The Good: Beautiful decor, great ocean and inlet views, excellent servers, friendly greeting. The desserts were marvelous - right up there with five-star NYC eateries. The Meh: The menu is too large - and the specials overwhelmingly complex. Decision fatigue set in quickly. The price point is high - and not always justified. The Ugly: The "Forbidden Rice" was swimming in a puddle of butter. read more

Our gang of six started making this our Tuesday place for dinner a couple of months ago. This place has it all, great food, great service, ambience and a view of the ocean. Our group has tried many things on the menu and every time they're very pleased with the result. They not only have a great bar menu and a full dinner menu, but we were pleased to find they have excellent sushi as well. Luis and Brook, especially have been taking care of us. Try the ribs. You will be very pleased. read more

What a great spot! Came here randomly on Tuesday night and they had a really great musician playing an acoustic set. It was also oysters and burger special night! I got a dozen oysters that were small but great! We also got the 7 oz prime steak frites, and Surf and Turf Burger (lobster meat and dry aged burger) and a Shrimp Tempura Roll. I also got a blood orange old fashioned which was great! Everyone working there was great and our waitress Cynthia was great! Highly recommend this restaurant. read more

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Wonderful evening at Drifthouse! Great bar scene and cocktails, accommodating host, terrific waiter, Mark, and outstanding sushi, steaks and lobster dishes. We will return! read more

First time here, I have been to other David Burke restaurants. This is inside Driftwood cabana but upstairs. Ample parking. Decor is very nautical, which is great because of Seaside location. Our server was attentive. We started with the wedge salad and spicy calamari with long hots. My ny strip was ok, i should have ordered the Halibut. Lol. The scallop and octopus with Risotto was very good. Overall I would be back. read more

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Food and service were excellent! Everything was amazing! I would highly recommend to have dinner or brunch here read more

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Took my mother in law here for her birthday. It has an upscale coastal vibe without being pretentious. The food was delicious, and going on burger night seems to be a local must do. We enjoyed the calamari, burrata and a summer salad special as appetizers, as well as popovers. Some of us had burgers, others seafood. I enjoyed a delicious piece of tilefish. Finishing with dessert, we enjoyed lava cake, cookies, and the seasonal peach cobbler. My only issue was the service, which was painfully slow, confusing, and a bit out of order sometimes. Everyone was well fed and happy in the end, so we will return! read more

The red snapper with outstanding! I would return to this restaurant just for that dish. Great service as well. And you can't beat the ocean views. read more

Drifthouse - New American Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

Came for restaurant week, we weren't offered a restaurant week menu until we asked. Drinks were all ice. My son was charged for each refill of soda and bread was $3.50, but they only gave you two small slices of bread! The waitress said she would bring more if we wanted, which she did but then charged us for them. Definitely not worth the money, there are way too many good places in the area to waste time and money here. Food was subpar. read more

My fiancé and I came to Drifthouse for date night. The blown glass decor is so beautiful. There is a membership you could join to get perks! Our waiter was so lovely and the manager came over to check on us. We ordered some espresso martinis, oysters, a Caesar salad - which was perfectly dressed, I ordered the branzino special and my fiancé ordered the linguine and clams. The branzino was out of this world. It was grilled perfectly and had a chimichurri sauce. It's not on the main menu, but I hope it makes the cut because I would order it every time. We also ordered the crème brûlée. Needless to say we have signed up for perks and we will be back. read more

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I was super excited to get down to this restaurant! When I arrived I found parking in the lot. I walked up to the restaurant and it was nice. I sat at the bar and was served by Chaz, and he was great. I started with the espresso martini and the lemon drop martini. I really enjoyed the espresso martini the most. For my appetizer, I had the mussels, and it came out in about 10 minutes. They did not disappoint. They were delicious! For my meal, I hot the squid ink pasta with lobster, calamari, and shrimp. That, too, was delicious! For my dessert I got the keylime pie which I enjoyed. I had a really good experience! read more

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Food across the board was great. Crab cake was quite unique but scrumptious, oysters were super fresh and delicious and the catch of the day was excellent. Service was very slow. read more

Drifthouse - New American Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

Haven't dined here in a couple years, but very happy we returned. We had an outstanding dinner. The Lobster Bisque has the most generous portion of lobster possible, and you get to keep the mug! Eggplant chips were delicious as well for appetizer. The Seared Snapper main course over Market Vegetable was the best main course I've had in a while, just perfectly cooked and so fresh. Also sampled some of my daughter's hamburger on English muffin which was great. Desserts: Key Lime Pie, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Sandwich were all amazing! Only drawbacks were some pacing issues with the meal. Food came out slow and out of order on a fairly empty Sunday Evening. Long break between our appetizers and main course, and our delicious Truffle Fries side came out after our main course was completed. The manager proactively came over to apologize for the kitchen issues which we appreciated. Also thought it was a tad hot in the restaurant as well. Drawbacks aside, I think this is one of the highest quality meals that can be had in the area. Enthusiastically recommended! read more

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Standard David Burke attention to detail-generally his staff is well trained and customer service oriented. His burgers on oversized English muffins are always spot on. Well crafted drinks. Fun place, I'm sure it's packed in nice weather. As I live nearby I prefer off season. read more

First date night in a bit. Haven't yelped in a while because children and nothing has made me want to yelp. However, food was so bad I needed to make a review. First off , when you have to pay for bread, it better be magnificent. It tasted like the crust of white bread flavored with poppy seeds! Take a look at the photo there's no dough inside the bread !! Then the pretzel crusted crab cake ... it was literal pretzel sticks on top of a crab cake - woof. Then we have our entrees The seafood risotto thing- the scallops were the saltiest I have ever had. The salmon had the skin on top? Who does that ?? Mine also had a bunch of bones in it. We also ordered Brussel sprouts that were inedible!!! Soooo burnt and no flavor. Very disappointed. Our waiter was new but beyond sweet and kind! But poor guy- this place sucks !! So sad we waisted a night out here !! read more

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I was surprised to be disappointed in a restaurant of this reputation. My blood orange old fashioned was overly sweet, and my friends found their expresso martinis unexceptional. A calamari appetizer was good but the oysters Rockerfeller were just average. Lobster bisque was good, but clearly not the advertised meat of an entire lobster. My Fennel CorianderTuna was rare as requested, but overwhelmed by the seasoning. My wife had the same tuna and the same issue. Our server was excellent- friendly and helpful. read more

Drifthouse - Fennel Coriander Tuna - New American Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

Paul great waiter. Scallops entree and sushi were fantastic. Brussel sprouts side were awesome. Great vibe

I had to go back to see if this restaurant was consistently good. And it was! There were seven of us this time and that special wedge salad was still a supreme winner! The lobster bisque had the meat from a whole lobster in the bowl, and you get to take the beautiful bowl home! Raw bar was deelish, clothesline bacon always a winner. The eggplant chips appy at Happy Hour were served with a seasoned yogurt dip with tomato jam and fresh julienned basil. Ah, the beautiful tastes of summer in a dish with a creative spin! So, the squid ink pasta with shellfish, still delectable. Mine was linguine and clams, others had halibut, salmon, and end of meal Key lime pie. Beautiful scenes out the windows of inlet on one side, ocean on the other made our dinner hours very lovely. I watched tonight and noticed a few things. This time, some of the patrons get my criticism. Why come to a Happy Hour and order a glass of water? The venue is offering a great price on their drinks and appys. I imagine there's nothing worse than six people taking up bar space to order water, and even though it's free, it still has to be poured and served and cleaned up. What's wrong with people who don't leave a tip for spending NOTHING and then being waited on?! The other thing I noticed was the maitre d'. He was visible all evening and keeping a watchful eye on all the guests, the staff, the tables, the food, and engaging with each party, and most more than once. It was wonderful to see the management keep a close eye, assessing all the things that went right, and those he may have thought could use improvement. This effort sets the better restaurants apart from the mediocre. The ambience, food, drinks, views, staff, and pricing still make this one of the best options at the shore. read more

Came back for a casual Wednesday happy hour. Food was good as was the ambiance. Always a good spot. read more

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I don't even know where to start. Maybe with the HAIR I found twice in my food? First in the appetizer, then again in the main course. Not just a tiny strand either--like someone's whole shift's worth of shedding ended up on my plate. Told the server (who was actually very apologetic), but when the manager came over, it somehow got worse. Zero accountability, no apology, just attitude. He acted like I was the problem for pointing it out--as if finding hair in your food isn't a health code violation but a "minor inconvenience." Honestly, I've never been treated with such rudeness by someone in charge of hospitality. If I wanted to be disrespected and grossed out, I'd have stayed home and watched reality TV. Never going back. Ever. read more

Great place to have a meal and listen to a live band. Excellent sushi and happy hour 4-7pm.

Just had a wonderful & delicious dinner at Drifthouse. Just moved at the Jersey shore area, and this place is definitely our favorite! Service & food are great... and the view!! We had happy hour before dinner. Bar tenders were great and friendly! I mentioned to the manager (Hafid) we wanted a window table. I think he literally waited for a table to be ready for us. We sat where we would like to be and Hafid checked on us a few times, same he did with the other guests. And Lilly, our wait staff is such a darling! Hope she will wait staff next time we go! Gabby, one of the hostesses, was very friendly too! And food- all so delish! I have not had mussels as tasty!! And of course, the enjoyable live music! It's a great evening at Drifthouse! read more

Tried Happy Hour this past Thursday. Meh... Mussels were good and the sauce was tasty but the NY Strip just didn't taste good plus they undercooked it- quite rare when I asked for medium rate. It was also badly plated and the vegetables didn't have much flavor. That coup Li ed with very mediocre service spells- we won't be going back especially after the similarly bad experience at the beach bar. Ambience however was quite nice with great views. read more

Vibrant bar scene for a Thursday night but we were there for dinner with my sister and our husbands. David Burke's restaurants Fromargerie was a shore standard for years so we were anxious to try this one. The menu is seasonal with fish and some meat offerings. Three of us ordered the fish dishes. My sister and I ordered the black squid pasta and my husband ordered the open lobster pot. My brother in law ordered the pork chop. All was very good. Our server, Chris, was very attentive and friendly. He answered my questions about various dish offerings. It is worth trying this restaurant for the view of the pool and ocean. read more

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Went there Saturday for a birthday dinner . The staff was just amazing bartenders, our server all pleasant and welcoming. Ambiance beautiful.Unfortunately we were not happy with our food both of us had surf and turf . Husband ordered medium rare steak, I ordered medium well. Both came out exactly the same shoe leather , and the lobster was kind of room temperature. We wanted to like this place so bad . It wasn't busy we went early. So no reason for this . read more

I came here twice in a row and I hate to knock off a star. I left telling the manager my waiter (Michael) ruined my dinner. I'm in Jersey on a business trip. I'm a fan of Chef David Burke and knew he has a restaurant close to where I'm staying. I also received the Yelp ROTD for my review at the Red Salt Room in Garden City NY. I came to Drifthouse on Tuesday night, where they have an incredible happy hour. A $7 burger crafted by Chef David Burke?! $1 Oysters?! I'm not fancy, I sat at the bar and totally enjoyed my meal. I had plans to get the Clothesline Bacon but the Oysters left me satisfied. I see the manager and we start chit chatting, nice friendly spot for sure. I look at the regular menu and the Short Rib Cavatelli leapt off the page. I made a decision to come back the next day. Walking upstairs, the manager welcomes me back. There is a small band playing, he tells me I'll seat you to the side. There is a table of 4 and they're singing along with the band. They're also commenting on the songs and are starting to become rude to the performers. I don't care because I'm feeling rather happy. They're simpletons so I'm not bothered by them being loud. My waiter comes to me and I order the Short Rib Cavatelli. My meal comes out pretty quickly. Man, the Short Rib is ah-mazing. Fork tender and it works very well with the perfectly cooked, homemade Cavatelli. Another amazing dish from Chef David Burke. Now I'd like something to drink, maybe a glass of wine? My water glass is empty and I see the waiter talking to only table in the dining room. He's talking and telling his life story! He worked here in 2018 and left to concentrate on exporting but then he switched to importing?! Dude, what the HELL! At least 15 minutes of this nonsense, I finished my meal and asked for the check. As I'm leaving the manager says how was everything. I told him I'm leaving pissed off because the waiter abandoned me. What started out great turned into mess. This BS wouldn't happen in New York. Chef David Burke, look into this nonsense, it's your name on the restaurant. read more

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In general the food was excellent. Let's just say that we should have ordered the Clothesline Bacon instead of the mussels. Otherwise everything was delicious. Nice touch of the soft egg on the Caesar. For our mains we had the snapper, the pork chop, and the linguini and clams in white wine sauce. All of the dishes were touchdowns (using that term instead of my usual "home runs"). The caramelized lemon caper sauce on the fish and pork chops was exquisite. The service team was terrific except for forgetting to bring a glass of wine that was ordered during dinner. No big deal (at least to me since it wasn't my wine) but it really should not have happened. I would definitely go back. read more

Came to Drifthouse for their restaurant week. It was $34.21 for their 3 course Pre-fix menu that includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Our server was excellent and very personable. For starters I had the Seasonal Flatbread, that had mushrooms, Gorgonzola, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and thyme. It was crisp and delicious. My hubby had the Muscles in tomato broth with orecchiette, basil and njuja. He enjoyed his dish and the broth was very flavorful. For the mains I had the Shortrib w/ cavatelli, mushroom, spinach, and truffle pecorino. The meat was fork tender and the pasta was cooked perfectly. I enjoyed the dish. My hubby had one of his favorites, the Branzino w/ artichoke hummus, red pepper, fennel, & olives. The dish had a great presentation and was flaky and moist. For our desserts we had the Chocolate chip cookie ice cream sliders that came with Amarena cherries, candied pistachios, and toasted marshmallow. We each had one slider and it was very tasty. We took the other dessert to go which was a Double chocolate mousse cake with raspberry, toasted almond, and whipped cream. I personally didn't eat it but my stepdaughter loved it. All in all it a great dinner. The only thing that disappointed me was that they weren't offering the lobster night menu which they have every Sunday. I had my heart set on the lobster mac & cheese and a whole lobster and my hubby wanted some oysters. They told me that due to it being restaurant week they weren't offering that menu but it will be available on the following Sundays. I plan on returning in the future when that menu is available. read more

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Went there for my girlfriends birthday. The staff was phenomenal I had door dashed some flowers there to be at the table prior to our arrival. The staff arranged w me to meet the driver to pick them up and hold them for our reservation. The food was good. The bacon clothesline and the steak were delicious as well as the seared snapper. I would avoid anything fried. We had zuchinni chips and broken potatoes. They both tasted like the oil was old. Just dark crumbly and saturated in oil. The chimichurri is also essentially just an oil not the consistency I'm used to. Would go again. read more

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Excellent service and delicious meals. The wait staff led by general manager Hafid Elbroji are great. Highly recommended on all counts.

Loved it here, great food and atmosphere. Went for wedding anniversary and they treated us great!!!!!!!!!! read more

Drifthouse - Black ink pasta - superb - New American Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

Valentine's Day dinner. Great food, great service. We. had grandmas meatballs, pasta pomodoro, lobster bisque- husband's favorite, and prime rib. Staff so nice and relaxing atmosphere. read more

I had a terrific time at Drifthouse this Sunday. Sunday is Lobster and Oyster Night. The Menu is geared toward Lobster and Oyster appetizers and Entrees. As a group we stuck to the specials for the most part. $12 for a 1.25 lobster, cleaned, split and cracked. Delicious lobster cooked perfectly accompanied by clarified butter. Lobster pizza, I did not partake but my guest have 2 thumbs up. Linguini clams Casino, delicious...I can't wait to make this myself. Hipster fries, the shishito peppers and bacon make the dish. The angry broccoli rabe was cooked perfectly. The brusselsprouts with horseradish cream were off the charts fantastic. The meal was wrapped up with creme brûlée which was excellent. No corkage fee on Wednesday and Sundays which is an added plus. Service was perfect. The scenery is beautiful with wonderful Atlantic Ocean views. I am looking forward to returning. read more

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Not a fan for this place to much salt and my food came out over cooked. Will not be back read more

excellent food , best short rib I can remember, looking forward to be back here. Service was stellar our waitress Lily was excellent.

We came here for their Easter lunch and had a great time. My parents are making it a goal to visit all of David Burke's restaurants now. We were asked to wait by the bar and were seated fairly quickly, with a view of the ocean on one side, and the bay on the other. The server was knowledgeable about the menu and was very helpful with accommodating for food allergies. My brother was impressed with how she remembered our orders. Food was plentiful! To be honest, one of my 2 sides was cold, but I didn't mention it since I don't like mushrooms anyway. I'm pretty sure we all took leftovers home. I really enjoyed the popover appetizers they brought out and the desserts were all awesome as well. I'd be interested to come here on a regular occasion. read more

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Small plate and cocktail experience for us. Tuna tartare was deelish and the cocktails were well done. Ambiance was comfortable, beautiful view of the pool and ocean. It's nestled in a beach club and is part of David Burke's umbrella of lackluster offerings. All hype, there are better options in that area. read more

On June 22, 2022 - based on an advertised special "Wok & Roll Wednesdays" (valid from March 7, 2022 to June 26, 2022) - we drove from several towns away through pouring rain to this restaurant. We showed up to an almost deserted restaurant and the server informed us that we were the latest victims of a Bait & Switch ploy and that sushi wasn't half price but asked if we wanted overpriced tequila and tacos instead. We opted to leave instead and - needless to say - won't be back. read more

We were 4 couples at a restaurant week dinner. We couldn't say enough good things about the very special menu for a low price including salad or appetizer, entree and dessert. The presentation on each item was a 10. If that didn't wet your appetite, nothing would. Our waiter was fabulous and made sure we were all happy. True professional. We definitely plan on returning on future occasions. read more

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We annually dine at Drifthouse for my birthday during restaurant week. This year we didn't make a reservation because we weren't too crazy about the options on the restaurant week menu. When we were in the area, my husband suggested that we go there for a drink and a bite at the bar since it was happy hour. He ordered the steak and frites and I decided to get the restaurant week deal. His steak frites were just alright, the fries were the highlight of the dish. I started with the ahi tuna which was good but the chips that it came with were outstanding! They were light and seasoned perfectly. They also gave you a lot of them. For entree, I had scallops, octopus risotto. The scallops were the highlight of the dish. The octopus looked good but lacked flavor. For dessert, I had the key lime pie which was the best thing I ate and I am not a huge dessert person. When we went, I remembered why we always dine at this restaurant and wish we lived closer! read more