Speaking from a strictly food point of view,
This is easily 5 Stars. Among the best in Monmouth and Ocean County.
But I have to downgrade it 4 Stars (probably like 4.5) due to some other factors.
The food is great plain and simple.
So that's all I need to say about that.
They have some staffing issues, they had 2 people literally doing EVERYTHING short of cooking the food.
Including and not limited to :
seating guests, answering phones ,
taking orders, expediting food in kitchen, running food, busing tables and tending to all guests' needs from start to finish!!
I know I've read some people having issues with the service being less than hospitable.
We personally had no issue. We thought they were awesome!
They are very knowledgeable, professional and despite juggling multiple responsibilities, were completely on top of every detail of our meal.
With that said, Some people are obviously put off by the fact that their service isn't gonna pander you or ooze with friendliness.
Basically whatever you need, you'll get promptly, including Top Notch food but they're not gonna kill you with niceties.
But at the end of the day, let's face it you're there to eat. And eat well you will!
As far as the perceived snooty service, I attribute this to a couple of things..
First, the 2 people they had working the floor were deftly handling a full dinning room expertly multi-tasking as the professionals they obviously are. They were doing the work of 4 or 5 staff members.
So anybody who dares to negatively comment on them-- needs to look elsewhere.
All the while, as is the case in the hospitality industry--dealing with self-important, ignorant, inconsiderate, oblivious diners that would've paid less and been better served to just stay home and eat.
Which leads me to my main issue here...
The owner Chris, doesn't act like an owner.
He is clearly a talented chef- no debate about that here. Food speaks for itself.
But he apparently treats his business like its a playground for his friends.
During a Weekend Dinner service, he was visibly intoxicated entertaining a large group of thirty-somethings behaving like it was a fraternity/sorority party.
These people were incredibly drunk!
This was going on outside in front of the restaurant and in tented area in which all patrons needed to navigate through this sea of stupidity to go inside to dine.
They broke out their cans of Yuelingling, cheap cigars and sandwiches these people brought in from outside!
Then at one point Chris wandered thru dining room into the kitchen, to emerge with a platter full of burgers for his friends!!
Completely inappropriate and unacceptable.
Bad enough you're not helping your staff,
But to sink your kitchen by having them cook food for NON-PAYING friends of yours?!?
This was literally like a scene from Bar Rescue!
Get drunk wherever and whenever you want, but never do it in the place you own!!
Look, I can't say that this scene is the norm as I've never been there before.
And I certainly can't say that Chris is a bad guy. He probably isn't..
But that should never ever happen!!
And the fact that it DID leads me to believe that it's not out of ordinary here.
And maybe THATS why his staff strikes people as less than friendly...
I'd be pissed off too if I was busting my ass and my owner acted like that!!!
This place is going to thrive due to the food but that sort of behavior will end up to catching up to you. At some point people are gonna wanna go elsewhere rather tag deal with that kinda nonsense.q read more