Your Guide to Celebrating Mom This Mother’s Day in Central Jersey

If you didn’t have it marked on your calendar, we’re giving you the friendly heads up – Mother’s Day is next weekend and it’s time to make a reservation and buy that special gift. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the top places to bring your mom for breakfast, brunch, dinner, sweets, and treats for the ultimate Mother’s Day in Central Jersey.

Mother’s Day in central Jersey is all about letting your mom indulge and giving her the opportunity to do so. She’s showered you all your life, now it’s time to shower her with food, fun, and lots of sugar.

Celebrating Mother’s Day in Central Jersey 

618 Restaurant, Freehold
We’re kind of dreaming about 618 Restaurant’s Cinnamon and Vanilla Brioche French Toast already. For a buffet that’s set to wow your mom, even your foodie mom, book a table for their brunch buffet (11am or 1:30pm seatings available). Or, if brunch isn’t your thing, they’ll be serving dishes from their extraordinary dinner menu from 3:30 – 7pm. (Brunch is $41.95 for adults and $20.95 for children 4-12 years) 618 Park Avenue, Freehold 732-577-0001 618nj.com

Aarzu Modern Indian Restaurant, Freehold
Looking to do something unique this Mother’s Day? Take your mom on a culinary trip to India courtesy of Aarzu. They’ll be hosting a Mother’s Day brunch unlike any other. Imagine unlimited soups, salads, and chaat carts delivered right to your table (just like they do in India!) featuring tandoori delicacies, sumptuous entrees, exquisite breads, and delectable desserts. All you need is a bottle of bubbly to complete this liesurely afternoon! $21.95 per adult and $14.95 for children 3-9 years old. Reservations are recommended. 30 E. Main Street, Freehold 732-333-0933 Aarzu.com

The Bistro, Red Bank
This Broad Street staple will be serving it’s dinner menu from 1:00 – 8:00pm just for the occasion. You’ll be able to let mom order up all of her favorite recipes including the classic Crackling Calamari Salad. Reservations are recommended. 14 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-530-5553 www.thebistroatredbank.com/

Civile Cucina Italiana, Metuchen
Get the family together to enjoy a traditional Italian family style meal for just $25 per person. Take your time lingering over four appetizers, a salad, four entrees, and a platter of homemade desserts. Your mom will appreciate the home cooked meal that she doesn’t have to clean up! 154 Main Street, Metuchen 732-662-9982 http://www.civilecucina.com/

The Court Jester, Aberdeen 
There’s no joke about it, The Court Jester is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10:30 – 2:30pm, giving you the perfect opportunity to spoil her with all the delicious breakfast foods she secretly craves. $10.99 for adults and $5.99 for children under 10. Reservations are recommended. 16 East Main Street, Freehold 732-462-1040 https://www.jestersweb.net/

The Clubhouse at Galloping Hill (Red Knot Restaurant)
Whether your mom golfs or not, the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill aka Red Knot Restaurant will have her hitting holes in one in no time. For Mother’s Day, treat her to an all inclusive brunch that includes mimosas and dishes like Pistachio Pesto with Goat Cheese, Cherry Vanilla Stuffed French Toast, Pastrami Spiced Salmon, and Herb Crusted Petite Filet. $42 per person and $21 per child (5 to 12 years). Reservations available every half hour from 11am until 3pm. 3 Golf Dr, Kenilworth 908-884-5657 http://www.gallopinghillgolfcourse.com/Restaurant-Overview

Gaetano’s, Red Bank
Gaetano’s is rapidly approaching its 1-year anniversary under new ownership and their brunch has Red Bank diners giving them very high marks. For Mother’s Day, brunch will start at 11, but remember there’s also dinner where you can treat Mom to homemade artisan pasta, an infamous pork chop and much, much more. Reservations are strongly reccommended! 10 Wallace Street, Red Bank 732-741-1321 http://www.gaetanosnj.com

Gravity Vault, Middletown
You may not be able to brnig your mom to a mountain, but that doesn’t stop you from letting her climb one! At Gravity Vault in Middletown you can let her handle the ropes, figuratively, with a buy one, get one free Top Rope Belay Class from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Reservations are required. 37 Kanes Lane, Middletown 732-856-9599 http://www.gravityvault.com/locations/middletown-nj

Graze Restaurant, Little Silver
You may not be spectacular in the kitchen, but you can make up for it with a reservation at Graze where Chef Junior will take care of the cooking, all you have to do is bring the “mompliments” (compliments specifically for mom). Bring her to brunch at 11am or 1pm or let her sleep in and bring her to dinner. Either way, she’ll be treated to fresh, local, and flavorful dishes that you would never be able to create in your kitchen. 151 Markham Place, Little Silver 732-747-9988 http://graze.restaurant/

Gusto Grill, East Brunswick
Their brunch may be served every Sunday from 11:00am – 3:00pm, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it special with some extra flowers for the occasion. Indulge in waffles and bananas foster, lobster benedict, and countless cocktails. 1050 Route 18 North, East Brunswick 732-747-0606 gustogrill.com

iPlay America, Freehold
You may think of Mother’s Day as being all brunches and flowers, but moms like to have fun to! iPlay America has the solution where moms can ride for free all day long! She’ll have a blast on the Freedom Rider Spinning Coaster, the Spin Zone Bumper Cars, and even the iPA Speedway. She’ll even enjoy a free entrée frrom their brunch menu… with a complimentary mimosa of course! Click Here to Download Your Free Voucher, Valid Sunday May 14, 2017. 110 Schanck Road, Freehold 732-577-8200 www.iplayamerica.com/

Jersey Freeze, Freehold
Cakes, pies, and ice cream, oh my! Help your mom give in to her sweet tooth with a package from one of New Jersey’s favorite ice cream joints. Whether it’s the cookie pie or a classic vanilla soft serve with sprinkles, we’re pretty sure you’ll go to number one on her list pretty quickly. 120 Manalapan Avenue, Freehold 732-462-3008 www.jerseyfreeze1952.com

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant Beach
Spend the day with mom at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, where the whole family will be happy. Moms get in free to the aquarium, fun house, mini golf, and rides (with a paying child). Enjoy arts and crafts, a face painter and balloonists too. And since you have probably given your mom a headache at some point, they’ll be able to get it worked out with a free chair massages in the aquarium from 1-4pm. 300 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-892-0600 http://jenkinsons.com/events/mothers-day/

Jersey Shore Pirates, Brick
Everyone has a soft spot for their moms, even pirates like Captain Jack Sparrow and especially Captain Scurvy of the Jersey Shore Pirates. Purchase a ticket for yourself and your mother and grandmother can take a ride on the Sea Gypsy II with the “gruff group of buccaneers.” Be sure to make reservations early so that you can show your mom that a pirate’s life may be for you! 281 Princeton Avenue, Brick 732-899-6100 www.jerseyshorepirates.com/

Lollipop Land, Metuchen
Just like the name promises, Lollipop Land is seriously the land where sweets come to hang out. Pick out a full basket of sweets that she’ll be able to dig into for a couple of weeks to come. 19 New Street, Metuchen 732-372-7629 www.lollipoplandmetuchen.net

Metuchen Inn, Metuchen
Elegance and tradition endures at the Metuchen Inn making it an ideal spot to show mom just how much you value the traditions that she instilled in you. Let the chefs prepare some of their popular dishes off the regular menu. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax with family and friends, all while celebrating Mother’s Day in central Jersey. Reservations are recommended. 424 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen 732-494-6444 metucheninn.net

McDonagh’s Pub, Keyport
You wouldn’t think to head to a pub for Mother’s Day, but you’d be wrong. Your mom will feel the love during McDonagh’s Pub’s brunch featuring breakfast stations (Irish Eggs Benedict anyone?), a chef prepared omelet station, cold sandwiches and salads, lunch dishes featuring crab cakes, and even a kids station. Adults are $24.95 per person and kids are $12.95 per person. Reservations are highly recommended. 2 W. Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 http://www.mcdonaghs.com/special-events/

Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport
A day at the races is a day well spent! Even though Monmouth Park’s brunch buffet is sold out, there’s still plenty to do. The first 1,000 moms will be greeted with a free flower and a number of free family fun activities from clowns to face painters, pony rides, and even a bounce house. She’ll even have a chance to win a custom necklace worth $1,000 and a weekend getaway from Ocean Place Resort & Spa. However, if she wins, that does not count as your gift! Make sure to take her over to the champagne bar for a special treat! 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport 732-222-5100 http://www.monmouthpark.com/event_detail.aspx?id=7043

Old Glory, Keyport
Hosting their first ever Mother’s Day Brunch, Old Glory is set to turn up the competition. Enjoy a la carte menu items including Asparagus with poached eggs and parmesan, Ham and Cheese Waffles, and even a Portabella Burger topped with Pesto Mayo. Seatings are available every 1.5 hours from 10am – 3pm. Reservations are recommended. 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 http://www.oldglorynj.com/new-events/

Poor Cat Designs, Red Bank
Jewelry, it’s the one gift that is always welcomed, especially by women (I’m a woman so I can write that!) Combine her passion for style and her love of all things New Jersey with a present from Poor Cat Designs, hand crafted originals that are made in the Garden State. You’ll even get 10% off all in stock 18k pink gold pieces, a look that’s perfect for spring. 69 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-842-3121 https://poorcatdesigns.com/

Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, Long Branch
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Jersey Shore with a panoramic ocean view. From 10:00am – 1:30pm, Rooney’s will be hosting an impeccable brunch buffet featuring a raw bar, carving station, pasta dishes, salads, soups, seafood, breakfast favorites and more! In the evening, Chef Thomas Schoborg will be whipping up motherly specials. Reservations are required for inside, but if the sun is out and the deck is open, walk ins will be welcome! 100 Ocean Ave, Long Branch 732-870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com/happenings/

Sweet Waters Steakhouse, Westfield
This classic American steak house may be the perfect spot to final acquire the coveted favorite child award. Opening at 1pm, Sweet Waters Steakhouse will be running dinner as usual, so you can let her order her favorite dishes with a side of her favorite people. 43 Elm Street, Westfield 908-317-2599 www.sweetwatersnj.com

Teak, Red Bank
Bring your fun loving mom to Teak from 2:00 – 8:00pm for cocktails, appetizers, lunch, or dinner. Take in the view from their new rooftop as you enjoy creative Asian cuisine and cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else. 64 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-747-5775 teakrestaurant.com/

Urban Griddle, Elizabeth
Show mom a good time at Urban Griddle, the spot for the “mom in the know.” Serving breakfast from 7am-3pm, Urban Griddle not only covers the brunch menu with dishes like Jerk Chicken Brie Waffle Sliders and Nutella Paninis, but they also have a long list of craft beers, crafty cocktails, and hot coffee (for the ride home). 460 Maple Avenue, Elizabeth 732-651-2737 urbangriddle.com

Van Holten’s Homemade Chocolates, Brick
With so many options, it’s hard to pick just one or two choices to feature here and one visit to Van Holten’s – you’ll get what we’re talking about. We have a feeling mom will swoon over their Chocolate Dipped Strawberries or their customizable boxes of chocolates – all dark chocolate please!1893 NJ-88, Brick 732-840-0888 www.vhchocolate.com

What’s the Scoop, Metuchen
Three words: homemade ice cream. I don’t think we really need to say much more than that! Featuring over 80 incredible flavors including mango and mint chip, What’s the Scoop is the place to allow your mom to splurge because she deserves it. 410 Main Street, Metuchen 732-548-5900 http://watsthescoop.com/