Jamila C.
Yelp
Over the years, friends and family have always shared with me how much they enjoy going to Skylark. It has been a staple in central Jersey since the early 2000s, and I have never been..ever.
Welp, that changed last week! It has a retro vibe when you first walk in, great lighting, with booths lining the windows. They also have a lounge and full bar area towards the rear. The manager, Simone, greeted us with a warm smile when we first walked in. We were seated in the lounge at a half booth on a quiet Friday evening. I spotted one couple at the bar and maybe just one other couple seated at a different half booth, and then there was my party of three. There were also several high top tables available, but we preferred the booth seating. We ordered buffalo wings for the table, and I ordered the grilled ribeye cheesesteak sandwich. I enjoyed everything I tried and would order again. The fries were especially tasty with a nice crunch, but everything was good. I was doing more talking than eating therefore didn't have a lot of the cheesesteak, so I will need to order it again on my next visit.
Around 8 or 9 pm, the lounge began to transform into a more nightlife vibe and people began to trickle in. Lights were now dimmed, the DJ is all set up and turning up the volume on some R&B hits. Our server explained that on Friday and Saturday nights, Skylark closes at 1 am which makes for a great night spot for people looking to get out of the house and have a good time.
At this point of the night, the tables are first come first serve; however, you can reserve a seat for $50 ($200 for a party of four). The cost to reserve does include whatever food/drink you decide to order. You do not have to reserve a seat, but I have seen videos of how quickly the space fills up.
On Friday nights, the DJ plays more 80s, 90s, early 2000s R&B. On Saturday nights, it is more current R&B. And they offer a jazz brunch on Sundays, possibly from 12-4p. If the manager sees my review and would like to correct me on any of my details, please do. I didn't have my pen and pad : )
We headed out before the party started, but I did get a taste of what was to come and the plan is to return for some of their events which are posted in advance on their instagram. I will update my review upon my return!