Consistently voted “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” in New Jersey, and rightfully so, Shut Up and Eat, a kitschy restaurant in Toms River, New Jersey is well worth a visit. Just do it on an empty stomach.
“You go in,” Madeline said, pushing her brother forward.
“No. YOU go in,” Nick said, trying to swap places with her.
“I’ll go in, sheesh,” I said, opening the door.
Given the restaurant was called Shut Up and Eat, I understand their hesitation. I mean, really. We had no idea what to expect.
As soon as we opened the door, we were greeted with a rush of nostalgia. Or, ok, I was, since the kids probably didn’t recognize a lot of the old memorabilia that adorned the interior of the restaurant. There is a corner in the front that is a small area for kids to play with old-fashioned toys, a counter seating area and the most adorable 1950s style mismatched tables and chairs throughout.
We were greeted with a friendly hello as soon as we walked in, and were led to a table in the back.
“You were here yesterday, weren’t you?” the employee asked.
“Yes,” I said, “Good eye!”
His mom owns the restaurant and he was there the day before with his wife, setting up for the next day’s breakfast service. A google search of the restaurant shows them open through dinner time when, in fact, they aren’t (they close at 3:30 pm). If you wear pajamas (must be a set with a matching top and bottom), you get 13% off your tab, so we had arrived the evening before, in our pajamas, for dinner.
Now I can save you that embarrassment.
They’re only open for breakfast and lunch.
Despite what Google says….