Val&#x27;s Tavern

A fun place to stop into for an after dinner drink. Friendly bartender, lively patrons, and quirky…read moredecor. Even bought a tank top with their name on it as a souvenir.

Haven't tried the food but came here with some friends for drinks. The bar is open until 2 AM…read more(sidenote I noticed that the clock by the bar is 10 minutes ahead). Classic dive bar feel, staff was friendly and knew/had good conversations with a lot of the regulars. FYI they are quite strict with the close time and shuffle everyone into the small vestibule/ make them go around the back to exit.

Live music and radio feed

Chicken sandwich with orange and bre cheese

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Tommy's Tavern and Tap

3.6(630 reviews)

1.4 mi

- Complimentary valet parking - Enormous restaurant with…read moreplenty of booths, tables, and bar seating indoors, plus a spacious outdoor patio in the back with beautiful waterfront views - The lighting is on the dim side, but the string lights overhead create a cozy, somewhat romantic atmosphere - Service was excellent--our waitress was friendly, attentive, and checked on us throughout the meal - The food was fresh, flavorful, and served in generous portions: the beer-battered shrimp tacos came with four crispy shrimp per taco; the prosciutto and pineapple flatbread was perfectly cooked, though slightly on the salty side; the kids' spaghetti with a meatball and the sliders were both tasty, and the kids' meal also included a drink

Fries were fine. Tenders were cold…read more Service was quick. Good atmosphere. Unfortunately the chicken tenders were cold. I didnt enjoy them. I only had water so I can rate the drinks.

Inside

Braised short Ribs of beef take out ... Not enough food to feed a child ! $35.00 for this ??

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Sushi bar

Ocean House Tap and Grill

3.8(74 reviews)

1.4 mi

SEA BRIGHT: Ocean House is a casual spot in town with great food and drinks! There are a few dog…read morefriendly outdoor tables in front of the building with beachy artwork and the area is perfect for people watching. We were lucky to have Brie as our server (yes, a lovely young lady with the beautiful name Brie), who was very attentive to us as the lunch rush poured in. We enjoyed a very large Bavarian pretzel and a couple of cocktails and they have a full American-style menu that has something for everyone. Check social media for their live music schedule.

Oceanhouse has some of the best food in Monmouth county!! I love going there for lunch during the…read moreweek. The service is always amazing. I recently had a friend's birthday party there and the room upstairs was perfect.

Shrimp Quesadilla

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Korean skirt steak tacos

Baseline Social

3.6(60 reviews)

4.7 mi

BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE GAMES. So impressed with this Jersey spot. They have interactive golf rooms…read moreas well. Tried the truffles and my group finished them within seconds. Well seasoned and perfectly crisp. Can't wait to come back!

TOO LOUD! I don't understand the logic. Food is very decent. Atmosphere is great. SO LOUD you can…read moreonly talk to the person right next to you. I don't get it.

A view of out the outside bar area, looking in.

Old fashioned and ribs

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Shrimp tempura roll

Barnacle Bill's

3.9(466 reviews)

0.8 mi

Had a nice lunchnon the patio overlooking the water. We went with the steamers to start. Little…read morepricey, nice size streamers. Water was hot to keep them warm. We follwed with sharing a Salad and a Tube steak. (hotdog) They were ok The relish was plentyful on the side with a pickle and Potato chips on the side. Nice place on the water with a nice atmosphere. Great indoor bar scene. Sorry no pics!

Walked in and was told it was about 45 minutes for the outside area. We ended up hanging out at the…read morecar with a drink, and the table was ready much sooner. We got a burger with their famous cheese sauce, which was awesome. We asked for a side of fries, probably didn't need it because the burger was huge. Also got the linguine and clams which was pretty good. They seemed busy. I like that they had Adirondack chairs outside so you could hang out with a drink and wait for your table. The view was awesome. Definitely would be back.

Best burger ever !

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Outside in the winter

Red Rock Tap and Grill

3.6(244 reviews)

3.7 mi

Had the pleasure of stopping by Red Rock for lunch. Food was excellent, highly recommend the Ahi…read moreTuna Wrap, overall great service and experience .

The view the vibes and the drinks were all amazing. This place was packed when we came here on a…read moreSaturday night around 7pm. We came here for a private party & the area we were in opened to gen-pop at 10pm. We loved the vibe so much we ended up staying until around midnight. I can't wait to go back. The food was ok bar food - nothing special but when you're hungry it hits. Ha!

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Bahrs Landing Restaurant

3.4(792 reviews)

2.0 mi

•$$$

I have selected Bahrs Landing as my yearly visit for Soft Shell Crab (most commonly blue crabs that…read morehave recently molted their hard outer shell to grow. Caught immediately after shedding, the entire crab can be eaten...shell and all. They offer an intensely sweet, rich flavor and a delicate, crispy texture when cooked). Bahr's Landing prepares this sautéed crab with capers, mushrooms, lemon & butter, mashed potatoes and vegetables. My go-to appetizer is always the Grilled Cauliflower (Topped with tomato pesto, quinoa, and wild rice blend). The crispness of the cauliflower....brushed through the surrounding ingredients.....makes this the perfect starter. Aside from enjoying the mouth-watering food, you'll also feel as if you're dining on a ship, have great views of the pier, water, and the bridge leading into Sandy Hook Beach. Don't forget to visit their gift shop and view all of the maritime decor and beautiful woodwork.

What a disappointment...been living in Monmouth County for over 45yrs...for most those years, my…read morefamily has dined here numerous times. Most recently, my older daughter, after college, married a young man from Long Island and moved there. My son-in-law and I have a friendly banter regarding who has the better seafood. They visited for the week and prior to them heading back to LI, I recommended going out to Bahrs, before they get on the parkway...easy and to prove my point, who has the better seafood...well, needless to say...my point was mute. First, let me set the stage, it's 4 adults and 3 children (7,5,3)....ordered steamers, mug of NE chowder, calamari, Caesar salad, linguine w/clam, kids cheese burger, pasta with butter, side of meatballs, fried founder and a Lava cake (baby girls bday-they were out of) replace it with a couple of scoops of ice cream...with a candle (best part). Mug of Chowder- $13 came out cold Caesar Salad- $15 couple of pieces of romaine, wishbone is a better dressing Linguine w/clam- $29 sauce was so think, uneatable (gave enough clams) still couldn't eat it Calamari- $17, only rings and rubbery, Costco has better frozen Kids cheeseburgers- $14.50 each, 4oz burgers It was a slider at best...no taste Pasta with butter- $14.50 dry, forgot the butter Steamers- $27....sandy and rubbery What has happened to this place...staff is summer help...inexperienced...it's not the fault of the help, it's the fault of the owners and management. For the record, we didn't complain to our waitress..it's not her fault. We tip her 25%, (my children worked locally, during the summers, not at Bahrs) Bill was over $300 with drinks...I'd rather spend that where I can get quality. There are many more options...guessing location plays a part...but, I'm a local and not a tourist. Sorry Bahrs, not returning......

Inside

Bahrs Blueberry crumble with vanilla ice cream

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The Atlantic House

4.3(123 reviews)

3.6 mi

Still love the Atlantic house but with they would bring back their chicken quesadillas and also add…read moreto kids menu. This is our child's favorite thing and they no longer offer.

Two story shore restaurant…read more The seating areas on both floors are comfortable. The cocktails are tasty. Some of the menu items are ambitious. For example, the Scallops with Risotto and Corn had good texture but lacked flavor. The service was attentive. There was a 3.5% service charge for credit cards.

Kale salad with grilled chicken

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Blueberry cider from beach bee

Salt Creek Grille

4.0(863 reviews)

0.8 mi

Great service and friendly staff . Food always tasty and Delicious…read more Great view at the window tables Terry

Hadn't been back in years but saw we had gift cards that had to be used before they performed…read moreclose. Didn't think they would be that busy on a Wednesday night so even though they no longer take reservations online we went. Surprised it was packed, an hour wait. Luckily we got a bar area table and didn't have to wait. We were happily surprised that everything was fine. Our server was terrific, and my Prime Rib special was the rare I ordered. Soup and salad we ordered were very good. Wine by the glass was half off. Desserts were fine too, only wished I knew to order the soufflé before my dinner, it does take more than a half hour. Now I'm sad that they are closing New Years for good.

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The Robinson Ale House

3.5(450 reviews)

3.8 mi

A good place to dine with friends in Red Bank…read more The room is comfortable. The beer list is large and well curated. The cocktails were disappointing. The Smash Burgers were good. The upsell Onion Ring portion was small. The service was very good (thank you Owen).

I've been going to this establishment for over 4 years as a place to unwind and enjoy the outside…read moreatmosphere But tonight I was a victim of a stroganoff that harassed me about a unlike cigar that was in a planter But yet there were 2 tables across from me that were users vapes but weee vacation and was never addressed I explained that the cigar was NOT lit now was it my intention to light it. Pointed sour the order of the vapes and the tables that were using them. They were non Afro American and I am. Period ! I will never go to that place again and regret my 4 years of patronage. E aware of this management that deliberately chose to discriminate me.

Crab Cakes

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11 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Hanna F.

14 years ago

The service in this place was the worst ive ever experienced. We sat there for a good 10 minutes and werent even awknowledged. A friendly customer sitting next to us had to interrupt the bartenders conversation with his wife to tell him that we havent been helped yet. There were 3 people behind the bar at one point, the bar was by no means 'crazy' and then in the next minute all 3 had disappeared! We had to ask for a drink after sitting with an empty glass/bottle for 15 mins. After downing our second drink we decided it was time to peace out of this rude joint because we gave ourselves better service at home. The only positive review i can give to this place is that my chicken and spinach panini was great, even though my fries were cold, and the friendly local who got the bartender to actually give us a drink, was great as well. read more

Frank L.

3 years ago

One week ago Val's Tavern's band backed out last minute and they called my friend's band- Earth Monkeys and they dropped everything and took the last minute Gig. They have spent the last week advertizing that they were playing on July 1st at 7:30pm. 5 hours before the Gig the owner calls him and said he overbooked. THIS IS BULLSHIT. You should be ashamed of yourself. The truth is he got a band that he felt was a bigger draw. Everyone missed out on a great band and I hope everyone goes to the beach instead of Val's. They have no honor or loyalty. read more

Rich S.

15 years ago

If you like thin-crust pizza, then this is a good take-out Pizza place! I stopped in today and picked up two pies. Pizza pie with sliced tomatoes & fresh garlic was very good, the plain cheese pie was just OK. Good thin crust pizza. Not too heavy so you can eat more than a few slices. I don't dine at the restaurant, I prefer to take-out here. read more

Otto O.

6 years ago

Stay away. Poor service and bad food is the norm. Also no observation of COVID rules with outdoor set up. Employees bartenders not wearing masks. This is how virus is spread. Should be investigated and shut down for violations. read more

Roger V.

6 years ago

Always a great time and great service. Been coming here since I was a child; the new owners kept it the same and I am hoping that once things get back to normal we can al hang at Val's together. read more

Bill H.

6 years ago

Lobster Pizza,Lobster Pizza,Lobster Pizza!!! Been coming here since I was younger. Always had the lobster pizza. So I can't vouch for anything but the Lobster Pizza. It's a must! read more

James K.

12 years ago

Great prices, good food, fast service. A good bar-restaurant. Certainly not highbrow, and not trying to be a good. A nice family establishment in a nice family town read more

Mike K.

14 years ago

I'm sure it's on every review but you have to get the Lobster pizza spicy! Bonus--Miller Lite on draght.

Megan D.

5 years ago

We ordered within an hour of closing & our order was canceled. I will never order from here again .

Will G.

5 years ago

Great pizza and cheap beer. Recently re-done inside which looks great. Highly recommend

Linda M.

4 years ago

pizza came with a dead fly. will never eat there again.

Val's Tavern - pizza - Updated October 2026

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Nicholas Barrel & Roost

(544 reviews)

Excellent burger here. Their salad though was extremely salty. Like they poured salt on it. I think…read morethe dressing was not calibrated right and way over salted. Fried chicken appetizer was decent. Could have had more flavor. Loved the desserts here with the brownie and ice cream. Overall, the staff here are young but nice. Very attentive. The salad needs to be evaluated.

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Rockafellers Station

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Local spot that keeps up with the trendy restaurants right next door. Food is good and you don't…read morefeel pressured to pay for the expensive costs.

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Via Sposito

(28 reviews)

Super disappointing and disheartening experience at this establishment. My family experienced some…read moreof the worst hospitality we have ever seen in our lives from staff at Via Sposito... The group stopped in, casually on a Saturday night - the first thing that my dad asked the staff was whether it was okay to dine there given the way they were dressed - which was nothing fancy, but casual and acceptable. But I guess the staff was bothered by that.. not that they communicated so. The staff could have answered, "no, your attire is not appropriate/ doesn't follow our dress code." We would have left. Truly don't know what the issue was. Service was super rushed. It felt like they didn't want to serve us. The second the appetizer came out she asked us to order dinner. We asked for 5 minutes and she refused us... saying that she had to put the order in at that moment because "dishes may take 45 minutes to cook" and that we "may not get our food"... lol it was laughable... When we asked for water, the waitress said that they didn't have any glasses for the water. What do you mean you don't have any glasses for water? It felt like she was playing a joke or blatantly trying to upset us. Icing on the cake, the waitress served my dad an expired beer. She claimed it was their last can. When he confronted her about the date on the can, she was rude, and did not really seem to care about serving expired alcohol. The manager also brushed us off. So upsetting. I don't ever aim to bash businesses, especially local ones, but it is disappointing to find out that going to restaurants marketed as luxe and upscale doesn't mean you are going to be treated in such a way, at all. In fact, the opposite. Definitely won't be returning to this place... I wish them the best and truly hope they re-evaluate the way they treat paying customers.

Had lunch there yesterday with a group of friends. The food was outstanding and our waitress,…read moreAngela, was terrific. We were a large table yet everything was brought out piping hot at the same time. We had a large variety of foods and everyone was very happy with all of it. Will definitely be going back.

Catezza Italian Kitchen + Bar

(33 reviews)

•$$$$

There are quite a few nice restaurants in Red Bank. This one is in the top 4. From ambiance,…read moreservice to food...excellence prevails. The menu is small so, what does one choose. Obviously a matter of preference, but you have to try the meatballs...soft....wow can't say enough. Bread service is excellent. Their salads are above par. We did not try the Crostinis ie appetizers on toast. You can only eat so much. Onto the main course Branzino and Chicken Marsala. If you like seafood and chicken, there you go. Judging from the next table, the 12 inch pizza pies look really excellent. Cocktails made from an excellent barkeep keep the meal aplomb. Violet our server was very attentive. Parking as us locals know is sometimes a headache in Red Bank. Leave for your reservation early cause you will pay to park. Just think Asbury Park if you get the gist.

Visited Catezza with a group of 8 for Jersey shore restaurant week…read more Jersey shore restaurant week is a fantastic opportunity to try new restaurants at a reasonable fixed cost. Catezza accommodated a table of 8 The restaurant is beautiful with a good size bar at the front of the restaurant Lovely drink menu with some high end bourbons at a reasonable cost. We sat near the open kitchen which was an absolute treat I enjoyed the meal, the desserts are stellar. Disappointed that the kitchen ran out of a few items. The spicy tuna over crispy rice with Calabrian chile sauce was very good. I prefer the tuna diced and mixed, this reminded me of poke. The meatballs were a huge appetizer portion of 3 and they were excellent The short rib over saffron risotto was very good, loved the crunch from the rapini. Their gelato is excellent as was the limoncello bread pudding. Michael took great care of us. I look forward to dining with Catezza again.

Harborside Grill

3.1

(119 reviews)

Walking into this establishment, the atmosphere was amazing. I was greeted immediately by the…read morehostess with a smile and open arms. Our service was quick and easy, all thanks to Olivia. When came in on a Saturday night at 9:00, and you could tell that these coworkers were bonded like a family. For the appetizer we got wings. They were delectable! Moving on to the main course, I received the 16 oz New York Strip that was nicely coated in a char and was cooked to the perfect medium rare temperature. The fingerling potatoes were an amazing side, and I would highly recommend to anyone. For dessert we ended off with a cookie. It was perfect temperature to go with the ice cream on top. I would highly recommend to anyone getting off Seastreak ferry or having a casual night in Atlantic Highlands.

The food was delicious. From hummus to steak just yummy. The service was friendly. The guys…read moreare.food came out slowly. It was late and a games were on. There is outdoor dining , a beautiful bar section and multiple areas to sit and eat. The clientele the night we were there was loud. It was probably not a good choice for quiet. But all the food was eaten. Nothing went back. I recommend the tater tots and the chicken sandwich

Tommy's Tavern + Tap

3.7

(463 reviews)

It was really Yummy. It was very Quick…read more They were very Kind. There was a lot of tvs.

I've been to Tommy's Tavern plenty of times, usually for drinks, games, and a good time-but this…read morevisit was an unexpected birthday-night surprise. Long story short, I slept through dinner plans and we ended up at Tommy's later that night (don't ask). And somehow, one of the best chicken cutlet parms I've ever had landed in front of me. The cutlet had that PERFECT balance! Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, with just the right amount of sauce and cheese. Seriously, I've eaten a lot of chicken parm in my life, and this one earned its flowers. I had steak, my husband had a burger, and everything was delicious. I'm also a fan of their cowboy pizza, pretzel, and the pulled pork mac & cheese...which is ridiculously good but definitely a HEAVY dish, especially with the Texas toast. Their sushi? Some people love it. Personally, not my thing. Tommy's is loud, lively, sports are on everywhere, and their themed nights make it even more fun. You can come for dinner or just grab a reasonably priced beer and watch the game. For a sports bar, Tommy's gets a solid 5/5 from me and I'm still thinking about that chicken parm

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