Charlie Brown's Steakhouse

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  First time here.  Had the buffalo chicken wrap, not too bad but lacked flavor, not much hot sauce, wrap itself didn't hold its shape and started to fall apart after 2 bites.  Service was good, kept my diet coke constantly filled without ever asking which was nice.  As a work lunch place I would stop by again of on the area, maybe.

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  Posted on 04.05.13 Brian D.

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  It was good. Service was good.

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  Posted on 09.04.12 Adrienne W.

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  I had a real love affair going with the Charlie Brown's in Brielle. The salad bar was spectacular. The burgers were indescribably delicious and the staff extraordinarily hospitable. Then out of nowhere it closed and has since reopened under a different name.
  
  I've since been to three different Charlie Brown's locations in the general vicinity and none lives up to how great Brielle was. The ultimate worst is this one in Lakewood. I've been there twice.
  
  Yes, the salad bar is fine. It doesn't seem to have has many selections as were offered in Brielle. For me that's fine. I really just want classic vegetables and these are fresh and taste good.
  
  The first time I visited there was a wait for a table in the dining room. To avoid that, my friend and I sat at a booth in the bar where a female bartender "served" us. I put that in quotes because as the night went on, it became clear this woman had no interest in providing any service whatsoever. Initially I chalked this up to her being busy which I really get after having waited tables for years myself.
  
  It was very difficult to get her attention. Only one time did she coame to our table without our actively trying to get her attention. She never asked if we wanted more drinks. To get those we had to stand up and fetch them from the bar. As the night progressed she became louder and louder, laughing in the most curious way, that my friend speculated she'd been doing a few laps in the cocktails herself.
  
  Again, I've worked in many restaurants and know this is not that unusual. What is odd is that she wasn't able to conceal her partying by being a little more subtle. What also surprised me is that the burger I ordered medium was nearly raw inside. I like beef tartare as much as the next girl, but I wanted a juicy flame-grilled burger. So for the first time in my long life, I sent it back and asked her to have it cooked more.
  
  She was nice about it. But there is something odd about the way she "serves" guests. When I first ordered it, she told me it was going to take "a loooooong time" to prepare because the kitchen was backed up. I am not sure I would say that to someone. Still I didn't really care. I had lots of time. But then after waiting maybe 30 minutes for it, to have it come out nearly raw seemed odd.
  
  She took it back to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later and it was basically still raw though I could see it was cooked a bit more. At this point, I had a feeling that she didn't hear that I said "medium." After all she was busy and it was kind of loud in there. So I asked her if she heard that I said "medium." She said she did. And added, "hey I asked them to heat it up. I don't know why this happened.  I'm getting the manager." Now keep in mind I wasn't rude. I wasn't even remotely angry or disappointed. I just wanted the burger medium. I cannot imagine why she had to get the manager to help me.
  
  The manager came over, took the burger, agreeing it was nearly raw and returned later with a well done burger which honestly was fine with me. Truth is I like well done burgers, despite that not being the most chic way to order them.
  
  I returned there again about a week later because I love salads. This time I was sat in the dining room. The waitress more or less ignored my table which I really don't care about. Just give me what I want and I'm fine. I don't need to be entertained. Again the salad bar was fine. And again the burger came out nearly raw but this time didn't even have the cheddar cheese on it that I ordered. Plus it was obviously made from inferior meat that had hard bits in it. I took a few bites, asked for my check, tipped the woman 20% because as a former waiter I am incapable of leaving less.
  
  I would NEVER return here again. And I am sure they won't miss me. The place seemed very busy during both of my visits. The crowd fascinates me. It's a combination of senior citizens (undoubtedly from the considerable number of nearby retirement communities) and super laid back Ocean County types in their flips flops and t-shirts.
  
  I may sound like I am making fun of them. Trust me I am not. I grew up in that general area and I find it comforting to see the same faces I remember from my childhood.
  
  Still I will never return and I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone.

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  Posted on 06.16.12 Reggie M.

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  Haven't been to a Charlie Browns in well since I moved from Jersey some 15 plus years ago. What I always remembered was a moderately priced menu that featured American fare, along with a large salad bar that accompanied all entrees.  Nothing much has changed as 3 of us dined this past week.
  
  This location is enormous and certainly I would imagine is packed on weekends in the summer but being a mid week dinner with some old friends it was fairly empty.  Seated promptly in the library area and were served quickly.  Standard menu, featuring chicken, fish, and of course Steaks.  All very reasonably priced including the aforementioned salad bar and one side.   Wine list is downright CHEAP with a $17.00 retail bottle being marked up only $10.00 to $27 while the same glass is $9.00 each.  Stick with the bottle purchases much better value.
  
  First of Salad bar with over 60 Items to choose was clean, fresh, salads and accoutrements cold and fresh and dressings plentiful and large array to choose from.  Not a fan of Salad bars but this one certainly fits every requirement and was excellent  
  
  3 Entrees tonight 1 NY Strip 12 oz boneless $21.95 ordered MEDIUM as told medium was a Hot Pink center all the way through. Side was Garlic smashed potatoes.  Although steak was really good they dried it out. Manager offered to replace it, but aside from it being over cooked it was really good.  2nd Entrée was $21.95 24 Oz Bone inn Prime rib that was really good with plentiful au Jus with Steak Fries.  Medium Rare which was my expectation of medium, so if your ordering steaks or beef go 1 less as they tend to cook a little more than described.  Last entrée was shrimp scampi and lobster tail  $23.95 large shrimp coated with crusted parmaigan in plenty of garlic and butter, and nice sized tail cooked perfectly with rice pilaf side.  
  
  NO deserts. Service excellent. All and all good value for what is presented with solid size portions, good quality food and excellent service. Only downside was the overcooked strip which I declined to be replaced but the Staff and Management was all over it which is always a good thing. A repeat and wish they had them in South FLA!

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  Posted on 07.16.11 Tomas B.

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  How a Charlie Brown's has no reviews is beyond me.  Guess people know it so well they feel like its unnecessary.  Well if you don't know Charlie Brown's, here's my opinion.  Very good steaks here.  Nothing too crazy or fancy, just good old fashion steak.  Love the prime rib!  Other than the steak, the salad bar is also notable.  Lots of options here.  What I was most pleasantly surprised with in my last visit was the grilled chicken, ham or beef that is on the salad bar.  Didn't know they had that up there, but its a huge plus.  They have other great menu items, but lets be honest, if you're considering Charlie Browns its either for a good steak or the salad bar.  Both are great.  
  
  I was a little disappointed to hear that the franchise is struggling and locations are closing down.  I'd hate to see this one go.  It's like a quarter mile from my grandparents' and a place they love to treat me to.  Say it ain't so Charlie!

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  Posted on 03.29.11 James S.

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