Evelyn's Restaurant — Restaurant in New Brunswick

I have been around New Brunswick for the past 6-7 years, and I have been visiting many bars and restaurants in this area. Evelyn’s was also a nice place that I used to like hanging with friends. Usually I was going there whenever the weather was decent enough to enjoy their backyard. However, things have changed! The place has been worsening drastically for the past couple of years.

Last time I was there, we were celebrating a birthday party. Initially, we were supposed to be around 10 people to have dinner. When we got there, we were told that there was no reservations made for the group. It was really great (!) given that I made the reservation the day before. Apparently, I should have confirmed it the same day just to make sure they were actually setting the reservation. After waiting an hour (and half), and after about 10-15 more friends joining us, they prepared another table and asked us to be seated. As it was already 10:30pm, and the kitchen was about to be closed in half an hour, we decide not to have any main courses. Anyways, unfortunate things might happen, right? Besides, we were still having a good time.

The actual problem was something else.

Eventually, we asked for the birthday cake that I brought and handed to the owner (or manager, not sure). The owner said, we should pay $5 fee for each person. At this point, I should point out that this had never happened before at that place, and nobody told me for any fee beforehand. Maybe you would say I should not be cheap but really it was not the money but, given the circumstances, it was how the owner was treating us.

No table, no real food and no service that day, and I end up paying $100 for the cake that I brought and another $100 for some drinks. I am not happy with this place anymore. Owners of this place should take their business seriously.

I have already told this story to many other people, I just wanted you to know as well.

It sucks to lose a nice hang-out place. Anyways, there are always new...

Wow. I do not usually write reviews for restaurants I've visited but this place has made me go out of my way--I would write an essay!

Evelyns is a special place that offers an incredible dining experience you won't find anywhere else nearby. My husband and I have tried many of the 'go-to spots' that were recommended since we have recently moved to the area--this one was by far the best. It's a Lebanese mediterranean restaurant with a twist, where you can choose from either their menu or from the mexican restaurant next door. It was great being able to have our vegetarian-tabuli and shawarma with empanadas and an authentic quesadilla. My only regrets are that some of our food was overcooked/slightly rubbery. We didn't make a big deal of it as the food was still rather tasty, and the drinks definitely made up for it.

What sets it apart is the outdoor section, which is adorned with beautiful flowers, elegant lighting and creates a relaxing atmosphere (there's only one other place like this in the area called 'stuffed your face' but it does not compare!). The staff is attentive and friendly, and the cocktails are absolutely amazing, with some standout options like the sangria and spicy marg. Even the doorman/security guard (it is also a bar, so be sure to bring ID!) strikes the perfect balance between being professional and polite, while also being intimidating; their presence adds a layer of security that allows you to relax and enjoy your meal, knowing that you're well-protected...The outdoor section is such a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city streets and noise that you almost forget you are in New Brunswick! If you're looking for a unique dining adventure, look no further. We will definitely be returning for happy hour...

P.S. Shout-out to our server! I believe her name was Amie, she was very good about explaining the menu to us and made us feel very welcomed. We will absolutely be returning soon...

I went here last night with two other people. They have a beautiful outside area in the back. There were no seats at the bar and a server told us we could sit at a high top to drink, even though they usually save tables for people who are eating. It was late and they weren't very busy anyways. After sitting at a 2 person high top and taking a stool from the neighboring high top to fit 3 people, an old man (probably 75) comes walking up to us (can barely walk and is using a cane) and is yelling at us that we can't sit there. We tell him that a server specifically told us to sit there and he keeps telling, then randomly walks away to go yell at other customers. This man turned out to be the owner. 30 minutes later he came back and told us that we can't have our third stool from the other high top, giving us a really hard time. We asked him if he would like for us to leave, explain that we were told to sit here and do this, and that we are just trying to have a nice enjoyable quiet night. He said no, but proceeded to come back up to us multiple times yelling at us. Not sure if this man is suffering from mental illness, but no paying customer deserves to be treated like that. We ended up leaving. He was the only bad aspect of the place though, I had a delicious mojito (which is my favorite drink and very hard to find) and the bartender...