Charlies of Bay Head,

72 Bridge Ave, Bay Head, NJ 08742, United States

"Definitely the place to be during the holiday of Christmas. Spectacularly decorated to celebrate the season. This is a great location for evening drinks and conversation in the bar area on a Friday night. The vibe is young professionals who aren’t loud and obnoxious like at Shipwreck Grill where it feels like the locals are marooned and need to be heard to be saved from their daily lives. The decor is simple elegance. Not extravagantly modern like Jean George or Nicholas in its former self. I haven’t tried the food for dinner. This was just a trip to have late night drinks and I was not disappointed. I sampled the calamari because if a restaurant can cook calamari perfectly then more than likely, the rest of the menu will not be a disappointment. The calamari was tender and crispy with shishito peppers. Not the same quantity given at La Modina but sufficient for the price. I had the Bone Chili-er cocktail served shaken in a martini glass. I like my drinks not watered down with ice to taste the full flavor. This drink reminded me of the perfect margarita with a hint of heat. A definite favorite whenever I’m in the mood for tequila. The dining menu look promising so I will be back to sample. Back again on another Friday night at 5pm. Reservations were not to be had for main dining room but there were a few high top table seating available next to the bar. I had a Grey Goose martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. I can attest that these olives do not taste like any jarred or ones you would find at shop rite. I may be wrong but the blue cheese was fresh and tasted as if a staff person hand piped the blue cheese. It’s amazing and there’s a difference. It’s the details that matters. My wife had a gin and tonic and the rocks glass was about twice the size that you would typically see elsewhere and for the same price. Wow. The app of pita with whipped feta, honey and mint was amazing. Normally it comes with pistachios but my wife was allergic. Simple but yet so wonderful. I plan on replicating this dish at home. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My wife and daughter had the seafood tower and it was enough for 3. No regrets. The lump crab was amazingly fresh and vibrant. So much better than the canned version. The king crab legs were surprisingly large for their size than what you would see at Costo. The shrimp were extra jumbo if that even exists because they were huge. The west coast oysters were robust and so much better than the east coast version. I had the Halibut with Parmesan Basil Risotto. Perfection at its finest. The halibut was flaky and tender. You won’t find a better preparation unless you are at Le Bernardin. It’s that good. The risotto was a perfect complement for a dish of $42 which was well worth the asking price. Our server, Steve was amazingly knowledgeable from the diff types of gin and their flavors to the selection of oysters. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and this place has become a favorite spot for drinks or dinner. You won’t be disappointed."

"I always have the best food and experience everytime I go! The kitchen knocks it out of the park with executing the menu and the wait staff is amazing! Jordyn served me most recently and she was THE BEST! Definitely recommend a meal at Charlie’s!"

"My company's Christmas party was held here. And I'm so glad it was! For my first time here, the food was perfectly prepared. My favorite was the lamb chops! Our server was very attentive and friendly. And the restaurant itself was decorated so beautifully. It was as if we were in a winter wonderland."

"Wonderful, well-known Bay Head gem. Gorgeous decor & amazing food (and drinks)! Highly recommend their 'special' cranberry spritz! We went to an upstairs wedding - Lovely! We also went for an 80th B-day celebration. They brought a decorated key lime pie dessert, was Great! Book ahead to get in. Buon apetito ~"

"My husband and I went late, at 9PM, for drinks, apps, and dessert. The drinks were, unfortunately, not very tasty. The shrimp cocktail was $22 for 3 shrimp, which were nothing to write home about. The desserts made up for it though! The ambiance is 5 stars. I also liked that they have a shuttle service."