Olé Craft Kitchen + Bar (Global Mexican) — Restaurant in South Brunswick

I recently visited Ole Craft Kitchen with my family on the night after they first opened, so many things have changed probably but this is based on what we experienced. While there were definitely some positives, I believe there are also important areas to address.

We ordered the wings, the chicken enchilada and the vegetarian enchilada, the butternut squash tostada, the guacamole and chips, the seasoned fries, and the coconut-guava desert.

The food itself was good, and the presentation was excellent. However, the vegetarian options are very limited, and the portion sizes for those few options are decent depending on what u get. In a predominantly South Asian and culturally diverse area of NJ, the restaurant should be offering a wider variety of flavors and dishes that reflect the community it’s serving. Advertising as a “Taste of Tulum” feels misleading, since the food is more of an Indian-Mexican fusion, which should be marketed as such.

One concern I noticed, and have also seen in other reviews, is the inconsistent serving of alcohol — reportedly offered to friends of staff or managers, but not to all guests. If alcohol is advertised, it should be available fairly to everyone with a proper license, or not served at all OR even advertised until they are allowed to serve. From a business standpoint, this inconsistency could hurt customer retention and lead to negative reviews.

Also this exact location Ive noticed over the years had rebranded like 3-4 times, before it was "El Toro Loco" then like "FC Tacos" and its literally always the same type of restaurant. I hope Ole can stay and actually be succesful instead of randomly shutting down.

Additionally, pricing needs some rethinking. For example, the butternut squash tostada was about $12 for a single piece, and honestly wasn’t very impressive. As you can see in the photo below, that was the size that came. I know this is supposed to all fancy and like they care about presenting it nice, and our server also told us the ingredients were expensive, but if you are going to serve such a dish, make it obvious on the menu thats its small. Also Items at that price point should deliver both in quality and portion size, otherwise customers may feel it’s not worth it. I know Its part of the tapas menu, but if your going to have that many options for tapas itself, it seems as if they should have even more entrees. Also looking at the menu, the tacos should have a minimum of 3 tacos.

Our drinks were very good and normally priced so no problems there.

Overall, Ole Craft Kitchen has potential, and my feedback is based on a first-night experience. I hope this review can help the restaurant grow and learn from customer concerns, because the concept is strong and the food has promise. This restaurant also has a some social media presence so I hope it does well over the years and reaches its target audience. With some adjustments in authenticity and menu balance, this could become a great spot...

From the moment we walked into Olé Craft Kitchen + Bar, we knew we were in for something special. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between upbeat energy and warm comfort—elegant enough for a date night, but inviting enough that you immediately feel welcome. The décor, lighting, and music set the tone: creative, relaxed, and full of promise.

Food & Drinks

The menu leans global-Mexican but embraces inventive twists without losing the soul of its roots. Fire-grilled dishes arrive smoky and bold, sauces are slow-cooked and layered with flavor, and scratch-made condiments show real attention to detail. Each dish feels thoughtfully composed. We especially loved the appetizers—fresh, vibrant, bursting with flavor—and the entrees held up with generous portions and well-balanced seasonings. Their cocktails deserve applause too: infused spirits, fresh juiced elements, and house-made syrups elevate the drinks list well beyond standard fare.

Service

Here is where Olé shines, thanks in large part to Sunny. From welcoming us at the door to checking in after each course, Sunny’s warmth, professionalism, and genuine care turned a great meal into a memorable one. Not only was Sunny attentive—anticipating our needs before we even realized them—but also knowledgeable, patient, and enthusiastic. She made us feel like guests, not just customers.

Some specific highlights: • Sunny greeted us immediately with a smile and made sure our table was comfortable. • She offered excellent guidance on selecting dishes based on what we like — especially helpful since we asked for suggestions to try something new. • When one dish hit us a little spicy, Sunny offered alternatives without hesitation, ensuring we had a full enjoyable meal. • The pace of service was perfect—all dishes flowed nicely without overwhelming timing or long waits.

Ambience & Value

Olé Craft Kitchen + Bar delivers strong value: food quality, portion sizes, drink creativity, and ambiance all suggest that you’re getting more than what you pay for. The setting is stylish without being pretentious, and though prices are in the mid-range, the overall experience makes it more than worth it.

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Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a place that delivers bold, creative Mexican-inspired cuisine, beautifully crafted cocktails, and top-notch service, Olé Craft Kitchen + Bar is a must-try. And if you get lucky enough to have Sunny serving you, expect an outstanding experience—her professionalism and warmth make all the difference....

From the moment you arrive, this restaurant makes an impression. The exterior is beautifully lit at night, offering a stunning view that immediately drew me in—and the interior doesn’t disappoint either. The Tulum-inspired décor adds a sophisticated yet cozy vibe that sets the tone for a memorable evening.

One of the standout features is the bar program, which easily rivals some of the best in the city. The cocktail menu is creative and refined, showcasing top-tier mixology with an eye for detail that’s rare in the area. Shout out to Jay for crafting intricate cocktails and his team for execution. Think: expertly brushed rims on margaritas, engraved ice cubes, and even a smoke bubble garnish on an espresso martini upon request (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds). For the quality, the prices are incredibly reasonable—making it a fantastic value.

As for the food, the menu is a vibrant fusion of Mexican and Indian flavors, offering something truly unique in the local dining scene. I highly recommend the guacamole, fish fingers, braised chicken, roasted cauliflower, and any of the tacos—each dish is thoughtfully composed and bursting with flavor.

Overall, this spot delivers an elevated experience without the pretense. Whether you’re stopping by for drinks at the bar or a full dinner, you’re in for a treat. Highly recommend for date night, a stylish evening out with friends, or anyone looking to try something...