I love their mission of providing meals regardless of the ability to pay. Respect for everyone who shows up for a meal. It was a three course meal and was really, really good. The servers are volunteers. No tips. Just donations to their mission. Highly recommended. read more

What an amazing feeling to be here Inside the manifestation of an exceedingly wonderful project of the heart. A place that brings together nutrition for all people. The whole operation is just done so well. The food preparation is excellent. And all the different nutrients that they provide! In the service by all the volunteers. So hard-working and the kindest of smilesl Genuine care for us all. The menu is presented, and you can order an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. I ordered ZUCCHINI CORN CHOWDER * Creamy Corn, Zucchini, and Potato Soup My bff ordered the GREEKISH SALAD *+ Mixed Greens, Bell Pepper, Chickpeas, Cucumber, Red Onion, Feta, Lemon Dill Dressing MAIN COURSE I ordered PISTACHIO CRUSTED SALMON + Served over Orange Scented Cous Cous and Vegetables Du Jour My bff ordered the SAUSAGE BROCCOLI ORRECHIETTE Ground Sausage, Sauteed Broccoli, Orrechiette Pasta, Garlic Parm Broth Everything was fresh and delicious and just so beautiful. My salmon dish was so plentiful. I did have to have a box for 1/2 of it. If you were interested in additional JBJ Soul Kitchen items like shirts, coffee, cups, travel tumblers they have them available. And you can always leave a little extra for them to pay forward. I'm very grateful to all the people that made this day so special. And I understand that every day they do these kind hearted magical things! But it is quite wonderful to be in the presence of kindness in motion. Thanks to all the people that make it possible from the delivery drivers, servers cooks, the managers, some organizers, the farmers and the farm workers. The people who answer emails and telephones. So many countless kind hearted people who work for the benefit of everyone. Thank you dearly. read more

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First, if you use GPS to get here, be warned that it will take you an empty lot that is not associated with the restaurant. We had to go and find street parking. We got there on a Friday eventing at 5. Knowing that they don't take reservations and that there aren't that many tables we wanted to make sure that we would get a table. It is a lovely place run by lovely attentive volunteers. The whole backstory and the good they are doing goes beyond what the food tastes like. The restaurant asks for food donations (suggested $30 per person) for a 3 course meal but if you can't afford to pay you can volunteer some time for your food as well. So several tables are filled with homeless men and women who were also dining there. The appetizer and entree were tasty but the dessert (a chocolate brownie) was a bit hard and stale. Overall it was a wonderful experience that everyone should go to at least once. read more

Wonderful,heartwarming not for profit restaurant. Pay it forward concept. Excellent three course meal prepared by top chefs. Portions are plentiful abd creative dishes which change every two weeks. Staff are all volunteers and everyone is welcome. Warm,friendly environment.. read more

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The service was amazing, the staff were sooo friendly & the food was beyond delish!! Portions were quite ample & very flavorful! Can't wait to check out the Tom's River location! Tell your friends! It's a win-win for everyone! read more

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What a wonderful time. The whole staff was amazing. They're doing valuable work and providing everyone with a wonderful experience. read more

JBJ Soul Kitchen - New American Near Me - Red Bank, New Jersey

Brynn was great. The shepherd's pie/pint special hit the spot. The place looks like it's been open for years, but it's only been there a year and a half. read more

We had an excellent experience here and food was delicious. I had daily specials for appetizer and entree: soup with vegetables and some pork in broth and grilled chicken with crumbled bacon and feta over linguine. Very tasty and just right spicy ( not too much). Other diner had menu items: Asian salad and Mongolian beef over rice. He liked both. Portions were perfect size to eat all at restaurant. For dessert we were offered fruit cup or what they called banana cake. We got the cake but it was yellow cake stacked on chewy blonde brownie with caramel sauce and dollop of topping. Still delicious but not banana. They may have run out of banana cake? No problem; we liked it! Drinks offered were water, infused with lemon water,tea, coffee and unsweetened ice tea. We got there at 5:30 pm and 2 tables empty of about 12 total plus 2-4 outside. Suggested donation for meal is $20 and the server mentioned that they understood if we had to pay less. We decided to pay $30 each as all monies go back to this restaurant and food and service was top notch. Only downside was it was very noisy so conversing with a quiet person was difficult but we still had a great time. Lastly, we weren't rushed after dinner even though they close on the early side. read more

JBJ Soul Kitchen - Entrance sign - New American Near Me - Red Bank, New Jersey

We enjoyed a good meal, excellent service from Christina, beautiful gardens and the best concept for a restaurant. We will definitely go back! read more

This place is truly good for your soul. The food was superb- better than some 5 star restaurants I've eaten at. We had Peruvian chicken and coconut cod- we gobbled it up and forgot to take pictures. Excellent service. And the atmosphere-- heartwarming. The restaurant asks for food donations (suggested $30 per person) for a 3 course meal but if you can't afford to pay you can work for a few minutes for your food as well. So several tables are filled with homeless men and women who were dining with dignity. It was a beautiful thing. This place filled our stomach and our soul! I wish there were more places like it! read more

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Fantastic concept: food security for folks in the community, suggested donations in lieu of set prices, staff comprised of volunteers. My boss suggested we go here after a work retreat. We work in the helping professions so this was right up our alley. The space is gorgeous - lush food garden outside, industrial garage chic decor, nightmare-free chairs inside. Each dinner comes with 3 courses: -soup/salad -entree -dessert Me and a coworker started with cranberry goat cheese salad, boss got that and soup. For mains (lmao) they got the shrimp and quinoa bowl, and I opted for the Nashville hot chicken sando. I made a critical mistake here: I know that if something doesn't specific breast then it probably isn't. Still I rolled the dice and lost. This was def thigh meat which honestly makes me gag. So I had to like eat the breading and slaw only (delicious btw) and push the meat around the plate. I also wasn't thrilled about the veg pairing. Still, we had a lovely experience and I am more than happy to support someone trying to do right by their neighbors. More of this please. I was with my coworkers so i didn't take pics. In the words of Levar Burton, you'll just have to take my word for it read more

A truly amazing place!! JBJ Soul Kitchen is a community restaurant that provides a 3 course meal to all even if they are unable to pay for their meal. I have been wanting to visit here after I was working at a hospital during the pandemic and they donated meals to us. I went on a Wednesday evening for dinner, arrived shortly after they opened, we were sat right away but all the tables were taken not too long after. It's a small restaurant of about 8 tables and a small outdoor patio area for when it's nice. They also have limited hours so be sure to check it out before going. The wait staff identified themselves as volunteers and were so friendly with quick service. We were offered cornbread to start which was delicious and enjoyed some watermelon mint infused water. The menu changes frequently so be sure to check online before going to make sure you'll find something you'd like as there's only about 4 entree options. The meal starts with an appetizer of soup or salad. We really enjoyed the entree of Creole shrimp scampi pasta which was loaded with flavorful shrimp and a big serving with enough to have leftovers! The dessert offered fresh fruit or chef's choice which was a delicious lemon cake. At the end of the meal they won't bring you a bill, so they can't differentiate between who is able to pay and those that can't. Instead they ask you to go up to pay at a counter and asked how much we would like to pay. The suggested donation was $30 per person and I would happily pay that again for a tasty 3 course meal that benefits an amazing cause! read more

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Thank you Bon Jovi and thank you Mo for all your hard work at JBJ Soul Kitchen. The food and service were outstanding . Wish we had one of these in Yonkers! read more

JBJ Soul Kitchen's name is not just an allusion to a kind of music or food, it is also about helping souls. The restaurant is set up to feed those who need a meal. The hungry can show up and get a meal at no cost. Even better, an all volunteer staff will wait on them and treat them with respect as regular customers. For those of us who can afford to pay, a flat fee covers the entire meal and contributes to the maintenance and costs of the restaurant. Customers are asked to provide a suggested donation (it was $40 when I went) and that covers an appetizer, entree and dessert with a drink! Want to contribute more? You can do so with the host (I gave an extra $20). Keep in mind, the menu varies often, so what I had won't necessarily be available when you go, so what I can say is that the quality of the food was fantastic. Don't let the charity aspect of this restaurant fool you. My dish was one I would have been happy to order in any restaurant. It was beautifully plated and everything was cooked very well. So what did I have? My appetizer was a rice ball with some shrimp inside. It reminded me a lot of rice balls I used to get in pizza shops in Brooklyn back in the day (that's a good thing). My entree featured roasted vegetables with chicken thighs in a balsamic sauce. They were cooked perfectly and the flavors were on point. Dessert was a pound cake with strawberries and cream. It was simple but tasty. The pound cake was moist and the cream was tasty. I love this concept and the food and service were fantastic. I'd happily return any time. read more

good staff good food great price good atmosphere good vibes all around no complaints why can't other restaurants copy this business model more often? helping others is king read more

The food was really good! I love the place. They are very welcoming and it is really nice with a great section for outside dining too. The concept for helping others is amazing. read more

Energy. Good food. Good people. Great work Nicole, Hilary and the gang. Your warmth and commitment is palpable. The love exudes from the front door to the plate. The food was delicious; lasagne soup, mouthwatering meatloaf and red velvet cake. Thank you for what you do. read more

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Healthy meals, but host staff lacks interpersonal skills. NOT Everyone is welcome at their table, nor is everyone treated with respect and dignity. The Soul Foundation is unreceptive to feedback and has no interest in improving. They don't even have a grievance policy. ​ read more

Love love love this place. Extremely hospitable workers. We got there at 11:15 for 11:30 opening. No wait. Food was so good. I had the Chili appetizer that had the right amount of kick. Not too hot. Frittata was amazing !!! On top of potatoes and was so tasty Offered us a variety of drinks that were cold and hot Dessert. We were so full!! But I had to try the cake Can't wait to come back !! Thank you for a wonderful experience read more

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Ate at the Red Bank location. This place is amazing. The staff is all volunteers, except for the chefs. The staff is crazy friendly and welcoming whether you are paying or not. The food is really , really delicious and beyond expectation. Please stop in for a meal and support their mission. read more

JBJ Soul Kitchen - New American Near Me - Red Bank, New Jersey

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It's December and winter, and it's freezing cold out! But, we drove 60 miles for our date night out (kids at grandparents!) and arrived here -- it's warm and inviting inside this cozy space! As soon as we walked inside, we were greeted by so many friendly and smiling staff, who made us feel right at home and happily explained the philosophy and mission of the restaurant when we said it was our First Visit! There's so much heart in this place you can feel it and then, taste it, too in the carefully planned and prepared meal. We couldn't have been more delighted to come for dinner and take part in this amazing community and dining experience to enjoy a delicious meal, while having the opportunity to contribute by paying it forward with our donation for the meal. 3-courses for a suggested donation of $20 (half for the meal and the other half saved for someone in-need). Will have to come back in the spring or summer to see the beautiful garden outside in the boxes out front! Thanks to the entire staff -- especially Dori, Denice, and Jeff. Kudos to JBJ, Dorothea and everyone involved in this great restaurant. read more

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Food was very good; good service and great price for a full meal. Rotating menus weekly, vegetarian options on the menu. Small, would be nice in the summer with the big doors open and being able to eat outside. read more

So glad we took an afternoon ride and ended up here. Always wanted to try it. The menu is small but for what they do it's perfect. Sandra enjoyed her meatless burger and my fish and chips were terrific. The PB&J pie for dessert was outstanding. We enjoyed our whole experience here and will definitely be back. We purchased a few shirts and some of their seasoning also. We also paid it forward for someone else to eat there on us and not have to worry about the bill. Fantastic concept and great atmosphere. Try it. Enjoy read more

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there was an event here the other day so had to stop by. Loved donating and helping out the community. it's a pretty nice place and very friendly people read more

JBJ Soul Kitchen - New American Near Me - Red Bank, New Jersey

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I have attended lunch/cooking presentations there and it's wonderful. Food is great, I learn a lot about recipes and cooking hints all while supporting a great cause. read more

Let's Start Off By Saying I've Gone Here to Bon Jovi's Soul Kitchen Great Idea... Volunteering and paying is How This Works. So you Actually Have to Hire People Who Have Compassion Not Nicole and Emily The Chef They Discriminate People For Hearsay With No Proof. I Went to Try the Food Out and Paid for My Meal,Tuscan Pork Was Tasty but The Food So-So Nothing Spectacular, But Nicole Refused Entry to a Homeless Woman in The Rain Told The Woman Now Crying to Wait in The Rain For a To-Go Meal Because She's Not Allowed in The Restaurant. Now That's Criminal What This Manager Did Was Totally inhumane to this Harmless Tiny Woman Who I Spoke to Gave Her $ 20.00 and Told Her to go Sit and Eat Her Meal Like a Human Being.... read more

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I came here for the first time yesterday and I don't know why I waited so long. The outside of the restaurant is adorable. The inside is lovely. The food was OUT OF THIS WORLD good. I got the 'Pumpkin Curry' soup for an appetizer and 'Spinach and Ricotta Pasta' for my entree both of which were amazing. They served 'Pineapple cake' for dessert. This is coming from someone who HATES pineapple... it was one of the best cakes I ever ate. I also bought a $10 mug from the restaurant. Everyone there was so friendly and so helpful. Where else can you get a 3 course meal plus a beverage for $20 AND help out families? This is such a great concept with such great food. I will definitely be back! read more

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This was an excellent experience, a pleasant surprise down the street in Red Bank. The meal was excellent, the service warm, quick and nimble, and the overall ambience was just a huge warm fuzzy. I was happy to donate the $30 for a meal that would cost much more in any other restaurant, and happy to pay it forward to support this cause to alleviate food insecurity. There's so much wrong and meanspirited in our world; it's a joy to recommend this experience to everyone. read more

What an awesome restaurant! The only thing better than the concept and food are the volunteer workers. I would highly recommend to visit. read more

JBJ Soul Kitchen - Pistachio crusted salmon - New American Near Me - Red Bank, New Jersey

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Great concept.. great atmosphere..great food.. I live I red bank and awsome bonjovi gives back the way he does

Does it get better than this place? I am pretty sure it doesn't get better than this place. Great food, great project. Couldn't be better. https://jbjsoulkitchen.org/ The restaurant is set up to feed those who need a meal. The hungry can show up and get a meal at no cost. Even better, an all volunteer staff will wait on them and treat them with respect as regular customers. read more

The concept is that anyone can eat but you only pay by choice. Amazing concept for the less fortunate, but you have to be okay with eating in this environment. Nicely set- up interior. Waitstaff was super nice. Ordered chicken orzo soup. Nice soup but no Orzo. Salad looked nice. Entrees came. Meatloaf was slightly under-cooked in the center. Potatoes were dried out and the string beans were perfect, but both sides were stone cold. Dessert was fruit. Some was fresh, some wasn't. I would not go back mostly because the food was not dealt with professionally. I saw a waitress put her hand on my fruit before it was served. Not cool. Overall, they can't do a better job because everyone is a volunteer. I'm on board with the concept but the execution is lacking. read more

I took my wife and kids there to celebrate her birthday....I was pleasantly surprised of the atmosphere and the food. The portions were great, and I didn't mind giving what I would have paid at another restaurant. The mission of the establishment makes me want to go again.....the chef prepared meal was amazing. Not only did we eat well, we felt good about supporting the cause. read more

I've been wanting to visit the Soul Kitchen since it opened 10 years ago. So glad I finally did. Excellent food, better people, great mission and cause. read more

JBJ Soul Kitchen - Inspiring - New American Near Me - Red Bank, New Jersey

We ran into Chef Emily prior to opening. She could not have been more personable and friendly. When we entered the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by one of the most efficient and accommodating servers ever! She was wonderful! We learned a lot more about the mission of JBJ's Soul Kitchen and could not be more impressed by their work and sincerity. The food was AMAZING and beautifully presented! April 2, 2022 was a great visit for lunch and I was ready to return for dinner! Loved the vegetarian options! read more

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When you come here, take into consideration that they only have seating for around 35 inside the restaurant and the dinner is a limited time. We were here on a Saturday so we parked at 4:30 and I went and stood in line. At that time there were already 8 people waiting. All of us were first timers, so it was an adventure we seemed to all want to be on. Please read the restaurants website about the gratuity for dinner. All of the people working in the restaurant are volunteers so no tipping allowed. Everyone is there to give back to the community of people who need help. We were seated with a couple from Virginia who came up just for the weekend. It was great fun speaking with them and trading stories. There was a lot of laughter at the table and a lot of great food service. There was a bread basket with butter on the table when we were seated. The waitresses were amazing and were so happy to be waiting on us. We were really disappointed that we could not give them a tip, but its not allowed. First you had a choice of pasta fagioli soup or the house salad. The salad was a mix of local greens, onions, olives, pear tomatoes, croutons and the house dressing. The salad was light and fresh and it was the perfect amount before the main course. The catch of the day was crusted salmon with oven baked vegetables, which consisted of potatoes, Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and onions. This salmon was the absolute best salmon I have ever been served. The portion was also incredibly huge. Everyone at the table commented on the portion size being so large. Others at the table had spaghetti and meatballs and those meatballs were impressive. You think spaghetti and meatballs is kind of not so exciting, but those that ordered it said it was just so good and the spaghetti was cooked perfectly. No one left a bite on their plate. Dessert was cake kabobs drizzled with strawberry sauce and a scoop of strawberry ice cream on the side. Everyone at the table jumped into the dessert like we had not eaten the other two courses. I am usually not a fan of ordering strawberry anything, but this cake kabob dessert was yumminess times ALOT! We enjoyed the food and the sharing of the table with our new friends from Virginia. We also enjoyed knowing that our donation would go to help others who were less fortunate enjoy a nice meal also. If you get to Red Bank, NJ, definitely make this spot your come to place for dinner. There might be places more fancy in town, but no other places which will make your heart feel more filled than your stomach. read more

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The food was delicious. Our waitress Amy Ross was friendly, polite & had a beautiful smile !! read more

As i approached the building, I thought - what a fabulous idea! The dining room, though somewhat small (seats about 30), feels spacious because of the large windows, warm smiles and beautiful tulips on each table. For $10 or a donation of service if you have no cash, you are offered a 3 course meal (appetizer, entree, dessert AND bread, REAL butter, and a beverage)! Today, there were 2 appetizer choices (soup or salad) and 4 entree choices and a dessert. The volunteer wait staff were all so pleasant and seemed to enjoy their duties. Each table was beautifully appointed with silver, glasses, fresh tulips, candles, and white, disposable paper tablecloths. The food was very tasty and the service was beyond reproach. The pay for those working was knowledge that they had been of service to others: a truly great reward. I shared a table with two delightful FEMA workers - still cleaning up after Hurricane Sandy. If you can, you're asked to pay $10 for your meal; if you can't pay, you still eat and are asked to donate an hour working in the restaurant or the food pantry that day or within the coming week. No one knows who is paying for their meal with cash or work. I love the idea. I love this idea so much that when I return home, I shall be checking the site: oneworldeverybodyeats.org to find out what it will take to replicate this in my community. Thanks to JBJ and his wife for seeing this need and taking it on. read more

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Very nice, sweet atmosphere! Great food and all for kindness! Definitely recommend for a nice meal!

Awesome meal, wonderful service. Our server Moe was great. Love supporting this community action. Definitely worth the visit. Please pay it forward if you can! read more