A storied chef, a Bergen County restaurateur, and two neighborhood restaurants that couldn’t be more different—yet couldn’t work better together.
Daniel Grey has been in the industry long enough to know what works.
The Bergen County restaurateur—whose portfolio spans Allendale, Waldwick, and now Ramsey—has built his most cohesive run yet in tandem with Executive Chef Joey Sergentakis, a storied culinarian who cut his teeth under Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, and Gray Kunz before earning a Michelin star as Chef de Cuisine at the legendary Café Gray Deluxe in Hong Kong. That résumé could take him anywhere. He chose to come home to New Jersey (a decision we wholeheartedly approve).
Together, Grey and Sergentakis run two Bergen County restaurants that sit just minutes apart but couldn’t be more distinct from one another. That’s the point.
Allendale Social: Where Sergentakis Flexes His Chops
Allendale Social is where Sergentakis shows the range of his resume.
The menu moves between continents without losing its footing—Cherry Stone Creek oysters with black pepper-pear mignonette, Hamachi crudo with yuzu kosho and rice pearls, Kataifi-wrapped tiger prawns with togarashi, lime, and pineapple-jicama salsa. The raw bar alone earns the reservation, but it’s just the start.
The kitchen gets more serious—more dialed—as the menu progresses. Spanish octopus over romesco and smoked potato. Black miso cod with black garlic, yuzu kosho beurre blanc, and charred broccolini. Lobster Thermidor—whole lobster, seafood risotto, gruyère gratin—showcases the most luxe of classic fine dining, albeit with a modern tilt.
And for Sergentakis, that’s exactly the kind of dining experience he’s going for—refined and serious, but never fussy. A place built for locals, and those traveling far and wide for an exceptional meal alike. “I couldn’t be more excited to continue building Allendale Social into a true dining destination here in New Jersey,” said Chef Joey Sergentakis. “Allendale Social is about delivering exceptional food, cocktails, and service in an elegant yet approachable setting,” added Daniel Grey.
The room matches the best parts of the menu: sophisticated without being stiff. It’s fit for it all—a proper date night, business dinners, simple drinks and oysters, or a casual meal with friends. Outdoor dining is available through the summer months, with live music running through spring and summer. The bar stays open until midnight Thursday through Saturday, and 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. The kitchen opens at 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.
Charlie’s Place: Same Chef, Different Frequency
A few minutes down the road in Waldwick, Charlie’s Place is operating on a completely different wavelength—and it works just as well.
This is the neighborhood spot Bergen County has been looking for. Refined around the edges, with an unapologetic casual lean. It’s a sports bar after all. But like every other kitchen Sergentakis gets his hands on, the food is the story.
Crispy chicken with miso-caramel glaze and furikake crunch screams gastropub without borders. The Tokyo Cheesesteak—shaved ribeye, soy-garlic butter, sautéed onions, melted provolone, yuzu aioli—fills a similar vibe. Pork Belly-stuffed bao buns and Pecorino truffle fries round out a snack situation that’s easy to get lost in. But don’t lose sight—there’s still more to have.
For something more substantial, the pan-seared halibut with garlic herb crust, cherry tomato, and white wine beurre blanc shows that it isn’t just small plates and sandwiches that Charlie’s does well. Fresh orecchiette with rich beef bolognese and lemon ricotta offers something for the pasta lovers, too.
Let me let you in on a secret: Weekend brunch at Charlie’s Place is one of Bergen County’s best. The Brunch Burger—Taylor ham, egg, cheddar, and “cha cha” sauce—is what Jersey brunch dreams are made of. Strawberry pancakes with lemon ricotta, honey, and pistachio offer something for your sweet tooth. $5 Mimosas. $8 Bloody Marys—no, your eyes do not deceive you.
Most of all, Charlie’s Place is fun. It’s somewhere you want to be. Live music Friday and Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m., karaoke on Thursdays, and a reverse happy hour running from 10 p.m. until close on weekends each offer a bit of something for everyone.
Charlie’s Place is open Monday through Friday starting at 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m.
Along with Allendale Social just down the road, Grey and Sergentakis are quickly establishing their corner of Bergen County as a premier dining destination. Two restaurants, two distinct experiences. Both are worth the trip—and if you’re already making the drive to Bergen County, there’s no reason not to hit both.
Allendale Social is located at 9 Franklin Turnpike in Allendale; Charlie’s Place is at 18 West Prospect Street in Waldwick.
For reservations, menus, and more, head to allendalesocial.com and charliesplacenj.com
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
