Proving Ground is a great place to go when everybody wants different things to eat. My husband enjoys their gluten free French onion soup. The cheeseburger is very good. My daughter enjoyed her tuna poke bowl. The portions are generous and we always leave full and unable to get dessert. The view from Proving Ground is gorgeous-overlooking Sandy Hook and the water! It is great no matter what the season is. We have made this one of our regular places to go on a night out. read more

You're ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttttt!!!!! Took my wife here over a few other places for Mother's Day. We actually did this on a Friday, to avoid the shit show that is Sunday. We were here (btw, we're locals) as we picked up our son from the Ferry. Here's the deal with these cheap fckers. Stuffed flounder as well as Short Ribs without a vegetable. Put another $8 on the cost of these dishes? Pleaaaaaaaaazzzzzze. A scallop dish had the tiniest scallops that they looked like Bay Scallops on steroids. No thank you and never again. read more

Food is decent with a lively atmosphere, however the prices are inexcusable. The younger servers bring a good vibe, however, the vibe is not worth the price tag. I'm sure it's nicer in the summer, but again I can't justify having a good time while my wallet suffers. read more

We love coming here despite the long wait for a table (it's worth it) While we wait, we grab drinks at the bar and enjoy the patio chairs by the water. The food is always delicious and the staff is so friendly and accommodating. We love coming for the live music as well. It brings such an awesome energy to the restaurant read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - French Onion Burger - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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So happy I came across Proving Ground while looking for some outdoor dining recently. We came on a sunny Sunday afternoon and were quoted with a 45 minute wait. We grabbed a drink at one of their two bars of their first floor, which has a patio and waterfront sitting areas. The wait only ended up being 15 minutes. Food was quite good and service was quick! My blackened chicken sandwich was super flavorful and juicy. It's a good spot to watch boats on the bay. read more

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Great spot on the water. Outdoor bar and restaurant was busy on a Sunday afternoon. They have chairs lining the docks can enjoy a drink while you wait for a table. We were told a 45 minute wait but table was ready in 10 minutes. Raw clams were fresh. I had the crab cake sandwich, crab cake was delicious and flavorful, fries could be a little more crispy. A band was starting to play outside as we were leaving. read more

After a day at Sandy Hook we decided to come here. I guess it was about 5:30. Plenty of tables inside as outside was packed. The place is big so plenty of room. Table by the window. Very nice. The oysters were average side and were sweet and plump. The bacon wrapped scallops were excellent with lots of flavor and cooked perfectly. Sandra had the crab cake sandwich which she loved and said it was very flavorful. I had lime mahi mahi. It was ok as it was cooked a little long and was a bit dry but not terrible. Flavor was strong so it made up for it. The location on the water is beautiful and the outside area is very inviting. Next time we will sit outside. Prices are a bit high but that's what to expect from a place like this with a location like this. Enjoy read more

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Sat outside on a beautiful September afternoon. We walked in and were told it would be a 45 minute wait, which was fine because we were happy to start at the bar - but we ended up getting seated within 5 minutes. We both liked our drinks (Orange Crush and Jameson & Ginger) and our food (steak sandwich, French onion soup and Tuna poke bowl). Prices were reasonable. Would definitely visit again. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Orange Crush and Jameson & Ginger - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Started off at the bar, Jake was an amazing bartender helping us navigate through what we wanted to drink . Then we had a server , Emily she was witty and helpful! Overall would not ask for a better experience! Love the Proving Ground atmosphere and impeccable staff. Will be back soon! read more

Your average shore bar/restaurant. Food is pretty good and service is okay. I usually only go here on a holiday or specific night that a band is playing, so when I go it is generally packed. Great vibe during the warmer months being that they are right on the water. Their specials are pretty good and always changing just nothing special about the place. Would recommend to anyone in the area looking for a fun night out or a good stop on a bar hop night. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Meat patties, st patties specials menu - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

I've been to proving grounds for lunch and it is really good , so much so I did my baby sprinkle there . The menu food is not the same as the food for events so let's name my favorites from the regular menu , the grilled octopus , the spicy gnocchi.the bam bam burger- everything is delicious. The restaurant itself is huge and they have valet parking. My baby sprinkle was perfect. Ashley the events manager was wonderful in helping me every step of the way and the food was amazing- my guests loved it ! We had the following : PG SALAD:Garden Salad with Tomatoes, Dried Cranberries, Sweetened Walnuts, Blue Cheese Crumbles, & House Made Vinaigrette Caesar Salad: Parmesan cheese and croutons Chicken Breast Sautéed with Mushroom Spinach & Sun-dried Tomatoes in a Sherry Cream Sauce Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Shallots & Mushrooms in a Red Wine Demi Glaze Grilled Salmon with Tomatoes, Capers, & Lemon I booked the overlook suite which holds up to 40 people. I had 28 guests and the views are spectacular from there. The space was perfect for my guests , I had enough space for a balloon garland wall, dessert table, and the food. This space has its own bathroom and outside the room I had a table for gifts . Overall we all had a great time and I would recommend this place for both a day or night out and an event . read more

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Beautiful restaurant with amazing views. Sat outside for lunch one sat in summer -first time there. Great burgers and chicken sandwiches, drinks and ambiance. Returned for dinner on a Fri night and it was just ok. Unless you valet, parking is hard to find. If you don't have a reservation, be prepared to wait. On colder nights, upstairs dining room is really really loud. Three of us ordered different entrees- pasta, Chicken, salads and fried calamari for app. Just eh. I was really hoping to make this a regular place to eat. Food was nothing to write home about and it was on the pricier side. Won't be back for dinner - it's better as a lovely spot for burgers and apps in summer. Pretty place to watch sail boats -go for the ambience not the food read more

A phenomenal spot, located in Atlantic Highlands, with stellar views, live music daily and good casual American fare. We sat outside at a high top table right near the water. Our server was great! She was friendly and checked on us several times throughout the meal, including refiling our water. With the heat wave, the water replenishment was a gift. The food was your typical burgers and entrees. I ordered the Fish Sandwich and my husband went with the burger. Both entrees were accompanied by the fries. The food is nothing spectacular, but with views like these the food always tastes better than it is. I'll would definitely go back for the ambiance, views and music. read more

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Came back to this restaurant after the Polar Plunge at Gunnison, and the staff were great. The bar area was pretty crowded with everyone from the beach coming here to warm up, they handled the crowd great and I was able to get a drink with ease. Overall positive experience read more

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Stopped by Proving Ground for some appetizers and soft drinks on the deck, and it was a perfect experience from start to finish. The view overlooking the bay was absolutely beautiful -- the ideal backdrop for a relaxing afternoon. We had a few apps (everything was fresh and flavorful), and the drinks were served quickly, Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Great vibes, great food, and that waterfront setting can't be beat. Looking forward to coming back soon! read more

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We had cosmos, they were ok. Food was also ok. We had buffalo wings which were average at best. Crab dip with pretzels was more cream cheese and mild cheddar than crab? Dinner was short rib special which was decent. Place was loud and service was slow and messy. We would only come back for the beautiful view in nice weather, maybe have a cocktail or two. read more

We usually go for a Happy hour at outside bar. We had dinner this time. Was absolutely delicious didn't disappoint. One of the best beef barley soup I had in a very long time. Great variety of food. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Seared scallops - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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I really enjoyed the atmosphere here. It's right on the water and has really nice views. The restaurant is spacious and has an outdoor bar. I've been here for lunch and for drinks at night, both experiences were good. The bartenders are attentive and make good drinks. read more

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Not impressed ! Members of our party ordered and not happy with any aspect of the experience ! Price , quality and service . Only positive was the view read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining is an amazing spot in Highlands, New Jersey that just oozes ambiance and vibe. The service is amazing and the food and drinks are very good. Places like Proving Ground Waterfront Dining are what make the Jeesey Shore such an amazing place. I would definitely recommend Proving Ground Waterfront Dining. read more

Simple food and it was great. Love sitting outside by the water. And live music made it all the better. Been here several times and will be back in the spring for outdoor seating. read more

The location is great with a beautiful view. My Husband and I sat at the outdoor bar. Service was quick. I ordered the Cobb salad and hubby had the mahi mahi. He said the fish didn't taste that fresh but I enjoyed my salad! We will definitely be back. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - A peach flavored cocktail and Moscow mule - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

I rarely give bad reviews for restaurants but the Lobster Bisque was so offensively bad. Definitely not fresh and just a horrible taste. The rest of the food was at best mediocre. The blondie dessert was the best thing we had. read more

Amazing views right on the water. It's a very casual atmosphere. Good food and drinks, I enjoyed the lobster roll. They have live music on the weekends. Service was very friendly. I'll definitely be back. They have free valet parking. read more

The bar tenders that work 1 pm til the night shift stink. They NEVER look up at customers. We have gone time and time again only to experience this over and over. Not only us but I see other patrons experience the same. Bar tending 101. Eyes on the customers not your fellow bar tenders! Other than that the food and view are great! read more

This place never seizes to amaze me by how they come up with any little thing to celebrate and bring in a huge crowd to come, while having long wait times and all. The food is great though, and the staff are great, so I can see why they are always a hit. This time it was for a Flannels and Firepits night, and I had the soup of the day which was potatoes, veggies, and sausage, kind of like their rendition of a baked potato soup, but not as creamy or thick; it was a little watery, but still good flavor. I also had the pear harvest salad which was a great serving and the roasted pears were delicious. The best tip I can give is do make a reservation, because this place gets packed on any given day, very quickly. And the deduction of a star is because of the fact that they still charged us for a drink we spilled within minutes of getting. It just seemed like an honest mistake, we come here a lot, and we ordered a lot of food and drinks (not just this time, but everytime). Best thing off the menu is the dynamite shrimp wrap and oysters when they have them. Drinks are ok, but can be a bit pricey. However, they do have an outside deck over looking the water, equipped with mini firepits, outside heaters, live music and best part yet it's dog friendly! read more

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Good location, decent food, good music. I do not like dogs brushing up against me while I'm eating and the fact that several patrons needed to bring their dogs into the restaurant was annoying. No, they weren't service dogs. They barked and were reactive. read more

I was visiting NJ and stopped here for brunch with my cousins. We were seated within 15 minutes of arriving. The view from the deck, the outdoor bar, and live music was a vibe. I had ordered eggs with a side of potatoes. The serving sizes was massive for 1 person. The pricing was reasonable for the view and the food. Would recommend people to stop by. Reasons for Rating: +1 Excellent location and parking +1 Food taste really good +1 Customer service +1 Interior/atmosphere +1 Would return/recommend others read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Food, service and ambiance...check, check, check. Chef Bonnie creates the most amazing combinations of flavors in every bite. You cannot go wrong with whatever you order. Recently went for Sunday brunch and it did not disappoint- from the cheddar grits to the homemade biscuits and sausage gravy to the steak and eggs and stuffed French toast. How can you go wrong for a $27 champagne mimosa bucket? This place has everything from the views to the music to the yummy eats! read more

I like this place enough to come for brunch or snacks. The food here is good enough. I just really like the view and I always get the same server. It seems. I think it was the last three times. Her name is Dez. She's awesome. I love when she waits on me. read more

Proving Ground was on my list to try because when you pass it by boat in the summer, it is always packed. It's a very pretty place right on the water, casual & fun. We were happy to get a table at the window. The menu is pretty standard American + Seafood. We started with Octopus & Clams, both of which were excellent. Our entrees were the Cobb Salad, Burrata Salad, Tilefish & the Major Mahi sandwich. Aside from the sandwich being somewhat dry, we were all very happy with our meals. If you're looking for good food with a view & a fun atmosphere, Proving Ground is a good choice. read more

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My wife & I went to PG today for a Pre-Aniversary Sunday Brunch, I have to say the food was nothing out of this world, & they actually forgot the bacon on my PG Breakfast Skillet, also they are using a $6.99 bottle of Wycliff "Champagne" for their $27 Mimosa Bucket, it's horrible, & we were turned off by the fact that their Brunch Menu says "4% discount for cash transactions" That did not happen! What they should write on their menu is that there "is" a 4% charge on credit card transactions. We paid cash and still didn't save anything, but our waitress was great though, not her fault, she got tipped well. We might give them another chance on another trip for lunch or dinner. read more

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A late lunch at Proving Ground was a collective success! I went with my friends after the beach and found it by a simple google search around the area. My sister really wanted lobster rolls so the fact that they had it won us over. Parking was pretty good. Street parking only. I was surprised by how big it was. Lots of seating and a nice view of the waterfront. We went around 5 and it wasn't so busy. They seated us quickly. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive. We just had sodas to drink. For our meals I had the salmon served with rice, string beans, carrots and broccoli. I will say I like the honey and gochujang glaze but you could tell the salmon itself lacked flavor. You needed the sauce. Rice and veggies were cooked well. The others loved their food and finished it all. My sister who wanted the lobster rolls was happy with the pick. The winner of all the dishes was the steak frites. DELICIOUS! I'd return! read more

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First time there. Atmosphere was great they had a live band playing. Service was great, Food was good. Prices were reasonable. Views were spectacular. Definitely going back. read more

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Delightful evening with friends, sitting outside eating and listening to rock 'n' roll. Considering we were a party of 13, our was server was outstanding. The food pretty typical of the area in a good way. Highly recommended. read more

Quite good food, but you come here for the ocean vibe, and it delivers. Truly a zoo (in the nicest way) on a summer weekend. Stiff drinks.

It was a gorgeous day and I knew this location has a great view and vibe for an outdoor experience. They do have a nice inside layout and is a year-round restaurant. Proving Ground's outdoor area is beautiful with lots of seating spread out. It gets packed on the weekends during the summer and parking is limited. The food was very good, at least what we ordered. Our waitress was pleasant -checked on us frequently. Appetizers Crab dip Cheese quesadillas Entrees Tuna Poke bowl Burger PG is a solid stop in the Highlands, especially during the warm weather months. read more

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We booked this place for my niece's engagement party, and everyone was thoroughly impressed by the food, service, and breathtaking scenery. Our server, Carrie, was exceptional. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

Amazing Views and fantastic Service I've always loved this place. The views and location alone could make your experience, but the service and vibe from the staff are second to none. I recently hosted a bridal shower and from the planning through the day of the event everything was perfect. People are still raving about the food. It was the brunch and everything was amazing. Everyone we chose was fantastic but I'd have to say my favorite was the vegetable frittata. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - What a View! - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Fantastic ambience! Exceptional customer service. Great location. Perfect vibes. Drinks and food were mid. My dinner itself was $39 for pan fried crab cakes - I wish they were broiled. Only VIP parking is offered. Drinks are cute! I'd go for drinks and apps - not dinner. read more

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