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    OU LA

    4.7 (73 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order OU LA Takeout or Delivery

    OU LA Photos

    OU LA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    DJ
    Live music
    Music videos
    Romantic

    Recommended Reviews - OU LA

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    Reviews With Photos

    New Zealand Lamp Chops
    Eronini D.

    My wife and I spent Valentine's Day evening at Oula Restaurant & Bar and decided to try their special holiday menu. From the moment we walked in, the energy felt warm and lively, definitely the right setting for the occasion. For appetizers, I ordered the crispy Ou La chicken wings, which were lightly glazed with a honey-style sauce that balanced sweetness and seasoning well. They had a great texture and solid flavor. My wife chose the Haitian meatballs. They weren't necessarily my personal favorite, but she truly enjoyed them and appreciated the seasoning. For our entrées, I had the Cabrit; fried goat served with djon djon rice and sweet plantains. The dish was well prepared, flavorful, and satisfying without being overly heavy. My wife ordered the New Zealand lamb chops, which were cooked nicely and just as enjoyable. Both meals were strong choices. We also ordered desserts, but by that point we were completely full and didn't get a chance to try them. The atmosphere was vibrant. The restaurant isn't very large, but they made good use of the space with multiple tables set up for the holiday crowd. As expected for Valentine's Day, it was packed. Between being seated and receiving our appetizers, the wait was about an hour and a half. However, the drinks were well made, and the Afrobeats playing throughout the evening kept the mood smooth and upbeat. Our waitress, Marie, was welcoming and attentive. She was very apologetic about the wait, but her professionalism and positive attitude made the experience feel comfortable despite how busy the night was. Overall, it was a good experience with flavorful food, solid drinks, and a great vibe. I would definitely return; perhaps on a less busy evening to fully enjoy everything they have to offer.

    Cynthia A.

    Last night was my second time at OU LA and it was an amazing experience, first it was relatively easy to find parking which we were a little nervous about. As a Haitian American I absolutely love that it was a Haitian restaurant, and the cultural aspect was infused into everything (the menu, the food, the music, the staff and the owner was incredibly sweet as well. We started off with the Griot cups they were delicious and flavorful. I had the Wine up cocktail and it was a perfect balance of sweet and a little tangy. For our entrée. We got the rasta pasta and the oxtail meal and it was delicious. The only thing was I wished was the pikliz was spicier, but I understand it needs to be palatable for everyone, but I can take the spice lol. overall it was an amazing experience so I 100% recommend if you're in the area to check them out

    Exterior
    Alan L.

    Wonderful meal Our entire experience was memorable. The room is comfortable and bright. The dishes are interesting and flavorful. The Pork Chop and Rasta Pasta were both delicious. Our server was helpful (suggesting that I substitute Mashed Potatoes for the Black Eyed Peas) and helping us navigate the disappointment that a cocktail on the restaurant's online menu is no longer available. We were able to park on the street, right in front of the restaurant.

    Specialty drink menu
    Marlin C.

    The food is de 4/5. I had the oxtail and grits and although the food may be good, I found it a bit pricey to be a $30 meal for two small pieces of oxtails in addition to the hour and 15 minutes wait for the food. it's a quaint place very nice R&B brunch vibes, but the waiting. Period throws everything off considering it's a set menu. The food definitely should come out a lot faster in addition to waiting another 25 minutes for a slice of cheesecake, I would recommend this place. The staff is super friendly. That drinks were great. The area is a bit funky regarding parking so make sure you come with enough time to find a spot. All the spots are 90 minute maximum. They def need work on either larger kitchen staff or larger waiting staff. The amount of tables for a preset menu and the waiting time just don't add up

    Rasta Pasta w/Shrimp
    Daphne M.

    The food and ambiance were standout highlights of our visit, easily earning a 4.5-star rating. We ordered the Wings (delicious), Grilled octopus (over cooked and rubbery unfortunately) Rasta Pasta w/Shrimp (spicy just the way I like it but still super flavorful), NY Strip (hubby said it was perfectly cooked on the inside) and each dish was thoughtfully presented. The ambiance complemented the meal perfectly--music we enjoy, warm, inviting, and ideal for a cute date night out. Service was good overall, but felt slightly rushed when it came to the timing of ordering our entrées. Other than that the staff was attentive and professional. Overall, a great spot with excellent food and ambiance, hubby and I will absolutely be back! This may actually become a regular spot

    Partial view of menu
    Sara S.

    This was such a great e patience. Came here for the first time with a group of friends. The co-owner (don't think I got her name) was very sweet and hands on. The wait staff was also very nice. The decor and ambiance of the place is wonderful although I think a bit more color. The main dining area would be appreciated. I ordered the chicken Rasta pasta and kale Caesar salad. Both were delicious. Right amount of spice. The co-owner was very nice to bring out a small serving of black rice and the pickled onion known as a Haitian spice sauce. I was in heaven then. I could've just had the black rice "djon djon " and pickled sauce. It was that good.

    Rasta pasta!! 5

    An Absolute Vibe! Best Haitian Spot in NJ! If you are looking for incredible Haitian food, an unforgettable atmosphere, and immaculate energy, Ou La in Carteret is the place to be! From the moment you walk in, you're hit with a great, modern atmosphere that perfectly blends amazing food with a high-energy lounge experience. They have a live DJ spinning, creating the absolute best vibe in the area. It's the perfect spot for a weekend night out, a celebration, or just anyone who wants great music with their meal. The food? Unbelievable. Everything was cooked to perfection, but a special shout-out has to go to the sweet plantains (maduros)--honestly some of the best I have ever had in my life. + carrot cake +almond cake + lychee martinis Beyond the food and the music the hospitality is what sets this place apart. Big shout out to Naj and the entire staff at Ou La! The service was top-notch, attentive, and incredibly welcoming. Amazing food, great service, music and a killer DJ. We will definitely be back. Don't sleep on this place!

    Wall art
    Rose C.

    I came here for dinner on Friday for an early birthday dinner. One of the owners greeted us at the entrance. She was really kind. Our server named Sky was really sweet and a fellow March baby which connected on. The wine up cocktail was delicious. It was strong but tasted delicious. I wasn't a fan of the mango fresca cocktail because all I could tast was banana liquor which was a little off putting. The wings and mini griot cups were delicious. I loved my rasta pasta and the shrimp was so big and seasoned well. The music was so good the whole time I was there. I loved that they got the dj to announce my birthday when my dessert came out, it was so cute. I had a great time and really enjoyed everything I ate. I would definitely come back and see how their brunch is.

    Entrance
    Shelly M.

    Went for women's day brunch on a Sunday with my sister. Loved it so much, returned the next day with my husband, son, and mother in law for dinner. The space is bright with lots of natural light and beautifully decorated. It's limited seating, so make sure to make a reservation. We had wings, chicken and waffles, pancakes, empanadas, and lamb chops for brunch with bottomless rum punch. My household devoured my leftovers and made no objections to returning that Monday. Dinner we had wings and empanadas again for appetizers along with crab cakes. For entrees I had the lamb chops again and the rest of my party had rasta pasta, shrimp, and goat. Dessert was a toasted almond cake that was delightful. The staff is so friendly and helpful. I had Tayari as a waiter both times and his energy is amazing. He was supported by Masihah, Maria, Rachel, and Joe who made sure we had everything we needed. The owner, Naj, went around to ensure everything was perfect. I read some complaints about the timing/ wait for food. This is fine dining. It says so on the website. Fine dining is NOT fast food and requires care and time to produce a great plate, and each plate that I tasted was worth the wait. I would go every week if it was closer. It was such a wonderful time.

    I love the decor
    Mia L.

    I visited Ou La with a couple of ladies from a social club. One of the ladies was running very late, however, she was hoping to just hop in, grab a drink and appetizer, and sit and chat with us. Unfortunately, the policies at Ou La don't work like that. They need the majority of your party there to be seated and they want everyone there before you can order food. Once we finally had everyone there, we were able to order our food. I ordered the Ou La Shrimp as my appetizer. One of the other ladies ordered the chicken lollipops. Both appetizers were pretty good. For my entree, I went with the Lobster Rigatoni dish. This was also quite tasty. I just wish the portion was a little bigger. For dessert, I got the creme brulee. The creme brulee didn't seem like it was fully set, but it was delicious. At some point while we were dining, the chef came out and talked to us. One of the ladies was disappointed with the lack of crab meat on her dish and he brought out some more for her. I feel like they try to rectify any issues that they can. Overall, I enjoyed my experience here. I'd like to try their brunch as well.

    Desiree F.

    I finally got to try this place for an event. When I arrived I parked on the street nearby! I walked in and was greeted! The place was nice! I sat in the bar area! I ordered with Octavius and he was great! I had: Vodka Martini Mini epis shrimp Short Rib Slider Jerk chicken tacos I enjoyed the sliders the most! All in all, it was a good experience!

    Latoya L.

    Came here on a Friday evening around 7:30pm. The establishment has complementary valet parking since parking is hard to find. The place was very cute and clean. I love the big window where you can see inside the kitchen. The head chef was very interactive with the guests. Service was 20/10, everyone was nice and helpful. We started off with complementary bread and butter. The maple date butter was to die for. I had to ask for seconds. We ordered 2 mock tails, the rasta pasta, and the half chicken. The food took some time to come out. The chicken dish was good, and although the rasta pasta wasnt your traditional "rasta pasta", their variation was good. We then ordered the bread pudding and creme brulee for dessert. Both were tastey.

    Shareta W.

    Amazing vibe and atmosphere Pros : the staff was so kind and the drinks were very good Cons: none Price: $30-$80 per person

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    Always enjoy my visit here, love Watching the football games here, The food is amazing

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - OU LA

    Do you have a gluten free menu?

    Good morning! At this time, we offer a few gluten-free items, including: Grilled Fish, Shrimp, Octopus, Sweet Plantains, Beet Salad… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    3BR Distillery - Storefront

    3BR Distillery

    4.7(87 reviews)
    9.6 mi
    $$

    Love this little hidden gem in the beach town of Keyport. My husband brought me here once before,…read morethis was our second visit, and we will definitely be back for an upcoming recurring event we learned about. When you drive past, you might not exactly know it's there- almost looks like a warehouse or closed shop when passing by. It is dark and gives speak-easy vibes. When you enter, it looks like you time traveled into the old USSR with Soviet decor. We had the horseradish shots (spicy to the perfect level- not the kind that makes your nose burn), my husband had some kind of hibiscus or fruity drink, and I had the extra dirty martini. LOVED the pickle stuffed olives that came with my drink. I selected the gin, but would opt for the vodka version next time to see if I could taste more olives. Our server was incredibly friendly, and when we asked about bloody Mary's, he mentioned that on certain weekends for $25 you can pay to get in and drink bloody Mary's and have Oysters. We will certainly be coming by to try! Overall, such a unique, off the beaten path experience. 10/10 recommend.

    I rarely update reviews, but figured since I was having a new experience here. It was worth the…read moreupdate. I've been coming to three of you for a while, and I've always really loved the experience. The complexity of the drinks and the thought that goes into them is really appealing to me, and I think it's worth the price of the drinks, given all that goes into them. The staff here is all super friendly, and the environment is incredibly chic. They recently added more couches, and it truly has a lounge feel, which I think is really lovely. Recently, I needed to host a private event, and I knew they had experience hosting events, so I reached out to Maks to book my celebration. The planning part of this process was extremely smooth. Max was very responsive, making it very easy, and they were flexible with the details. As for the price, I thought it was very reasonable, and I rented the entire space, which I considered a good deal. The start of the day of the party was invaluable; they arrived early to set up, which allowed me to set up what I needed as well. My guest had really great interactions with the staff, and they truly loved the environment, the drinks, and I know they had fun talking with the bartenders, which made the experience worthwhile in my opinion. Thank you, 3 BR, for helping me celebrate some tremendous milestones in my life. If you need to book a private event, I would recommend checking out this place first and speaking with the staff. I don't think you would regret booking a private event with them, as I would not hesitate to do it again. .

    Photos
    3BR Distillery - Beautiful bar with distillery in back

    Beautiful bar with distillery in back

    3BR Distillery - Great changing art wall.

    Great changing art wall.

    3BR Distillery - Inside near bar

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    Inside near bar

    Library Lounge - Bar interior

    Library Lounge

    4.8(6 reviews)
    69.7 mi

    Library Lounge at Skytop Lodge feels like stepping back in time in the best possible way…read more From the moment you walk in, everything slows down. Dim lighting, big comfortable leather chairs, bookshelves lining the walls, a fully stocked bar, and historic photos throughout the space create a classic lodge vibe that feels timeless without being stuffy. It is cozy, polished, and incredibly relaxing. The staff is knowledgeable and clearly takes pride in what they serve. The craft cocktails are well made and thoughtful, and if you prefer beer, there are solid options there too. As a bourbon lover, I especially enjoyed their private barrel pick served neat, a real treat and easily a standout pour. This is a perfect pre-dinner or post-evening stop, we have done both, and it works beautifully either way. Dress is slightly casual but leans upscale, and while pricing is a bit higher than average, it feels completely worth it for the setting, quality, and experience. We sank into the chairs, talked story with friends, and lost track of time, which really says it all. If you are anywhere near Skytop Lodge, make sure this is on your list. Plan extra time, you will want to linger.

    Beautiful Place. Not sure why it has no rating on Yelp. Its must see if your at Skytop! Great…read moredrinks and light fare. Beautiful and relaxing lounge style room. Fireplaces and cozy sitting areas. What more could you ask for?

    Photos
    Library Lounge - Interior Pic

    Interior Pic

    Library Lounge - Back room

    Back room

    Library Lounge - Omg. This band.

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    Omg. This band.

    The Irving Inn Social - Rocky Road Brownie

    The Irving Inn Social

    4.3(408 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    1st time in Rahway and we stayed at the Watt Hotel it was late and we wanted a burger... this place…read morewas in literally a few doors down so we decided to stop by. For starters we had the shrimp tacos!!! $17 for 2 but worth every penny! And they were by far The best I've ever had!! Very fresh toppings and perfectly seasoned. And I loved the green sauce they topped it with. For dinner my husband and I split the $19 classic burger and substituted the fries for a Caesar salad. We also subbed the cheddar cheese for the smoked Gouda and omg chefs kiss!! Ordered it medium and It was cooked perfectly! For drinks we had a coke soda $3.50 and an uptown girl (lychee martini) $14 Both were good. The servers were really nice. The vibe was laid back. The volume of the music was perfect. The bathrooms were really clean. If ever in the area again I'd definitely come back!

    I went to The Irving Social on April 7, 2026, and it definitely didn't disappoint--this wasn't my…read morefirst visit, and it continues to be a favorite! I love their Caesar salad--it's consistently delicious and one of the main reasons I keep coming back. The service is always awesome, and the staff makes the experience even better. The ambiance of the place is also a big plus--great vibes all around, whether you're catching up with friends or just stopping by to unwind. It's a perfect spot for a quick happy hour. On top of that, I find their prices to be very fair for the quality you get. Overall, I would absolutely recommend, this place is a solid go-to and you won't be disappointed!

    Photos
    The Irving Inn Social - Dining room

    Dining room

    The Irving Inn Social - Grilled salmon with brocollini and apple purée with a side of greens.

    Grilled salmon with brocollini and apple purée with a side of greens.

    The Irving Inn Social - Jambalaya (risotto based... hand to Bible this is so flipping good!)

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    Jambalaya (risotto based... hand to Bible this is so flipping good!)

    OU LA - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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