Cheap Lunch Freehold Main St.

[yCf]

I will be passing by Freehold this week during lunchtime, alone. Just looking for recommendation on what and where I should eat. Looking to spend about $10-$15 on a decent meal.

I have try Ibby's already (loved it). I am thinking about Cafe 360.

[aklein]

no one's grabbing a burger at The Court Jester?

[yCf]

I am leaning toward either El Familiar or El Meson. Thanks for all input.

[seal]

Please report back if you go to El Familiar. I know I am picky, but ...

[jsfein]

I've posted about El Familiar in Freehold as well. I've been a few times and have found mostly everything we've tried ok. There seems to be a disconnect between the raves for the Toms River location and what's being put out by the Freehold location.

[Tapas52]

The Toms River location is a different owner.....the food is superior there also.
Try all the colombian dishes.............we love it there .

[yCf]

Went to El Meson instead. It was good. I had the Enchiladas and my wife had the Burrito. It was good and we enjoyed it.
El Familiar is definitely next on the list.

Anyone know anything about Metropolitan Cafe. Is that place any good?

[RobertinRedBank]

I work in Freehold and the Metropolitan Cafe is my favorite lunch place along with El Meson. The Metropolitan Cafe is excellent for lunch, well within the price range you stated.

[yCf]

Is Metropolitan Cafe kid friendly for dinner? Would it be a big mistake to bring a 2 yr old there?
If Metropolitan is not kid-friendly are there other places on Main St. that are?

[jsfein]

While I haven't brought my kids to Metropolitan Cafe, I have seen kids at the outdoor tables. Not sure if they have high chairs. Definite kid friendly on Main St. includes El Meson, Della Solla, Cornerstone Cafe, Fedrici's, Court Jester, Cafe 360, and the Japanese restaurant whose name escapes me. And on South Street - Solo.

[seal]

I'm with you on Ibby's - vg!

I'll also agree on Cafe 360 for sandwiches and dessert.

I have given El Familiar three chances already, the third just last night as they now have arepas, but they are no Arepa Lady! I really can't give them another try as nobody in my family liked their food again.

I also don't like Cornerstone Cafe - so much so that even with the coupon on restaurant.com I won't eat there.

For another option I would rather eat a Sorrento's sub or choose from among the few decent dishes at the sub-par Marco Polo buffet.

[bgut1]

Seal - I'm surprised about El Familiar. I've only had excellent meals at the one in Toms River.
I'll add Mi Lindo Mexico to the mix. I had a very nice and inexpensive lunch there a while back. Good Luck.

[Tapas52]

We all ate at El Familiar Tonight it was EXCELLENT!!! as always.....stick with the Colombian dishes.........The Empanada, Sancoho Soup, & Pork Tinga w/Arepa were exceptional tonight!
One of my Top Three Choices for sure!

[angelo04]

Seal - Ever have arepas at the Arepa Bar on the east side off of 1st Ave and I think 8th. They are to die for. From your post it seems like El Familiar's don't even come close. I got excited when I read that they have them, I may have to give then a chance even if they are just OK as I don' think there is anywhere else to get them in our neck of the woods.

[seal]

I have indeed eaten at Caracas Arepa Bar on E 7th St in the city and those are good enough that Bobby Flay did a throwdown with the women who own the joint! El Familiar in Freehold had things they called arepas ...

[RGR]

I have never tried the food at Cafe 360, but their gelatos are delicious!

I second Angelina's El Meson rec.

[Tapas52]

El Familiar Restaurant
3 W Main St
Freehold, NJ 07728
[phone]

Excellent Colombian/Mexican

[shesallthat]

And you really can't go wrong with Cornerstone Cafe. They have a variety of everything and the best sweet potatoes fries I think.

[shorebilly]

Great split pea soup too!

[Angelina]

What about El Meson? Yummmmm

I just love that place. Those chips are addictive, too! I always order the enchillada's.