Frequently Asked Questions

We're open 7 Days a week to serve you better. Our lunch service runs from 12 PM to 4:00 PM, and dinner service begins at 5:00 PM. We still seat guests until 9:00 PM Sunday-Thursday and until 10:00 PM on Friday & Saturday. Our bar remains open later than the kitchen until last call. Our online reservation system is always available either by calling our automated system at (732) 627-2495 or online at Metrocafenj.com. During major holidays, we may adjust our hours, which we'll announce on our website and social media channels.

Yes, we welcome reservations and recommend them, especially for dinner service and weekends. You can easily book through our website (metrocafenj.com), our automated system (732) 995 - 9563, or on OpenTable. For same-day reservations or groups larger than 8, please call us directly. We hold reservations for 15 minutes past the booking time. For special occasions or specific seating requests, add a note to your reservation or call us - we'll do our best to accommodate your preferences. Larger parties may require a special menu, please text Rob at (732) 995 - 9563 or email at Rob@metrocafenj.com

Yes, The Market Yard, public parking lot is right behind the restaurant off Main Street. On Thursdays-Saturdays from 4:00PM-11:00PM Paid Parking is in effect. Parking is free at all other times (up to 4 hours) besides Thursday-Saturday from 4:00-11:00 PM. During these Paid Parking hours, parking is $2 per hour and can be paid by Kiosk, Flowbird App or QR Code. Additionally, there is Free parking across the street in the "Hall of Records" County Lot. On street parking is paid parking 11-11:00, 7 days a week.

We pride ourselves on accommodating various dietary needs while maintaining exceptional flavor. Our menu clearly marks vegetarian and gluten-free options (dairy free and vegan options are also available upon request). We can modify many dishes to meet specific requirements, and our chefs are experienced in handling allergies and intolerances. Please inform your server about any dietary restrictions - we take these seriously and have strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination. For severe allergies, we're happy to have our chef discuss your needs directly.

Yes, we offer both takeout and delivery options designed to bring our restaurant experience to your home. You can place takeout orders through our website, or by phone. We partner with several delivery services, but we recommend ordering directly through us for the best prices and most accurate delivery times. Our takeout menu includes most of our regular dishes, specially packaged to maintain quality. For large orders or catering, please give us at least 24 hours' notice. We do offer a complete off premises catering and "by the tray" menu for larger parties.

We love hosting groups and special events! For parties of 8-12, we offer reserved sections in our main dining room. For larger groups or private events, we have a few private dining room options for up to 20 guests and another that seats up to 50+ guests. We offer several pre-fixed menu options at different price points, and our events coordinator can help customize the perfect experience. We require a $100 deposit to secure private events, and we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons. Our covered side patio complete with our waterfall and landscape is also available during nicer weather for intimate gatherings.

With over 30 years experience in Off Premises private party catering, Metropolitan Café has become the area's most sought after Event Caterer; whether it be for intimate cocktail or dinner parties, family BBQ's, corporate or office events, weddings or large charity fundraisers, Metropolitan Café can provide the menu, staff, rentals and the know-how to make your event memorable and flawless. Please text Rob at (732) 995 - 9563 or email at Rob@metrocafenj.com

We welcome young diners with a thoughtfully crafted children's menu that goes beyond typical kids' fare. Our junior portions feature healthy, tasty options like grilled chicken with seasonal vegetables, house-made pastas, simple Burgers and Chicken Tenders as well as mini versions of select regular menu items. All kids' meals include a beverage and dessert. We also provide high chairs if needed. For picky eaters, our kitchen is happy to accommodate special requests within reason.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and cash. For private events or catering, we can also process business checks and direct bank transfers. We offer digital receipts, and our point-of-sale system makes it easy to split bills among multiple cards. For groups of 6 or more, we may add an automatic gratuity which will be clearly noted on your bill.

We offer a Wine Spectator award winning wine list, craft beers, Artisan cocktails and martinis as well as Crafted Mocktails. Our sommelier has developed a wine list that perfectly complements our menu, with options available by the glass or bottle. Our bartenders also create seasonal cocktails and monthly Specials. We strictly enforce responsible service of alcohol and require valid ID for all alcohol purchases.

We understand plans can change, and we appreciate as much notice as possible for cancellations. For regular reservations, please notify us at least 2 hours in advance. For groups of 8 or more, we request 24 hours' notice. Private events have specific cancellation terms outlined in the event contract. No-shows or late cancellations may affect future reservation privileges. During peak times or special events, we may require a credit card to hold reservations, with a cancellation fee for late notices.

Food safety is our top priority. When you inform us of an allergy, it triggers our comprehensive allergen protocol: your server notes it in our system, the chef and kitchen are immediately notified, and we use separate preparation areas and utensils. Our kitchen staff receives regular allergy training, and we maintain detailed ingredient lists for all dishes. While we take extensive precautions, our kitchen does handle common allergens, so please discuss severe allergies with our manager to ensure we can safely accommodate your needs.

We're committed to quality, sustainability, and supporting local producers. Our produce comes primarily from farms within 100 miles, and we adjust our menu seasonally to showcase the best available ingredients. We partner with local butchers and regional fisheries for seafood, prioritizing sustainable and humane practices. Our breads are baked daily and our desserts are all housemade. When we can't source locally, we carefully select suppliers who meet our quality and ethical standards.

Yes, we offer both physical and digital gift cards in any denomination. For special occasions, we can create custom dining experiences, including personalized menus, wine pairings, or chef's table experiences. Our special occasion packages can include decorations, custom cakes, and champagne toasts. Gift cards never expire and can be used for both dining and private events. We also offer corporate gifting programs with bulk purchase discounts.

We maintain a smart casual dress code to ensure a comfortable yet refined dining atmosphere. While we don't require formal attire, we ask guests to avoid athletic wear, beachwear, or overly casual clothing.

During peak hours, we manage wait times through our digital queue system. When we're fully booked, you can join our waitlist through our app or in person, and we'll send you real-time updates about your table status. We offer comfortable waiting areas and bar seating where you can enjoy drinks and appetizers. Our host can provide accurate wait time estimates, and we'll do our best to accommodate any time constraints you have. For shorter wait times, we recommend dining during off-peak hours or making a reservation.

Our restaurant stands out through our commitment to culinary excellence and exceptional guest experience. We blend traditional techniques with innovative flavors, creating dishes that honor our cultural heritage while embracing modern gastronomy. Our chef's menus and monthly specials showcase seasonal ingredients and creative preparations. Our blend of Pacific Rim and New American Cuisine complete with a full Sushi Menu has received such accolades as "Top Chef" award, Best Restaurant in Freehold, Best Lunch Monmouth County, Best Martini Bar, Wine Spectator Award, Multiple Diner's Choice and "Best of" by local Newspapers. Beyond the food, we've created an ambiance that balances sophistication with warmth, and our service team brings genuine hospitality to every interaction. We look forward to serving you!