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

See all

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

See all

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 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

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

See all

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

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

See all

we had 7:15 dinner reservations the other night. we got to the restaurant at 6:45 to discover that the valet parking lot was full. how do you offer valet parking but I could not valet my car. I was extremely disappointed. I have never been to this restaurant and was looking forward to it. we were celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary. we ended up going to another restaurant read more

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

See all

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

See all

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.

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

See all

This was overall just an icky experience. SO MANY latern flies EVERYWHERE. In your food, on your skin, in your water, on other people, on the table, on the floor. They kind of hover like mosquitos and you actually feel them on you, because they like to fly around near you and your food. They're not really quiet like mosquitos, and not loud like bees. Something in between. We encountered at least 10+, the whole time we've been there from the moment we sat down there was already one underneath the table. My boyfriend was flicking them away, and they ended up in the cup of water. Alex, our waiter, told us he didn't know initially, and then he saw afterwards but he didn't even take it away. Do you think we are trying to raise them as pets? GROSS. We ended up even trapping another one that flew near our food again and was hanging onto the cups. We saw them crawling on other people's shirts and even our own. Was there even bug spray or maybe use canopies to prevent this from happening! Sure outdoors is nice to enjoy, but not when there is water splashing up from the crevices in the wooden planks and lantern flies crawling everywhere that I can't peacefully enjoy my meal. I'm the slowest eater of the table USUALLY, but today I felt like a gold medalist of competitive food eating. Overall please just wait and eat indoors. You'll enjoy the peacefulness without these uninvited visitors interrupting your food. Parking was a hassle too as the parking lot was way too small and we had to park a few blocks over. I thought the food was ok. Nothing spectacular. Crab cake is a crab cake. We also had the little neck clams to share, also alright. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Uninvited visitors all around - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

See all

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

Came here on a beautiful Tuesday night. I was feeling a little nauseous and dizzy and our server Des was super nice and brought me crackers and a sprite to help me. For appetizers we got calamari and bacon wrapped scallops which were very good. Definitely recommend those! And for my entree I had the mahi mahi entree. I love this and am so happy I got it. If you like mahi mahi you should definitely get this!! Always a great time at Proving Ground! read more

See all

We had a great time and awesome drinks. Came for the music stayed for the company. Truly a good time. I can't say anything about the food, since we had dinner at a nearby place, but we did appreciate the service, good bartenders, and a nice night by the water. All in all, a wonderful evening. read more

See all

HIGHLANDS: a gorgeous waterfront restaurant, Proving Ground Waterfront Dining allows leashed-dogs at their outdoor dining area with views of Sandy Hook, the bay, and even New York City! The space is very modern and the eclectic menu has food and drinks to please anyone. There are even TVs outside to watch the game! Our server was very friendly and attentive! It can get a bit windy being right on the water so pack a jacket, just in case! An interesting fact: the menu is military themed after the former base on Sandy Hook to test artillery! read more

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

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

My friends chose this place to take me for a birthday dinner on the recommendation of one of their family members. We were seated outdoors on the deck on a lovely early evening. We shared an order of steamers among 4 of us. For myself I ordered the lobster bisque and the sea scallops accompanied by rice, spinach and mushrooms. All was very good and nice sized portions. I also started with a Bourbon Sunrise which was delicious, however it was a very small cocktail for $14, my glass of wine with dinner was a good pour. For dessert I got the Banana Fosters cake with ice cream which was very delicious. Our server, Megan, was very sweet and attentive. We are already planning brunch for a couple of other birthdays at the end of the month. read more

See all

OMG! This place is beautiful. What an awesome location and view! I moved to PA from Florida and this felt like sitting on the patio at home. Ahhh We ordered the crab dip to start and then each of us ordered an entree. Based on the oohs and ahhs followed by silence, punctuated by lip smacking, I think everyone enjoyed it as much as I did! read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Super cool spot. Opens at 1130 today. Can't wait to try it! - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

See all

If you are ever in the area of Sandy Hook on the Jersey shore, try the proving grounds in the Highlands. It's right on the water next to the marina and we had nice drinks as the tide came in toward the evening. The wind rose and got a little chilly, but our order was good. Try the stuffed flounder it's delicious. read more

See all

Aesthetics are great here. I walked down from my house with the dog and took a seat with a view outside on the pier. Ordered a cocktail, (on an empty stomach) 2 sips in I think hmmm very average, 5 sips in , I feel nothing (and I am a total lightweight) . My friend has wine , so I ask her to "taste this" and she concurs ...there is 0 to 3 drops of alcohol in this 16 dollar "Paloma" . ...disgraceful. And the people that just walked by me commented that the food was awful‍..just sayin read more

The service is consistent, consistently terrible. It's a great local place but I think I'm done. One could sit at the bar for 15 minutes without as much as a "Hello, be right either way you" ba bye read more

The place to go any day after a day DTS. Good food, good music, outdoors on the bay. Our server, Kelly, was excellent and accommodating.

Food was decent but you are going mostly to sit outside and soak up the sun/views. Cute little spot on the water.

Went on a Saturday to see my friend's band play. Absolutely beautiful day and gorgeous view. The bartenders and wait staff were awesome. Food and drinks were delicious and reasonably priced for a waterfront venue. Can't wait to go back again. read more

This review is based off the experiences of this restaurant for dinner, repass gathering and shower. Street parking is an option. Yet, valet during my last visit was worth it. Multiple gentlemen were working valet, running to get cars, driving the cars up to the door at decent speed all while being polite and friendly. Good job fellas. The waitress/waiter service throughout all experiences were great! All attentive to each table. Quick to take orders, place orders and bring food out. Aside from the steak being a bit dry all other platters here have been cooked and seasoned to the satisfaction of my tastebuds. Try the fries when having brunch. Outstanding! During an event for a bridal shower, the waitress/waiters were up to par all around. The second floor was used for this party. Their was enough space for about 80 people, mimosa bar, gifts, backdrop and favors table. The water view is always a lovely experience. Watching ppl dock boats or even arrive in jet skis gave this place a cool ambiance. Furthermore, you have the option of indoor or outdoor seating. read more

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

See all

Used to be wind and sea and this might be the biggest glow up I've ever seen. They recently went thru renovations and it's one of the coolest places in the jersey shore. They have an upstairs and an outdoor area right on the water. The tables outside have a fire place built into them so it's really cool to have that on while ur eating. The food is very good as well. I got the dynamite wrap. Everyone really enjoyed their food. Really great place to get food and chill after outside. One of my new favorite spots. Wish I knew about it in the beginning of the summer read more

See all

Location - great View- pretty Venue - not too shabby Service- great Food- terrible. Drinks- cup of ice with a little bit of liquids The food was lacking at every step of the way aside from the fried calamari which was crispy and flavorful. The poke bowl was sadly bland and the octopus looked oddly undercooked and tasted like nothing. The salmon I was told was tolerable but nothing to rave about and the crab cake burger was unfortunately pretty disgusting. Mushy, wet, super fishy and bland left me hungry and with an upset stomach. Overall the vibe and music of this restaurant was fun and perhaps a bottle of beer or glass of wine is the way to go but the skimped out drinks aka cups of ice was not worth the order. read more

See all

Nice atmosphere and good drinks but the food is just ok. Better places around in the Highlands area.

My friend and I were chilling at Sandy Hook beach when we got hungry and started looking for places around the area. We were very interested in this seeing all the great reviews and it did not let us down! The atmosphere is amazing and the live music adds to it all! We had crab cakes and crab dip (don't judge us, haha!) as well as oysters and sangria. Did not disappoint us at all but I'd say the best was listing to the live music in the rocking chairs along the dock!! read more

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

See all

Not clean, grilled shrimp tacos weak and not grilled. Waitress not very attentive. Nice place to have a drink outside.

the manager should be fired. we were there enjoying the band and some young drunk guys were right next to us. chewing on a lemon and through it in my friends drink. her husband said something to him and the guy and his friend were drunk and started getting hostile with him he is 67 years old these kids were in their 20's them his female friends came over and threatened us. they were friends with tie bartebders anf other employees but we were asked to leave. ridiculous !!! read more

Love this place. Visited a few times in the summer. We are inside on the top floor where all the windows open and it's like being outside Great place with great food and service. The views are great up there too read more

Great place to go for the view, the ambiance, the kind servers, and an all around good time. The food is great, especially for someone who has a gluten intolerance. The servers and bartender were all knowledgeable on what I could and could not eat. They even offer a gluten free brownie for dessert! We enjoyed the food and the view and will definitely be back! read more

WE LOVE IT HERE! stephanie is the best and they accommodated our large table at such a last minute which was amazing!

I would give it 5 stars but food and service is hit and miss. I really like this place and have been there 4 or 5 times. Everything was a 8 to a 10 service and food. But then my husband and I went on a Monday afternoon for lunch. Our server was so rushed and our food was sub par I ordered the Mahi tacos and they were really bad it was like eating food that was left over from the day before. My husband had the brisket and that was also dried out and looked like it had been sitting around for hours. It was so disappointing. We always have have the best food and service this is why I still gave it 5 stars. Maybe don't go on a Monday read more