The writer was invited to The Loaded Spoon, and the meal was complimentary.
We love when a new restaurant comes to town, especially when it brings something different to the area. And the Loaded Spoon does just that. It’s more than just another restaurant; it’s an experience.
The Loaded Spoon in Freehold Township, NJ, is now officially open for business.
The Vibe
Upon walking in the door you realize this is a fun and playful place, but also very chic. After walking past the “outdoor dining” section and the selfie wall, you step into a dining room which has a clear view into the dessert kitchen.
Step left and you enter the bar room, which gives off a sleek lounge vibe and has more dining space. And off to the right of the first dining room is another sophisticated, dining space with modern furniture. The aesthetic alone reveals that you’re in for a good night.
During my visit, there was a live DJ who complemented the sensibility of the restaurant. For an upscale nightlife experience, you can plan on dancing at the Loaded Spoon on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The Beverages
A well-made drink is always the best way to kick off your dining experience, so we hit the bar before sitting at our table. On the website, the Loaded Spoon refers to the beverage menu as Creative Cocktails. They aren’t kidding.
While it was hard to decide on just one drink, I needed a pick-me-up. The Pistachio Espresso Martini called to me. It was just as lovely as you’d imagine. And now I’m eager to get back and try the other creations like the Blood of the Dragon and What’s Up Doc.
That’s not all. They have a whole menu of drinks called Smoke Shows. These include giant glasses filled with a cocktail and candy mixture, plus dry ice to produce bubbles and smoke.
It’s really something to see (and drink). And even better: you can order these with or without alcohol, so it’s a fun option for the whole family. The Smoke Shows are truly Instagram-worthy, tasty, and most definitely shareable.
Let’s Eat
The dinner menu offers a variety of elevated dishes from pastas to prime steaks and mouthwatering appetizers. We shared the slab bacon stack, which consisted of four pieces of extra-thick bacon. Of course it was amazing, it was bacon!
I enjoyed the tagliolini vongole (littleneck clams, clams strips, garlic, olive oil, chili flake, and a biscotti and pecorino crumble). And now I have my eyes on the short rib Bolognese and cauliflower steak fritte for my next visits. The prime filet mignon was cooked to perfection. And I loved being able to choose from a variety of sauces to pair with the steak.
Again, the Loaded Spoon goes a step above, delivering an exciting experience. They offer some shareable dishes meant for three to five people. The Burrata Balls 3 Ways sounded and looked amazing. Large burrata stuffed meatballs served with Nana’s tomato sauce, arugula pesto, and a Parmigiano béchamel. This is yet another item on my “eat this next” list.
Of course it didn’t end there. We had to indulge in some desserts too. My-oh-my, the selections were exceptional. They offer loaded shakes adorned with sweets and treats like doughnut holes, potato chips, Swedish fish, cotton candy, and more.
I opted for another type of dessert, the Aphrodisiac, which was my favorite. It had layered mascarpone mousses of dark, milk, and white chocolate, cocoa nib nougatine, raspberry pomegranate molasses, and a coffee glaze. YUM!
Brunch is also offered on weekends with options like Irish nachos, Tipsy pancakes, a doughnut tower, Maine lobster roll, and much more.
And while the atmosphere, cocktails, and food were all something special, I have to give a shoutout to our server, Maurice. He added to our already memorable experience with service that went above and beyond.
If you’re looking for the ideal place to grab drinks and bites with friends, enjoy a romantic dinner, treat the family, or indulge in a boozy brunch, this is it.
The Loaded Spoon
108 Schanck Road
Freehold, NJ
(732) 813-8700
