Love this little hidden gem in the beach town of Keyport. My husband brought me here once before,…read morethis was our second visit, and we will definitely be back for an upcoming recurring event we learned about. When you drive past, you might not exactly know it's there- almost looks like a warehouse or closed shop when passing by. It is dark and gives speak-easy vibes. When you enter, it looks like you time traveled into the old USSR with Soviet decor. We had the horseradish shots (spicy to the perfect level- not the kind that makes your nose burn), my husband had some kind of hibiscus or fruity drink, and I had the extra dirty martini. LOVED the pickle stuffed olives that came with my drink. I selected the gin, but would opt for the vodka version next time to see if I could taste more olives. Our server was incredibly friendly, and when we asked about bloody Mary's, he mentioned that on certain weekends for $25 you can pay to get in and drink bloody Mary's and have Oysters. We will certainly be coming by to try! Overall, such a unique, off the beaten path experience. 10/10 recommend.

I rarely update reviews, but figured since I was having a new experience here. It was worth the…read moreupdate. I've been coming to three of you for a while, and I've always really loved the experience. The complexity of the drinks and the thought that goes into them is really appealing to me, and I think it's worth the price of the drinks, given all that goes into them. The staff here is all super friendly, and the environment is incredibly chic. They recently added more couches, and it truly has a lounge feel, which I think is really lovely. Recently, I needed to host a private event, and I knew they had experience hosting events, so I reached out to Maks to book my celebration. The planning part of this process was extremely smooth. Max was very responsive, making it very easy, and they were flexible with the details. As for the price, I thought it was very reasonable, and I rented the entire space, which I considered a good deal. The start of the day of the party was invaluable; they arrived early to set up, which allowed me to set up what I needed as well. My guest had really great interactions with the staff, and they truly loved the environment, the drinks, and I know they had fun talking with the bartenders, which made the experience worthwhile in my opinion. Thank you, 3 BR, for helping me celebrate some tremendous milestones in my life. If you need to book a private event, I would recommend checking out this place first and speaking with the staff. I don't think you would regret booking a private event with them, as I would not hesitate to do it again. .

Half Moon is always a favorite dinner spot in the Keansburg/Bayshore area! When you arrive you'll…read morenotice the nautical themed decor in every bit of the space, with no detail overlooked! You'll find tables, high tops, bar seating, and a great deck for outdoor seating in warmer months. The menu is always changing seasonally, which I love for trying new items and eating flavors of the season. This includes the drink menu, in which they have a fun variety of drinks, including great mocktails. The happy hour menu is great if you want some light bites or shareables. In the past I've really liked Caesar salads, the fish and chips, and the brussel sprouts, to name some. The service is always great, with the staff being super friendly and attentive. I recently had an engagement party here with our families, and the Half Moon team went above and beyond to make it special for us, for which we are so thankful! They have fun events here often and it's always a great time when you visit!

Been here a few times but I must say this was the worst experience. It was extremely cold and they…read moredidn't even turn the fire place on . I think they were also having a party or a gathering of some sort and it was so loud we could barely carry a conversation. Not to mention the beers weren't that good either . I asked for an I hello ultra that tasted more like a corona :( not to mention we literally had to scream our order to the bartender because the people behind us were so loud and she was on the other side of the bar instead of walking up to us . The only good thing was the hostess , very helpful with our coats and even put sore tv in for us . But aside from that it wasn't the best experience. A bit disappointing

What an absolutely delicious dinner. The hospitality from the moment we drove to the valet, to the…read moreproper entrance with the hosts and throughout the entire meal was purposeful and thought out. The employees here care about your experience. My wife and i have only lived down here since January. We've explored restaurants from Red Bank through the shore. This was #1 so far, I would actually look forward to dining here again. Alan, our server, you're very good at what you do. Thank you for that. Get yourself a nice bottle of wine, head here. Order anything and sit back and enjoy the experience. It was absolutely beautiful inside for my 45th!

Falcone in Lincroft is basically what happens when someone spends 95% of the budget on interior…read moredesign and 5% on the actual food. The restaurant itself? Beautiful. Gorgeous lighting, trendy aesthetic, romantic atmosphere. If your goal is taking photos for Instagram or pretending you're dining in Manhattan for the night, this is your place. The food, however, was wildly underwhelming for the prices. I ordered the "short rib" bolognese and spent half the meal trying to locate the short rib. It looked and tasted more like regular chopped meat sauce than slow-braised short rib. I've honestly had pasta dishes from local pizza places with more flavor and authenticity. And the candles... there are approximately 47,000 candles in this restaurant. So many that at one point a waiter leaned dangerously close to one and I genuinely thought his vest was about to catch fire -- meanwhile he had absolutely no idea. That pretty much summed up the overall dining experience: chaotic but aesthetic. Also, why is there forced valet in Lincroft? Even when you self-park, they still ask for your keys like you arrived in a Bentley instead of a Honda Pilot. Another strange touch: it's BYOB, yet they keep your wine bottle off to the side somewhere instead of leaving it at the table. The whole point of BYOB is being able to pour your own wine whenever you want without having to flag someone down every time your glass is empty. It felt unnecessarily pretentious for no reason. The biggest issue was that the restaurant never actually felt authentically Italian beyond the decor. For a place charging premium prices and branding itself as an upscale Italian dining experience, there should be a stronger sense of Italian hospitality, personality, culture, and presentation throughout the service experience. Instead, the whole thing felt more staged than genuine. Communication around the specials was difficult, nothing was written down, and the service lacked the polished confidence you expect at this price point. Ironically, the teenage valet outside gave more authentic Italian restaurant energy than the dining room itself. My suggestion? Lean harder into genuine hospitality and authentic Italian dining culture instead of just the aesthetic. Right now it feels like a beautifully designed movie set where the food and service never quite match the image. Overall: probably a nice place for cocktails, dessert, and ambiance before or after a night in Red Bank. But if you're going specifically for an amazing Italian dinner worthy of the prices, save your money and hit a really good local pizzeria instead. I promise if you change the wait staff to people who have a little more command of the English language... the word on the street would probably improve.

I know I've already left a review for Ember & Eagle, but I had to come back and say--every visit…read moresomehow tops the last. This place consistently knocks it out of the park with service, food, and atmosphere. Ryan behind the bar is a standout. He treats us like regulars from day one--always greeting us with a smile and delivering truly top-tier service. He's a big part of what makes the whole experience feel so warm and welcoming. And the food? Never the same experience twice in the best way possible. The menu and specials are always evolving, always leveling up, and it keeps things exciting every time we come back. Not once have we been disappointed. Everyone can have an off night--but this place seems to have cracked the code on consistency and excellence. Honestly, you could throw a dart at the menu and still walk away impressed. Already looking forward to the next visit!

Here for Mother's Day…read more This place is a disaster. I came here once and sat at the bar with a client, had a glass of wine and the steak sandwich and it was great. This time, not so good. I know the business partners are in some lawsuit about real estate and golf and such. Tried to valet. Then said, he you can park yourself. They said it's ok, we aren't here that long anyway. Said ok. Walked inside, wouldn't let my parents sit down if the full party wasn't here. Thought that was weird as this place is less than half empty yet all reservations are booked. Sat down and the staff started moving fake bushes around, like a wall to separate us from another party, it was a comedy of errors I have never experienced Took forever to get drinks with super weak pours. Lots of people walking around doing nothing with ear pieces in. The music in the dining room sounds like I am in Belmar. Slow service- for way over priced for average food at best. 2nd round came out way late without my glass of wine and when asked can I get another wine, she looked at me like I was the jerk. Food came out late and was cold. This place is gone in a year. Beautiful place, doesn't fit around here. Overpriced and average at best. The bar is good but watching the people in the front dining room is bizarre. Lots of people standing around doing nothing but dressed nice. When we checked in it took 3 hostesses to figure out where to sit us in an empty restaurant and all looked confused. How many hostesses does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Bizarre day. Took forever to get dessert. No one is here. Again not sure what is going on but the club music keeps playing with empty tables and more employees than guests. I would have died to go to The Brothers in RB instead of this. The food and service are way better by a million miles.

Each bartender appears to make their own rules…read more One night I paid for a beer with a card. Days later I had the same beer served by a different bartender. This bartender told me I did not meet the card minimum. I'm okay with playing by their rules. I just want to know what the rules are

Made a quick stop before Starland ballroom concert. Cheese fries and pierogies were good. Didn't…read morelove the pizza. Good beer selection

We gave it another chance and it came through. The burgers…read morewere 10/10 Server was wonderful and the Christmas decor was charming! Glad we tried again

The good - woman called to confirm our reservation, noted it was our 48th anniversary, said she had…read morea nice table for 4 to give us plenty of room. Very personable, feeling good! Bad -Checked in for table on time, unbeknownst to me, girl at desk changes us to a 2 top. Not end of world, but upstairs dining room was 1/4 empty.(restaurant was beautifully decorated). Good - prompt service to begin. Bad-server couldn't have had less of a personality and was totally disinterested in her job. Tried joking a little, no reaction. Extra bad(for us) - server at 2 adjoining tables was full of life and personable. Good - drinks and wine were good, food was great. Beet/pistachio salad nicely presented, delicious. Filet and ny strip med rare perfect, very good. Brussel sprouts fantastic. Bad - we ordered drinks, took a little time to order apps and dinner. We literally just finished salad and dinner was right on us. Had more drinks but would have had another round if not rushed. Overall tonight 3.6 Charlies is always busy, never had less than a great experience but check in and server were very dissappointing for our anniversary dinner tonight.

Fantastic! Everything we ordered was so yummy and perfectly seasoned. The service was awesome. I'm…read morestill thinking about the cabbage, it was so tender and light. Will be back for sure to try out the paella! First place I've seen do a ticket system for picking up leftovers at the end of the meal. Cool idea.

Came for the Tasting menu experience, at the Chefs counter. Was quite happy with the visit…read more It's a nice restaurant inside, although located within a random strip mall. The parking was actually full when we arrived, possibly because of the bar using the same lot. But there is an elevated connected lot for the bowling alley that has plenty of parking. I have to say that the best thing about this place is the service: everyone was very friendly, and quick to attend us. Food was great, except maybe the flake fish (first course). Seemed more Spanish to me than Portuguese though. Portions were huge... actually had leftovers from a dish, which is the first for me from a tasting menu. The prices were reasonable In terms of why I'm giving this 4 star instead of 5: -we were seated at the "Chefs counter", but did not really have a view of the prep, which was really far away. Basically could just see the fireplace. The sister restaurant Heirloom is a much better chef's counter setup where you are seeing everything -Dishes seemed to be regular menu type dishes (just smaller portions), as opposed to super interesting types that you would expect from a tasting menu -Beverage pairing was okay... didn't really love the wines For these reasons, I'd likely return, but just stick to the regular menu/ experience.

We returned to the River Point Inn. As always it was amazing. We were seated in the Beautiful Wine…read moreRoom, which is an intimate setting, only four tables. We also had the best server at the restaurant "Blake" everything about our dinner was that of a Michelin Star. Please do not take my word for it- make a reservation and experience a wonderful dinner.

Starting with the good, Ambiance and decor was good, service was ok even tho was Monday night and…read morerestaurant was party empty. charging $9 for bread and butter, that should be a hint, Menu very hard to understand and server did not know how to explain plates either. Vast options of drinks but food not so much, extremely pricey for what they offer, ordered 2 different plates and food was just meh, again very pricey and below average quality. Cocktails were good, so maybe for drinks is a nice place. Definitely will not go back as there's a lot of better options close by.

First off, this is NOT a dive bar... it's a SPEAKEASY! That said, let's keep this place a secret…read morebetween you and I.... because it will lose it's charm otherwise! Don't let the "basement bar" concept scare you away. Murphy's Tavern dates all the way back to the Prohibition Era (originally opened by Mary Murphy) and even though drinking is back in business with the 21st amendment, the concept of the intimate space to mingle, drink, and socialize is still there. The owner (not the original, but through generations, has kept the Speakeasy vibe going since the 1920s) runs the show. He's an older gentleman with smokey grey hair and bar tends, busses, and let's you finish every drop of alcohol you want- until 2AM! Then, bam, the light's brighten, and it's closing time! Don't worry, though, he blinks the lights around 1:45 for last call! He is also very personable, relaxed, and makes a mean old fashioned! What is great about this place is it really does transport you back in time. The drinks to order here are the classics, strong liquor, high end cocktails, or beer! Side cars, Manhattans, an old fashioned, etc. Single malt scotch. Whiskey, neat. You can also order beer or a vodka soda, or even a club soda. Prices are reasonable. There is ONE TV in the place. It's refreshing. This is the type of space where you actually TALK to your friends or make new ones. You can also play a variety of games. Darts, shuffle board, or the jukebox (it is modernized and takes dollar bills). Age groups ranged anywhere from 25 to 65. Pleasant crowd. Amazing Place. Classy. If you want to check it out, just keep an eye out. The sign is small, but it's there, and it's real! "Prohibition only drives drunkenness behind doors and into dark places..." Mark Twain SHHHHH!!! (see you there!)

There are few places left that still carry the quiet pulse of history. Murphy's Tavern is one of…read morethem. You walk down the old steps and the air changes cooler, darker, with the scent of wood and whiskey soaked into the walls. It feels honest, like a place built for men and women who have seen enough of the world to appreciate something simple and true. The story on the wall tells of Prohibition and rumrunners, of Mary Murphy and the river that once hid her secrets. You can still feel that in the glass you hold. The On a Yacht bourbon cocktail has the right burn, softened with mint and peach, the kind that lingers like a good memory. The Blackberry Bramble is bright and sharp, a summer night in a tumbler. You don't come to Murphy's for polish or pretense. You come because it feels alive, because the ghosts of the past sit quietly beside you, raising a glass in approval. A tavern like this doesn't chase the world it waits for those who still know how to listen.

Comfortable Contemporary Decor, subdued Lighting elevates the vibe in this warm and welcoming…read morerestaurant. Attentive Service who know the menu and ingredients as well as the drink specials and beers. The wine list is well rounded and concentrated to a carefully selected list. The beer offerings however are limited and they only offered one IPA Craft option. Could use more attention here. Servers could have a little more enthusiasm as some of ours were a bit sedate. Dinners were a tad delayed coming out, but nothing horrible. The Menu was assembled well and had some interesting options for starters which we did not partake in; the Raw Bar oysters are very fresh and cleaned well. Our salad we shared was good and could have been shared by 3-4 people as it was plentiful and $23, which was on par for most of the starter menu. The Strip Steak is prepared with a minimalist approach allowing the natural flavor of the beef to shine. Perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned and with a beautiful aged nuttiness. A simple Rosemary sprig on top and you have a delicious meal. The Crispy Halibut was another dish that was well worth it. Delicately cooked fish in a beautiful sauce accompanied by some Bok Choy and Mushroom sauté. Impressive. Ending with Dessert, the S'mores Skillet rounded everything out. Overall easily could be 5 stars but subtle things subtracted just enough to land at a 4. Nonetheless; highly recommended!

We chose Nicholas Barrel & Roost based on the menu and an almost 4 star rating on Yelp with over…read more500 reviews. The halibut caught my eye immediately; I'm a sucker for a perfectly prepared piece of halibut or a great pork chop, and since my partner doesn't eat meat it made for an easy share. Earlier in the day, a couple of women at our hotel bar mentioned the chef had trained at Jean-Georges in Manhattan, which only added to our anticipation. It wasn't until we got back to the hotel after dinner and did a little reading that we learned just how decorated Harary really is; his Restaurant Nicholas held Zagat's top spot in New Jersey for 15 consecutive years and earned a 4-star New York Times review. That context made our middling meal sting just a little more. We started with the bread service and the beet salad. The bread itself was baked beautifully, but the butter and ricotta accompanying it were completely flavorless. My partner and I are not salt-at-the-table people; we trust that seasoning happened in the kitchen. This was the first time in recent memory that we actually reached for the salt shaker. Not a great sign. The beet salad should have been a showstopper. Beets, when done right, can carry an entire dish on their own. Instead, they were buried under an avalanche of arugula. Don't get me wrong, arugula is one of my favorite greens; that peppery bite and beautiful texture are hard to beat, but here it was doing all the heavy lifting while the beets sat underneath doing nothing. We'd eaten most of the salad before we even noticed the sunflower seeds and a smear of mascarpone hiding on the bottom of the bowl. That mascarpone, gently flaked on top with the seeds scattered over it to catch in the folds, could have made this dish genuinely memorable. The gorgeous candy-striped radishes were a lovely visual touch, but they were raw, undressed slices with no seasoning, no acid, no pickling. Beautiful to look at; an afterthought to eat. The whole salad felt that way, honestly. For our main, we shared the Panko Crusted Halibut with bok choy and smoked shallot velouté. The sauce was the star; the smoke level was dialed in perfectly, present in all the right ways without overpowering everything else. The wild mushrooms were lovely, but the dish needed something to break up the texture. The bok choy brought good flavor, but it mirrored the mushrooms so closely that each bite started to blur together. Something crispy, something sharp, would have elevated the whole thing considerably. The fish itself was cooked well; firm, flakey, and not dried out. The panko crust was gorgeous to look at but could have been crispier. Based on its beautiful golden color, it looked like it had more crunch than it actually delivered. The cocktails were a genuine highlight. An old fashioned made with 1792 and a Black Manhattan, both well-crafted and the clearest bright spots of the evening. The three people behind the bar were another highlight. Expedient, attentive, never rushing anyone, and willing to make easy conversation without being intrusive. That is exactly what you want from people working a good bar. The ambiance, though, was confusing. The space seemed to pull in two directions at once; it wanted to feel upscale but also like a sports bar, and it never fully committed to either. Three small TVs tucked into the corners would have been fine. The oversized screen mounted prominently on the wall was intrusive and clashed hard with any sense of elevated dining. The music was classic rock, which I enjoy, but it read as wrong for the room and was a tad too loud. The music for this type of setting should be something to just add some ambiance, not for people to shout-sing too like you've had too many beers at a dive karaoke bar, which I love by the way, this was just not that kind of place. Those same women from the hotel bar had also warned us it could get loud and obnoxious in there. We figured we'd take our chances. We probably should have listened. With the legacy behind this place, the potential is clearly there. The bar staff gets it. Now the kitchen and the room just need to catch up.