Thank you!!! The hidden flask was such a great place to visit for my daughter's birthday. The ambiance was moody and comforting. The decor was on point for a speakeasy vibe. The food was delicious! But probably the best part was the service. Our waiter who was also the bartender made us delicious drinks and even surprised our daughter with a birthday surprise sparkler! It made the night special. We will definitely return. read more

The Hidden Flask - Cocktail Bars Near Me - South Bound Brook, New Jersey

The Hidden Flask certainly excels at creating an atmosphere. The ambiance is beautifully designed, and the creative cocktails were the standout of our evening. The lamb meatballs were well seasoned and enjoyable, though they felt fairly traditional rather than inventive, with little more than pita bread served alongside them. Unfortunately, the overall dining experience didn't live up to the setting or the price point. For nearly $300 for two people (before tip), I expected the food and service to reflect the premium experience the restaurant is clearly striving to create. Instead, much of it felt underwhelming. My entrée (the octopus with chorizo over potatoes) was particularly disappointing. Without any prior notice, the potatoes had been substituted with French fries because they had run out. Had I been informed beforehand, I would have ordered something else. While I understand substitutions happen, this one fundamentally changed the dish. The fries weren't crisp or thoughtfully prepared; they had the texture of fast food fries and felt completely out of place beneath such a delicate ingredient as octopus. Rather than complementing the dish, they detracted from it. Overall, it feels like the restaurant is aiming for a Michelin level dining experience in both presentation and pricing, but the execution and attention to detail don't yet justify that level of expectation. We still made the best of our evening and enjoyed the atmosphere and cocktails, but those alone weren't enough to make the experience feel like a good value. This wouldn't make the list of even my rotating restaurants, and I don't see myself returning unless there are meaningful improvements to the food and overall dining experience. If you want cocktails this is the place for it. read more

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I had a great time at their bottomless mimosas drag brunch on Sunday. The restaurant has a very welcoming atmosphere that I felt as soon as I walked in past their mirrored door. It was beautifully decorated from the walls to the ceiling, including their plate settings, and I even noticed their beautifully lit bar. They also have a spacious outdoor dining area. The brunch menu is quite limited, but I picked what ended up being a tasty item from their selection of "late morning indulgences": FLAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT 8oz angus beef patty, gouda, arugula, black garlic aioli, fried egg, croissant bun, crispy potatoes It was well-seasoned and had the perfect layering of flavors and textures, add the potatoes and I was full in no time. I would absolutely order it again. The drag brunch was a good time! It made for hours of fun, and I was happy to hear that they plan on doing it once a month. It is indeed worth checking out. read more

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This place is so cool. It feels like stepping into a secret you're not supposed to know about. The dim lighting, funky vintage decor, and newspaper style menus set the tone the second you walk in. It really has that speakeasy vibe--moody, cozy, and a bit mysterious. I went for their newly added Sunday brunch. Drinks: I'm Worth It Cocktail Clove and Dagger Cocktail Innocent Angel Mocktail Food: *Arugula Salad (the goat cheese really made this salad great) *Truffle Fries (you can't go wrong!) Flake It Til You Make It (delicious burger with a beautifully flaky croissant bun and a fried egg) *Cristo à la Jersey (amazing twist on a monte cristo but it is Jersey style with the pork roll, and a runny egg!) The service was impeccable and so welcome. They took the time to explain everything so well. If you're looking for something different from the usual brunch spots, or need a great spot for your next girls' outing or celebration, this one hits the mark--hidden, aesthetic, and full of character! read more

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The Hidden Flask has been generating buzz on social media, and I finally had the chance to visit. The term "speakeasy" is thrown around loosely by establishments. The Hidden Flask is one of the few spaces that nails the vibe. The decor is cohesive and impeccable, transporting you straight back to the 1920s. The dining room is dark and moody - so dark that I could barely see my seat. This is how a speakeasy should feel. The main attraction of the night was cocktails! I enjoyed a "City Bird" - a house rendition of the Jungle Bird with Brugal 1888 Rum, Aperol, pineapple, lime, demerara and chocolate bitters. The cocktail was amazingly well-balanced, beautifully presented, and tasty. The glassware was a vessel with a lower height and longer diameter that I've never seen at a cocktail bar. My second cocktail was a whiskey sour (ordered off the menu). The bartender nailed it! Other cocktails consumed at our table included Mary on the Run, Flight 1920, and the 007 (a Vesper Martini rendition). The food menu gravitates towards tapas style. I enjoyed a Garlic Butter Chicken Naan entree that was flavorful and on the spicy side. We also tried their delicious vegetarian fare - Korean Fried Eggplant and the Falafel Platter. Thursday nights feature a trio called the Vintage Vibe Tribe (singer, trumpet, keyboards) covering jazz standards and tongue-in-cheek cover versions in the style of Post-Modern Jukebox. I enjoyed them! In between sets, the music reverted to atmospheric house music. Our server Jennifer was friendly and accommodating, and did an outstanding job. The food and cocktails were served at a moderate pace, allowing us to enjoy the music and decor to the fullest. Several rounds of cocktails and food ran us about $100 per person. And it was worth every dollar! There is simply not any place like The Hidden Flask in Central NJ at present. It's the perfect spot for a date night, or for those seeking a time capsule journey back to 1925. For me, The Hidden Flask lived up to the hype, and then some. read more

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I had been looking forward to trying this place ever since I saw it under construction, and it absolutely delivered. At first, walking up, you almost question if you're in the right spot--the entrance is subtle and a bit mysterious. But once you find your way in, it opens up into a true speakeasy-style experience. They really nailed the hidden, Prohibition-era vibe, and it makes the whole night feel like something special. The atmosphere transports you--you genuinely feel like you've stepped back in time. We were even joking at the table about how wild it must've been when alcohol was illegal... like, imagine someone telling you that you can't drink your own drink! The drinks were excellent. I ordered an Old Fashioned-inspired cocktail called the Hidden Flask, and it was spot on. We also ordered a few appetizers, which were delicious, and the entrées did not disappoint either. What really elevated the experience was the hospitality. The owner greeted us at the door, stopped by our table to chat, and even spoke with us again on the way out. That personal touch goes a long way, and I made sure to thank her for bringing something like this to the area--it's exactly what was needed for a great night out. We were told a DJ would be starting later, so we stayed--and I'm glad we did. The music added another layer to the vibe, and we ended up enjoying even more drinks while soaking it all in. From the wallpaper to the artwork, plush seating, and dim lighting, every detail of the décor contributes to that classic speakeasy feel. The service was just as impressive--friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming throughout the night. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to. read more

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Returned for the drag brunch. Amazing show once again, but this time the service was horrible. The first time the bottomless was for the whole show, this time it was only for half of the show, 90 minutes, when the show is 3 hours. My issue with that is they charged a cover, which wasn't on the original advert, but the price of the bottomless also increased. So, essentially, you're paying more for less now. That wouldn't necessarily be a problem if the service was good and we didn't have to continuously wait for refills. They should've just left pitchers. Also, our specific server was horrible. He kept forgetting the other members of my party food and didn't fill the orders correctly, repeatedly. We got served old, burnt potatoes. Also, he forgot to put someone's in our party drink on their tab and just stuck it on mine. The menu is limited. We stayed after because we were still hungry and somehow, the dinner menu is more limited. There's a steak in the brunch menu, but the only steak on the dinner is for 2 people, and priced that way of course. The whole day felt like a big money grab by the restaurant, not the show. It's unfortunate because my first experience was amazing that I suggested more people to come and their experience was anything but amazing. read more

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I love the speakeasy vibe here. As soon as you walk in to Hidden Flask, it is evident. Every detail has been thought of to contribute to that. This was my first time going and I had a really nice experience. The Flask burger and truffle fries were good. I only wish the fries had the truffle on them without the dip. To drink I had The clove and dagger first and then 007. I enjoyed both. I would certainly order both again. Our server was good but timing was a little slow. I think over time they will get better with timing and ensuring everything comes out for each table. There are 2 parking lots which leaves plenty of parking. There is also a private room which holds up to 7 people. I look forward to going back. read more

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Used to come here when this place was Ovations and it was nice...Now, it's beautiful! Very gorgeous and Gatsby-ish aesthetic, and the drinks were to die for. Each one came with a cute message and I was obsessed with the "Mary on the Run" I ordered. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Only downsides are it's a tad too dark, making it hard to see or read the menu at times. I also wish the menu wasn't so limited. I went with the burger and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Black Garlic aioli was chef's kiss. Price point is a tad high ($24 burger + $5 truffle fries), but the portion sizes were appropriate. I also tried the Burrata that was drizzled with hot honey and blueberries, but wasn't a fan of the blueberries. Calamari was seasoned to perfection. The service was ok, not terrible, but we didn't see much of her for refills. Overall, so glad I came, and it's a great place for a fun date night. read more

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We had a stellar time having brunch here today! Really thoughtfully crafted menu and cocktail list. The banana foster cheesecake was so delicious. Service was great - diligent and attentive. Parking is easy. Honestly, it is a beautiful space! Sincerely curated and honestly, felt like a slice of nyc but with a convenience of home. Looking forward to another visit here! read more

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I was super excited to try this place but unfortunately it was an unpleasant experience. They were busy, and that's understandable but the service we received was negative. Took too long for food orders, multiple waiters for one table yet no one brings what you ask for and the food we did receive was not up to standard. It's also very pricey, so we hoped the experience would be good. Beautiful restaurant, the potential is there. We did let management know about our experience and hope future customers enjoy their experience. read more

The Hidden Flask - menu/table - Cocktail Bars Near Me - South Bound Brook, New Jersey

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we visited during their first month open and got to try their very first sunday brunch menu, which made the experience feel extra special. immediately walking in, the atmosphere stood out. it has this beautiful dark, upscale lounge vibe that feels perfect for a date, a birthday, or even a nice brunch gathering. the service was amazing from the start. we were greeted right away, seated immediately, and felt very welcomed. the drinks came out quickly and were honestly a 10 out of 10. the staff was super kind and accommodating, and they even let us customize our drinks which we really appreciated. as for the food, the steak was flavorful and cooked well, and the arugula on the side was a highlight. i loved the acidity, it balanced everything really nicely. the naan and butter paneer were a bit lacking in traditional spices and depth of flavor, but for it being their first brunch service, it was still good and has a lot of potential. the drinks really tied everything together. the morning mocha was especially delicious and paired really well with the rest of the brunch menu. overall, the staff was very friendly and easy to talk to, and you could tell they were genuinely happy to be there. that kind of energy says a lot about the management and makes the whole experience even better. read more

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The idea of a speakeasy is always cute but it didn't fully come together for me at the hidden flask. The decor and space was actually very cute and picturesque. The waiters were also dressed for a speakeasy so it all looked really nice. I think that's where it ends for me. We had dinner reservations for 6:45 on a Friday. The restaurant had a few occupied tables but they were not at all full. Immediately, you notice the decor and vibes and are into it. You also notice that it is a very dark restaurant. I know that it adds to the vibe but I think it was darker than necessary. We would appreciate the decor more even more if we could see it. The music started off very speakeasy like, mellow and then by then end of our visit it got very loud and upbeat, almost like they forgot they were going with speakeasy theme. I did find the menu to be kind of limited and pricey. When we sat down the waiter asked if we wanted still or sparking water, we opted for still. He brought out a bottle of Saratoga water. We were charged $10 for that bottle of water. The drinks looked interesting and they'd make a good picture but they were also expensive and just okay. My friend ordered the $14 truffle fries which had no truffle flavor at all, except for the tiny aioli that it is served with. I ordered the burger, minus the bun for dietary reasons, it was just fine. Nothing special about it, it came with fries that I had to ask for salt for. The burger was $24 and honestly not worth it. Then comes the service, they were attentive but after a while it became too attentive, like they wanted us to leave or order more. Multiple people kept coming over to check on us after we had eaten and were chatting. It felt like we were being rushed out or we had to order more. We did not order more and the restaurant was not full so we did not rush to get up. All in all, it was fine but I probably wouldn't go back. read more

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Went here with a group based on a friends previous good experience. (After the fact found out they only had drinks) The atmosphere is great, vibe great. Our waiter Malakai told us it was his first day and he also did a great job. Was knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. The drinks are well curated with the theme and were very good. What was wrong: The food and wait for just about everything was where the experience fell flat. I ordered the Korean eggplant, which was very flavorful and quite good, however outside of chili crisp on top it did not give Korean the flavor was more Indian. It was good but didn't meet expectation. I ordered chicken lollipops for my main, it was beautifully presented with loads of herbs which made it shocking that it lacked flavor, a lil salt would have gone a long way. And I always think perhaps I ordered wrong, so I polled everyone I was with fries came out cold and were lacking, a friend said the shrimp tasted off. The menu and kitchen needs the most improvement in my opinion. Would I return for a drink after having dinner else where? Yes the drinks were good. Go for a before or after dinner drinks. read more

The Hidden Flask - Korean fried eggplant - Cocktail Bars Near Me - South Bound Brook, New Jersey

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This place is truly a hidden gem. If you're looking for sophistication, an unforgettable date night, incredible food, fabulous drinks, and an amazing atmosphere, The Hidden Flask  Lounge is the place to be. And let me just say--Rob's service was impeccable!  He is the definition of outstanding customer service. I mentioned I was celebrating my birthday, and they made me feel like I was the guest of honor in the entire establishment, even with the place packed. From a personalized birthday card to a complimentary birthday shot, every detail was thoughtful and memorable. Absolutely amazing atmosphere, top-tier service, and an experience I won't forget. Highly recommend checking them out. read more

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terrible.. me and a buddy were the only ones there and the bartender, Dante, was not very attentive to us not to mention it took an hour to get a very mediocre burger and Caesar salad... Dante was very condescending when we were trying to give some constructive advice.. I will be shocked if they last 1 year read more

My overall opinion: good food, drinks and visual ambiance. We tried the pulled burrata, truffle fries, black garlic Caesar & the tuna app. All tasted good. The music vibes were off and not giving speak easy. It was like they don't know who they want their audience to be . The music was too loud and a mix of 2000-2010s rap, pop, R&b. Etc., it was all over the place. They had a Dj and he was giving Spotify playlist . The bar is gorg. read more

Dante is the best cocktail mixologist! The entire atmosphere and service has been phenomenal.

The good: food was delicious. Restaurant has a cool yet loud vibe. 1st round of drinks were very good. Beginning service. The bad: 2nd round of drinks, missing ingredients. Got very busy and they couldn't keep up. I asked if we needed to place our appetizer and entree orders at the same time. Was told no. Then when we hit 2.5 hours was asked to leave bc they needed the table. On an 1100$ bill. Will not go back read more

The Hidden Flask Lounge -- First & Last The Hidden Flask Lounge had been making its rounds across social media, drawing curiosity and a fair amount of buzz. The promise of a swanky new cocktail destination opening in my neighborhood was genuinely exciting. An initial attempt at a Sunday walk-in was thwarted by a last-minute private event--announced just an hour prior--but I took it as a positive sign. A newly opened establishment busy enough to close for events? Encouraging. Anticipation built. I secured a late Saturday reservation, envisioning the perfect nightcap following an excellent dinner with friends. Our party of five arrived around 9 PM and was guided past the bar into a private dining room tucked away from the main lounge. At first glance, the space felt disjointed--an aesthetic that seemed to reach for eclectic opulence but landed somewhere closer to curated clutter. Anti-royal artwork, tchotchkes scattered with abandon, and design elements that felt more liquidation sale than intentional concept. Still, ambiance can be forgiven. Service and execution are where a cocktail lounge earns its reputation. After being seated, we waited roughly ten minutes before our server approached--apologetic, explaining he hadn't been informed of our arrival. A minor lapse, perhaps, but one that set the tone. Orders were placed, water was poured, and then we waited. Ten minutes passed. Then fifteen. Then twenty. Thirty minutes later, our drinks finally arrived. In that half-hour, the experience began to unravel. The soundtrack--courtesy of an overzealous DJ--competed aggressively with conversation, while nearby tables were treated to theatrical smoking-box presentations that felt more exclusionary than enticing from our corner of the room. Patience wore thin. As someone in the food and beverage industry, I can extend grace for delays--even more so in a new establishment. But on a relatively quiet evening, with two bartenders on staff, expectations inevitably rise. The cocktails, then, became the final measure--the moment that could redeem it all. They did not. Presented in heavy, awkwardly shaped glassware, the drinks leaned more on spectacle than substance. One featured a tableside flourish: a clove-studded lime torched for effect. Beyond the aroma of burnt spice, its purpose remained unclear. Unfortunately, the first sip confirmed our suspicions--each cocktail was watery, unbalanced, and lacking the precision one expects from a venue positioning itself within the craft, pre-prohibition space. It was, quite simply, a disappointment. What could have been an impressive introduction instead became a moment of quiet embarrassment for having brought guests along. Thankfully, good company softens the blow, and we salvaged the evening elsewhere--at a local dive bar, where inexpensive beer delivered exactly what it promised. There is potential here. With a thoughtful overhaul of the menu, a more cohesive approach to ambiance, and focused staff training, The Hidden Flask could still become the destination it aspires to be. Until then-- This flask is better left hidden. read more

Ambience is great, service is horrible. Placed a drink order with server. After 15 minutes, inquired about drinks with another server that passed by our table, was told she'd check on it. After another 15 minutes saw our server walk out the front door. Inquired about our drinks with the second server who told us that our server had to step out. So did we did too. Over a half hour waiting for a drink on a not crowded Sunday at 430 pm is ridiculous. 4 employees behind the bar couldn't make 2 drinks on the menu? Would rate zero stars if that was an option read more