As luck would have it, I scored a reservation at Buoys on a busy Saturday night in Manasquan. Thanks to an Instagram post, I became intrigued and started stalking the reservations. Persistence paid off. Right off the bat, I loved the atmosphere. We sat outside at picnic tables, and the whole place had a seashore surfer chic vibe. Basically, it felt like a cool little beach hut. They don't take themselves too seriously, but the food was absolutely delicious and refreshing. One thing that makes Buoys unique is that there is one seating each evening with a fixed menu. Everyone is there for the same experience, enjoying the exact same meal together. I really loved that. We were given buckets of ice for our wine, and we were off to the races. The meal was a good mixture of shared dishes and individual entrées, which really fit the atmosphere. They don't alter the food for anyone's preferences. We had a food allergy in our group, so I reached out ahead of time. They were accommodating for the most part and very nice about it. I give Buoys five stars because, while it doesn't take itself too seriously, it takes the food pretty seriously. The whole place is just cool. I've never had a tasting menu that included chicken wings. Tuna "Chorizo," barro, pineapple, herb salad Imagine a tuna tartare with a chorizo vibe. It was stunning and delicious. Everyone at the table loved it. I know pineapple isn't everyone's favorite, but it was the perfect way to balance the smoky chorizo flavors. It was innovative and really memorable. Chicken Wings Jimmy Nardello peppers, savory ranch, 'nduja Getting a plate of chicken wings on a tasting menu was such a surprise. They were covered in this incredible pepper sauce, and oh my God, they were so good. They were perfect for the whole beach, post-surfing, laid-back vibe. That's all I can say. If you're lucky enough to get an extra chicken wing, you're scoring. Orecchiette Fra Diavolo, squid, scungilli, garlic crumb Served family style, this was probably my least favorite dish of the night, but it was still good. The garlic crumb on top made the dish. I found myself trying to get bites with the crumb because it added so much flavor. . Bucette ( Bavette ) Polenta - Miso onions I googled it- Bavette (pronounced bah-VET) is a flavorful cut of beef from the lower sirloin/flank area. It's sometimes called flap steak) Polenta, miso onions, chimichurri By the time the beef came along, I was pretty full. The bavette, similar to hanger steak, was cooked perfectly, charred on the outside and red on the inside. I loved it. I ended up taking it home and enjoyed it the next day. The chimichurri sauce was delicious. Salmon Lentil gremolata, parsnip purée Sadly, no one at our table ordered the salmon, so I can't report on it. Cronut Banana pudding, peanut butter, chocolate mousse Who doesn't love a cronut? Well, this one put all the others to shame. Banana pudding, peanut butter, chocolate mousse. Yum, yum, yum. Again, I've never had a tasting menu that fit its atmosphere so well. Everyone was having a terrific time. Because there is only one seating and one menu, everyone in the restaurant was enjoying the exact same meal together. It created a really fun energy in the room. I peeked into the kitchen, and it couldn't have been much bigger than a food truck. They were working like a well-oiled machine, sending out the same beautifully prepared courses to the entire restaurant. It was pretty impressive to watch. I can't wait to go back. I think I'd better start stalking reservations now for late August or September. read more

Service is almost non existent here, flagging down someone or finding utensils/napkins is impossible. But the food is good! Fries were crisp and the fried chicken same was super tasty, albeit a bit greasy. I also wish they didn't package everything in to go containers, even when you're staying in to eat. read more

See all

Awesome experience! The service is outstanding and the food is excellent. A unique menu and huge portions. You will leave here very satisfied. It's perfect for a date or groups. Also another bonus that it's a BYOB! It's a little tricky to get a reservation but it's worth the hassle. Just make sure you are on resy when the reservations for the month drop and you may have to refresh for a while before the reservations come through. read more

See all

The food was spectacular. Family style with options for everyone. BYOB and our waiter was sweet. This place is pricey, but the food is worth it! read more

See all

Today I ordered a Turkey Bacon Ranch Club Sub. The gal at the register asked if I would mind having it on a wrap, instead of the roll it comes on. I asked if they were out of rolls, to which she replied "No, but we want to save them for cheesesteaks later." I told her I would prefer it on the roll if possible, otherwise I would order a different item. She obliged and I made sure to leave a nice tip. I picked up my order and walked to the beach, excited and hungry for a delicious Buoys sandwich. As I unwrapped the sandwich I ordered, a Turkey Bacon Ranch Club Sub on a WRAP revealed itself. Too late to return it and explain the mixup, I was filled with utter disappointment and contempt. Today, I was deliberately fooled by the Buoys staff and I am extremely displeased by an establishment that typically delivers. I will be taking my hard earned dollars elsewhere going forward. Buoys Manasquan, run by deceitful fools. Beware. read more

Went here for lunch, it was amazing!!! Hubby and I shared a cheesesteak sandwich and old bay fries. Cheesesteak was to die for: great bread, peppers gave it a little spice kick and oohy gooey cheesy in the center. Old bay fries were a great compliment, shoestring and crispy. Ambiance was chill and relaxing, nice beach vibe decor. Friendly service too read more

Buoys - Cheesesteak sandwich and old bay fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

See all

Got a reservation for Buoy's by Night which is a ~5 course meal. We tried both entrees which were delightful but I personally liked the schnitzel more, especially with the date mustard and kielbasa gravy. My favorite was the tartare. What a way to start the meal! Really enjoyed the cappelletti. And was surprised to enjoy the Reeses cronut! I'm not usually a fan of PB but it wasn't too crazy. Small, intimate setting, maybe about 8-10 tables inside. It's BYOB and they change the menu every week I believe. This is the perfect date night spot and I would love to come back! read more

See all

For breakfast- great food, a bit of a limited menu and a long wait during the summer. Burrito was tasty with lots of eggs and guac, and the side sauce was delicious! We had to scope out one of the limited picnic tables on the patio, but it was nice once we had a spot! read more

This restaurant is not for everyone. You need to have an adventurous palette. The menu is five course prix fixe, and your only option is one of two entree choices. The other courses are predetermined, so you have to be willing to put your trust in the chef. This was too much for my wife, so I went with friends. The menu constantly changes so I'm not sure if I need to describe each course other than to say they were all delicious. There is a pasta course before the main course. I suggest you only eat half and take the rest home or you may be out of room for dessert, which is outstanding. The atmosphere is a cool vibe and the service is friendly and professional. In addition to dinner, Buoys also serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches during the morning and afternoon. I have heard multiple complaints (not just me) that the sandwiches are too salty. So unless you like a lot of salt, I suggest you tell them no added salt on your pork roll, egg and cheese. read more

The food from the first course to the dessert was amazing! Service was delightful, everyone was so gracious. The ambiance is cute and casual. Will definitely do this again! read more

Simply, WOW! 5 courses of creative, fresh and delicious food. I was blown away by the food and friendly service. Menu attached and literally everything was exceptional read more

Buoys - Menu!!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

Unique dining experience. The 4 course pri fixe menu changes all the time and they don't make any changes. This is a longer dining experience which is fun but since it is byob make sure to bring extra wine/beer. Every course comes at the same time for all diners in restaurant fyi. First course was beef tartare. Granted I am not the biggest beef tartare fan but it had decent flavor. The crab cake was lovely. Light and full of crab. The pasta scarpiello was the best thing we had. Had a little spice to it. The hangar steak was ok but found it a little chewy. The halibut wasn't anything special either. The dirt and worms dessert was not my favorite. Overall, I would put the food at 3 stars but atmosphere kicks it up to 3.5. Full night out but not dying to come back. With all the menu changes maybe I will like it better next time. read more

See all

This was the second time my wife and I have been here for lunch. Both experiences were 5-star! I've had the Rueben and the Cheesesteak w/ fries and both were excellent. Definitely will be going back to try other menu items. Service is great every time, very helpful & friendly. Vibes are chill, we go for the outdoor seating and it's a nice relaxing beach atmosphere. Definitely would recommend Buoys... the consistency in the quality of food here is immaculate. read more

Bouy's by Night is an amazing foodie experience! This was my 2nd time back and my daughters' 3rd and 4th time. You are served an unknown 5 course meal at their one seating, 6:30. Dinner lasts at least 2 hours. The menu is given when you arrive and you have 2 choices for the main dish ( course 4). The waitstaff is very courteous and knowledgeable, polite and timely. If you are a foodie, it is a top shelf dining experience. It is BYOB. They are attentive to allergies, and make you know during the ordering what can adjusted for such allergies. There are about 35 seats so reserving must be done way in advance. Everything is shared with your dining partner, and they serve a good size portion. you will leave stuffed. read more

Delicious sandwich! Very filling, but worth it and always great to have leftovers. Right on the water so a great spot to visit in the summer down the shore read more

Buoys - Grilled cheese pastrami sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

This is going to sound crazy, but dinner is too much food and they can charge more. I had five wonderful courses in a 2.5 + hour meal, served by friendly, knowledgeable people who clearly know what they're doing. The chef is outstanding. Everything was delicious with imaginative ingredients and outstanding execution. But it was a lot of food. I would have been happy with half (admittedly, I ate the whole thing). And at $100 a person, it's a weirdly good value. I would not have been surprised if it was $150 a person. Yes, it's in Manesquan, yes, the dining room is essentially a tent over macadam and the seating is mostly picnic tables (which are not comfortable for 2 hours), but I'll be back because it's a great experience. read more

This was such an amazing experience! Food that I would never order was absolutely delicious!! Everyone sits at the same time and is served at the same time. Everything is shared with your partner and very descent size portions. We were full before the main course. Definitely going back especially since the menu changes so often. read more

Fun, casual, friendly atmosphere with high quality, innovative food. Service was on point. Highlight of the meal was the Orecchiette with sunchoke marsala-bacon-mushroom. Grouper entree was way too salty but every other course was really good. I would definitely go back as I think it's fun to be surprised by an always changing menu. read more

During the day a sandwich shop and then on certain nights it turned into a great 5 course dinner. The food was creative with great service. I loved the decor and ambiance and will definitely be back. read more

Worst dining experience ever. So very disappointed considering all of the rave reviews. The first three courses were good, but the service was horrible with extremely rude staff. Our entrees were all steak served raw, purple and cold to the touch. No one was anywhere to be found to address the issue, almost like they were ignoring us. Finally flagged down a server who took our entrees away, didn't ask if they could cook it for us or do anything. Instead they put all entrees in one to go box together and put them in a bag on the floor behind our table by the bathroom. We had no idea they were all in one box together as we were so appalled no one said a word to us. We were going to 4 separate residences, so not sure how we were supposed to go home and cook our own dinners, just hold the raw meat in our hands? Then the bill came without a word being said and no offer for anything, nothing taken off and no apology. Will not be going back and let all of the people who told us to go there know and they also will not be going back. read more

Great local spot to have a unique dinning experience. There is one seating per night and all tables are coursed at the same time. It's a pre-fixed menu which changes every week and you don't know the food ahead of time. You just state your food allergies on your reservation booking. All courses were delicious and cooked perfectly. Every dish was creative, like nothing you've ever eaten but with hues of comforting tastes. Dress warm! You'll be dinning outside under candlelight and space heaters. BYOB for drinks. The most unique meal and cool dinning vibe that we've had all year. Highly recommend and we will be back for the new menu surprises! read more

See all

Buoys by Night Review: I absolutely loved this dining experience and would absolutely recommend it. It was so much value for your money and such a unique dining experience that you will remember, not only because of the delicious food but because of how special it all feels. It felt so fun that the menu was always changing and you didn't quite know what you were going to get. (Luckily though, I have no dietary restrictions but could be tough if you do I guess?) Anyway, everything from the ambiance to the adorable menu that you can keep as a momento, to the amazing and friendly staff, to the food. I had so much fun and enjoyed it so much. Each dish was extremely well thought, creative, and balanced. My favorite two dishes on this particular menu were the tuna and the swordfish. I could eat those two every day and be happy. The different sauces on each dish added so much flavor and twists. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone!!! 10/10 read more

See all

Food was awesome you can tell the chefs there take prom what they are serving. Place has a chill vibe and the beats are great as well. Will definitely be back read more

Terrific sandwiches, breakfast and regular ones. Charming little spot right near the beach. I hope they make a go of it, as many haven't at this location. read more

Too hard to get a reservation and you go in blind with what's being served that week.

Really wanted to like this place more. Heard about the cheesesteak so we wanted to try that. Also got the chicken sandwich. The chicken was flavorful but honestly the chicken itself was somehow fatty. The cheesesteak was unique. People should understand peppers are hot. I liked the flavor. Would give that a 4 out of 5. Overall cute place and would prob want to try their dinner. read more

Buoy's At Night was one of the best dining experiences I've had in my life. Every course was delicious and complimented each other nicely. The bone narrow fried rice was among the most unique things I've eaten and would happily sign up for an angioplasty to eat it daily. The chef clearly puts a tremendous amount of thought into the pairings. Service was prompt and friendly. Loved the no frills seating and atmosphere, though I may bring a bleacher chair next time because my back and picnic benches do not get along. Great people watching in one of the best settings at the shore. Can't wait to go back. read more

Came here for dinner on a Friday night. Love the concept. 5 course tasting meal. Each week I believe the menu changes. They serve each dish to every table and it's a whole experience. Everything was delicious and so fresh. It's obvious a lot of care went into prepping the food. We really loved it and can't wait to try it again. The chef and team who work there were all super friendly and took great care making sure everything was perfect. read more

See all

My wife and I go whenever we can get a reservation. And that is no easy task. Menu is always a surprise which is real fun and never a disappointment. They do pretty good at making sure there is always something there for everybody. Long way from being the sub king! read more

Creative dishes, variety of cuisines, attentive service, upscale beach vibes inside. Would highly recommend, lived up to the hype

This was a place I had meant to visit since it opened; the owner is a Butcher Block alum who spun off to do his own thing and he absolutely crushed this location. The hours are a bit truncated and it was packed when we went at 2pm and they were out of the cheese steak already. Got there burgers and fries to go and though the line started long, they service team smashed the line and moved everyone along back to the tables to relax and brought the food out to waiting groups. The place is simple but nice and the team was top notch. But it's the food that will get you to come back; cheese burger is a double smash and one of the best burgers I've ever had. Lettuce tomato and onion plus a delicious honey aioli, I cannot sing its praises enough. Fries were a touch soggy for my preference but the old bay more than made up for it. We will be back very soon. read more

These guys are next best thing at the shore. I've tried just about everything, and I would give everything a 6 out of 5 if I could. They keep the menu fresh and offer some great specials. I'd argued that their burgers are the best in Nj. Do yourself a favor and stop by. Take a seat, enjoy the food and good music. This isn't your regular burger and sandwich spot. read more

Holy. The chicken sandwich from Buoys is the BEST I've had in my life. So crispy, huge, and complemented so well by the sauce and fluffy bread. I literally came back the next day to try to the breakfast chicken sandwich which was also unbelievable. EVERYONE needs to try this food. Quick service, cute outdoor spots to sit, this place is everything. read more

Buoys - Chicken sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

See all

I live in Squan and was happy that a breakfast/lunch place took over. I ordered a chicken sandwich which was deep fried and smothered in a honey mustard sauce. The menu is small and heavily reliant on fried foods and a burger. If this is for you than have at it .there is a salad offered but no grilled chicken. Not that I'm a health freak but I hope they expand to some healthier options. Everyone there was very pleasant. read more

Buoys - Chicken sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

you'll never have a better bacon egg and cheese in your life. you didn't know they could be this good. the buoy (fried chicken sandwich) at lunch is also amazing. you will not regret stopping in here. read more

Buoys - a person holding a sandwich wrapped in foil - Sandwiches Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

Phenomenal chicken sandwich, "The Buoy". The wife had the cheesesteak which was also excellent. If you haven't tried this place yet you really need to do so! read more

The Best Chicken Sandwich around! But with the representation across the menu, anything you get is a great choice! Connor, Brandon, and Murph are true professionals and everything they create is with careful thought & love! It's good to know Manasquan gained a place like this with great food & even better vibes! read more

See all

Great food, great place with some Great guys running it! Always a good time here with an awesome vibe! Stop in for a nice array of awesome tasting sandwiches. You won't be disappointed!! read more

See all

Food was incredible; get the Buoy sandwich! The tables outside, right by the beach make for the perfect ambiance to enjoy breakfast or lunch. Staff and service were both great as well! Looking forward to returning many times this summer to this new little gem. read more

Buoys - a room with shelves, shelves, and plants - Sandwiches Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

See all

Delicious fried chicken sandwiches! Made to order ! Amazing staff & owners! Great location right off the beach! read more

Buoys - a person holding a sandwich in front of a restaurant - Sandwiches Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

See all