Evelyn's Restaurant in New Brunswick - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Best Lebanese restaurant in New Jersey and tri-state. I’ve been going here for over 25 years. The food is consistent and always one of the best meals you will ever have. I wish I could eat like this every day. Order the chicken and steak platter with the rice and definitely get the hummus and falafel appetizers. Beyond delicious. I swear to God, you will not complain about the food here. The service is a little bit weird. They hire these college kids who really don’t know how to serve or dress appropriately but can’t say that about all of them. But they were very nice. Just don’t know how to do their job correctly. Picking up plates before I was even done. Don’t get me wrong. I could care less about the service. The food is beyond good so worth it.

I used to come here 20 years during college and ever since I've been telling people that Lebanese shwarma is the best and the best is at Evelyn's. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they are still open ans the food held up over the years ans was delicious. You can get cheaper Mediterranean on the same block, but the ingredients and food quality is far superior so I don't mind paying a little extra

Best Mediterranean I have ever have in my life! Delicious chicken juicy and tender, the hummus is excellent the perfect mix! Overall just a delicious restaurant

I recently visited Evelyn's Restaurant and had a mixed experience. The indoor and outdoor seating options are nice, but the lack of air conditioning inside made it quite uncomfortable on a hot day. We ordered the Giant Mezza plate, and while the hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel were decent, the kibbe and grape leaves were not good, with the grape leaves served warm. The spinach pie seemed reheated and didn’t taste fresh, and the bread was stale and also appeared reheated. Although the chefs gave us complimentary Arabic sweets, they were super dry and stale. Overall, the ambiance is pleasant, especially outdoors, but the lack of air conditioning and the mediocre food quality made for a disappointing experience. I don't recommend this restaurant if you are looking for fresh, authentic Lebanese food. Perhaps we went at the wrong time, but improvements in these areas could make Evelyn's a much better dining option.

Everything was delicious and the back patio had a great ambiance

Awesome Taste. I picked the vegetarian combination with Homus Baja Ghanouj and Spinach Pie. Super tasty!

Exceptional experience at this Mediterranean gem! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was inviting. Tizzy, our server, deserves special mention for her outstanding customer service – attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Overall, a fantastic dining experience that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for delicious Mediterranean cuisine served with a smile. Can't wait to visit again

What can I say... Evelyn's is top notch all around for Lebanese. We had the rack of lamb and shawarma, plus the combo appetizer with achoice of 3. Highly recommended.Great ambiance for both indoor AND outdoor seating. Gus the manager is super kind, and all the staff made us all feel super welcome!!! Great restaraunt!!!

The best Mediterranean food in New Jersey! The food, service and atmosphere was excellent! Everything was fresh and delicious!

Love this place! It’s such an awesome vibe and atmosphere especially in the patio area when the weather permits! Tizi is amazing and very welcoming! Will definitely go back again!

I’ve been coming to Evelyn’s for years, this is one-a-kind restaurant. The food is amazing but their customer service, is even better. Shoutout to Aimee, Santo and Tizi for taking great care of me during my visit.

Amazing atmosphere - Aimee did an amazing job making me feel welcome and went above and beyond in delivering a great experience. Will be back soon!!!!

Food is delicious and service was great thanks to Aimee

Aimee was an amazing bartender along with Deseni. Isadora was perfect, they all helped make amazing drinks. I will definitely come back here because of them. This is definitely a hidden gem in New Brunswick. There service is amazing. All 3 women made the experience amazing!

Our server Julie was wonderful!

Enjoyed a nice evening with friends. The food was fresh and delicious. We really enjoyed the giant Maza plate for an appetizer that the six of us shared. It was a tasty sampler plate. We’re from out of town but would definitely come back.

Great service. The waiter was so nice and welcoming

Truly the best restaurant in the city. Right off the bat, the atmosphere is top-notch; exciting music mixed with a young, relaxed vibe. The experience continues with the service, bringing the kindest people you've met, ready to accommodate all your needs. However, what matters most in a restaurant is food, and Evelyn's delivers on all fronts. The appetizers and platters are great to share at the table, whereas the gyros make a quick and satisfying solo lunch. Overall, the food, service, and atmosphere are the best in the city, and a visit here will always leave you coming back for another experience.

I went here for my little brothers baptism and the staff was amazing. The servers that took care of my table there names were Julie, Jazmine and Alessia they were amazing and so good with the baby and the little puppies we had running around. The owner was very attentive and accommodated all of our request. 10/10 would go again.

Great place to enjoy the outdoors and some food and beers

How lucky I was to find Evelyn’s on my first visit to New Brunswick and the Zimmerli Museum. My lunch at Evelyn’s was memorable, even cherishable. The owner, Gus, and his staff know how to welcome and care for their customers.

Amazing restaurant , fantastic food, outdoor bar is the best space outdoor bar place in New Brunswick! Staff is very attentive and courteous.

Great restaurant and beautiful outdoor area. Love the positive energy and the food is amazing!

This is my home away from home. The staff especially Santo, Deseni and Amy are friendly and pay attention to details. As a regular they always make me and my friends welcome. Food is fresh and authentic. In the summer the music and atmosphere are second to none in the area. This place is solid.

Santo was the best bartender… Very friendly and great service!!!

Very welcoming restaurant to eat at! The owners are amazing and the food is great. The servers are very pleasant and quick with the service. Isadora was my server and she answered all my questions. I also got a drink at the bar and Deseni was very outgoing and made the drinks very well! Definitely would recommend to come with your family.

Overall great spot to vibe and drink a rum bucket. Ask for Santo when you get here… he’s the man

Amazing spot to just get a drink and get some munchies w the guys (or gals, they don’t discriminate). And the man Santo will treat you right

Love the place. Great vibe and even better service. Tizzy was awesome.

Great Place, Awesome atmosphere. Amazing food <333

Very different experience this time around. The food was okay, but the prices are now outrageous. Along with the ridiculous credit card fee, I'm not sure I want to come back. For example, the maza platter is now $39 (vs. $25).

relaxing atmosphere and good food. a lil pricey but not terrible

We've been ordering from Evelyn's for consistently for what feels like years. The food is delicious, no question. As creatures of habit, we typically order the same items, including my favorite tabouli salad. This time around when we received the $11 tabouli salad it was literally a spoonful, not enough to share with my toddler. We're talking about a salad that's comprised of parsley, tomato, onion, and lemon juice, no protein of any sort. I was shocked and thought it was mistake so I reached out to the restaurant who informed me it wasn't their problem that my item seems to be missing and I should reach out to Grubhub. After spending time on the phone with Evelyn's I was not about to spend another 30 minutes (best case scenario) on the phone with Grubhub. It's just poor service to loyal customers who have given you so much business. Comes down to greed on behalf of the owner (we're talking about $11 here). So unfortunate. Plenty of good, local Mediterranean spots in the area that we look forward to supporting in the future.

Been going here for over 12 years! Love the outdoor bar in the summer and the food is always fresh and delicious

Great food good atmosphere The outdoor area is beautiful

Five stars all around. Do not hesitate to stop in!

This place really fell off in the past few years. I always get the Evelyn's combo. The meat portion was so small, the pita was brittle, and the baklava was dry. I'm so disappointed.

Great Lebanese place to sit and eat at!

Great food always. I've frequented this restaurant over 30 years and the consistency of the food has always been excellent.

Delicious food, wonderful atmosphere, great prices

Evelyn's Restaurant is a great place for anyone who loves delicious home-style meals served with a warm and welcoming environment.

Full.of mosquitos . Couldn't stay longer than 10 mins . I have heard food is good but we just couldn't stay , there's no AC working , outdoor seating full of bugs. Will never go back again.. ever.

This is my favorite restaurant and bar ever. I bring all my family and my friends here every time I am in New Jersey. And the staff are the best people ever. Can’t give this place enough compliments… 5 stars doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Delicious lamb shish kebab sandwich. Nice atmosphere.

Classic place. We only hit the garden bar because it's open late. Great spot in NB

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 as a result!

The waitress was in training and that's why only 4 stars

Portions are so small as if it's something special. But it's barely average middle eastern food.

The good: Service was great, the waitress exceeded my expectations. The really really bad: Ive never been to a worse restaurant in my life. The food didn’t only taste horrible but it wasn’t fresh at all and was 1000% prepared beforehand and reheated before it was served to me and my fiancé, as if we were beggars on the corner scavenging for food and not paying patrons of this so called restaurant! Never again!

was looking for something gluten free in the area, and for $9? can’t be beat (both were side orders)

There's absolutely no way that there were any Middle Eastern chefs in the kitchen. The food was overpriced, bland (the highlight was the rice and that is pretty sad), and some was even store-bought (pita, Love Cake, possibly the hummus according to my husband). Very disappointed in this pre-Ramadan excursion. The staff was very friendly so they each get a star.

$23 for this dry chicken and raw veggies… you’ve got to be kidding me. Never again

Great healthy food and service You'll love it 😀

Love sitting out on the back patio, you have a choice of menus with here and Barca next door. Food from both restaurants are high quality. This place is a hidden gem. Nothing fancy just high quality food and a patio. Selfishly almost hope this place stays a secret.

I love this place and the cute garden feel of the backyard. The food is great, with so much variety. Our waitress Kate was the best. I will be back soon!!

I have never tasted the Lebanese food that I know

Great food the staff was amazing and the bartenders were awesome

Authentic Lebanese . Generous portions . Great friendly service .

First time here. Bartender myself of over 15 years and I run my own private bartending business. Husband is a GM of a restaurant. Would never come back just based off the bartenders. Came here on Friday night. They're terrible. Just because you can make drinks doesn't make you a bartender. Having personality and showing some friendliness goes such a long way. You'll get better tips and clientele when you aren't rude and short with people. Do better at hiring staff.

First time ar Evelyn's and first time trying Lebanese. I had a great experience! The tabouli salad and shwarma are great!

Great food!! And awesome people ! It’s a vibe

We liked this restaurant. The back yard's garden-like ambiance is beautiful and very inviting during the summer. The food quality and flavor were very good. We especially loved Hummus, Falafel (very crispy outside and moist inside) and babaganugh (thick, rich and flavorful) appetizers. Lamb Kebobs and Shawarma were juicy, while chicken kebobs were a bit dry, possibly due to being cut very small. However, our catering experience was not great - the trays of kebobs and shawarma were mostly filled with rice with a single layer of meat on the top and by no means could serve up to 10 people each. Beware of the catering prices, too - their EZCater site's pricing was nearly 50% cheaper, compared to what we were actually charged. Our suggestion to the management: please ensure that the prices on all of your websites match, to avoid startling your clients with an unexpectedly high bill.

Beautiful restaurant with a spacious outdoor eating area. Food is delicious and well seasoned.

Been going for years. Love the food and the great atmosphere. Really cool outdoor area

Absolutely the best authentic Mjadara (Lentils rice caramelized onions) anywhere !! and the seasoning is perfectly exotic.

The hummus here brought back memories of my time in the Middle East. The Tabbouleh was fresh and tasty as well! I finished the whole plate before I could snap a photo. The authentic Lebanese coffee and pastry were the perfect finish! Wish I live closer!

I miss this place!! Honestly they have really good food, everytime I’ve been here I’ve never had an issue. The staff is so freaking nice! & I love eating in the back the patio is super nice great for the summer time! Love how it connects to Barça too!

Not great. Artichoke salad good. Lamb and beef were dried out. Foul too salty. Slow service. Warm beer. And my picnic basket has nicer wine glasses. Plastic wine glasses? Yuck.

This place is hands down delicious & awesome! A pear tree in their bar/garden patio outside seating! The food brought me back to my time in Lebanon! Extremely authentic! The spinach pies are to die for! The baba is one of the best I’ve ever had! Don’t even need pita! I could have eaten it with a spoon! 🤤 The Tabbouli is amazing! The shawarma Amazing! Especially with the rice and onions! Those who have a butter allergy, no problem they use EVOO! Thank you to the owners and bartenders for taking care of my food allergies and making me feel so welcomed! Happy hour is pleasant for every age crowd. Their sangria (the outside bar is Shared with the Mexican place next door) was awesome! The mango mojito was awesome! They make yummy dirty martinis, upon request, I enjoyed mine with grey goose. 😘 Side note: Once 10pm strikes on Fridays it becomes a college club music scene where you no longer can hear your friends or date talking, the music was very club like, similar to spring break down in Miami. It would have been awesome to hear some traditional Arabic music but of course 99% of the crowd is not middle eastern. I will sure be back again ! Cheers!

This place is disgusting for the falafel. They give you a rock cold pita, super cold sandwiches. Worst place ever. Donated dollars with almost 85% food wasted.

Delicious!! The babagaboush, lamb kabob, grape leaves, perfect! Good service

My favorite place in the Brunswick area. As vegetarians we order so many things we need two tables. Soon the outside patio will be open and we will be there all the time. Very good waitstaff. You can order from the menu next door also.

Pandemic procedures taken here:Temperature is taken before being sat and servers were wearing masks. Disposable plates, cups, and utensils were used. Food was really delicious even if portions are a little pricey. Service was terrible. Sat for 30-40 mins with no one coming over. We had to literally flag someone down anytime we needed anything. Will not be coming here again.

Amazing authentic Lebanese restaurant. Mixed grill platter, hummus, fatoush salad and falafel were delicious. Service was great specially the waiter Jeries. 10/10 recommend.

One of the best lebanese restaurants available in the area. The waiters are very nice and friendly, so are the owners. The customer here is a king. You have access to tasty food, good ambience, an outdoor seated area with a bar in the middle for cocktails. Definitely recommend to go there whether it is for food or for drinks.

We thought the food was great and the owner was very nice! Highly recommended if you like Middle Eastern, especially Lebanese, food!

Great food, great drinks, nice setting, excellent service. Server, Santo, went above and beyond. Will def be back.

I got the chicken kabobs. The flavor was ok and the rice was good but the chicken was VERY tough and the pitas were so stale that my jaw still hurts the next day from chewing them! I'd give the food 2 stars, but the patio was nice setting.

I have been eating here for 31 years. And when I bring my oldest daughter in, the owners remind her of how I would waddle in as the pregnancy grew. I would order 2 falafels .One for today and one for tomorrow. And no matter how much we eat, we always leave room for baklava. One of my favorite restaurants by far!

I love the food and the staff and owner are amazing. 10/10

Fantastic service and atmosphere. The food was quick to arrive, fresh, and delicious. Will certainly be coming back soon.

Absolutely loved this place! New experience for me with Lebanese cuisine. Staff was very friendly and food was delicious. Great experience, will visit again. This is a MUST visit when near New Brunswick!

Nice tucked away spot with the Baca bar out back.

Awesome authentic food great experience! Family owned place.

Great experience. Gereis was attentive, available, and super friendly. Excellent service. Would recommend for anyone interested in service and outdoor ambiance!

Best Lebanese food in the area! Great staff Thanks Gus!

Always delicious, freshest hummus around!

My husband is Lebanese and was craving a traditional meal. The food was authentic tasting. Thank you for a delicious dinner. We will definitely be repeat customers.

This place is so good. Drinks are amazing, the staff is super friendly, and the food is to die for!! It is on the pricier side if you are a college student, but could make a great date night!! If not a college student, the prices are totally normal and totally great!!! The outdoor area is so relaxing and beautiful in the summers!! Also, with the COVID measures that they put in place, you feel totally safe going there if you are worried about it right now!! I highly recommend!!

Nice lunch spot, with food that’s really good for the price. They have an outside bar in the back which is a nice place to hideaway and feel like you aren’t in New Brunswick. During summer weekend nights, the place really livens up with some music and a younger crowd.

Really good and fresh food. Nice service and place. We ordered a lot of starters, and everything was delicious!

I liked the ambiance, the food was pretty good and seating was comfortable. Having said that, it just isn't fun when they forget to bring in an order because its from a different kitchen (Paella) leaving the person who ordered staring at other's food. Also, another order was served only partially and we had to remind the waiter for the rest of it. All this with an army of staff running around!

Great atmosphere. The food and drinks are great

Drinks and service were fine. Nice atmosphere. Don't buy the food here. VERY very mediocre, especially for the price.

Amazing food! And excellent service :) highly recommend (PS eat the philly sliders)

I LOVE this place. This is the STANDARD restaurant for Middle Eastern (or Arabic) food in central New Jersey. You will have TROUBLE finding a place in this area that has better hummus, falafel, tabbouli, lentil soup, or baklava pastry, for example. I have been enjoying eating at Evelyn's since 1993, when I first moved into the Somerset and Middlesex County area, and in fact just enjoyed this restaurant again, TODAY, with my girlfriend of the past 8 years. This place is owned and run by Lebanese Christians, of the Maronite Church. They speak Arabic, cook & eat Arabic food, and listen to Arabic music, and yet they are CHRISTIAN, and believe in Jesus, as much as I do. And their food is EXCELLENT. I give Evelyn's Restaurant FIVE STARS. P. S. They have a real nice outdoor dining area, in back of all the storefronts on Easton Avenue, accessed thru the alleyway next to their storefront on Easton Avenue, designed and built at least ten years ago. And it's great in the warm months, like this one (not no flimsy temporary, makeshift arrangement, like so many OTHER eating establishments have right now, and it even has a nice wooden BAR in the center of their outdoor, backyard patio-type dining area. I enjoyed it QUITE a bit, today, 9/9/2020.)

Excellent food. Excellent service. They allowed our dogs. Great experience. You get Barca Bar & Evelyn's in one place.

Gracious staff, delicious food.

inexpensive decent middle eastern food. hummus and falafel good, pita bread was dry

My favorite bar and restaurant. the service is really great and the drinks are made well. The owners are usually there and are really kind. It makes you feel like family and friends when you go there. Even better the place is really clean which makes me feel comfortable going there in times such as these.