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    Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

    3.8 (415 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Proving Ground Waterfront Dining Photos

    PROVING GROUND WATERFRONT DINING ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Casual
    Trendy
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

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    Reviews With Photos

    French Onion Burger
    Elizabeth G.

    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

    Chelsea N.

    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.

    Daniel M.

    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

    Orange Crush and Jameson & Ginger
    Marilyn C.

    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.

    Meat patties, st patties specials menu
    Brendan B.

    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.

    Carla O.

    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 .

    Mahi Fish Sandwich
    Leena S.

    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.

    Stuffed flounder
    Joe H.

    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

    James T.

    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!

    Seared scallops
    Debbie T.

    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.

    Stephanie C.

    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.

    A peach flavored cocktail and Moscow mule

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    4 years ago

    Great food & a stunning view of the river! There are floor to ceiling windows all along the back.

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    2 years ago

    The food was great, loved the view and the service was good. Will definitely go back when I'm in the area.

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    3 years ago

    Cool space. Great Buffalo cauliflower. Good selection of drinks; service was friendly. I would go back

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    3 years ago

    We really enjoyed the amazing, delicious food and the atmosphere! The service was excellent as well.

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    3 years ago

    Pricey!!! A "Belgian" pretzel $13 + Tip! GFY!!! The drinks are "measured" and way too expensive!!!

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    Page 3 of 11

    Ask the Community - Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

    Are dogs allowed inside?

    No, they are not.

    Is there a kids menu available? I can't find one here or in their website.

    Yes! We have chicken fingers, grilled cheese, quesadilla's, noodles with butter or marinara...we are family friendly! We hope to see you!

    View All 7 Questions

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    The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach - Food from food trucks- love the pizza!

    The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach

    4.2(31 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    I had to remove a star because there was no food available during the day. I thought there would be…read morefood trucks but I was told they come closer to dinner time. I did order a pina colada and it was delicious and you are allowed to bring your own food and snacks so definitely do that. We drove and were able to park in the lot. The lot was way more crowded than the sand was, strangely. I thought there would be way more people but it was pretty light. Lots of families so definitely family friendly. They have chairs that many people were taking and sitting on in the water. Lots of picnic tables and areas to sit at. The water is really calm. It's a bay. So you can walk pretty far out and won't be knocked over by any waves. People were playing catch and just having a great time playing in the calm and cool water. It was fun. It wasn't a bad drive from New York so I'd recommend driving if you got the time.

    Overview: Came here in the late afternoon with a group of…read morepeople and got two tables with umbrellas luckily! We got drinks, got food from the food trucks, and chatted! Super fun atmosphere with the live music and of course being on the beach. It was nice to be able to walk around in the sand with no shoes. We decided to drive from the city, but if you don't have a car or want to drive, you can take the Seastreak ferry straight to the Sandbox! Which is super convenient and neat! What was ordered: FOOD: Connecticut lobster rolls and clam chowder from Cousin's food truck DRINKS: Cocktails and beer Stand outs: Would I come back/recommend: Yes - I would come back Yes - I would recommend

    Photos
    The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach - Atmosphere early summer here

    Atmosphere early summer here

    The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach - Italian steak sandwich from L'Acquario truck

    Italian steak sandwich from L'Acquario truck

    The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach

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    Paradise Lost - Beautiful interior

    Paradise Lost

    4.5(166 reviews)
    22.4 miEast Village

    Paradise Lost is a speakeasy tiki bar located on 2nd Ave in the East Village. A friend & I went…read morethere after having dinner at Spicy Moon a few blocks away. We wanted to have after-dinner cocktails in a chill space, so we searched on our phones & saw Paradise Lost address via Google. We proceeded to walk down & was unable to find the establishment due to their being no front sign. After walking back & forth a few times, we saw another group walking towards the door & they confirmed the place. We walked inside the front door pressed a "doorbell" & lo & behold we gained entry after the previous group went inside. Definitely an incognito entrance. Once inside that door there is someone to greet you, & take your information. There is a forest/ grass/ jungle-looking foyer/ hallway we walked down to get to the next door. Before we knew it, we were near the "Paradise Lost No Vacancy" neon sign w/ an arrow pointing towards the snake-shaped knob door. It gets opened & a supercool speakeasy awaits.... Paradise Lost has mixed style table / seating arrangements throughout the place. A bar seating section, booth-style seating area, lounge- style seating area, etc. We got there a little after 7pm, so the afterwork crowd was in full swing. Paradise Lost has interesting atmosphere. At times a Gothic / Medieval Vibe, meets place w/ shipwreck decor, meets eleganct /club vibe w/ beautiful ceiling lighting, etc. Music played in the background. Staff are friendly, energetic, & attentive. We were pleasantly overwhelmed w/ the vast selection of tiki cocktails that were on the menu. Paradise Lost also have an intimate selection of snacks/ food menu items. This included Popcorn, Tater Tots, Devilled Eggs Rangoon Dip, etc. We ordered some cocktails served in unique tiki mugs & a bucket of popcorn to munch on w/ our drinks. The popcorn is flavored w/ Sea Buckthorn & Browm Butter, which gave it an special flavor profile. Our cocktails were well-prepared & nice & strong. Paradise Lost has individual unisex bathroom stalls & a communal vanity & sink area. The bathroom stalls have spooky voices coming from a speaker as you use the bathroom. I was so humorously taken aback, it had me laughing when I came out...Definitely a different thing to experience in the bathroom - lol. Before we left we watched one of the bartenders do a cocktail "fire" presentation for some patrons in a booth seated area. Wow.... Paradise Lost accepts walk-ins only, no reservations. Paradise Lost accepts groups of 8 or less, unless you are requesting to book the space for a private event. Ages 21+ paradiselost.nyc @paradiselostnyc Paradise Lost is open everyday - 5pm-2am.

    Very cool cocktail bar with super interesting decor. It's more of a gothic tiki bar with ska music…read morethan a traditional tiki bar which was cool but I found the music to not really be my thing but thought the decor was just so cool. The drinks were very interesting and creative. The seawater martini I will say was a bit too strange for my taste but I still thought it was good. Service was very good as well. Would definitely recommend to visit if you like gothic stuff and tiki bars.

    Photos
    Paradise Lost - Amazing atmosphere!

    Amazing atmosphere!

    Paradise Lost - Beware the shark!

    Beware the shark!

    Paradise Lost - Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

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    Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

    Saltwater Bar and Kitchen by Big Mike - Poppa Burger

    Saltwater Bar and Kitchen by Big Mike

    4.4(60 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Finally made it to Saltwater Social and we will definitely be going back!…read more We loved everything. We had the Peach Tea Bourbon, pork belly Bao Buns, twice fried wings, meatball pizza & the Pork schnitzel with the fresh cabbage slaw . It was all so good! While we definitely enjoyed the food we really appreciated the friendliness of the staff just as much. We eat out a lot & many places have good food but what stands out & makes us want to return is when the staff goes out of their way to connect with the guests and they definitely do that here !

    Our first visit to Saltwater social and it was very good. The place is bright and cheerful with…read moresome comfy cushioned seating along the wall across from the bar with small but intimate round high too tables. It was early Sunday night and the bar was full but the dining area wasn't so we stayed in the bar. Service was excellent, the bartender came around and made sure we were comfortable, handed us menus and brought water. She told us the specials and shortly after our server came by. I was a bit disappointed at the lack of seafood on the menu. My picky girlfriend would have enjoyed some flounder or scallops but they only had a seared salmon and blacked shrimp. The Mrs. Got a burger and it was adequate, nothing to write home about. I got the chicken parm and it was ample and terrific. The tomato sauce was stellar! Sadly I wanted the scallops with risotto. This place has potential, the service is great, the atmosphere is fantastic, plus I know the chef has the chops from visiting his last place, the red store in Navasink. We'll be back but I'll be sure to check for seafood offerings before I go.

    Photos
    Saltwater Bar and Kitchen by Big Mike - Poppa Burger

    Poppa Burger

    Saltwater Bar and Kitchen by Big Mike - Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

    Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

    Saltwater Bar and Kitchen by Big Mike - Maple Old Fashioned

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    Maple Old Fashioned

    Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - tikibars - Updated May 2026

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