was there about 2 hours and 45 minutes from sit down to exit. The whole reason to go out is enjoy and embrace life’s moments. 618 is absolutely a place you must come and try. We were throughly pleased with our evening. You can spend the same money at other high end places but in my experience we have never gotten the level of care and attention that we got at 618. We will absolutely return and hopefully...
Read moreWhat an amazing experience. My wife and I celebrated our 28th Wedding Anniversary here tonight. It was nothing shorter than excellent. I don’t know if it was divine timing or if their care for courtesy is too notched, I can go with both but I’ll weigh heavier on the former. From the time we came in we were greeted by Eddie Sunday, General Manager. It was our first time and we happen to just take a chance on popping up. The place was packed and when we went to the front desk we were notified that we would have to make a reservation for 9:30pm and it was only 7:43pm, smh. However, when we came in Eddie was attentive to our “Season 28” wedding anniversary shirts and made some arrangements to get us a table to ensure we celebrated our occasion as their guest, how awesome! Once seated there was a personally hand written “Happy Anniversary Card” at our table. Tom our server provided quality accommodations at our requests and checked on us constantly. For appetizers we had, crab cakes and chorizo Mac n cheese, entrée - pork chops w/ cheddar grits & asparagus and braised short ribs w/ string beans and mashed which were so succulent and tasty. We also tried desert, what’s an anniversary without it, lol. Unbeknownst to me I was in for the treat if my life. My wife ordered the chunky monkey brownie Sunday which was really good but I ordered the toffee cake. When I tell you this was the BEST DESSERT EVER I really really mean it. I’ve never had anything like it, simply amazing. Needless to say we will be back but I had to make sure I made the World Wide Web know that this place is the truth. Thank you Eddie Sunday, Tommie, Ryan and the entire staff for helping us celebrate our Anniversary. Great Memories are lifetime gifts and you all have blessed us with a great one for our 28th Wedding Anniversary. Sincerely, Manny &...
Read moreI recently dined at 618 Restaurant and Banquets in Freehold, NJ, and it was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere enveloped me in warmth and elegance—perfectly lit spaces, comfortable seating, and a vibrant yet sophisticated vibe that made it ideal for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. It’s the kind of place where every detail, from the decor to the ambient music, creates a memorable backdrop.
The food? Absolutely amazing. We started with appetizers that burst with fresh flavors—think perfectly seasoned seafood and creative small plates that showcased local ingredients. The entrees were a highlight: tender steaks, innovative vegetarian options, and dishes with bold, authentic spices that left us craving more. Portions were generous, presentation was stunning, and every bite was executed with culinary precision. Paired with an extensive wine list, it elevated the entire meal to gourmet heights.
But what truly set 618 apart was the impeccable service. The staff anticipated our needs before we even voiced them—refills appeared seamlessly, recommendations were spot-on, and every interaction felt personalized and genuine. No rushed vibes here; it was attentive without being intrusive.
What impressed me most, though, is the incredible workplace culture that shines through from the top down. You can tell the leadership fosters a positive environment because every employee radiates happiness—genuine smiles, high motivation, and unwavering professionalism. It’s rare to see a team so cohesive and enthusiastic, making guests feel like family. This top-notch culture isn’t just talk; it’s evident in their noteworthy service and dedication.
If you’re in Freehold, 618 is a must-visit. Hands down one of the best dining experiences in the area—I’ll...
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