Our establishment was featured in the Best of NJ on June 27, 2022 by Stacey Feintuch as a follow-up to the 2021 Best of NJ feature.
For a restaurant that debuted during a global pandemic, Freddy J’s is doing just fine. The family business, owned by the Kneble family, is already a local hot spot for Mays Landing patrons. In fact, Creative Director Grant Kneble is blown away by the town’s fast and generous support.
“Going into our second year of business, we have started to become a staple in the community,” Grant says. “Somewhere you can grab a bit to eat and enjoy the company of those around you. The camaraderie that has been developing is something special.”
Join the Club
Inside, Freddy J’s offers a relaxed atmosphere as well as 13 TVs playing all sorts of sports. Meanwhile, their outdoor patio features umbrella-covered tables, speakers playing music, and overhead lights. But the restaurant is currently planing a major renovation to improve their outdoor dining space. “The goal is to beautify the whole corner,” Grant says. This includes fully paving the parking lot, and turning their shed into a proper kitchen/smokery. “With this, we will be extending the menu to more smoked meats and fishes; which we’ve been doing as random features currently.”
Much of the menu includes shareable plates so guests can mix and match their favorites. However, there are a few new additions to Freddy J’s in honor of their second year in business. First is their recurring dinner club. “These are monthly events where we push people out of their comfort zones; to try new cocktails and dishes that they aren’t necessarily accustomed to,” Grant explains.
For instance, their first meal was a Maker’s Mark & Hanger Steak Dinner. Other previous dinners include a Kobe Beef Burger and Red Wine pairing, and a Revivalist Gin & Lamb pairing. “We provide a bit of a show where we discuss what is involved with the meal. Along with information/history about the cocktail,” Grant says. “These dinners always have some surprises like an additional course, drink, or even free giveaways,” he adds.
What’s New for 2022
Freddy J’s now also offers weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The brunch menu includes classics like chicken and waffles, as well as their signature Freddy J’s short rib benny. (Braised short ribs, English muffin, sunny side eggs, and hollandaise sauce on a hash brown.) One fan favorite brunch item is the Pecan Bourbon French toast.
As for drinks, the menu is always changing. “We’re known to smoke most of our cocktails too which is fitting with our food,” Grant says. Their newest drink options include a full-blown mule menu. “There are a lot of great winners on there, none of this Moscow Mule stuff,” Grant says. This includes 48 Blocks Vodka as well as mules from Ryan Reynolds, The Rock, and George Clooney.
Aside from the food, another upgrade to Freddy J’s is that their updated outdoor patio is dog-friendly. In fact, Grant personally tries to take as many photos of pups as possible, and posts them weekly on Instagram. (Specifically on Mondays for a fun — and adorable — way to start the week!)
You’ll find Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen at 5698 Somers Point Road in Mays Landing. Click here to give them a call.