Almost Home General- Restaurant Review

Almost Home– Located in Lincroft NJ this is a must-eat brunch spot!

“Monmouth County has an immaculate food scene that rivals anywhere in the rest of the state and Manhattan too.”

I grew up in Lincroft, around the corner from Almost Home. The name is fitting as I often pass the restaurant on my way home from work or whatever other shenanigans I am getting myself into. For all of my childhood and a bulk of my debaucherous adulthood – so far – Almost Home was about the closest thing to a bodega that Lincroft had to offer. A quaint little establishment called The Sunnyside Deli. I use the term “deli” loosely. No disrespect, but Sunnyside wasn’t much in its twilight years. A quick stop for an average cup of mass-brewed coffee in a cheap styrofoam cup and perhaps a little croissant wrapped in plastic that was most assuredly not baked on the premises, if even in the state of New Jersey. 

Monmouth County has an immaculate food scene that rivals anywhere in the rest of the state as well as Manhattan. But you wouldn’t be able to ever convince Manhattanites of this because Manahttanites believe that no world exists outside of their tiny little trash island, but that’s a topic for a different blog.

“It wasn’t until the Sunnyside Deli went under and was purchased by a new owner to become Almost Home that Lincroft was put on the food map proper.”

Lincroft, despite being in Monmouth County, has never been one of the locations known for its food scene. A town roughly five square miles big, there’s room for little more than the staples of food; a pizza place, Chinese take-out, a sandwich shop (the indominitable Joyce’s), and an unfortunately located establishment that has been roughly 12 different restaurants in 25 years. When this building was the old Lincroft Inn it was the best place for a locals-only watering hole. They made the best bar burger around, on a flat top with 40 years of gristle built up. But that place is no longer there. 

It wasn’t until the Sunnyside Deli went under and was purchased by a new owner to become Almost Home that Lincroft was put on the food map proper.

“I’m lucky enough to be able to bike there and the owner, Rob, supports this by providing a bike rack on the side of the building for me to tie up.”

Despite often having to wait for a table in this small establishment, I am glad that it is often so busy because I feel confident that I will get to enjoy this place for years to come. I’m lucky enough to be able to bike to Almost Home and the owner, Rob, supports this by providing a bike rack on the side of the building for me to tie up. 

On this particular day, we drove. It was extra hot out. We arrived around 9 am on a Saturday and it was thankfully quiet. Only two tables were taken, a four-top and a two-top. 

The four top had a family, a husband, wife, and two kids. I dislike when kids are at a restaurant because they are rarely well-behaved. This was no exception. I tend to blame the parents in these situations, but what do I know? I don’t have kids and I’m not equipped to have kids. 

At the other table was a father and his daughter. The girl was incredibly well-behaved. That made me happy.

“She is the heart and soul of this establishment.”

We were greeted by local legend, Sue. She is the heart and soul of this establishment. I’m not quite sure of Sue’s hours, but I’m inclined to believe that she may actually live at Almost Home as she is always there when I’m there, and she’s always my server. She’s always a delight. 

Black cold brew for me. Always black. I like to taste the coffee. 

Lavender Latte for Melissa, because it has to be tried. 

The coffee at Almost Home never disappoints. Don’t drink at Starbucks or Dunkin. Their coffee is trash. Drink local.

Now for the main event; it was time to order food. Melissa ordered one of the specials, the Street Corn Galette. An interesting combination of Mexican street food and a French pastry staple. And of course, we threw an egg on it because everything is better with an egg on it, except your face I suppose. 

“Big slices of challah bread, a berry compote blend, and some vanilla cream quennelles. Fucking chef’s kiss.”

Now for the main event; it was time to order food. Melissa ordered one of the specials, the Street Corn Galette. An interesting combination of Mexican street food and a French pastry staple. And of course, we threw an egg on it because everything is better with an egg on it, except your face I suppose. 

I don’t enjoy sweets for breakfast often, but when I do it’s French Toast. What I like about French toast is the variety that it lends itself to. Pancakes and waffles are only a few carbohydrates separated from one another, but French toast can take the form of just about any type of bread. Challah is the go-t0, but I’ve had French toast with thick Italian bread, sourdough, French baguette, and even plain-ass white bread. Each type of bread lends a different texture and flavor profile. 

Why am I babbling about French toast? Because I got the French toast off of the menu at this meal. Big slices of challah bread, a berry compote blend, and some vanilla cream quennelles. Fucking chef’s kiss. The French toast was perfectly battered and cooked, topped with some fresh maple syrup, it was truly a treat. 

Good conversation, great food, wonderful service, and a truly welcoming environment really does make this place feel like we’re almost home.