I gave this place 2 stars because of the view. Otherwise do not go here for the food. Seriously the worst burger I have ever had. And $6 for chips and salsa that was basically Tostitos in a basket? Can't remember the last time I had nachos made with cheesewiz. At least the beer was cheap. read more

The staff, especially the hostess staff are very rude! We have vacationed in Avalon for 6 yrs & love the win drift. The last 3 yrs are only complaint is the rude hostess . She needs to GO! The Windrift looks great and all after being re done but the service lacks. We ordered 7 beer-aritas for $85 and they tasted like watered down margarita the bartender looked like Clarke Kent but he was the opposite of Superman when it comes to making a half decent drink. It was an unpleasant experience to say the least I just feel that the hostess is tired of the uppity main line snobs and treats everyone like they are that way and it's disappointing. We support and enjoy this establishment and it's such a great venue, but, the CHILD like service is all wrong. We want the Windrift to be as great as it looks! From a person who works in customer service, the hostesses should understand that the customers are job security. Please train your staff to treat the customers well or this place is going down the tubes! Help Management, train your staff!! read more

Well I had low expectations going in but The Windrift managed to not even meet them. My son ordered a chicken panini that he couldn't finish because it basically had no flavor. We also ordered the guacamole with chips but I was disappointed and surprised that they served Tostitos as the chips. Give me a break. Also the wait staff was terribly understaffed. Don't waste your time or money. The longevity of this place is kinda astonishing. read more

A must see visit for anyone visiting stone harbor. The vibe is great and the food is excellent. I just wish the second floor bar overlooking the ocean had been open this past weekend but you can't really go wrong with anything you order here. The pizzas are probably one of the best items on the menu and the service is great. read more

Came here on a Saturday afternoon for a late lunch with friends. The views are great and we sat outside at the bar. No one really cared to acknowledge us and it seems like it was essentially self service. I was hoping for a better experience given the look of the hotel and its great location but I was disappointed. Bartender seemed bored or simply uninterested in doing much. I had to come over to place our order. I ordered a salad with grilled chicken and when it came out there was no chicken and so it was sent back. Got the same salad back with cold rubbery chicken. The majority of the salad was shredded lettuce with about 1-2 tiny cherry tomatoes. Tasteless and mediocre at best. For this I had the privilege of paying over $20 which is ridiculous. Needless to say, I won't be back to eat here. I am certain there are plenty of better places in Avalon. read more

High end dump. Nice ocean view or parking lot view if your prefer. The terrible food is slightly off set by the terrible service. Luckily two Corona lights are only $6.50 each, plus a $5 per person cover charge. Two beers $26. The heavy security at the door and prowling through the restaurant really add to the beach resort atmosphere. I don't recommend it, try the Princeton better food, better service, much friendlier. read more

I would just like to say that I am no regular at this bar by any means, but I've been there three times this summer, and therefore feel somewhat qualified to review the bar service. Simply put: unfriendly bartenders both inside and out. Not a smile, not a 'can I get you anything else' and not so much as a thanks after a 20 percent tip (perhaps they are used to much more?). Oh and did I mention that I had to ask three times for a glass of water? I'm not sure whether I caught these two gentlemen on two separate bad afternoons or what, but I will not venture back to the Windrift any time soon. I don't want to see anyone lose their jobs in these trying economic times, however, please smile once in awhile. It goes a long, long way. read more

Mediocre is the best way to describe the food at this establishment. The servers were not attentive, the food took longer than it should have and it was not even worth the wait. The pork tacos for "mexican monday" were served cold. (Actually, scratch that; everything was cold.) And cheap shredded orange cheese? Yuck! The sushi did not take very fresh, and it took us a few minutes to flag a waitress down for soy sauce. The edamame was over steamed, and the calamari tasted like it came straight out of the freezer. Tomato mozzarella salad was the only good food item I ate. The saving grace was the alcohol. Without it, I'm not sure I would've made it through the meal. Way over-hyped. A let down to say the least. The hostesses were the highlight. Bright, cheery and pleasant. The servers should take note. read more

If you don't care about what food tastes like, or waiting an exorbitant amount of time to get a drink, then this is your lucky day. The Windrift has got you covered. read more

I agree with some of the comments on here about the bouncers. I understand they are doing their job, but they are not friendly and speak down on guests and are very unwelcoming. They walk around like they are protecting the White House. A complete turnoff. Wish management would do something about this. read more

Do not, I repeat, do not come here for the food. And the timing to deliver the entrees is atrocious.

Dislike. First off they wouldn't serve me because my only form of ID was my military. I had lost my dl the night before and only had my military which Is a valid form of ID anywhere else I go. We woulda left after that but we already had ordered food so we were stuck. The waitress wasn't that good either. She took my dinner plate before I was finished without asking and also took my friends drink when she still had a few sips left. We were sitting around the bar area and the food was overpriced for typical bar food. All together not a good experience and we won't 'be returning. The anti military thing alone is enough reason not to go back . read more

We are consistent, frequent and decades long customers. This past summer I began a long hiatus. Your food, servers, view, facility are 5 stars. You absolutely have to do something about the management on the floor and the security. They are completely unprofessional. People who have spent thousands every summer are not going to stand for being treated like cattle. People staying in the hotel are not going to tolerate it either. Learn to treat customers like they are important. read more

I'd like to start by saying my review magically disappeared ... Anyway the one star goes to the view. Fabulous setting was killed by the unwelcoming staff. We were greeted by 5 bouncers (on a Tuesday after Memorial Day... Needless to say the place was dead) who charged us each a $5 cover for wing night. Ummm doesn't wing night mean cheap wings? So I'm playing $5 for my wings before I even order them (if I order them at all). Went upstairs and hostess and manager were shootig the sh-- with one another while we stood there. "Hi excuse me can we sit wherever?" -"oh yeh yeh go ahead" and right back to their conversation. We sat and the waiter came over "what can I do for you?" Sans menus or greeting us with his name. He ended up being very friendly but slow which I didn't get since it was dead in there and their 15 waiters were lounging by the bar chatting the entire time we ate while only 2 people struggled to wait on tables ( SECOND TIME IVE EXPERIENCED THIS HERE ). We ended up paying $80 including cover for 4 beers a sushi roll and 10-15 wings and the worst service I've ever experienced (2ce in a row) and yes... When we asked how many came with a medium order of wings the waiter said 10-15 however many the chef feels like putting in. Get it together windrift YOURE SITTING ON A GOLD MINE. read more

Incredibly accommodating!! Fit us in with 32 people at 9:30! Pizza very good and the piano player was fabulous! Played extra songs as we sat at the bar! The family loved it!! read more

Love the raw clams on a half shell and the sushi. Great bar view. The sushi for take out is great. It is not inexpensive however. They also serve a coconut drink that my wife loves. I would definitely recommend hitting this place for a nice cocktail and appetizers after a day at the beach. read more

Great location for a cheeseburger and fries! Sadly after two visits - the food is bad. Last summer the burger was a cheap mushy gray patty and the fries tasted like the oil hadnt been in many shifts and even though it was tomato season the sliced tomato was not ripe. Today, Labor Day 2014: the burger was a cheap mushy patty, the fries smelled like fish, and the tomato was green. Bottom line: They don't care about the food. Sorry. read more

WTF? Food was not worth the money or experience. It seems like management has something against a group of people sitting next to each other, even when there is no one else around. My chicken salad croissant was really dry. Not all bad, the fries were good. I've been there a few years in a row now, but this was my last trip. Bye Felicia.... read more

Please listen carefully .... DO NOT GO TO THE WINDRIFT. They treat their patrons like common criminals. I was with my niece who is legitimately 21 with documents to prove it. I wanted to have a nice drink with her before she left for college to finish her senior year. We were confronted by general manager who said she didn't look anything like her picture and was taking her alcholic drink from her. We said we would call police to prove she was 21 and the general manager said then he had the right to kick us out of here. All my friends and relatives will be told to never go there again. I live in this town and I have never been treated so poorly. I wish I had called the police and thrown a ruckus just to embarass this man who was absolutely wrong and rude. read more

Staff are nice and will do all they can to accommodate you. Dave, the bartender, knows our drinks by heart! He welcomes us in such a way that we feel he genuinely likes us and is glad to see us. Good drinks with a friendly bartender! read more

I write this as I am sitting in the restaurant almost two hours after being seated and after many who came after us have left. We came in as a party of ten ad upon being seated we're served no water although servers walked by repeatedly with pitchers. I asked for a new bread plate since mine was greasy, and that's where things really went south. The waiter took our drink orders and I was served a Manhattan up when I asked for rocks. The drinks took more than 15 minutes to come. Still no water. Finally got our orders taken. Salad was warm. Many mistakes in ordering. The waiter disappeared for long stretches. Still no water. One of the other guests confronted the waiter politely. Wrong apps came out. Steamed clams were cold. Salads were served but none for two guests. My soup came after I asked and while others were given entrees. They remedied the problems as we pointed them out. Dinners were improperly prepared. It's prime rib night. Everyone ordered medium and were served blood rare. Other meals were missing vegetables, risotto and my sister's roll was not prepared right. I was served last and my meal was finally correct. We did speak to the manager who did not help rectify the problems. Overall this was the worst dining experience I've had in a long time and this place is not really inexpensive. And I never got my clean bread plate! read more

It's irritating that this place gets the business that it does, purely based on location. Kobe beef sliders? Not Kobe. Not even close. Overcooked supermarket meat. The food is 2 stars priced at 4. And here's the thing--we still go very summer, and in the beginning it was still decent enough. But each year it gets slightly worse, and this summer--sealed the coffin. Never again!! read more

Worst crab cakes I have ever had. I am convinced they ran out of crab cakes because what I got seemed prepackaged. They were dry and flavorless and flat. I don't need a sauce with juicy crab cakes but these were so dry and breaded that they needed something and a sauce of some kind may have helped slightly. Everyone else's meals looked good so I can only speak about the crab cakes but do not order them - TASTLESS AND EXPENSIVE read more

OMG beachfront, walls open to the beach so it's all combined indoor/outdoor... Chic--feels like manhattan-- with the beach right there. Wow, outta the park find. Worth the bike ride!! Got the Jersey sampler 2x, the chowder... crab bites are homemade, delicate, no pimento to hide behind, just crab. Great locale & ambience! Don't miss. read more

The food and the service were impeccable. We shared the Parmesan scallop appetizer with lobster risotto and it was divine. For entrees we had the halibut and the crab au gratin, both were delicious. I highly recommend the restaurant. The bar next door is extremely loud and is just ok. read more

AAAHHH it's on the beach and there is a nice view of the ocean and some lady's bum crack. Hey she was hot , so I looked. Honestly I came to get my drink on. So I did not want to go inside so I went to he roof top deck and tried to get a few drinks. There were a bunch of college guys yelling and hooting about their frat so I sat down next to some ladies on the other side of the bar. I came to drink and I have money but the bartender was more concerned about the frat kids tangents about their football team the (sissy) Giants. It took me forever to get my drinking on... so I decided to go downstairs to get one more drink before I walked to my favorite beach bar down there. ( next door) I was told a band was going to start playing in an hour and there would be a $10 cover charge. I explained I was just going to get a drink at the restaurant they said I still needed to pay the cover, again that would not start playing for another hour. So I used the bath room instead doing my famous truffle shuffle all over the walls before I left. Hey guy have fun with that..... read more

Went here for a late Saturday afternoon nosh and cocktails. We arrived around 4 and were told by hostess it would be 30 minutes for a table on the deck. We waited at the bar for less than 10 minutes and got a great table on the deck looking at the beach an ocean. We ordered the tuna app, clams, bang bang shrimp, crab claws and some chips and edamame, some beers and a few margaritas. The food was delicious, the beer cold, and the waiter very attentive and competent. The whole experience was very pleasant. We will definitely be back! read more

They have location going for them, I give them that. You pull up and it looks classy, great decor and finishes. Front desk staff was pleasant but not warm. Food is good, but real foodies will be disappointed. The wait staff, mostly college kids are great. Nice, friendly and sincere. Drinks are pricey, but if you frequent resorts you won't have sticker shock. Best bet, stock up at Fred's in SH or Av. So, one reason you may choose to stay here is to have a pool and beach. Don't let the guests only and no children under age 16 unsupervised fool you. The pool is crawling with neighborhood riff raff and make the pool experience completely unbearable at times. Try to get staff to help you with this when you are being flipped the bird by some low class teen..... Good luck. The place is far from classy, thanks to this element. If you can, rent a house!! read more

Truly a gem on the Stone Harbor beach! Its a fav relaxing spot every time we come down for a weekend. Best view of the beach from the upstairs restaurant. It has a trendy atmosphere and is great for breakfast or dinner and drinks. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Do not miss out! read more

drinks and dancing, limit your food to burgers and pizza. ordered bang bang shrimp which was soggy and out of a bag... beautiful place and very fun to party at read more

The venue itself was very clean and upscale. The wings were fantastic and the martinis were good. The only issue I found was that the servers were not enthusiastic at all. Would have been 5 stars if the servers looked at least a little bit happy to be there. read more

The Windrift is great place! We stay here a couple times a year for work and pleasure. The staff is wonderful--always friendly and thoughtful. Views are great, the restaurant has great food and a bright crisp atmosphere. The patio is particularly nice. The rooms and pool are clean and up to date. It's a great spot read more

Really pushing it to give 2 stars. Not a great intro to Avalon. Near our condo and we were hungry on arrival. Menu LOOKED great, so much potential. Went with the guacamole - anything but fresh. Ate maybe a third of it. My husband had the Philly cheesesteak, a little dry, processed meat and light on the cheese. I had the fish tacos. Couldn't get the fish down - extremely dry and flavorless, I'm not sure what substance it was although listed on the menu as Mahi. Best part of the meal were the fries - pretty sad! A pricey beergarita and weak rum punch and we were out $68.00. Very disappointing. read more

Stopped in here on this cloudy Saturday afternoon. Nice and clean and the crab bisque was absolutely delicious. Looking forward to hearing some of the music that comes on in a little bit read more

Wing night at #Windrift = disaster. Got there early with the kids- smallest wings EVER and every time they brought food they took away all eating plates and one paper towel each vs napkins... Had to ask for plates every time - 10 years and hoped this year would be better...can only imagine Primetime disaster...they never want to go back.... read more

My husband and I have been coming here for many years. It is such a lovely atmosphere great food,drinks and live bands! The best part is the outstanding staff they are the best! I recently lost a diamond bracelet and was fortunate to have it returned to me by the honest reliable employees Tamra and John Kirk! It's so refreshing to know good people do exist in this world! The food is awesome deviled eggs are amazing as well as the other appetizers sushi and great menu! I promise it won't disappoint... read more

Best restaurant view in Avalon on the roof deck. Food is just OK, servers are not the most attentive. The most annoying thing is that they charge a $5 per person cover charge several nights/week (including Sunday) just to EAT upstairs on the roof deck. Their justification is that there is a band downstairs, but you can't even hear the band from the upstairs. Just not worth an extra $20 for a table of four, on top of dinner and drinks. read more

Excellent pizza, wings, and sushi as well as appetizers but rest of menu could use some more variety. Good atmosphere especially wing night and fri/sat. happy hours and night scene. The new renovations add to the overall place especially during the day. would love to have a party here now! read more

First time there. Not overly crowded. Service was spotty at best. Our waitress was difficult to find most of the night. Food is average to below average. Extremely noisy inside. There was nothing there to make me want to come back to eat. Band was good so I guess this is a place to drink and dance. read more

Have been to this restaurant and bar many times. We had a large party of 8+people, and we spent plenty of $$ on food and a few drinks. Were were very disappointed this past weekend, however, when at the end of the evening, the waitress took a "last call drink order" at 1:30, brought drinks at 1:40 and then the bouncers told everyone to leave at 1:45. If this is the policy of the restaurant to have everyone out by 2am, then they should not sell drinks at 1:30. Basically, you are left to either guzzle your drink or throw it out. Am not sure we'll be back. read more