The ORIGINAL OWNERS ARE BACK !!!!!! When we heard the news we decided to have dinner with them and the food was absolutely outstanding. They did not miss a beat re-opening. We started with the raw bar selection and the oyster, clams and shrimp were served w cocktail sauce, horseradish and lemon. Every bit of it was fresh and delicious. My husband and I both had the flounder stuffed with crab meat as our entree. It was served with a baked potato and broccoli rabe. Again, just spectacular - it actually was our favorite dish for years (before they sold) and now that the original owner is back, it turns out the amazing food is also back !!! We will be here a lot this summer. read more

Food was decent. Service was horrible everyone was very rude. Waiter barely checked in on me and hostess was on her phone the whole time. Waiter gave me rude comments when i asked about food on the menu. read more

My husband took me to the Inlet Cafe yesterday for Mother's Day. We were very excited to see it open for business after being closed for three years. We had every intention to go to The Proving Ground since we thought the Inlet Cafe wasn't open. To our surprise it was their first day open for business. It was fantastic. our server, Julian was exceptional. He was so friendly and very informative. We ordered the Shrimp Cocktail for our appetizer, the shrimps were so large and delicious. I ordered a steak for my entree and it was delicious. We can't wait to go back! The experience there made my Mother's Day very special. read more

Ok, second stop in under the new ownership and second disappointment. We came in for happy hour and they were out of the happy hour special drinks! No rosè, it was Pino Grigio, no miller light draft, no modello at the front bar. Ugh the poor bartender had to run to the back bar to find a working draft. Food was adequate. We had the happy hour Bang Bang shrimp and calamari. It was OK but for $10 each, but it was Jersey shore tourist trap quality. If the guy with the glasses and the cross necklace is the manager then he needs to step up and help his staff. Kegs kicked, retap one, etc. Instead he spends his time on his phone or flirting with the staff. There is a reason the inlet is empty and other places (like right next door) are full and jumping. If you can't manage the drinks at the bar for happy hour, how can customers expect you to properly manage a kitchen? The inlet has a special place in our hearts, so we will give it one more chance next season before completely scratching it from the list. read more

I don't understand why people aren't raving about this place?! A casual waterfront overlooking the stunning NYC skyline and Sandy Hook beach. The owners and staff are beyond friendly and accommodating every time. Fair prices and generous portions. Their menu is diverse, the seafood all fresh, plus nice drink options (the champagne sangria is lovely with a refreshing peachiness to it + they rightfully carry Big Man's Brew--the late Clarence Clemon's IPA which is hard to come by and smooth like he was). They have great happy hour specials in the summer. PSA: PLEASE GIVE THE COLE SLAW A CHANCE! One of the most overlooked accoutrements on a dinner table (not by me), but theirs is cream of the crop. It comes with their complimentary bread. Also, get the soup sampler! It comes with New England & Manhattan clam chowder and lobster bisque. They are all so flavorful with a nice balance of broth to substance. Right level of creaminess. Cup sizes for each are more than enough. There is somewhat of a long wait during the summer, but typically shorter than other establishments nearby. They have a large waiting area in the meantime that you can hear the neighboring restaurant's live band, so have a drink and relax! read more

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Great views, food and drinks! If you're looking for a casual spot on the water, I would highly recommend. I loved that we were not rushed and could take our time to eat, drink, relax and take in the water views. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait. Luckily you can grab a drink at the bar while you wait. There's also free valet parking available (just leave a nice tip). read more

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If you are looking for a beautiful spot along the water with great food at very reasonable prices you have to try this place! I have been there twice in the past few weeks and both visits were outstanding. The food is fresh and the portions perfect! Most dishes can serve two people along with an app and your set! The drinks are very reasonable as well and I love their sangria and also the drink called "beetle juice" it was one of my fave movies so I had to try that drink and I wasn't disappointed! The service can be on the slow side but they are all very nice! Besides with the amazing view of the water why not sit back and not rush?! read more

Inlet Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Went to the Inlet Cafe on a Saturday night in August. When we arrived we valet parked which was very convenient. We were pleasantly surprised that they had live music outside, being that it was such a nice evening with a perfect temperature and no humidity! We were greeted by a pleasant hostess but were told it would be an hour wait. We sat down on the couch outside and listened to the music. Surprisingly, within 10 minutes we were seated and the owner personally greeted us! We had young children so he had our server bring French fries out right away for them. We had the steamers, lobster roll, and scallops. The food was amazing and fresh! I'm super picky about lobster rolls but this one was delicious! Not too much mayo and every bite was juicy! My husband loved the scallops and garlic mashed potatoes. Prices were a bit high but for the waterfront view, live music, great food and drinks we didn't mind. The owner was very present throughout the restaurant, seating guests, clearing tables, making sure the restaurant was running properly and checking in with guests to make sure they were happy. Can't wait to return! read more

Inlet continues to be my favorite waterside casual restaurant. The food is always fresh and delicious. Drinks are good as well and enhance the beautiful views. We had the seafood cobb salad, tuna tacos and lump crab dip. All were delicious. The scallops in the cobb salad were some of the best I have had. Their key lime pie is always a consistent winner. read more

The owners changed. The quality of food is definitely not worth the price. The clam chowder was mediocre and when I ordered the 18$ fried calamari! It was chewy and tasted stale. Would not come back. The ambiance was lonely and the whole place was pretty empty on a Wednesday afternoon. I've eaten here before the owners changed and everything was absolutely crazy delicious. Doesn't seem like the new owners are concerned with food quality. read more

Inlet Cafe - Fried Calamari - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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Very very disappointing.. The bartender was so In properly dressed she might as well I've been naked. My martini was so watery.... Even though she barely spoke or understood English I politely asked her to make the second one stronger and it was barely better. I received the Caesar salad, which barely had any dressing on it, and the Romain was all the inner yellow Romain. The tuna on the salad ...though it was cooked properly, the portion was so very small. So sad I used to love this place read more

Food and ambiance was great the views of all the happy boaterd Service staff was great. I never needed to ask for my water to get filled they would fill it up as soon as it looked low Food was also great loved this place I will be back with my whole family great time and people there GrouperInlet Clams read more

Wifey and I ventured to the inlet cafe today for Happy hour after finding out the proving ground is not currently offering their happy hour specials. We have wanted to try the inlet cafe and this was the perfect opportunity as it is across the street. The Inlet cafe was hopping, just about every table was taken. The hostess was so nice to key us in on a table that was wrapping up just about as Happy hour was wrapping up. Drinks are half price and their is a fantastic happy hour menu with $5 specials. The waitress put in an order for us quickly. The service and hospitality was second to none, as a matter of fact the team there is always smiling and friendly....truly impressive in today's day and age. The soup sampler was awesome, each soup better than the next. The bisque and clam chowders were excellent, if I am being picky they are light on the clams and seafood but for $5 it is a great treat. The Chicken wings were very good, cooked perfectly and dressed in a spicy Buffalo sauce. The clam roll was a huge portion of clams strips and homemade French fries over a potato roll, served with tartar and cocktail sauce. Again unbelievable portion for $5 The least successful was the mussels, a healthy portion of prince Edward mussels over a marinara sauce, I did not care for the sauce and I prefer smaller mussels, personal preference. I highly recommend the Inlet cafe and if you are going for Happy hour I would urge you to get there before 5 as it fills up quickly. Happy hour is only served in the bar area between 3-6. The views from the deck are beautiful. The dinner menu has some favorites that I am looking forward to trying, every dish looks and smells terrific. All the fish I had was as fresh as can be. The restaurant closes down for season shortly after Thanksgiving. read more

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Went for lunch this week. Will give them the benefit of doubt because it was a grand reopening week. Lots of kinks to work out! Not a great dining experience! View...great! Menu overpriced...$12.00 for a bowl of soup???Seriously? Every single item was overpriced! Service...awful! Had to get our own napkins and silverware after the food came! Just not enough help...yes, I know it's been a problem at most places. None of my old faves were on the menu! Sent my food back...inedible! Ordered a beer...got a bottle and no glass... Sad...this was our go to place! read more

I came here with a friend after a day at the beach. There was a wait but we were lucky because it was only two of us and we got seated at a hightop outside facing the river and the bar. This restaurant is nestled between a large paved docking area that has a swing chair at the end by the outdoor tables. Right next door is the Proving Ground Restaurant. I was able to hear the band coming from there. The views of the water are very peaceful and relaxing. The sunsets are a definite plus. There is a constant breeze. Most of the outdoor tables have umbrellas. I highly suggest bringing a sweater or jacket at night it can get breezy. Kari my server was very friendly and attentive. She immediately brought us water and our drinks, along with a bowl of homemade coleslaw which was very good. Every table gets a bowl of coleslaw on it. Right now there's no happy hour. What's great about this restaurant is it's DOG FRIENDLY and KID FRIENDLY. Several people were sitting with their dogs outside. I decided on their Mahi- Mahi Sandwich. Grilled mahi on a roll with lettuce,tomato,sliced red onions, guacamole and french fries. My friend got the exact same thing. Kari my server told us that their Keylime pie is made in house daily, and she learned the secrets of the recipe.The chef uses egg whites to keep it light. It was served with whip cream and a raspberry coulis which really added a depth of flavor and made the Key lime pie so much better. There is a small parking lot and they have valet parking. We decided to park on the street because it was very crowded. It was easier to walk a block or two because it was faster. This restaurant is Wheelchair accessible. I did get to see some of the other sandwiches that they were serving and they all looked very good. I will definitely be returning read more

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This is the best seafood I've ever tasted in my life!! I had the assortment, and my gosh, I wanted another one to bring back to NC with me! Scallops and clam chowder was amazing!! My lobster peeled right out of it shell and when I cracked my claws, they pulled out with ease and intact. Most lobster I've had is chewy. The meat was so tender, I was trying to savor it! There was a hot lobster broth on the side to dip it in and that took the experience to a whole other level. Clams casino, broiled fish, and shrimp were also amazing!!! Calamari was flavorful, not chewy, perfect amount of seasoning and was not over fried. Steamers were delicious and tasted as if they were just pulled from the water. The outside seating view was amazing and watching the sunset over NJ and Sandy Hook out a little ways, was spectacular! I could even see a little bit of NYC!! I can't wait to visit the Jersey Shore again!!!! 10 STARS!! read more

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My family and I have been going to Inlet my whole life. It's a place where we have many memories and could always count on great food and service. Unfortunately the new owners have completely destroyed what the previous owners worked DECADES to build. Now, not only is the food and service deplorable, but the ambiance is lackluster. The Inlet is now a laughable - focusing on 'vibes' and overcharging customers for an experience they could get literally anywhere else. Even worse, looking at the reviews here you can see that this issue has been ongoing and many loyal patrons are feeling disappointed. When voicing their opinions and sharing feedback on social media, they in turn get blocked. What a great way to run what should be a customer focused business LOL. Skip this dumpster fire and go to Bahrs. read more

Inlet Cafe - View from the patio - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Im going to keep this simple and direct, my message to the new owners is GET OUT you have no business in the restaurant industry. Inlet use to be the best place for a good meal great drinks and spectacular view. NOW it just sucks from the long wait to the horrible food and terrible menu if you even call it a menu. Do yourselves a favor and roll out before you lose more $. I feel bad for the servers who have to hear all the complaints while the owners sit around doing NOTHING. read more

It pains me to write this. This place used to be the gold standard for local fun times, solid drinks, and great food, now it's a shallow attempt at a posh sushi lounge. The fact is, this place has a great location and live music. But plenty of other Jersey shore spots can offer the same. The service is severely lacking, 20 minutes to get a draft beer, 40 minutes to get food. Definitely lacking proper systems. Gone are the days of a basket of bread and hot pot of clams in white wine. It's a shallow bowl, a dozen clams and one crostini. No empty bowl to put the shells in either. The Bang Bang shrimp which had no bang. Nearly breadless frozen product shrimp thrown on a plate with some sad lettuce and a zig zag of bland pink mayonnaise sauce, which there must be a shortage of. The sushi delivered as expected, but again, is this a sushi spot? If it is, then don't give me soy sauce in plastic cups. This place was a great low key chill spot, now it's trying to deliver an elevated experience with a posh setting which it falls short of. If you want to compete with Proving Grounds, gut the place and go modern, maybe call David Burke. read more

I have been coming to this place for at least five years and always loved it! The food and ambiance is awesome however, today we order 12 cocktail shrimp as one of our appetizers and got RIPPED OFF!!! We were charged $72 for 12 shrimp apparently at market price. We had clams, shrimp cocktail, two salads and four beers and our bill was $172!!! Really??? I have done tea time at the Plaza Hotel in NYC for $250 and steaks at Del Frico's for a comparable price. This is outrageously over price. Beware when you decide to order"market price" items. So sad, you have lost a loyal customer. read more

Omg what a great hidden place. We went there after hiking at Sandy Hook. Cute little place with a fantastic view. Our server Barbie was amazing and friendly. We stated off with the octopus salad. It was great. Some of the best octopus I ever had. A deep flavor and not chewy at all. Next we had the tuna tacos and the clam sandwich. Tuna seared perfect. It came with a peanut coleslaw that was to die for. Fried clam sandwich is usually nothing to brag about but this one was really good. We live an hour away but it will be a regular weekend place for us read more

Inlet Cafe - a person holding a bottle of corona beer - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

We were spending the day at the shore and I was looking for a new place to try on the water for dinner and I did a quick Yelp search and stumbled across the Inlet Cafe. I called ahead and let them know we would like to eat around 7:30 and she let me know when we arrived the wait would probably be about 20 minutes. We arrived right on time and checked in and she let us know she would text when our table was ready. I think we probably waited less then 20 minutes and we were taken to a nice waterfront table. We got some ice waters and ordered some drinks while we decided what to order. In the meantime we were served a delicious warm complimentary loaf of bread with butter and a small bowl of homemade coleslaw. Both were great. We ordered some Calamari for our appetizer, and for the entrees I ordered the Penne A La Vodka, and my husband ordered the Stuffed Flounder w/ rice pilaf. The Calamari came out pretty quickly and it was really good. Cooked to a nice crispy golden brown served with lemon and a nice marinara sauce. Then we waited, and waited. I'm not sure how long it was but the server stopped by to apologize and said the food should be out shortly. When the food did arrive my husbands plate had mashed potatoes instead of rice and I needed some parmesan cheese for my pasta so we sat and waited for our server to check in with us. In the meantime I tasted the pasta. Definitely overcooked and not al dente. When the server checked in I asked for the parmesan and let her know about the mistake with the rice but my husband didn't want to bother switching it. So we started to eat. He took one bite of the fish and said he didn't like it that it was too salty and he asked me to taste it. I took a small bite and yes it was salty. He didn't want anything else so he stepped away from the table and went to take some pictures. The server checked in again to see if we needed anything and I let her know about the fish and she apologized and said she would take it back and take it off the bill. I packed up most of my pasta to go and got the check. All in all the scenery was great the bread was delicious as was the calamari, but the rest of the food we really didn't enjoy. Maybe we just didn't order the right things. The staff was very nice and they were really busy so maybe their timing was just off. read more

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I have been going to the Inlet Cafe all summer. The menu was updated and a complete new work staff. All good. I was there again this Saturday. The lobster roll, Calamari and Cod Sandwich was very disappointing and completely different from the beginning of the Summer. The Band and service was good. It's just the food was not the same or enjoyable like in June 2022. read more

Great spot to have a cocktail and enjoy the views, watch the boats go by! Good food too! Make you feel right at home!

We visited for the first time under the new ownership and we can attest that all the rotten reviews are valid. Yes the food is ridiculously over-priced but that is secondary to the horrible service. On our visit there were 3 occupied tables around 6:30. There appeared to be 4 waitresses on station. Our waitress sat us at a table with no napkins and random silverware. The food came and we asked for a steak knife, napkins and a spoon. The steak knife was forgotten and it took another 5 or so minutes to get her attention. We then realized that the waitresses were actually sitting at a table in the back deep in conversation - having a great time. After plates cleared our waitress appeared and announced "you don't want anything else - right?". That brought the check and then she disappeared again. We had to actually go get her this time to run our card. Who is running this place? What owner or manager would allow the wait staff to sit at a table and ignore the customers who are paying top dollar for very average food? This place is a train wreck. And what a shame because the setting is great - views to die for - and a cool indoor/outdoor vibe. We are locals and in the middle of winter there are no tourists. You will need us and we are not coming back. Bring on new owners or bring in Jon Taffer - you need a rescue. read more

Had dinner with close fiends and our kids. The view is amazing, they had a live band, the food was great, and the staff and the owner makes you feel appreciated. This will def be a hang out spot next summer. read more

Closed for season and not noted anywhere! Why would you not put this in your headlines on your page? read more

Way over priced for food and drink for average at best. Very slow service and not very attentive at all. Food was severed wrong, either lacked what I asked for or made wrong. I don't send food back so I won't be back. Great siting waterside is only plus. read more

Nice bar restaurant on water in Atlantic Highlands. Upset that one of our friends had there dog with them and wouldn't let us seat outside. Had to take out drinks and sit on bench at dock. Service at bar was slow. read more

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Beautiful fall day sitting on the deck looking out on the water. Can't beat the views. The service was good. Little disappointed in the food. I didn't like the Cobb salad as the couple scallops they gave were sandy. The shrimp tasted like it was from a scampi dish and not belonging on a salad. I expected grilled scallops and shrimp. Pricey for the amount of seafood given on the salad. My husband had the fried clam platter which was definitely not a specialty. You can tell it was frozen and fried as some where rubbery. The beverages were great. read more

Inlet Cafe - Seafood cob salad - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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Horrible service. Called 50 times for a busy signal and once they finally answered the phone they placed it down for 10 minutes before I got annoyed and hung up. Service was horrible. Told us they were BYOB and then said they got new management and now they aren't BYOB anymore and will get them in trouble. They then came back and said they'll let us bring our alcohol in but will have to charge us an uncorking fee of $35. Outrageous. Will never go back. read more

Don't even think of going here. The location is great but it stops there. The food is very bad. 3 of our meals were not edible. 2 steaks and a grouper dish. ALL unedible! read more

Came for a weekday birthday dinner and found a table for 3 inside which was nicely spaced. We got the salmon and scallops which were both cooked very well and large portions. Both people finished their plates and liked the taste. I ordered the Mahi with a side of sauteed veggies, which was delicious and very filling. I would definitely recommend the seafood here. The staff is accommodating, and the food is always consistent here. read more

Inlet Cafe - Mahi Mahi with mixed veggies - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Hate to pile on, but totally agree with the 1 star. Used to be our favorite place -- best aspects of a dive bar but with great seafood (especially towers and sushi). Bartenders had personality and knew how to make a drink. Now, bartenders have no clue, menu is ltd and over priced. Took by our trade to the Proving Ground. read more

Stopped in here for an afternoon bite to eat after a day of fishing. Sat outdoors and they seemed busy, so when I ordered my Jambalaya, I also ordered two beers, because, hey, I'm an alcoholic and I hate waiting. Anyway, the Jambalaya kicked ass, but the beers were warm, so a four star experience became three stars. read more

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This is a covid review. I would not eat here. I had a drink and stood to the side. No distancing Halle I f. Bartender not wearing mask. Waited for other bartender that was. People are not distancing g and tables are not distanced. Good luck to those who eat here. read more

disgusting filthy over priced and terrible service. Both the food and the service were terrible, and 3 times more expensive than under previous ownership. now closed for health violations no liquor lic for most of summer. read more

Inlet Cafe - Inlet Cafe Closed for unsanitary conditions. Such a shame .... - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Inlet Café does not take reservations over the phone, but you can call to see if you can be placed on a Wait list. We called last weekend and were told there was no wait. Upon arrival, we only had to wait 10 minutes. Servers clean both the tables and chairs after diners leave. There was a relaxed atmosphere and the music was piped in from neighboring restaurant. View was fantastic. Menus are online at https://inletcafe.com We started with the stuffed mushroom appetizer. My husband had a glass of Echo Pinot and I had the Planters Punch which was just the right combination of rum with juices. For the main entrée, my husband had the Shrimp Linguini and I had the Cappellini D'Angelo dinner special which was delicious. Just the right amount of lobster meat, fresh asparagus & mushrooms with a fabulous lobster cream sauce. Very filling and delicious. Service was good and pricing was reasonable. Please note that a service fee is charged for the use of Credit Cards. read more

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Good find in the Atlantic Highlands. Beautiful day for lunch on the water. Loved the lobster roll. Fresh, tender and flavorful read more

Service was very disappointing, as we had to ask for everything including plates and silverware. We had to chase down our waiter any time we needed something and were never asked if we wanted anything. Food was average and overpriced, and none of the draft beers were available. Our biggest issue, however was with the Valet Parking. We were told by the young man working that "for $20 we could park for the evening and go to the bar next door when we were done eating here". We gave him $20 and went inside to eat. We later went next door to Proving Ground, and when we returned to get out car, the restaurant was closed, the valet worker was gone, and our key was not in the car or valet stand. Assuming our key was inside the closed restaurant, we had no choice but to Uber home and come back for the car the next morning. The valet company and the restaurant seemed to want nothing to do with the issue. read more