Brandl Restaurant, Belmar, NJ: A Restaurant Review
703 Belmar Plaza
Belmar, NJ
732-280-7501
Website
Brandl Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Contemporary American Steakhouse
Price: Expensive - Very Expensive
Food Quality: Varies from mediocre to excellent, Higher priced steaks and meats are excellent.
Service: Inconsistent, depending on server. The maitre d' is aloof and pretentious.
Ambiance\Decor: Upscale, attractive & trendy
Overall Rating: 2 Stars --- Carried by high end steaks & ambiance.
Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate -High
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy upscale ambiance with well-executed steaks.
Not Recommended For: Cost conscious diners who prefer a traditional, casual menu with "Old World" dining amenities.
Recommended dishes: When available, Lazy Lobster, Rack of Lamb, and The Porterhouse Steak
Liquor: BYOB
Brandl Restaurant Review
Brandl is a popular with diners who enjoy a BYOB serving contemporary American food (especially steaks) with attractive, upscale, trendy ambiance.
However, considering it's a BYOB, be prepared for a very expensive dining experience. While there are less expensive items to choose from, to experience the chef's best creations, which are mostly steaks, toss aside any budget constraints and order up.
Owner and chef Chris Brandl is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University - Culinary School, He later honed his skills at Redington's Seafood restaurant in Point Pleasant and The Mahogany Grille in Manasquan before opening Brandl in 2002.
Chris Brandl is adept at creating imaginative dishes . This is especially the case with the high-end meat offerings such as the dry aged NY strip and porterhouse steaks, and the lamb chops, which are excellent.
However, exercise caution with the seafood dishes. Wild caught seafood dishes are unlikely to appear on the menu.
The interior is attractive with an upscale rustic, yet trendy look with dark earth toned walls, dark wood flooring and wood tables set with linen napkins. The lighting is soft with ceilings have double old waterfront oversized gas streetlamps and tropical fans. Walls are adorned with oversized artwork.
During the COVId-19 Pandemic, tables seating was not in compliance with NJ State social distance requirements.
While the wait staff overall is attentive and knowledgeable, there tends to be inconsistency amongst the servers, and on any given night there can be a falloff in service.
On multiple visits, the maitre d' has been aloof and pretentious. During the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, he has not complied with NJ State restaurant COVID-19 regulations, both with social distancing and mask wearing. He wears the mask either below his chin or raising it to below his nose when he is speaking with someone.
On weekends, there is live acoustic guitar music.
Except for the colder winter months, there is outside dining on the plastic/canvas enclosed front patio.
Not recommended for children.
Brandl is open year-round, five days/week. Wednesday & Thursday 4:00 - 9:00pm; Friday & Saturday 4:00 - 10:00pm; & Sunday: 4:00 - 9:00 pm
(updated: April 2021)
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The methodology used is research, analysis driven --- as opposed to that of a single restaurant critic or a social media platform, viewer comment posting board.
