Mays Landing is an ever-evolving community. This is a feeling the new Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen aims to capture with its décor and menu. The restaurant carefully curates its food and atmosphere to combine the modern and historical aspects of Mays Landing.
“The vibe is very much an amalgamation of the new school with the old school,” says Grant Kneble, creative director. “I wanted to decorate the place in a way that didn’t abandon the love for nostalgia and past culture; but also felt very new.” Even the paintings have special significance to Grant and his family. In addition, the music is “curated to never feel repetitive,” and spans both generations and genres.
More from Best of NJ
The 2,240-square foot space can seat 100 guests in total indoors, with a seasonal outdoor patio as well. (The patio will be available starting summer 2021.) Inside, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and 13 TVs playing all your favorite sports games. Meanwhile, Grant says the patio seating offers a tranquil feel with subdued lighting and privacy hedges; as well as a view of the Great Egg Harbor River.
A Mixed Menu
The menu is a mix of 20% BBQ and 80% variety of unique flavors. “In a similar fashion to how we approached the décor, we wanted to create a versatile menu,” Grant says. For instance, the bar menu features classics like smoked buffalo wings as well as some unexpected options. Much of the menu includes shareable plates that encourage guests to order multiple items to mix and match. Click here to see the full menu.
Signature items at Freddy J’s include the short rib, which is easily Grant’s favorite. “This is the dish my family perfected over years, and now our community also gets to enjoy it,” he says. You can order the short ribs as a solo entrée, or add it as an upgrade on other dishes. For example, you can add short rib to their mac and cheese, or the Freddy J Burger. Sandwiches are a hit, but other crowd pleasers include caramelized brussels sprouts and homemade cornbread with hot honey butter.
Rounding out the menu is their fine spirits, draft beer, and wine list which will appeal to all palates. Freddy J’s wants to provide “a great sit-down dining experience” that also includes fine wine or whiskey, Grant says. In fact, their extensive whiskey selection includes whiskey flights so you can sample a few at a time. They also serve specialty martinis, such as the Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita and the Chocolate Martini with Godvia chocolate liquor. Click here to see the full drink menu.
About the Owners
Freddy J’s is owned by the Kneble family. That includes Grant, his father Fred, his mother Nancy, and his sisters Gina and Stephanie. They all share in managing the restaurant. Fred Kneble, for whom the restaurant is named, has been part of the Mays Landing community for over 40 years; he also owns Kneble’s Auto Service Center. “He is the life, body, and soul of the place,” Grant says.
You’ll find Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen at 5698 Somers Point Road in Mays Landing. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more, click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
Click here to find the latest restaurants open in New Jersey.
Freddy J’s FAQs
They encourage reservations for parties of 6 or more, yes.
Yes, the pan-seared salmon and hearty chili are gluten free.
Freddy J’s has a number of vegetarian items, yes.
Yes, you can order takeout online or by calling ahead.
They do not offer delivery, no.
Yes, the restaurant serves alcohol.
No, but the menu is kid friendly (and can be modified by request).
All Photos: © Freddy J’s / Georgeann Leaming
 and atmosphere to combine the modern and historical aspects of Mays Landing.){kind=link}