618 sits on Park Avenue in Freehold Borough, serving modern rustic American cuisine that earned the only New Jersey spot on Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants list for 2026.
The 618 Park Ave location opened when owner Matthew Borowski met award-winning Chef Christopher Dutka on a stormy January 2016 day, creating a partnership that would transform fine dining in Monmouth County.
The signature Butternut Squash Ravioli paired with Tuscan Kale Salad creates culinary masterpieces that have earned OpenTable’s Most Romantic Restaurant designation for five consecutive years.
What Makes 618 Special
Chef Christopher Dutka’s seasonal menu reflects creative style appealing to a variety of palates, where scratch-made preparations and quality ingredients create dishes that never compromise despite high demand.
The Death of Hospitality brand name acknowledges restaurants’ profound responsibility to guests, where every detail from food allergies to special occasions receives attention that makes expectations reality.
The monthly signature events including cocktail classes guided by top-rated bartenders and five-course wine dinners curated by Chef Dutka create experiences that extend beyond typical restaurant dining.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Matthew Borowski and Chef Christopher Dutka founded 618 as part of the Death of Hospitality group, where the philosophy centers on creating welcoming environments that default to consideration and building polite society.
The modern rustic concept transformed a 3,000-square-foot space into an intimate dining destination, where hand-stenciled wallpaper and four-tiered open shelving above the bar create stunning visual impact.
The restaurant name “618” refers to the Park Avenue address, where the location has become a premier dining destination expanding into additional Death of Hospitality concepts throughout New Jersey.
Food Highlights
- Butternut Squash Ravioli – This signature pasta achieves perfection through Chef Dutka’s preparation, creating the dish that keeps guests returning specifically for this seasonal specialty earning mouthwatering masterpiece status.🎃
- Tuscan Kale Salad – The expertly prepared greens create many diners’ favorite salad ever, where quality ingredients and balanced flavors showcase why fresh, simple preparations become memorable dishes.🥬
- Jimmy Burger – The ground-chuck patties with American cheese, onion straws, sweet-smokey tomato glaze, whole-grain mustard aioli, and pretzel bun create perfectly executed burger excellence worth ordering.🍔
- Roasted Chicken – The juicy, tender preparation with heirloom tomatoes demonstrates scratch kitchen expertise, where proper technique transforms familiar dishes into refined dining experiences.🍗
- Crab-Stuffed Oysters – These fresh, rich appetizers pack impressive flavor, creating one of the most memorable starters that sets the tone for exceptional meals ahead.🧀
- Pistachio Olive Oil Cake – This dessert provides the perfect finish to romantic dinners, where delicate flavors and expert baking create sweet conclusions worth saving room for.🍰
Atmosphere
The Park Avenue location features beautiful ambiance in every room, where elegant decor creates sophisticated environments that maintain warmth and approachability throughout the space.
The separate party rooms, upstairs banquet room with fireplaces, newly renovated bar, and dance floor provide versatile options for everything from intimate dinners to large celebrations.
Service remains friendly and attentive, with staff members creating personal connections that make guests feel valued beyond typical restaurant interactions, earning recognition as some of the best in the state.
Bottom Line
618 delivers Chef Christopher Dutka’s modern rustic vision where butternut squash ravioli and the Jimmy Burger have earned #95 on Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants for 2026—the only New Jersey restaurant on the list.
The Tuscan kale salad and crab-stuffed oysters prove Matthew Borowski’s Death of Hospitality philosophy creates 4.9-star OpenTable quality worthy of Most Romantic Restaurant recognition for five consecutive years.
This Freehold Borough location operates Tuesday-Sunday with monthly wine dinners and cocktail classes, where scratch-made cuisine combined with thoughtful service creates the exceptional dining experiences that made this Park Avenue restaurant worth discovering. 🌟
Restaurant Details:
- Address: 618 Park Ave, Freehold Borough, NJ 07728
- Phone: (732) 577-0001
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 4pm-11pm, Sunday 2pm-9pm (Closed Monday)
- Cuisine: New American, Modern Rustic
- Price Range: $$$ ($30 and under)
- Features: Romantic dining, private dining rooms, banquet facilities, bar seating, outdoor seating, special events, wine dinners, cocktail classes
- Dress Code: Smart casual to upscale
- Reservations: Highly recommended, book via OpenTable or call
- Chef: Christopher Dutka
- Owner: Matthew Borowski (Death of Hospitality Group)
- Website: 618nj.com
- Accolades: Yelp Top 100 U.S. Restaurants 2026 (#95), OpenTable Most Romantic Restaurant in NJ (5 consecutive years)
Special Events:
- Wine Down Wednesdays: Half-price select wines with live music 7-11pm
- Monthly Cocktail Classes: Themed mixology sessions
- Wine Dinners: Five-course menus with wine pairings
- Valentine’s Day: Special 4-course menu with live music
- Romance Experience (February): Four-course prix fixe menu available all month