I went there yesterday w/a friend he was already there & I came in took bartender almost 10 minutes before she came over & asked what I'd like to drink ?! FYI was sitting @ bar less than 1/4 filled w/patrons , as I asked 4 Coors Light , I was sitting in front of beer station, she proceeded to just top off a beer that was sitting there for how long @ station ??? When I questioned her Why Would U Do That ??? She stated I poured 4 guy over there & he didn't want anymore?????!!!! What Bar Tender Would Do That ?!?! Then we ordered clams on 1/2 shell 4me & my friend shrimp in garlic butter which ate both simple appetizers took over 20 minutes till we received them ?!?! They were good but SERVICE STUNK ... took bartender another 20 minutes come back ask if I want my 2nd drink & never checked on our food service!!?! Will NEVER COME BACK HERE AGAIN!!! Yet I did years ago & so did my family when they had salad bar years ago !!! ... read more

Wasn't sure what to expect when we arrived ... there's a nice garden area with picnic tables for outside dining. There was only one server - but she was fabulous! Really good combination of friendliness & prompt attention without hovering in any way. My husband was very pleased with the raw oysters and super-cold beer (even though no draft is currently available during this challenging Covid-season). And both of us enjoyed our perfectly cooked burgers. Don't let the neighborhood, dive bar appearance discourage you from giving Anchor Inn a visit. read more

I've been going to the anchor for over 20 years, 11 of which were as an Ocean Gater. I've never had a bad meal. The food is excellent, the menu extensive, portions huge and reasonably priced for the shore. Our longtime faves (in addition to the salad bar and BEST bread ever) broiled scallops, chicken parm, the delmonico steak and, always, the pizza. My mom, bless her heart, loved the beets at the salad bar. The bartenders are always friendly, but the wait staff has their moments. As for those who complain that the decor is dated....it's charming. It's a throwback to the past. I feel like I'm at my grandparents house in the 70's and that is one of the things I love the most about the anchor. Why on earth should they remodel?? Just to look like another cold, sterile spot at the shore. God, I hope not... read more

Used to visit here a lot as a kid with our family. Was in the area. Stopped in with my dad and my family. Food was very good, service was great! Will definitely come back again to visit! Artichoke franchise app was really good. Fried shrimp good, steak sandwich delicious! Even my kids loved it. I'm 40 years old now. Thanks for the memories and for still having good food, great service, and reasonable prices! read more

It's been awhile but they had excellent steaks. The atmosphere is a little like a banquet hall or ELKs lodge but the food is really good.

This place was recommended to us. We were here for dinner and sat at the high top tables by the bar. This restaurant is located in a residential area and does not have a parking lot, street parking only. We waited for quite some time before we received wait service and had to go to the hostess for a menu. We started our meal w a small pizza to share and followed by eggplant parm w penne pasta, the chicken parm w spaghetti. Note that the salad bar is included w the entrees but was not announced to us. I took a look at the menu and discovered it. The pastas were flavorless and watery. The pizza was good though. I'd return for the pizza if I am in the area. read more

I'm new to the Ocean Gate scene. I've heard this is the local watering hole, and a place for fine food. All is true! Eaten here twice. First time fried flounder with all the Jersey trimmings. It was great, and I couldn't ask for anything but fresh fried flounder with tarter sauce. Three large pieces and cooked as it should be down the shore. Second trip, had to get the pizza. It's apparently legendary down here. True story, it's great! Got the Anchor Special which is basically a "supreme" style pie topping wise. I did hold off on the anchovy. I like em on salad, pass on the pizza. I was there just before 6:00 on a Friday. The dining room and bar filled up quickly shortly after six. If you sit at the bar, you gotta flag down a waitress. The bartenders will NOT take a food order. I sat at the bar my second visit, Kenny the bartender was friendly and on point. This place I see now is an institution here. Being from out of town, I was treated like a local by the people I met and the staff. This is my joint in Ocean Gate. Daily specials I saw included: Blackened Mako (shark) Soft Shell crabs Grouper Arctic Char NY Strip read more

Anchor Inn - A trusted classic. - Pizza Near Me - Ocean Gate, New Jersey

Good drinks, great atmosphere, and uneven food...in 1970s NJ I recently dined here with my wife, kids and parents. If you are considering a visit you need to keep in mind that you are entering a time warp back to 1970s NJ. You'll be enjoying straightforward Italian/seafood/shore food, service, and decor. Thankfully the beers and wines available reflect more modern tastes and I am happy to report that the Anchor now takes credit cards. The food IS uneven. Probably the biggest pitfall is the appetizing-sounding frozen seafood. Much to his later dismay I couldn't keep my son from ordering one of the fried 'sampler' plates. But depending on what is in they do serve delicious fresh seafood - I had some yummy fried whole belly clams. And the Italian food is dependably good (in a 1970s 'red sauce' kind of way)...the Veal Parmigiana was very tasty. We loved the salad bar that comes with dinner - pretty much everything you need and nothing you don't. But if you're expecting a 100 item feast you will be disappointed. As fair warning I grew up on the shore and have a soft spot in my heart for the vanishingly small number of places like this left. My step dad has been going to the Anchor Inn since the 1960s. Order well and you will have a wonderful time. read more

I like this place don't get me wrong but it just didn't live up to the hype. Everyone was telling me it was so great but I came with several friends and no one enjoyed their food all that much. It was FREEZING in the restaurant and we changed tables several times because of that, and it being really really crowded. The drinks were really good but the food was just okay. read more

The fresh sesame seed bread is amazing. The set up is a bit messy at the tables and you can't tell how clean your silverware really is as it's all tossed about. The bar looks wonderful to sit at but we sat at the tables that felt a bit like a cafeteria. Super loud. I ordered a special pasta dish off the menu for an item cooked fresh vrs premade. 21$ a lot of chicken some muscles and shrimp and way too much pasta with no sauce and dark greens steamed that are super bitter when steamed. It's super healthy and meat quality good, but it was in a soup of excess water from the steamed vegetables. So a watery dish and they forgot the sauce or it got watered down can't tell. Plane watery pasta and so much. Pizza is okay nothing great. Good people though. Might go again. read more

Checked this place out and won't be returning. Food is mediocre. Came here because people recommended it. Ordered a blue moon that I was told they had then the waitress came back and told me they didn't have blue moon. Proceeded to order a corona with a lime and got a corona light with a lemon, not once, but twice. Got the chicken Marsala entree, which was not Marsala sauce it was pretty much a light cream sauce of Possibly cream of chicken and mushroom soup with some chicken tenders. read more

We have been coming here for years and it was always very good. Lately though on 3 separate occasions we have had not so good experiences. Last night was the final straw. Gave our name to the hostess who put me on the list and said it would be a half hour wait. Ok. So we wait outside instead of the bar because my daughter was with us. People keep streaming in and out, I go in to check on where we are at on the list and the hostess tells me she really can't say. What!? As I'm looking around, I see a group that arrived after us and was seated before us at a table that would have accommodated us. We had 3 they had 4. We will never be back. read more

How can you not like the Anchor! The food is always good. Great variety, and surprisingly good pizza! Nice old town vibe, decent entertainment and friendly staff. I have enjoyed dinners by the fire place and a few quick lunches at the bar. It's just a good ole fashion place to eat! read more

I guess to the locals this a gem. I've lived in bayville for 20 years and after 7+ visits I do not see the glow. Servers are rude and have a don't give a sh*t attitude unless your a Townie regular. Waited for a table and told to sit anywhere and waited twice as long even though not busy. Place needs a serious update/facelift. It's the 2100 century and still only accept cash. Ordered pizza and some beers. Nothing to write home about.Next time I'll order delivery and go to the liquor store before. read more

First time there tonight. Food was tasty, had the catfish, portions were nice size. Salad bar had a good selection. The service was excellent & super friendly. Had a table by the big fireplace, which gave the evening a nice pub feel on a cold Jersey Shore night. If you're staying for dessert, have the home-made Kentucky Derby Pie. Delicious & worth every calorie. Will definitely make regular visits back here. It's a nice local place to eat. read more

The Anchor never disappoints, fresh seafood, amazing steaks, and of oysters Rockefeller are on the specials get them because you won't be disappointed. You get salad bar with every entree and if cosmos are your thing Tammy in the bar makes the most amazing ones. Someone said there's no parking lot but there is it's directly across the street. If you're going on a Friday or Saturday night be prepared to wait there's always a wait to get in because the food is that good. read more

A neighbor who said her and her husband loved going to the Anchor Inn, but since he passed she hadn't gone there. So, a few week-ends ago, I called her and asked if she wanted to try the Anchor Inn and if she remembered how to get there. She always said that they served the best steaks. Off we went and she knew exactly where to find it, even using back roads. I also was not too impressed by the looks and having to park across the street. We entered the dining area and was greeted with a smile. Restroom was spotless, that was a good sign. We were waited on immediately and went to the salad bar, which was absolutely excellent! Our meal(s) came out in a timely manner and I can't describe it other than delicious and the best steak I have had in a long time. My neighbor had veal w/mushrooms and it looked so good too! So much food, I couldn't finish the whole thing. Brought it home and had it for diner next day. All in all, I would go back to try some of their other dishes as soon as possible. Great clean place and fresh great food! read more

This place is a hidden gem. Looks like a dive bar from the outside and transforms you back in time when you walk inside. Old school Italian dishes and great pizza. Menu is full and offers daily specials. Service is very attentive. Has a full bar on the other side of the restaurant. Been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. read more

Let's face it, if you want fancy, this is not for you. If you like a tavern type casual atmosphere, then give them a try. Their steak dish is delicious, and reasonable. I NEVER had a bad meal. Actually, their pizza isn't bad either. Only Downside....ladies bathroom is a squeeze fit. read more

Food is always fresh and well prepared. Don't go between 6 and 7:30 on friday and saturday during the summer as its jammed and no reservations. Bring enough cash to cover everything cause thats all they take....and don't go on monday as they're closed. If your lucky on friday and saturday during the summer you'll find soft shelled crabs on the special board. Every now and then they have "whale" sized shedders that are unbelievable. they're as big as the plate! Must have swam past the nuke power plant and got irradiated. Don't expect ambiance cause its a back road 60s style roadhouse thats just a good time and doesn't break the bank. read more

Pleasantly surprised by this local family owned restaurant. I thought the spinach manicotti was really very good. The small salad bar was well stocked with fresh ingredients and seemed very clean. Wife loved her Delmonico steak (her birthday dinner) and son had a pepperoni pizza that was too big for him to finish. Great crust texture! Really happy with the food here. read more

My favorite bar (yes, I am a local) but the anchor trumps the food anywhere else, and the drinks are cheap, good people, great service, what more could you ask for?? read more

I've been there twice and both times I thought the food was pretty good. Prices are reasonable. Staff / waitresses are all really friendly. Nice place to go with the family. read more

Just found our "go to Bar". Recently moved to Toms River, been looking for our place. Fabulous food from Pizza to top notch Seafood.(try flounder francaise) You can't go wrong. Then you have a friendly bar with great service. read more

My husband and I ate at the Bar. The seafood Bisch was awful. We returned it as it was tasteless, similar to dishwater and was green in color. We asked for the clam chowder. Awful. I will not be eating there again. read more

Be prepared for the warp-door transformation into 1973. Tile floors. Paneling on the wall. Old school brown banquet chairs. This place is what it is...a dive. No review in the world is going to change that. The pizza is probably the best thing on the menu. The menu is extensive with lots of traditional Italian, fish choices (mostly frozen), and standard run-of-the-mill fried bar food. Wait staff is super friendly. Never a wait. If you're in the area, it's the only option. Oh yeah, bring cash. They haven't come up to speed on plastic yet. read more

Outstanding food. My family raves about the delmonico steak, but I can't go there and not get the Shrimp parmigian haha. The desserts are very good here as they carry a few things that you can't get in this area. The only reason I give it a 4/5 is because they do not take credit cards. read more

The food is always great. Sunday's are always fun no matter who your favorite team is. get there early if you want a seat at the bar.!!! always ask for the special. read more

The best pizza and seafood in the area. I have come here soooo many times and I can't say I have ever had a bad meal here. The pizza is the best at the Jersey Shore- thin crust with the usual traditional toppings. I usually go with the sausage, but everyone is different. read more

Went here for a work dinner last night as a party of 11. Service was terrible. We weren't served bread until about an hour in. Waitress kept forgetting things and seemed annoyed she had to deal with a large party. Food was mediocre at best. I had the crab cakes, big mistake. They were obviously frozen and I probably could've gotten better at Red Lobster. Everyone else seemed to have some kind of problem with their food as well, not to mention the waitress forgot multiple items like pasta sides etc. Aside from the fact that their salad bar was pretty good, you couldn't pay me to return here. It makes sense if you're going to sit at the bar and maybe order an app but I wouldn't bring people you like here for dinner. read more

Second time here. This time for lunch with our Sail Club Group. Lunch was a good sandwich. Desert was a treat. Service was great. Will definitely come again. read more

It doesn't get better. It's a favorite among locals, and I never really notice much outside advertising for it, but they don't need any. Once you went once, you're sure to return. . Broiled seafood combo is best in the state. Bar pies are another cant miss. Small salad bar, but it has al the basics and comes with every dinner. Friendly staff. They recently switched from cash only to allowing credit cards as well. Many specials. Bread is always warm and toasty. read more

Enjoyed the pizza, different but good. Relaxed local restaurant. Would go back.

Made reservations for my birthday on December 31 got to the restaurant on time they told us that we had to wait another 30 minutes and then the 30 minutes turned into another 30 minutes the The hostess did not forgot about us she didn't have a men's the tables nor does she know how to manage a reservation system they don't they take reservations but don't honor them. We actually made the reservation a week before not the day of so they knew very well that we were coming very upset with them that they could not of this and I drove an hour and a half to get there not happy After an hour waiting we left the restaurant and went somewhere else to eat Did I mention their service sucks read more

Excellent pizza and always good food. The atmosphere is dated but this place is still a gem.

Ok, native born NJ shore goer who has moved to NC and is returning to visit. My best friend who has lived during the summer for 20 years here recommended the place. I am giving it 4 out of 5 only because my steak was over cooked. If you get a steak here, and I recommend it highly, order 1 to 2 temps down. Salad bar was adequate as an appetizer. Bread was fantastic. My friend had the salmon bruschetta. Not really a bruschetta but salmon was excellent. Monk fish special with clams and muscles was also very good. This is a great place and would get a solid 4, tough to get a 5, and the steak sealed the deal on the 4. read more

We went there this week for pizza and some beers, Sat in the Dinning room and although I used to go there quite often I haven't recently ,The pizza we had was I thought was the best I had in a long time anywhere as with the garlic knots we had were also very good. I truly enjoyed my meal. read more

Every summer I fly into Philly from Las Angeles for a long weekend. As soon as I land I grab my rental car, pick up my buddy Eric and we head down to Ocean Gate. The first stop is always The Anchor Inn. The pizza here is great and the staff is even better. Just a great place to hang out. We went back for a steak and lobster tail dinner last time and I must say, it was the best I've ever had anywhere. The owner came out to say hello and to make sure the food was good. That was very cool. I'm looking forward to my next trip back. read more

One of the only places I go out to eat. Best food . Great staff, dinners, pizza and bar

Best Delmanico Steak In The World Great Sea Food I Never Ate Anything Bad Last 35 Years They Don't Take Credit Cards But They Have ATM In House! read more