Our Favorite Spots
We are lucky enough to dine at many restaurants/venues, Hotels, etc and these we love.
Restaurants
Heirloom Asbury Park
Located in the St. Laurent this restaurant is hands down one of our favorites. Is the combination of creative, and tasty, menu, smart and well made cocktails and wonderful ambiance. Is upscale but worth every penny. If you go be certain to give yourself enough time to enjoy the front of the house which is a smart bar and porch.
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Homesick, Asbury Park
Wonderful spot for Sunday brunch or any mid-day social. One of the best Bloody Mary's around, super tasty food (have to get the Brunch Pie - amazing biscuits and sausage gravy) that will offer everything Lemon Ricotta Blueberry pancakes to duck quesadilla.
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Porta, Asbury Park
Porta is a fun indoor, outdoor Pizza+ place with bar. Very hip joint yet family friendly. Once again love the menu; all the personal artisanal pies are great, lots of traditional italian menu items but with just the right twist and when you see the Wild Boar Ragu (usually a winter item) order two portions its just that good.
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Brando's, Asbury Park
I now understand why everyone recommends this place. Traditional Italian restaurant with a deep menu, creative dishes, incredibly flavorful, large portions, old school ambiance, wine list to match that offers prefect pairings and bar that knows how to make a proper drink. This place you will need to go to many times to respect all it has to offer.
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Red Horse, Rumson
Upscale steak house with ambiance to match. This restaurant is in an old victorian house so it presents many quaint dining rooms, some with live fireplace, and a steak menu only outdone by the wine list. Very nice bar inside and a sushi bar upstairs with its own proper vibe.
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Rum Runner, Sea Bright
Laid back vibe on the inlet waterfront in Sea Bright looking out to Rumson. Good cocktails, modest but edible menu, not uncommon for some live music, big windows with nice views and some outdoor dining on the dock as well.
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Sirena's Long Branch
Beachfront Italian restaurant good all year round. Has a bar but honestly the drinks suck so get something you can trust (wine, beer, etc.). The chef selection of cheeses and meats is wonderful (and a meal unto itself). If you have any meal it must be the Bolognese Paradelle is the best I have ever had (just unbutton the belt cuz you will be rolling out of this place). Ambiance is very nice and has an indoor fireplace that makes it cozy in the winter months.
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Butchers Block, Long Branch
Rod's Tavern, Sea Girt
Finally a beachside bar for adults; around the corner from Parker House and just as hip but this time for the 50+ crowd (guess this is where mom & dad go after dropping kids off at Parkers - LOL). You come here for a drink, the crowd, simple bite and a stroll through town...lovely ambiance and worth a sumer night or two.
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Spring Lake Seafood House, Spring Lake
Quaint storefront in the heart of town on main street. Is a BYOB, lovely spot for lunch or dinner and the Tuna Pizza a must (not like it sounds think fancy tuna tartar on crispy rice)
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Nettie's, Tinton Falls
Don't be fooled by the outside appearance of this restaurant (yup looks like a dump) as their is a reason the parking lot is always full. Nettie's may have a modest menu but every item will please your palate. The interior is very nice, the specials outstanding and they make some tasty cocktails.
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Buona Sera, Red Bank
Wonderful Italian restaurant/bar adjacent to Count Basie theatre. Deep menu with traditional fare; active bar and lots of seating yet still recommend reservations.
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Gables, LBI
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If you desire a good meal in a beautiful Victorian B&B setting one block off the beach then this is your spot. Whether you chose to sit out front on the porch, out back on the patio or inside the main heart of the house you wont be disappointed with ambiance or cuisine. BYOB so bring yoru favorite and enjoy a great date night on the island.
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618, Freehold
WOW This has become one of my new favorite Restaurants to frequent as it hits on all desired points. Ambiance is chic, hip and is matched by the menu / drinks. Here yo will find edibles such as Lamb Slider, Short Rib Ravioli or Truffle Ricotta Pasta with Pumpkin Seeds. The drink menu is just as creative and aligned to the season; Pumpkin Pie Martini's or Autumn Gimlets will only start to quench your thirst for a well made cocktail. This place is a must!!!
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Barrio Costero, Asbury
Never before have I experienced Mexican cuisine with such a creative palette. Your waiter/waitress will suggest you order "Family Style" ad take them up on the offer. Lots of plates and everyone take a portion as you need to taste all the wonderfully creative delivery of traditional dishes. The ambiance is lacking a bit but who cares the food is crazy good and the drinks off the hook. Go here when you can and then go back it is that good.
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Drifthouse, Sea Bright
Run forest run; as in far away from this place as it sucks. Went as David Burke associated his name to this restaurant but it is more like going to a high school cafeteria than a DB eatery. Food was mediocre at best, you feel like you are in a pool house (you pretty much are) and the drinks lame. Save yourself and avoid this disappointing experience.
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Pete & Elda's, Neptune
Best thin crust pizza ever! Grab yourself a beer and a big ass pizza (as is razor thin) and enjoy the family atmosphere, games on the TV. Expect to wait for a table but is worth it and just go hit the bar while you wait.
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Black Swan, Asbury
English Pub with a twist of
Asbury. Fun, laid back venue with light tasty fare that is certain to please. Here you will see a common English pub items such a s Fish & Chips (with a Boddingtons Ale) but don't be afraid to try the Scotch Egg, Baked Brie or some good ole Bacon Cheddar Tots. Deep cocktail menu that delivers so don't fear ordering a drink that disappoints (it wont).
Avenue, Long Branch
Upscale Parisian restaurant on the water. Menu aligns to the expectation, cocktails very tasty, ambiance off the hook (even a fireplace for the winter months) and a rooftop bar to boot. Only issue here is the wait staff can be too lax. This one is worthwhile just don't be in any rush and after first cocktail get a bottle of wine..
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McLoone's, Long Branch
Laid back beach feel kind of place right on the Ocean. This is a place you go to late in the day for some oysters and cocktails as you watch the crowds start to dissipate and sunset. Has indoor seating as well as ocean side outside seating.
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Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank
Love this place; bar feels like a old school country club (wood panel, big leather chairs, and freakin awesome drinks) and then step into the dining room and is Martha Stewart on the water inlet. Food is great, pricing reasonable is a keep on going back to kind of place.
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Ember & Eagle, Eatontown
La Modina, Brielle
Simply stated is a good casual date night spot. Good food, nice drinks, deep menu, lovely atmosphere hard to go wrong and a spot you can easily keep coming back too.
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Mr C's Beach Bistro, Allenhurst
Still have your flip flops and shorts on then go have a beer or glass of wine at Mr. C's. What's nice about this place is so out of the way no crazy crowd yet is right on the beach. Don't bother with a fancy cocktail (they cant make it) but if you keep the drink simple they can handle it and not uncommon for a guy with a guitar playing some tunes. This is a burger and a beer joint....now you also can go inside and sit at the sunken bar that overlooks the ocean as well.
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https://mistercsbeachbistro.com/
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Jasper Stone, Monroe
La Lupa, Manalapan
Il Nido, Marlboro
Los Fuegos, Miami Beach
Upscale Argentinian Steakhouse run by renowned Chef Mallman and located in the beautiful venue "Faena". The food is prepared open flame style, meats so very well cured, wine list for the most discerning palette and ambiance rich and comfortable. The entire menu is wonderful but you must start with the steak empanadas. Be sure to suanter over to the "Living Room" to continue your night; we enjoyed an amazing Sinatra crooner our night.
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Hotels
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