The service did not meet expectations due to inadequate customer support and subpar cleanliness and presentation. Food-wise, despite the 3pm serving time, the limited options of wing dings and fries did not meet our expectations. The wing dings which were not served as whole wings lacked the necessary seasoning and flavor profile resulting in a mediocre dining experience. There is room for improvement and we will reassess our decision to return. read more

Good food, excellent service, ambiance is on point! I'm here at least twice out of the month and I travel to get here. Definitely a go-to spot. Don't let the negative reviews influence your decision to come here. Employees are attentive, even on busy nights. This is definitely a working class establishment! Black owned and serving all! read more

My daughter was accused of not paying for her food she was humiliated and frustrated and it was my birthday ..this my second comment my first March 20 read more

Carli's is the spot! Since my friend DJ's there (shout out to DJ Special) my friends and I visit often to support. Carli's is one of those family type bars. The staff treats everyone like family. I haven't eaten there yet but my friends have and they're go-to is the wings with fries. My go-to drink is the tropical LIT which is stronggggg; the perfect amount of strong. Carli's is CASH ONLY! They do have an ATM inside the bar as well. The bar is small and cozy. If coming on a weekend it's best to get there early because it can get crowded. I get there early to secure a table. They also have outlets at the bar and around the walls which is a plus. Drinks aren't expensive either. They play mainly hip hop, house, jersey club, reggae, etc. which I love because not many bars play that type of music! Make sure to check out their IG to keep up with specials and theme nights! read more

Very horrible service the bartenders were not attentive. I saw one digging up there nose. I ordered a food that never came. This was the worst experience in my life. I do not recommend this place. It is not a staple but an embarrassment to the community. The service the food the staff the owner should be embarrassed and sell the establishment as it is horrible read more

Carli's is a chill spot in the neighborhood. The bartender with the hips is a lot of fun! The bar has a machine that measures drinks and charges for them. So the only way to get a stronger drink is to pay more money for a double or triple. The bartender has no control over the alcohol content of your drink. Kitchen closes at 12. Sometimes the DJ plays corny music read more

This place is the true definition of a hometown local bar. I have been past this place before and never tried. I heard different things about it but happy I seen it for myself. I met a couple girlfriends tonight and they picked this spot because one of the girl's family owned it. When I arrived I was able to find parking on a side street. I walked in and I was able to find my seat near my friend. The owner sent us over a shot and I got my vodka tonic which wasn't too bad. The bartender Mama, was super nice and on it. It felt like a family affair for sure. The girls got food and it looked and smelled great. They loved it as well. Too bad I couldn't try it but I will be back to do so. My Titos and tonic was only $14 for 2 which was good. read more

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A staple Hillside spot. It is the size of a thumb but gets the job done. They use to offer Hookah not sure anymore. They also DON'T accept cards which can be annoying. They offer good happy hours and yummy food. Definitely a chill;l spot to catch a drink and appetizer at. read more

The Pros Ambience: Great environment came in for the first time last night and it was lit. Decided to stop by again today with my girl and had a good time. Music was playing crowd was cool. Customer Service: Everyone is nice from the doorman to the waitress. Doorman was very sweet and funny. Now ordering was a whole different story took over 15 to finally get a waitress to come over. Then almost 40 to get wings and French fries. Food was REALLY GOOD. THe mama sauce was on point! The Con: Now as a big foodie I pay attention to EVERYTHING. I'm sitting there at the bar watching the bartender make a drink or so I thought until I saw her take someone's cup that finished. She took the cup poured out the contents left and turns around and places the cup under the cabinet with the new cups. Now the issue is .... THE CUP WASNT WASHED. I thought I was crazy until I watched another bartender this time empty a cup, appear to dip the cup in something (I'm assuming soap and water) and just turn around and place the cup back on the table to serve a new person. Not scrub the cup, not a sponge in sight. Literally it looked like the cup was just dipped and put back on the counter still wet and she made a whole new drink in it. The third time I saw this happen my friend finally comes back from the bathroom and I ask her to watch the bartender and tell me what's missing. She gasped and said wait they never washed the damn cups. Now I'm not a bartender but I'm a germaphobe and even if the cups were being "dipped" in some soap water I'm extremely sure that this situation is extremely unsanitary. I did notice after that that the bartenders were drinking out of plastic cups... If I were to go back I would only use a plastic cup. Not sure if I will return even though the crowd is great and the food is awesome! I need to see some sponges! read more

I had a good time. Was looking for something to do after work. The place is a small neighborhood bar with a great happy hour. Shantall our waitress immediately greeted us and took our order. She briefed us on happy hour and we. Ordered Hennessy, Ciroc, fried shrimp , fried wings, and French fries . Food was on point. The DJ arrived around 5pm and was playing everything from old school r&b to hip hop. We stayed until about 8:30pm and I must say I had a great time. I will put this gem in my after work rotation. read more

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Happened to come across an Instagram picture of the lobster roll and said to my self that i must have it! I ordered in an instant and couldn't be more happier with this order. I will be back! Very soon. Support black owned businesses. Toy their 5 dollar rum punch too read more

Carli's Lounge - Lobster roll - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Hillside, New Jersey

The vibe was nice we waited a long time for the food cause they was packed but they explain the situation. Good place

Authentic North Jersey bar experience. If you are looking for the hip hop scene of New Jersey this is the place to go. Affordable food, affordable drinks, and great vibes. No frills bar/lounge read more

I really use to love this spot, it seems like since they stopped the hookah the service and food quality went down. Went the other day had my usual Long Island drink and I ordered the sampler comes with wings, onion rings and mozzarella sticks the waitress said it was $1 extra if I wanted drums as the order comes with all flats. Waited over an hour for my food and the only thing that was hot was my wings and everything tasted horrible I'm really disappointed in how the food quality and service has went down. read more

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The seafood here was very good I ordered a seafood platter it came with crab legs shrimp potatoes corn broccoli the crab meat was really sweet the people were really nice The bartender passion was very friendly and was on point mama the manager was very nice as well read more

Carli's Lounge - Seafood platter, this was so good the crab legs were so sweet and the staff was on point! A shout out to Passion - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Hillside, New Jersey

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Carli's looks like a hole in the wall. I wouldn't care if the food was good or the drinks were strong. It literally looks like a closet and in my opinion is a fire hazard. Will never patronize this bar. The outside is dirty and the inside is scuzzy. read more

Been coming to Carli's since I moved to newark about 4 years ago. It's really the best home town bar I've ever come across. Everytime I've eaten either the crabs, wings, or fish it's always consistently delicious! The LITs and hurricanes are what gets you turned the most CHILLLLLEEEEE EWWWWW WEEEE !! Most of the staff is super nice. You can catch the owner in there hanging out often. There's outlets at the bar and around the walls. Definitely a good bang for you buck. They always have theme nights and specials on their Instagram read more

My new go to spot in jersey! My sister orders a seafood platter from here regularly so when I went to pick up her order one time I decided to grab a drink! I asked for a Tito's and club soda and it was only $5! Sign me right up! I stuck around for a few more drinks! I even came back that night with some friends! Friendly neighborhood bar with good food and drinks! Cash only though so be prepared! read more

I like this bar the only reason they don't get 5 stars is due to the size. It's a bit small BUT every time I go there I see good looking women. I guess there's a trade off with everything. I like the cheap Long Island pitchers for $10 they have Sangria pitchers too. They have a good mix of music from club, hip hop and reggae. The food is rockin! It's a nice little place to hang out if you want a change. read more

Carlis food is amazing. When I come here I usually order jumbo fried shrimp or the fried chicken wings. I also usually order the buttered rice on the side. The drinks are also A1. Definitely highly recommend this establishment read more

Good food and they have hookah small but the drinks are good. Parking on street they have security and they have lots of specials on drinks read more

Carli's Lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Hillside, New Jersey

They always play great music!! Bar service is fantastic and the server with the nice eyelashes is always pleasant good music & strong drinks. I highly recommend this place read more

I came here after work with a coworker and had a blast. The drinks were good, the bartender was so nice and the food was bangin! Ever since then I tell everyone I know about this place. I can't Togo back and get the wings and shrimp. read more

The 4 stars are for the Seafood Platter alone !!! I did not lounge in this Lounge !! I must say the food was bomb down to all the condiments needed to enjoy my Crabs and shrimp I was very pleased!!! It's definitely worth the 30 bucks ! I didn't like the fact that it was literally no where to sit to wait for food and it's no parking in front of the establishment . read more

My favorite spot! Great food great bartenders! I love Alicia and Walter. The food is soul food. It's reasonable and well seasoned. It tastes like mommas fried chicken. Music is hip hop, nj club, crowd is 27 and up. Grown and sexy. The place is small but fun. It's safe too. A lot of regulars that include educators, police officers, and state workers. Try the Long Island ice tea in the goblet with a handle. read more

Carli's Lounge - Cheap drinks: try the strawberry Long Island - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Hillside, New Jersey

Happy Hour is the best! But get there early. They should expand and take advantage of the business they have always gotten

This review is strictly on the process of ordering food on chef Dom night (Wednesday). I would give the food 4-5 stars. But it sucks that you can't order via phone and pick up ya food. You have to come into the bar, order and wait 30-45 mins. ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!!!! I guess that's cool if you don't mind waiting around the bar for an hour. So I come back 45 mins later. And still have to wait 20-25 mins. Come on my people y'all have to do better. I want to support chef Dom, but not to wait over an hour for take out. read more

My first time going and wasn't impressed at all. The place looked like a hallway. Unprofessionalism. It took the waitress 30 minuets to greet us, took an hour to get our food and the waitress disappeared. Didn't like that we had to go to the bar for ALL drinks including water. Wouldn't go back. read more

Came here 2 other times prior to my initial visit. We say we should support black businesses but then you have places like this with bad service that destroy that idea.( I support Good businesses overall) One of the times we went there we waited 2 hours (giving the benefit of the doubt) for our food not once did anyone come over and say "we do apologize". We ended up leaving. We had to flag down someone to take our order, lady had an attitude for having to do their job. Staff drinking (alchol) cant even remember if they spoke to you or not and order never put in. No business is worth your hard earned money to be subjected to bad customer service. To the owner....when you go out shopping or out to a business don't you want to be tried a certain way? So why would you allow your staff to treat people so rudely? Get the staff in order it's more to a business than good food, drinks, prices and music. read more

This is one of the best Lounges ever. Good food and drinks and great atmosphere. I do plan on visiting here more often. And the security is on point. Keep up the good work read more

Me and my 2 friends end up at this nice bar drinks where great. At the end of the night they turn the lights on and saying they are closing. My friend went to the ATM to get money to pay for her and our drinks when the bouncer/security guard was standing next to me and grab my arm and pushed me. He keep on telling me and my friend that we need to go now he did not say that to anyone else but us repeatedly. Then he grab me and took me out of the bar. Now I am a gay man and I feel like this was a hate crime for us gay ppl. The guard had no right for what he did and he only did it to me. Mind you I was at the bar the whole time drinking and not causing any problems with anybody. I will never come to this bar agin. read more

Great drinks! Good food! What more can you ask for? Oh yeah, great service... Tahmia is my bartender of choice! My drink is always on point and never gets empty. I also love the wings! read more

Definitely my go to spot for good drinks and great food! First I want to start with the barmaids. Tahmia (Tee) is the best! The moment I walk in the door, she remembers what I drink and has it ready by the time I get a seat. My drink is perfect every time! She is very attentive even when the place is packed. Next on to the food. I love the wings, shrimp and fries! Yes it may take a while to get your order when it's crowded but it is definitely worth the wait. The food is always served hot and well seasoned. read more

Went to Carlis for drinks and was pleasantly surprised. Friendly service, great food and drinks. Fun atmosphere, for adults who still enjoy hip hop music and the occasional hookah. Highly recommend the fried shrimp, fresh and delish, looks ng forward to going back soon. read more

My partner and I first mistake prior to patronizing this lounge on 10/19/19 was not reading the reviews on Yelp. Pro 1) amazing instagram photos We visited Carli's Lounge after viewing a picture of a seafood platter on Instagram. Pro 2) Great music. Cons- EVERYTHING ELSE!!!! -After seating ourselves at a table and waiting 45 mins for a waiter to greet us we finally decided to reach out and get the waiters attention. Waitress #1-I'll be right back sweetie (never came back) Waitress #2-Let me get my note pad and I'll be right back (never came back.) Waitress #3- I don't take orders until after 7 pm and walks away. -We then proceeded to the bar and ordered our food (wing platter with fries) and drinks with the bartender. Waited another 45 mins for our food to arrive. The waitress brings our food (wings/fries) with no condiments, napkins or plates. -The wings looked amazing again picture worthy but were cold (out of the refrigerator cold) slapped the wings sauce on it and plated. -After another 10 mins we're finally able to flag the waitress down and expressed our distaste for cold wings. She just stood there and looked at the plate with no resolution. We then asked for the manager which of course never came. -We flagged a woman that came from the kitchen and explained our issue. With no apology she grabbed the plate and went to the kitchen. About 10 mins later we received the same wings now microwaved and soggy. This experience was by far the worst dining experience of my life and disheartening because it's an African American establishment. I love to support my people but at what cost. Horrible customer service and horrible food and drinks. This establishment needs a serious makeover from the inside out. Only then would we return. read more

This bar, lounge eatery is a great place to hang out. The culture is inviting and drama free. The drinks are well worth the money. Its coupled with daily drink and food ( which is great too) specials. The first time I went was from an advertisement blast on social media and I've been impressed since then # GradeA read more

1. Great Music 2. STRONG drinks 3. Wings are amazing 4. Hookah 5. Friendly bartenders .... 6. Nice atmosphere . Drama free .... I love Carlies read more

This used to be a good neighborhood bar you could go to and have a drink but it has turned into a club. Never enough parking and patrons are rowdy. read more

I live this place everyone is friendly and welcoming the place is a little small but karaoke on Tuesdays is always a blast drinks are good and music is always great one of my favorite places to chill read more

Had a great time at Carli's. The service was exceptional. Great food, wonderful drinks, and DJ playing all the right cuts at the right time. The security was on point. I love the fact your treated like family and the bartenders double as waitresses , if its not to busy. Early arrival is suggested so that you can get the total Carli's experience. read more