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  2. United States
  3. New York / Tri-State Area
  4. New Jersey - Central
  5. Asbury Park

Bonney Read

4.4
4.4
1091 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
Located in downtown Asbury Park, NJ in the historic Steinbach building, the Bonney Read is a classic American chowder house, cocktail and raw bar.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 19 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Mon, Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (732) 455-3352

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    James Avery

  • Private party facilities

    Please call for pricing.

  • Private party contact

    info@thebonneyread.com: (732) 455-3352

  • Neighborhood

    Asbury Park

  • Cross street

    Cookman and Bangs

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,091 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. CareyL

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and excellent service! One of our favorites that we were thrilled to share with guests visiting from out of town. We love the fresh oysters and Burrata appetizer, the clams linguini never disappoints, and the key lime dessert was absolutely delicious. Enjoy!
  2. MEDD

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Mussels were excellent, but the burrrata was very disappointing.
  3. Jasmmyn

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress was attentive and friendly, fast and efficient. The food was excellent and the bartender is not cheap with the alcohol. I live an away and Sundays is my beach day so I’ll be there frequently.
  4. Cheeseplease

    Houston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and cocktails. Amazing lobster dinner! One of Asbury’s best.
  5. arielm

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my family's second time celebrating Mother's Day at Bonney Read, and we are so happy we returned! The food and drinks were delicious and well worth the price, and our waiter was super attentive and helpful. We will be going back throughout the summer.
  6. ErikS

    New England

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food was very good, and the service was very good. My only concern was that I ordered a dozen oysters and they turned out to be $48. They should disclose how much they are when ordered, as that was steep.
  7. 973diner

    Atlantic City

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Good meals all around and fun cocktails. Not a bad joint for a group or a date. Prices are OK and ambiance is fine.
  8. MZMETA

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Good fresh seafood with quick friendly service. Would have liked a broader range from the raw bar but everything we ordered was very good.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Excellent service at the high top! Drinks were great. Food was high quality though they were out of 2 dishes. The burger was really excellent for a seafood place. Acoustics are challenging.
  10. Ludin

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience3
    So, I really loved this place over the past three years. They would serve the best buckets of crab legs and fries. But this time we were told they were only serving those in summer. So we ordered the Octopus and it was tough, linguini and clam sauce tasted like it was microwaved separately then put together, the burger was sweet for some reason (maybe a sauce or an overly sweet brioche bun?) the fish tacos were just ok. But the worst part is that I live in the city and am used to paying high prices but these were ridiculous. Especially since the food was bad. At least in the city the food is excellent. I would not recommend.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food1service3ambience5
    Very disappointed after all the hype on this very cool looking place. Atmosphere and wait staff were friendly. We ordered clam chowder very thin and tasteless. We also ordered steamer, which were not steamer, just steamed little necks, very dry over done. We ordered the special, which was octopus. It was way overcooked and very tough. We sent that back after 1 bit, which they took off the bill. So, two soups, an order of steamers and 4 beers. Tab was $87 plus tip. Worst $100 I've ever spent. Vl
  12. michaelD

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our experience was outstanding,food ambiance,service was at a very high level.Our server Kimberly was very knowledgeable about all the items on the menu and was truly professional! I definitely recommend this restaurant!!
  13. LUCA

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food is really good and the service is great.
  14. AlyssaK

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    Fish and chips were over battered, under cooked and very greasy. Bummer for the price.
  15. NoelA

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Stop here for a late lunch. Food and service was pretty good. Good for small party. Ambience is casual, very shore like.
  16. KellyL

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the fresh catch (mahi and salmon), oysters, and steamed clams. Always delicious and service is top notch. We will keep going back!
  17. PatrickE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    I took my fiancée here for her big 55th birthday dinner and she said it was the best experience she's had in a very long time! She's a global sales person for a major event planning company and before that for a high end hotel chain, so she knows a good restaurant experience. The food was very good, although VERY salty, but still very good. But more than anything our server Taylor was AWESOME!!! He made this a high quality dining experience like we have never experienced before...or at least not for a very long time. Very attentive, knowledgeable and just an all-around really nice guy. We will definitely be coming back and she is going to recommend it for corporate parties and gatherings.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great meal. Service was great. Pace of meal was just right.
  19. WilliamG

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The seafood was fresh and very nice. It's a new menu versus what we remember but everything was very good. The service was wonderful.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and drinks were delicious! I loved the traditional atmosphere. Only thing is the food took long to come out but it was 100% worth the wait!
  21. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience2
    Server was very good but the remainder of the staff were impolite. We ordered lobster which was tepid when it arrived and melted butter was melted but only room temp so did not serve to reheat the lobster. Fries were hot though Oysters and steamed clams were good but not amazing Overall was only fair
  22. Dennis

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great place to eat! Customer service is outstanding.
  23. LauraB

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for a great time. The food was delicious
  24. FrankP

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience and food at the Bonney Read!!!
  25. JeffreyC

    New York Area

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    We have always had the same waiter (Taylor). He’s progressional, thorough and kind. Love the oysters and salads.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience3
    Most of our food was pretty good but not great. The steamed clams were some of the worst I’ve ever had. They were not fresh at all. Our server was amazing! He was energetic, polite and respectful of our space/time. Food was a little over priced for the quality although I know seafood is pricey it’s just not presented well
  27. GordonF

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had some oysters to begin our evening, which were very tasteful. My wife had the cold lobster roll was very happy with the taste and the amount of lobster in it. I had the fresh catch grouper, which I asked to be simply grilled. Excellent! Our server was attentive but not overbearing--just right. We will definitely come to Bonney Read for dinner again.
  28. JanetD

    New York Area

    24 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    Both disappointed in our meals - paella (which for some reason the chef decided to put aioli all over when that was not listed as an ingredient on the menu) and the catch of the day of salmon (that just seemed old). Will try one more time but that’s it if they do not improve.
  29. MaryA

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great menu choices. A little pricey. Food was delicious. Service was excellent.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing Food and Taylor (our host) was awesome! Great time and heading back each Friday during Lent. Great food and people…
  31. DCH622

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    My husband and I took our family of 5 here for the first time. The atmosphere was fun and had casual coastal decor. Raw bar right there when you enter. We had some apps and chowder (all good) and dinners including burgers, fish sandwich, salmon and paella. The fries with Old Bay seasoning were generously seasoned, but delicious! The only complaint was the lack of shrimp in the paella. Maybe it was finely chopped but my husband couldn't find any. In general, the Bonny Read is a fun place to enjoy a great selection of drinks, good food and friendly service. We all agreed we'd come back.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our meal was incredible. The seafood was cooked perfectly, and the strip steak was to die for!!!!
  33. garyc

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Dinner was pleasant, food was well prepared, salmon and oysters were super fresh. Burrata small plate was superb. Our waiter was pleasant, helpful and only once a tad forgetful about a request for some additional bread for the burrata. The place is a tad rough and ambiance was a little lacking but overall we enjoyed our dinner and wine. It was a tad pricey for what it was.
  34. EatFood

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the happy hour specials and on a Saturday! (At the bar only) Nice vibe. Like all the windows with a lot of natural light during the day.
  35. MikeG

    Atlantic City

    79 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Great drinks and great food selection. Prices were fair for entrées, but a little high for apps (i.e. $28 for octopus). Dessert selection was just okay. Felt like there should be more than one flavor of gelato. Our friends like to drink espresso but they did not serve it here. Would definitely return again and would recommend to our friends as well.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My hubby and I drove down from Montclair NJ to enjoy a great lunch to celebrate my birthday. Bonney Read did not disappoint! The food and cocktails were amazing and, the atmosphere was light and fun! Our waitress, Kimberly was outstanding throughout our meal, and ensured we didn’t want for anything. We look forward to our next visit!
  37. JanetD

    New York Area

    24 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Was very disappointed in the portion size for the clam stew - was an appetizer portion of maybe 10 clams, clearly not an entre portion for $26 - they gave me a free side of broccoli but should have given more clams - was very tasty but left hungry - was told after the fact that people usually add pasta to the dish to make it more substantial so basically saying it’s not an entree - server was great though - will be back but will never order this again
  38. DianeM

    New England

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As usual, food and service outstanding!
  39. silverboxdiner

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Paella special was delicious. We had the whitish dip and the burrata appetizer were also really good.
  40. JanetD

    New York Area

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    First time and it was great - fun place - good menu variety - will go back soon - not much more to add

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Bonney Read offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (732) 455-3352.

Bonney Read is rated 4.4 stars by 1091 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 19 times today
Google Map for Bonney Read

533 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Cookman and Bangs

  • Neighborhood

    Asbury Park

  • Hours of operation

    Mon, Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    James Avery

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (732) 455-3352

  • Private party facilities

    Please call for pricing.

  • Private party contact

    info@thebonneyread.com: (732) 455-3352

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